Binondo, established in 1594, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established for Chinese residents during Spanish rule. The goal was both to have a space for the Spanish to confine Chinese immigrants and also to facilitate converting Chinese to Catholicism.

Binondo offers a number of unique and fascinating sites for visitors to the Philippines. Among these sites are the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo Church, the Chinatown Arch and Jones Bridge.

Visitors hoping to find unique souvenirs while in the Philippines should visit Ongpin Street. There are numerous drugstores and shopping malls. Cafes that are largely geared toward tourists also line the street.

Escolta Street, just beyond the New Binondo Chinatown Arch (not to be confused with the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch), is an excellent spot to find authentic food. Escolta is also one of the oldest streets in Manila. Visitors can look for the First United Building, which is one of the few art deco style buildings in Manila. Other buildings to look for are the beaux arts-style Calvo and Natividad Buildings as well as the 1930's Capitol Theatre.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is one of the most important churches in Manila. Standing poignantly in the Intramuros district of Manila, the Cathedral has looked over the city for over 5 centuries. With its solid Neo-Romanesque architecture, one cannot ignore the almost over powering effect it has on its visitors and passersby. This is one of the many reasons that the Cathedral is one of the most famous venues for many locals as well as foreigners to share nuptials vows.

Despite its reputation and opulence, the Cathedral has had a very turbulent past. Although the Church has been on site since the early 16th century, the structure has changed several times over the years. The present, being the eighth reincarnated version of the original structure! The Cathedral was destroyed by earthquakes and terrible fires, but despite that, it has always managed to maintain that special possession not only in the city’s skyline, but also the hearts of the denizens.

With the Cathedral and the city having the same patroness, the Virgin Mary, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is also the highest seat for the Archbishop of the country.

Manila House (Casa Manila) is an example of the opulence and elegance of Filipino life during the late Spanish colonial era. This living museum is meticulously designed to mirror the lifestyle of a wealthy Filipino family of the 19th century, with a façade inspired by an actual residence that once graced Jaboneros Street in Binondo's Chinese district in the 1850s. The interior of Manila House is a lavish display of late 19th-century taste, adorned with European and Chinese furniture, painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics, and gilded furnishings, all contributing to the grandeur and luxury that characterized Manila houses of that period.

Spanning three floors, Manila House offers visitors a comprehensive glimpse into its historical past. The ground floor introduces the Main Gate (Puerta Principal), a heavy wooden gate leading to a corridor, designed for carriages, to pass through to the patio where passengers were dropped off. This patio, paved in granite and adorned with vibrant flowers, features a large fountain and windows that bathe the space in natural light. The presence of a stable, where the owner’s carriages were kept, signifies the wealth and social status of the family, with the size of one's carriage directly correlating to their societal standing.

The first floor houses the office, library, and a safe for storing valuables, alongside bedrooms designated for siesta use. Ascending to the third floor, visitors find the anteroom, a casual space for snacks, games, and smoking. Adjacent is the living room, crafted from hardwood with ample space for relaxation and social gatherings, its windows strategically placed to optimize sunlight blockage and ventilation. Additionally, this floor includes a prayer room for the Catholic family and bedrooms for family members, rounding off the immersive experience of 19th-century Manila living.

Manila House not only serves as a bridge to the past, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period but also stands as a symbol of the architectural and social intricacies that defined the era's affluent lifestyle.

Behind the wall of the Intramuros, the oldest walled city within Manila is one of the oldest surviving churches of the country. The San Agustin Church, built by the Spanish during their colonial reign, represents the city’s rich and vibrant past.

The San Agustin Church has come a long way since its inception in 1607. Initially built with bamboo and wood in the early 16th century, the structure was razed due to a fire and was reconstructed with wood, which also failed to survive. It was then that the Augustinians decided to build a solid structure made out of stone, with an adjacent monastery. Based on the design by architect, Juan Macías, construction started off in 1586. Although, the project started with zeal and enthusiasm, the same spirit was not seen with the inflow of funds. Construction took more than 2 decades and by the time it was completed, the Church lost its chief designer Macias.

Despite having a shaky start, the San Agustin Church had a very eventful history. Plundered by the British forces in the 18th century, the Church miraculously survived many devastating earthquakes that had left the city of Manila in shambles. As a matter of fact, the San Agustin Church was the only public building to survive the massive earthquake of 1863.

Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. At 140 acres, the park is home to the National Museum Complex, the Rizal Monument, a series of gardens, public art and event venues.

The National Museum Complex consists of the National Museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History. This complex is held in a series of buildings that were once part of the Filipino government.

The gardens in Rizal Park are in a variety of styles. Including among these gardens are the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. The Children's Playground offer multi-color slides, swings and climbing structures.

The Rizal Monument is a memorial and the final resting place of Filipino nationalist, Jose Rizal. The monument is an obelisk that holds Rizal's cremated remains, his two novels and a statue in his honor. The monument is arguably the most famous sculptural landmark in the Philippines.