Manila Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Manila

The capital of the Philippines, Manila was officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. However, an organized polity, called Maynila (meaning "where indigo is found" in Tagalog), existed on the site since as early as 1258.

The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created since the time Spain declared the islands to be their territory in the late 16th century. Manila, along with Mexico City and Madrid, were world's earliest global cities with their trade networks linking together Asia, the Americas and Europe under the Spanish Empire. It was the first time in world history that a chain of commercial trading routes circling the planet had been established.

Visitors who want to see as much as possible about Manila’s early inhabitants can find a great deal of information at the National Museum of the Philippines – including archaeological artifacts, art, and geologic specimens. Other places like Baluarte de San Diego and Fort Santiago tell the story of Manila as a fortified city under Spanish rule.

Casa Manila gives visitors a glimpse into colonial life. Those wishing to see monuments erected during the American colonial period can head to Rizal Park to see the Rizal Monument, along with a number of public art pieces and the Independence Flagpole.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover the rich colonial heritage and the multi-facet culture of Manila, the Pearl of the Orient.