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Manila

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Manila

13 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Manila, Philippines

Updated June 2, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Manila

San Sebastian Church

Manila, Philippines

San Sebastian Church

A church made of steel.

Temporary Burial Site of Rizal on Paco Cemetery.

Manila, Philippines

Paco Park Cemetery

The cemetery was built for the Spanish colonial elite, but its most famous residents were all buried in unmarked graves.

Classic Filipino dishes get a modern makeover here.

Parañaque, Philippines

Linamnam

Feast on contemporary Filipino cuisine in a chef’s backyard.

Closer look of the clock tower.

Manila, Philippines

Manila Clock Tower

This iconic clock tower is the largest in the Philippines.

Lagusnilad (Manila City Hall Underpass)

Manila, Philippines

Lagusnilad (Manila City Hall Underpass)

Once a crime hotspot, this refurbished underpass is now home to a bookstore and a mural celebrating the history of Manila.

Forest park entrance

Manila, Philippines

Arroceros Forest Park

Known as Manila's "last lung," this park used to house a market, garrison, and various government buildings.

Facade of the Manila Metropolitan theater

Manila, Philippines

Manila Metropolitan Theater

This historic Art Deco building embellished with local tropical fruits had fallen into disrepair before a recent restoration.

San Agustin Church

Manila, Philippines

San Agustin Church

The first religious structure on the island of Luzon and a survivor of World War II.

See All 13 Things To Do in Manila

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Manila

Classic Filipino dishes get a modern makeover here.

Parañaque, Philippines

Linamnam

Feast on contemporary Filipino cuisine in a chef’s backyard.

In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Manila, Philippines

Architecture 6

History & Culture 6

Churches 2

Theaters 2

Art Deco 2

Manila Leaderboard

Places Added

Jon Opol

8
Fred Cherrygarden

2
ToriElliott

1

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Add an unusual place to Manila.

Places Edited

Jon Opol

10
Collector of Experiences

4
icatsstaci

3
Fred Cherrygarden

2
CK KNiRSCH

1

Places Visited

Jon Opol

12
SimNShy

9
cheenaabellon

9
warwickwandering

8
icatsstaci

7

Recent Manila Activity

julienriahi 111c329e

wants to go to San Agustin Church
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wants to go to GOMBURZA Monument
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wants to go to Memorare Manila 1945
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wants to go to Bellevue Theater
stereophonicbreadsticks

has been to Manila Metropolitan Theater

Stories About Manila

Josefine Guerrero carried a map of the minefields in the north of occupied Manila to approaching U.S. troops.

The Invisible, Afflicted Spy Who Led the U.S. Army Into Occupied Manila

As a woman with leprosy, Josefina Guerrero was ignored by Japanese forces as she carried messages of resistance in World War II.

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