What does a city’s soul look like?
In Manila, it’s found in the brushstrokes of a National Artist, the stone walls of a centuries-old fort, the whispered stories of a Chinese-Filipino household, and the clatter of children’s laughter in an interactive museum.
Across this vibrant, unpredictable metropolis, 20 museums and galleries offer not just exhibits—but experiences that trace the arcs of identity, artistry, memory, and imagination.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to immerse in history or a local seeking fresh inspiration, this guide maps out a weekend (or several) of discovery. From the cobblestone streets of Intramuros to the sleek spaces of Taft, we’ve grouped these stops by neighborhood and theme—so you can follow the threads that spark your curiosity.
Comfortable shoes, a sense of wonder, and an appetite for stories: that’s all you need.
Quick Guide
Whether you’re a tourist mapping out your first Manila adventure or a local craving a deeper connection with the city, this guide is your launchpad. It’s crafted for art students, history buffs, families looking for enriching weekend activities, and curious minds who simply want to explore something new.
To help you get started, we’ve grouped the museums by neighborhood and theme. Head to Intramuros for a dose of Spanish-era heritage. Dive into the CCP Complex for performance art and public installations. Wander through the Ermita district to explore the country’s most important national museums. Taft and Malate offer edgy, university-based galleries, while interactive museums are perfect for younger explorers.
Plan to visit 3–5 museums a day depending on your pace. By exploring one area at a time, you’ll make the most of your cultural stroll—without the stress. Plan for 3–5 museums per day. Group by location to save energy and enjoy more.
1. Intramuros: The Historic Core
Step through the gates of the old city. Intramuros doesn’t just preserve the past—it makes you feel it. Cobbled streets lead to ruins, ancestral homes, and sacred spaces that have weathered centuries of change.
Fort Santiago
A 16th-century fortress where José Rizal was held. Listen closely—you might hear whispers of revolution.
Entrance Fee: ₱75 (Regular), ₱50 (Students/Seniors/PWDs)
Casa Manila
A lavish home that shows how the upper class lived under Spanish rule. Chandeliers. Velvet. Carved wood.
Entrance Fee: ₱75 (Regular), ₱50 (Discounted)
Museo de Intramuros
Sacred art in a quiet space. Ivory saints. Retablos. Stillness.
Entrance Fee: ₱75 (Regular), ₱50 (Discounted)
Baluarte de San Diego
A fort shaped like a clamshell. Perfect for peaceful walks.
Entrance Fee: ₱75 (Regular), ₱50 (Discounted)
Bahay Tsinoy
Discover how Chinese Filipinos shaped the Philippines—from trade to tradition.
Entrance Fee: ₱100 (General), ₱60 (Students)
Centro de Turismo
Your orientation hub. Learn how Intramuros rose, fell, and rose again.
Entrance Fee: Free
Make It a Day:
Start at Fort Santiago. End with halo-halo or turon near Casa Manila. Camera ready? Always.
2. CCP Complex & Pasay: Culture in Motion
Pasay isn’t just where flights land—it’s where creativity soars. From grand theaters to bamboo pavilions, this area pulses with artistic life.
Metropolitan Theater (The Met)
An Art Deco icon. Newly restored. Still dazzling.
Entrance Fee: Varies by event
Bulwagang Roberto Chabet
Bold, unconventional, and modern. Expect to be surprised.
Entrance Fee: Free
Liwasang Kalikasan
Open-air art. Bamboo arches. Music under the sky.
Entrance Fee: Free
Make It a Day:
Browse art in the morning. Catch a performance. End your day watching the sunset over the CCP grounds.
3. Taft & Malate: The Contemporary Scene
Here, art experiments and ideas evolve. Campus energy mixes with gallery calm in Manila’s creative corridor.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD)
Spacious. Minimalist. Daring exhibits that challenge and inspire.
Entrance Fee: Free
Galleria Duemila
One of the oldest. Still one of the boldest.
Entrance Fee: Free
PWU-SFAD Jose Conrado Benitez Gallery
Student-led. Fearless. Full of surprise.
Entrance Fee: Free
Adamson University Gallery
Photo and media exhibits in an academic setting. Small, but rich.
Entrance Fee: Free
Perfect Pairing:
Do a loop: MCAD → Galleria Duemila → café break → student galleries.
4. Ermita Area: The National Museum Triangle
Three museums. One walkable stretch. Countless stories. This is where the Filipino soul is on full display.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Home to Spoliarium and much more. A deep dive into national artistry.
Entrance Fee: Free
National Museum of Anthropology
Textiles, tools, and beliefs. From Cordillera to Mindanao.
Entrance Fee: Free
National Museum of Natural History
Forests, fossils, flying foxes. Under a swirling glass canopy.
Entrance Fee: Free
Plan Ahead:
These museums are big. Spread them out—or bring water and go all in.
5. Family-Friendly & Interactive Stops
These spots make learning fun. Touch. Play. Wonder.
Museo Pambata
Ride a fire truck. Shop in a pretend palengke. Smile wide.
Entrance Fee: ₱250 (Regular), ₱200 (Students/Seniors/PWDs)
Manila Clock Tower Museum
Go up the tower. See the view. Walk through exhibits in a Manila landmark.
Entrance Fee: ₱50 (Regular), ₱30 (Discounted)
Don’t Miss:
The sunset from the clock tower. Magic hour, guaranteed.
6. Niche & Thematic Museums
Small spaces. Big stories. Dive deep.
Museo Maritimo
All about the sea. Ships, navigation, and our maritime roots.
Entrance Fee: ₱50 (Regular), ₱30 (Students/Seniors/PWDs)
GSIS Museo ng Sining
From Amorsolo to modern themes. A government-owned gallery with quiet charm.
Entrance Fee: Free
Hidden Gem:
Amorsolo’s History of Philippine Music mural is here. Few know that.
Pro Tips for Museum-Hopping
- Start early. Most close by 4 or 5 p.m.
- Wear comfy shoes. Expect lots of walking.
- Bring snacks. Fishballs, turon, taho.
- Talk to docents. They know all the best stories.
- Don’t rush. Let wonder lead you.
Call to Action: Plan Your Museum Adventure Today!
Ready to immerse yourself in Manila’s rich tapestry of history, art, and culture?
Here’s how to get started:
- Pick Your Trail: Choose a theme or neighborhood that excites you.
- Check Schedules: Visit official pages for updates on opening hours, closures, or special exhibits.
- Pack Light: Bring valid IDs for discounts, comfy shoes, water, and a fully charged phone or camera.
- Eat Local: Grab street snacks between stops—culture and cuisine go hand in hand.
- Bring a Friend (or Go Solo): Share the stories, or savor them quietly on your own.
Manila’s museums are more than destinations. They’re doorways into our collective past—and imagination for the future. .
So go. Wander. Wonder. Discover
