Museums and other points of interest
Museo Pambata
This museum is geared towards keeping children entertained and informed through educational hands-on exhibits and special activities. Themed galleries cover a variety of subjects ranging from history to science to art. Don't put a short leash on the kids here: they're expected to touch and play with most of the stuff on show. Admission 100 pesos adults/children. Streetchildren, infants under 2 years, museum workers and teachers with valid IDs get in free.
Manila Ocean Park
Opened in 2008, this is Manila's first major oceanarium. Although not quite as large and well-equipped as some of Asia's more famous oceanaria including those in Hong Kong and Singapore, it's still a popular attraction among locals and could be a very interesting diversion for families with children. The centrepiece is the Living Ocean exhibit with large aquariums and an underwater acrylic walkway. Bear in mind that the complex may still be in its "soft opening" phase during your visit; completion works are under way and some parts are not scheduled to open until 2009. Admission 400 pesos adults, 350 pesos children 4.5 feet and below. Note: New opening hours will take effect on 16 June 2009 - 10AM to 7PM on weekdays last entry 6:15PM, 9AM to 8PM on weekends and public holidays last entry 7:15PM
Other landmarks
Metropolitan Theater
An art deco building designed by Filipino architect; Juan M. de Guzman Arellano, first opened in the 1930s and then was severely damaged after the liberation of Manila by America and the Filipino forces in 1945, it was again reconstructed by the Americans however by the 1960s it fell into disuse but again reopened in the 1970s, unfortunately again it fell into decay.
Department of Tourism
Almost a twin of the former Finance Department headquarters nearby, this Neoclassical building is a prominent feature of the eastern end of Rizal Park. The colossal statue of Lapu-Lapu - a fairly recent addition to the park - stands between the two buildings, and the giant relief map of the Philippines is just a short walk away.
Manila Central Post Office Building
Never mind the ill-conceived pink and yellow paint job - this grand Neoclassical structure from the 1920s is a fine exemplar of the massive government buildings that were erected in this part of Manila during the American colonial period. It currently serves as the headquarters of the Philippine Postal Corporation PhilPost.
Parks, gardens, and monuments
Rizal Park (Luneta)
Nearest railway station: United Nations LRT-1 / Yellow Line. Manila's green lung, this large urban park stretches from the Quirino Grandstand in the west to Taft Avenue in the east, with the historic walled district of Intramuros bordering it to the north. The park's most famous landmark is the Rizal Monument, a stone obelisk with bronze statuary erected near the site of Philippine national hero José Rizal's execution in 1896. All distances in the Philippines are measured from the large flagpole near the monument, which serves as the country's Kilometre Zero. Other prominent features include a statue of Lapu-Lapu the native chieftain who repulsed Magellan's expedition in 1521 and a giant relief map of the Philippines set within a reflecting pool near the Taft Avenue end. Well-known landmarks situated within the park's boundaries include the Museum of the Filipino People inside the old Finance Department building, the Department of Tourism building, the Manila Planetarium, and the National Library. When asking for directions or giving instructions to a taxi driver, it's worth keeping in mind that many locals still refer to the park by its old name: Luneta.
Mehan Garden
See Asia's first botanical garden, opened on the late 1850s, renamed after John C. Mehan, the park superintendent.