Sites to Visit If You Stay in a Hotel in Ermita, Manila, Philippines -- Part 1

Planning a trip to Manila, Philippines? Make the wise decision of staying in a hotel in Ermita like BEST WESTERN Hotel La Corona Manila. Here, you're given easy access to the many places that you can visit in this commercial and cultural district. Below are some of the sites of interest and attractions that you can reach from your hotel in Manila, Philippines without any trouble at all.

1. Rizal Park
If you want to go out for a jog, have a picnic, or simply walk your dog, this park is just 4 minutes via car from Ermita. Also known as “Luneta” because of its lunar shape, this park is where Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, was executed via firing squad during the Spanish colonization period. It is a popular site for marathons, important government events, and weekend excursions due to the various parks and establishments surrounding it.

2. Star City
Regardless of your reason for visiting the country, it wouldn't hurt to squeeze in a few hours of fun in your schedule especially if traveling with kids. This medium-sized amusement park is also just about 4 minutes from Ermita and features rides, games, and shops that can also make you feel like a kid again.

3. Manila Ocean Park
Not all theme parks in Manila offer thrilling rides, bouncy inflatable houses, and bump cars. Some, like Manila Ocean Park, give a closer look to the vast and very fascinating underwater world. Here, you can check out many large tanks filled with sharks, rays, and other marine creatures in a simulated environment. This place also has animal shows, a spa, and gift shops where you can buy shirts, maps, and other souvenirs.

4. Intramuros
If you want to continue your mini-educational field trip, then the walled city of Intramuros is just roughly 8 minutes from your jump-off spot in Ermita. Hire a kalesa (the local horse-driven carriage) or go on foot to see the many churches, houses, prisons, and other structures that were built during the Spanish occupation. You can also hire the services of tour guides to gain better knowledge of this place.

5. Baywalk
After a long day of visiting the sites mentioned above, reward yourself with a quick detour to the baywalk area to see the gorgeous Manila sunset. Aside from admiring the scenery, you can also grab dinner at a yacht and buy affordable souvenirs at the nearby flea market. Going here is easy because it is also just a kilometer or a few minutes away from BEST WESTERN Hotel La Corona Manila, a hotel near the US Embassy in Manila.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article.

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8 Fun Things To Do in the City of Manila, Philippines

To have the best time during your trip to Manila, Philippines, book an Ermita hotel like BEST WESTERN La Corona Manila and try these 8 fun and interesting city activities.

1. Stroll around Intramuros
Walk around the walled city of Intramuros and witness various institutions, churches, and other structures dating back from the Spanish colonial era. You can also rent horse-drawn carriages, bikes, and even a Segue to make it easier to explore the area.

2. Conquer Chinatown
Want to shop for ornaments, traditional medicine, and other Chinese products? There's no better place to do it than the world's first Chinatown in Binondo. If you ever get tired and hungry, grab a quick bite at Dong Bei Dumpling and Noodles or Wai Ying Fastfood.

3. Trip to Quiapo
Speaking of shopping, the area surrounding the Quiapo Church is filled with stores, stalls, and booths that sell everything that you could think of at very affordable prices. This includes items from clothing, accessories, and food to vintage cameras, musical instruments, and household appliances.

4. Eat fresh seafood
Manila’s Dampa Seafood is a dining extravaganza that you shouldn't miss. Just a few minutes from the Manila Bay, you can have your pick of the freshest catch and have them prepared on the spot. Some of the delicious dishes include cheesy mussels, stir-fried prawns, chili crab, and ginger fish.

5. Try Pinoy karaoke
Filipinos love to sing and they like to do it every day. During your visit, you will see many establishments, street corners, and even barangay halls that have karaoke machines. These machines have your best and latest guilty pleasures. Sing the day away with a cold beer in hand.

6. Ride jeepneys
If you are a foreigner, riding the locals' main method of transportation is something that will definitely stick with you. While Manila has trains, taxis, and buses, the jeep is one of most popular and enduring symbols of the city. There are about thousands of these colorful and open-air public utility vehicles in the streets and major highways of the metro every day.

7. Watch the sunset
If you like taking photos, the sight of the setting sun at the Manila Bay is guaranteed Instagram-worthy. The vanilla sky and the cool breeze will make hanging out here more remarkable. After that, you can also take photos of the bright Metro Manila skyline from your hotel in Ermita, Manila guestroom.

8. Go church hopping
Regardless if you are a person of faith or not, touring around the different catholic churches in the city is an enjoyable thing to do specially if you like taking pictures. Some of the notable churches are the Manila Cathedral, Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, and Binondo Church, which are all just a few minutes from any Ermita, Manila accommodation like BEST WESTERN La Corona Manila, one of the best places to stay in the metro.