2026 Ermita Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Rizal Park also famously known as Luneta Park is a historic urban park located in Ermita, Manila, Philippines. It is considered one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines, covering an area of 58 hectares (140 acres). The site on where the park is situated was originally known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period. It is adjacent to the historic Walled City of Intramuros. In this area the execution of Filipino patriot Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896, took place. Now, this became one of the top tourist spots in Manila, Philippines. #mytripvlog#urbanexplorer#tripblazers

The National Museum of the Philippines is a cultural treasure you cannot miss when traveling in Manila. 🏛️ National Museum of Anthropology The white neoclassical architecture and magnificent Corinthian columns look solemn even from a distance. This is a window into understanding the indigenous cultures of the Philippines. As you step inside, a long corridor with dark solid wood paneling stretches into the distance, featuring palm-shaped vintage chandeliers, with light and shadow falling on the polished marble floor, creating a full vintage atmosphere. The octagonal checkered dome in the main hall, paired with stained glass arched windows, creates a stunning collision of vibrant colors and classical architecture. The spiraling vintage staircase with ornate iron railings is an excellent photo spot in the museum. The exhibition halls house a wealth of anthropological artifacts and specimens from around the world. The petrified wood from Xinjiang in the picture has clear growth rings; millions of years of time are solidified in the stone, quietly telling ancient stories. 🖼️ National Museum of Fine Arts The building itself is a work of art. Diamond-patterned parquet floors run through all the exhibition halls, with geometric iron gates and wooden arched corridors making every step a new view. The spiral staircase winds inward, layer by layer, creating a sense of depth when photographed from above. The exhibition halls are arranged chronologically by art history: religious paintings from the colonial era, bearing the weathering of time, and an Art Deco special exhibition, telling the story of local Philippine modern design from 1925–1950. The highlight of the entire museum is Juan Luna's masterpiece, "Spoliarium." The giant oil painting, with its heavy frame and iron chain decorations, depicts the tragic scene of ancient Roman gladiators. Standing in front of the painting, you can strongly feel the power within the work, which is also a symbol of the Philippine national spirit. 🌿 National Museum of Natural History The most popular feature in the museum is the "Tree of Life" steel structure installation in the atrium. The exhibition halls display dinosaur skulls and skeletons of giant aquatic creatures, with black and white hexagonal marble floors making the fossils look incredibly striking. There is also a giant globe model that three-dimensionally restores marine and terrestrial landscapes, allowing for an immersive experience of our blue planet. The collection also includes specimens of unique Philippine flora and fauna, as well as geological ores, showcasing the natural evolutionary history of this archipelago. 📌 Practical visitor information 📍 Location: Near Rizal Park in the Ermita district of Manila; the three museums are within a 5-minute walk of each other ⏰ Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed on Mondays 🎫 Admission: Free; please bring your passport to register for entry 📸 Photography: Allowed, but flash is prohibited to protect artifacts and paintings ✅ Recommended one-day itinerary: Morning at the Museum of Anthropology > Lunch nearby > Afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts + Museum of Natural History 💡 Tips: The air conditioning inside is strong, so remember to bring a light jacket. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid student tour groups. Visit all three museums at once to fully understand the past and present of the Philippines, from ancient geology, indigenous culture, timeless oil paintings, and natural wonders.

Manila in the rain.

A few years ago (before COVID-19), this place looked like an unmaintained fishing port, but now it has an artificial beach, an entrance, and security guards, making it a safe spot to enjoy the view. You can also see the casino in the distance, which is nice. I think the security situation has improved, but it is still an area where Japanese people should be careful. The Robinson in the mall also has a Mos Burger, and they have original Filipino menu items, so it's interesting to try them once. #Philippines #Fritabi

good location, walking distance to shopping mall, manila dolomite beach and parks.

1. Kapetolyo Coffee Shop Address - Park beside Manila City Hall Highlights - Great Ambiance Rating - 7/10

A walk to down memory lane. My Alma Mater, Adamson University. Adamson University has endured the tests of history, first as a Greek-run school and then as a Catholic and Vincentian institution. It has emerged academically richer and stronger, accumulating layers of knowledge and experience that sustain its mission to provide education—the kind that meets stringent standards of quality yet affordable to those who have less.