Manila

Metro Manila, officially the National Capital Region of the Philippines, is a densely populated urban region of 16 cities and one municipality and the country's political, economic and cultural centre. It stretches along the eastern shore of Manila Bay and combines the historic core of Manila with modern business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas Center.

The region's history is most visible in Intramuros, the Spanish-era walled city whose Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church recall centuries of colonial and wartime history. Nearby Rizal Park, the National Museum complex and the bayfront offer a compact introduction to the nation's heritage.

Makati and Bonifacio Global City are known for skyscrapers, offices, shopping malls and restaurants, while Quezon City is a large residential and government centre and Manila's Binondo district is one of the world's oldest Chinatowns. Pasay hosts the SM Mall of Asia and the airport gateway, and Entertainment City is a major casino and leisure cluster.

Metro Manila is the headquarters of Philippine business, banking, government and the outsourcing industry, and it hosts major conventions, exhibitions and events throughout the year. Heavy traffic is a well-known reality, so travel times between districts vary widely depending on the time of day.

For both leisure and business travelers, the region offers museums, historic sites, shopping, nightlife and a wide-ranging food scene, from Filipino classics and street food to international dining, making it the natural starting point for any visit to the Philippines.