20 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Metro Manila

Despite all the traffic and chaos that being an urban jungle brings, it cannot be denied that Manila has its distinct charm. Boasting historical buildings, lush parks, and artsy restaurants, this beautiful city can easily amp up your Instagram feed. With lots of destinations to fuel your creative juices, we’re giving you 20 spots in the city that scream “Instagram-worthy!”.

Also read: 17 Coolest Staycation Ideas in Manila

1. Fort Santiago

Being all touristy with @luckystar_1 #currystarventures #philippines #ph #fortsantiago

A post shared by 안준성 Jun Sung Ahn (@juncurryahn) on May 11, 2017 at 4:47pm PDT

Being all touristy with @luckystar_1 #currystarventures #philippines #ph #fortsantiago

A post shared by 안준성 Jun Sung Ahn (@juncurryahn) on

Intramuros is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Manila. One of the most iconic places to take a picture inside the famous walled city is the entrance of Fort Santiago, a fort built way back when the Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule.

2. Baluarte de San Diego

One of the oldest stone fortifications in intramuros.

A post shared by Dianne Zapanta (@diannezapanta) on May 12, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

What was once simply a bastion in Intramuros, is now a place where one can hold special events. Or simply, take nice pictures like this one.

3. San Agustin Church

Also located inside the walled city of Intramuros, this world heritage site’s intricate carved door makes for a dramatic backdrop for OOTDs. It is also very interesting on its own due to its elaborate details. The church also has a lot more Instagram-worthy places inside like its inner garden and vast hallways. You can make an entire Instagram album here!

4. Luneta Hotel

Le charme de cet hôtel, Luneta Manila #NL_VOYAGE #travelblogger #lunetahotel #manila #manille

A post shared by NATURELLEMENT LYLA (@naturellement_lyla) on Apr 29, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

One of Manila’s historical hotels, the Luneta Hotel is an elegant structure along Kalaw Avenue (formerly T.M. Kalaw Street).  Walking into its doors seems to bring you back to 1918, the year that the hotel originally opened. With its grand interiors, you won’t have a problem taking great photos for your feed.

5. Paco Park

Silent all these years

A post shared by @ssvillarico on Mar 8, 2016 at 5:37pm PST

What once had an eerie past as a cemetery is now one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Paco park, located in Paco, Manila, is now a place where one can take a break, watch concerts, and of course, take fabulous pictures. It even has a little chapel where one can get married! Did you know that Jose Rizal was once buried here?

6. Rizal Park

Days of Last Chapter (1/6) 🇵🇭 . . . #AIMS7 #travel

A post shared by Muhammad Al Fatih (@mhalfatih) on Sep 5, 2016 at 1:56am PDT

Rizal Park, known to others as Luneta Park, is the place to go if you want to show others that you are in Manila. The historical park is where the Philippine hero Jose Rizal is currently interred. You can take a leisurely stroll around the park after taking pictures in front of the Rizal Monument.

7. Manila Post Office

Inside Manila Post Office. (2/2) #philippines #sony #sonyalpha #manila

A post shared by Archie Lim (@iamarchielim) on May 12, 2017 at 5:52am PDT

A magnificent structure located at the foot of Jones Bridge in Manila, the Manila Post Office will instantly give you interesting photos and classy OOTDs.

8. Cafe Noriter

hahaha! natatawa ako dto sa sobrang liit ko nsa ulo ko na yung pakpak! 😂 @dheymacho #cafenoriter 🍵🍰

A post shared by Jeanalane Lopez (@jealovepez_xx) on Jan 28, 2017 at 5:10am PST

Located in Estrada St. Malate, Manila, Cafe Noriter is a favourite of college students in the area. All corners of this Korean cafe is Instagram-worthy and really popular on the photo-sharing app. See the number of tags yourself!

9. Casa Manila

“Casa Manila is a museum in Intramuros depicting colonial lifestyle during Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The museum is the imposing stone-and-wood structure c. 1850, one of the grand houses in Barrio San Luis (one of the four original villages of Intramuros) is located across historic San Agustin church and bounded by Calle Real, General Luna, Cabildo and Urdaneta streets. Casa Manila is a copy of an 1850s San Nicolas House that was once located in Calle Jaboneros. The architect of Casa Manila was J. Ramon L. Faustmann. It was constructed by Imelda Marcos during the 1980s and modeled on Spanish colonial architecture.” #philippines #manila #intramuros #museum #colonial #photooftheday #instatravel #travelphotography #globetrotter #mytravelpics

A post shared by @deux_itchy_feet on May 21, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

Casa Manila is a museum that is also located in the historical area of Intramuros. Here you get to see what life was like back in the Spanish colonial times.

10. Binondo, Manila

Chinatown. 📸: @louise.dr

A post shared by Louisse Carreon (@louissecarreon) on May 22, 2017 at 5:40am PDT

Recognised as the world’s oldest chinatown, a walk around the colourful area of Binondo will certainly inspire you to take your smartphone or camera and start snapping away!

Also read: Our DIY Binondo Food Trip: Where to Eat & Tips

11. National Museum of the Philippines

Located in Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila, the National Museum of the Philippines is the place to go if you want to add a combination of glamour and history to your feed.

12. Ayala Triangle Gardens

Really popular for its light and sounds show during Christmas season called the “Festival of Lights”, Ayala Triangle Gardens has Instagram-worthy structures like on this picture. You can also take pictures amidst the garden’s trees and shrubs if you love nature.

13. Art in Island

One of my new favourite places in the world. It made me feel like art. 😁

A post shared by Krizha Plaza (@krizhaplaza) on May 24, 2017 at 6:08am PDT

Art in Island is a 3D art museum located in Cubao, Quezon City. It is the perfect place for taking fun pictures with family and friends.

14. Ball Pit Manila

⚪️⚪️⚪️

A post shared by Ayumi Nakamura 🌿 (@ayumidelarosa) on May 1, 2017 at 8:31pm PDT

Ball Pit Manila is an adult playground located in Makati. It is full off, well, thousands of white balls that look oh-so-pretty in photos. You can’t help but feel like a kid again here.

15. Jump Yard

Weeeeee!!!!!😊😊 #Last2Days✈️ #jumpyard

A post shared by Maria Paula Polintan (@paulaphotography_) on May 23, 2017 at 11:54pm PDT

Located in Pasig, Jump Yard is the Philippine’s first indoor Trampoline park. Perfect for kids-at-heart, this place has fun all over it and this is sure to resonate on your Instagram feed.

16. Art in BGC

🌚 #artinbgc #cyrcle #VSCOcam

A post shared by konrado_uy (@konrado_uy) on Aug 8, 2015 at 4:53am PDT

Some of Bonifacio Global City’s walls are painted with murals that are perfect backgrounds for your OOTDs or candid shots. Your friends will surely think your feed is cool after this.

17. Manila Baywalk

#manilabaysunset #manilaphilippines

A post shared by Vinson Belina (@vinsonbelina) on Oct 29, 2016 at 4:32am PDT

Spectacular is the word to describe Manila Bay’s famous sunset which many Instagrammers strive to capture. The baywalk is equally impressive during daytime.

Also read: I Love Manila and Here’s Why You Should Too

18. Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

A post shared by @dyanneelcid on May 23, 2017 at 6:04am PDT

Situated in the Nielson Tower of the former Manila International Airport at Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is a gorgeous restaurant with lots of beautiful spots to take Instagram photos. The place lights up at night with the tall, Makati skyscrapers as backdrop.

19. Lazy Bastard

all hail 🥓

A post shared by Bea Modina (@beatrxce) on May 25, 2017 at 7:04am PDT

Although famous for their hotdogs and burgers, the neon “long live bacon” sign at Lazy Bastard always steals the show for Instagrammers. Everyone will know you’ve checked out the hip place once you post this.

20. Neil’s Kitchen

I can seriously go all day just talking about how good their Sinigang Paella was 🤤💯

A post shared by Micah Louisse Nepomuceno (@louissemicah) on May 15, 2017 at 5:14am PDT

Take a picture of the spiral staircase at Neil’s Kitchen and avid Instagrammers will know you visited this highly-raved restaurant in Alabang. Not only does it look extremely artsy, they also serve good food.

Also read: Exploring the Philippine Capital: Top 8 Things to Do in Manila

Manila truly has a lot to offer in our world where sharing memories through social media has become the norm.  The lights, the sounds, and  many corners are just waiting to be explored! We hope to see your Instagram photos in Manila soon!

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About Author

Carol Premacio

Carol is a fun-loving individual who loves immersing herself in different cultures and exploring new destinations with her family and friends. With an affinity for off the beaten path locations, she enjoys planning trips around her home country and abroad.

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