Manila follows the curve of Manila Bay roughly from north to south, with most of the areas of interest for visitors in its huge sprawl lying close to the water. The city is a lesson in contrasts, thanks to its rich brew of influences from various foreign powers and its own diverse traditions. One of the most obvious contrasts is also, sadly, the huge divide between rich and poor - about 25% of Manila 's population is estimated to live in squatter camps on the city's refuse tips.

Malate and Ermita, the chief tourist destinations, are far more salubrious, with Rizal Park and Intramuros all lying just to the north. Just across the Pasig River from them are Quiapo, full of colorful markets, and Binondo, with its Chinatown . Makati is the main business center, further to the south and east, with the big malls of Greenhills just to its north. Quezon City and Pasay City , outlying to the north and south respectively, also have points of interest.

A substantial open green area that showcases Manila at play, 58-hectare (143-acre) Rizal Park is one of the largest parks in South East Asia. It is also known as Luneta, after the area it replaced. Its local significance can be gauged by the fact that it is named after Dr José Rizal, the great Philippine anti-colonial fighter and thinker. He is memorialised in the Diorama of the Martyrdom of Dr José Rizal , which becomes a son et lumière exhibit after sunset, and his remains were interred in the Rizal Monument in 1912. The many ornamental gardens include a re-creation of the entire Philippines archipelago in the eastern ponds. There is also a Japanese Garden , a Chinese Garden , an Orchidarium , a chess plaza and a skating rink. The museums and public buildings within its precincts include the Museum of the Pilipino People (see below). In the morning, residents assemble to practice tai chi, Philippine stick-fighting or sundry forms of martial arts, while on most Sundays, there is a free 'Concert at the Park' in an open-air auditorium.