Cool culture spots in Manila

Bringing culture into this generation has become a lot more interesting and IG-worthy. These three cool spots push culture further through tourism. And the good news is, they’re accessible via the train. 

Those whose vibe is more on the chill side and want to immerse in the city’s history, Escolta is the place to be in. The famous Manila street, accessible through the Carriedo LRT-1 station, is full of old heritage sites anyone can check out. After a long walk, take a break and hang out at The Den in the First United Building for a shot of good local coffee.

Those looking for museums to drop in during a rainy day definitely have some fine options around the city. The Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, a short distance from the Central LRT-1 station, is home to the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, a museum that documents the history and contributions of the ethnic Chinese to the Philippine history.

Love museum? This quirky one in Pasay, called Upside Down Museum offers hours of fun and lots of awesome and hilarious photo opportunities. Get down at the Vito Cruz LRT-1 station and make your way to this whimsical place that’s exactly as advertised—everything is upside down.

This guide is part of ikotMNL, a tourism program launched by Light Rail Manila Corporation in 2018 in partnership with the Department of Tourism, tour operators, and local government units. It aims to connect foreign and local travelers to Manila’s rich history, cultural heritage, and top food destinations by riding the LRT-1 to areas such as Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo, and many more.