Rizal Park is a 60-hectare oasis of greenery and blooms set in Manila's busy financial and commercial district. Dedicated to Philippine's national hero Dr Jose Rizal, this urban park has gardens, historical monuments, a 3D map of the Philippines, picnic grounds, a grand stadium, and an open-air concert hall.

The park is right next to the United Nations LRT station. It’s also close to other historical places, such as Intramuros and the National Museum. More than a public park, it played a significant role in the history of the Philippines as it was the site of Rizal's execution, along with 100 other Filipino martyrs.

Rizal Park Manila - one of the highlights of 16 Best Things to Do in Manila (Read all about Manila here)

photo by Judgefloro (CC0 1.0) modified

What to do in Rizal Park

A pleasant morning walk at Rizal Park Manila offers a chance to see locals taking an early jog or playing a friendly game of lawn tennis or chess. You can bring your own food and drinks, roll out a mat and enjoy a nice picnic. At noon, when the sun is at its highest, there are wooded areas and shady gardens you can escape to, such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

photo by Ramon FVelasquez (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

In the evening, locals and visitors often gather together to enjoy the dancing musical fountain. There are plenty of food kiosks around and you can also try some street food. There are horse-drawn carriages for hire – it's a good idea to check for the standard rate ahead of time to avoid getting ripped off.

photo by Ramon FVelasquez (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Rizal Park Manila

Location: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 5pm to 9pm

Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveler

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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