The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is a crowded and colourful metropolis. Due to traffic congestion, it would be best to spend three days in three different parts of the city. There is a lot you can do in the city depending on your budget and your interests.

There may not be too many open spaces and playgrounds for young children in Manila but those that exist are quite fun and there are a number of indoor play spaces as well. Check out a chidren's museum, a zoo and an ocean park.

The following places will inspire you to stop and observe. Visiting the forts, a church, a park and watching a sunset at the bay are all free for you to enjoy.

A centuries-old church, the oldest university in Asia, Manila's Chinatown and a shoe museum may seem like odd attractions but visiting these places in Manila are not only interesting by themselves, but will also prove stimulating to the touristseeking adventures off the beaten path.

Take one or all of these day trips from Manila. They are all within a 3-hour drive from the city. See the world's smallest active volcano in a lake on an island in the middle of a lake, hike up another active volcano to visit its crater, dine under a waterfall, and visit a site that played a big part in World War II.