Fodor's Expert Review Rizal Park

This 130-acre park in the heart of downtown Manila traces back to 1820 and the peak of Spanish rule, yet today it is named after José Rizal, the national hero largely responsible for ending the colonial era. Bordering Manila Bay, Intramuros, and Ermita, it acts as the city's lungs, providing a respite from the traffic. As well as having lots of open space, it's home to numerous monuments and both a Japanese and Chinese ornamental garden. But the main reason to come is people-watching, especially on weekends when locals flock here to picnic, and young couples come to canoodle away from the disapproving gazes of their watchful parents.