As every local will tell you, one will not run out of things to do in Manila, because it is one of the most unique cities in Southeast Asia. It is a melting pot of culture, a mixture of tacky and glamorous, a meeting place of old and new. It is a bustling metropolis that has never failed to adapt to changing times, yet has continued to retain its unexpected (sometimes backward), old-fashioned ways. You may love or hate Manila passionately, but one thing is for sure: it is one city you'll never forget.

There are a lot of tourist attractions in Manila, each ready to cater to your every desire and need. If you're ready for a real adventure, try the items listed below.

Attempt to eat balut and other Filipino street food.

Manila is home to tons of street food carts that sell exotic animal parts, usually barbequed, and called by creative names: isaw (chicken intestines), helmet (chicken head), adidas (chicken feet), tenga (pig's ears), and betamax (congealed pig's blood). For fried street food, the Chinese influence is evident: there's fishball, kikiam, and squidball. Deep-fried chicken or quail eggs coated in orange-dyed flour are also popular. And of course there's the infamous balut: boiled duck egg with a fertilized embryo, cracked and eaten in the shell -- definitely not for the faint of heart.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset.

This is one of Manila's most priceless attractions, hailed as one of the finest in the world. The best place to enjoy the sunset is by the Baywalk at the famous Roxas Boulevard, or by the SM Mall of Asia bay area. The beauty of the sun setting in the horizon over Manila Bay is simply too beautiful for words. If you're feeling inspired, you can try the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise for a romantic dinner.

Visit Intramuros and Binondo.

Intramuros (the Walled City), the oldest district in Manila, was the seat of the Spanish government when the Philippines was under Spanish Colonial rule. It currently houses a few educational institutions, two prominent churches (the Manila Cathedral, seat of the Manila Archdiocese, and the San Agustin Church, the oldest in Manila), and a museum (Casa Manila). Ruins of old buildings and statues of Spanish Royals are also well-preserved inside Intramuros, juxtaposed with modern fast-food chains. Definitely worth a visit if you want to behold the grandeur of the Spanish Era. Binondo, on the other hand, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It is currently a commercial center for Filipino-Chinese businesses, and residence for a large number of Filipino-Chinese families. Visit Binondo for the many famous Chinese restaurants that have stood the test of time.

Ride the Jeepney and the Kalesa.

The jeepney is as much a symbol of Filipino culture as the balut. Originally made from converted US Military jeeps, the jeepney is the primary means of public transportation in the Philippines. There are jeepney lines with every possible route that can take you around Manila. The kalesa, a horse-drawn carriage, though no longer a form of transportation in Manila, still offers services primarily for tourism. Jeepney fares vary depending on the distance of the travel, while kalesa fares are fixed (and subject to haggling).

Shop until the prices drop.

As with any tourist destination, Manila is home to a number of shopping complexes where locals and tourists can haggle on the prices of goods. Although haggling is practically unheard of in malls, it is the norm in wholesale and retail markets, such as Divisoria, 168 Mall, and Tutuban. Practice your haggling skills to get the most of your money. After shopping, make sure to head back to your hotel to take a bath, as the smell of these places will stick to your clothes. There are many hotels in Manila [http://www.mabuhaymanor.com.ph/specialoffers.php], like The Mabuhay Manor, that caters to tourists and balikbayans (Filipino overseas workers) alike.

There really is no place like Manila. No wonder so many tourists keep coming back: there are just so many things to do in Manila.