Ermita is the historical centre of Manila's tourist belt — the neighbourhood where foreign travelers have been staying since the Spanish colonial era. The grand hotels and restaurants of the twentieth century have mostly closed or been replaced, but a core of guesthouses, budget hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies remains, centred on M.H. Del Pilar Street and the surrounding blocks.
The neighbourhood is walking distance from Rizal Park, the National Museum complex, the Manila Bay waterfront, and Intramuros — which makes it still useful as a base for historical and cultural sightseeing. Malate blends into Ermita to the south; between the two the area has good Filipino and international restaurants at reasonable prices. The area is quieter than it used to be, which makes it easier to walk and more pleasant for people who want a less commercial experience than the BGC or Makati hotel districts.