- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Manila
Manila boasts over 400 years of history. Intramuros, the walled city, showcases Spanish colonial architecture like San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, further defines what is Manila famous for in heritage.
Rizal Park (Luneta), spanning 58 hectares, is a green lung in the city center and among the top attractions in Manila. The Pasig River, running through, offers boat tours past historic bridges. After sunset, the Manila Baywalk comes alive, providing views of the famous Manila Bay sunset.
Exploring the dynamic food scene is one of the best reasons to visit Manila. Discover local flavors beyond adobo at Salcedo Market on Saturdays for artisanal products and street food like kwek-kwek (quail eggs in batter), often overlooked by visitors. Don't miss halo-halo for dessert.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Nov-Febcool, dry season with pleasant temperatures
- Mar-Mayhot, summer peak, increased tourist traffic
- Jun-Octrainy season, potential typhoons, fewer tourists
- #LightClothing
- #RainGear
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-8 days with beaches & day trips
- Philippine Peso (₱)
- Filipino & English
- Both are official languages
- #Intramuros
- #RizalPark
- #ManilaOceanPark
- #NationalMuseum
- #MallOfAsia
- #FortSantiago
- Sunset at Manila Bay
- Explore Intramuros
- Taste Adobo
- Visit the National Museum
- Shop at Greenhills
- Try street food at Quiapo
Recommended Hotels in Manila by Experience
Things to do in Manila
Discover
Explore amazing things to do in Manila, like the historic Intramuros, National Museum, and Rizal Park. These Manila attractions showcase rich history and breathtaking views, making them essential highlights when discovering what to see in Manila.
Experience
Engage in exciting things to experience in Manila-from local festivals to cooking classes. Join Manila tours and events that immerse you in vibrant cultural activities, showcasing the dynamic lifestyle and traditions of the city.
Intramuros
Historic walled city with rich colonial history.
National Museum
Explore Filipino art and history in spacious galleries.
Rizal Park
Large city park honoring national hero José Rizal.
Manila Ocean Park
Interactive marine-themed park for family fun.
Ayala Museum
Cultural hub focusing on Filipino heritage and art.
Binondo Chinatown
Historic district, known as the oldest Chinatown.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Manila, fly into NAIA (MNL). For Manila airport to city center, taxis, Grab, or UBE Express Manila shuttle bus are main options. Expect 30-60 mins, PHP 200-700.
Getting Around
For public transport in Manila, LRT and MRT trains connect key areas. Jeepneys offer a cheap, unique local ride. Taxis and Grab are widely available. The train systems heavily use the Beep Card. Ferries offer river route options.
Local Essentials
Use Grab or negotiate taxi fares upfront. Be vigilant in crowded spots; pickpocketing occurs. Carry small bills for jeepneys. Driving in Manila during peak hours is slow. Avoid it; use offline maps for navigation.
Where to Stay in Manila
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Discover a variety of traditional food in Manila such as adobo (marinated meat), sinigang (sour soup), and leche flan (caramel custard). The city's dining culture includes late dinners and a vibrant café scene that invites exploration.
Enjoy
For the best bars in Manila, visit Sky High Bar for rooftop views or The Curator for craft cocktails. Dine at The Aristocrat Restaurant for classic Filipino dishes, and explore top cafés like Commune Café + Bar + Roastery for specialty coffee.
The Aristocrat Restaurant
Famous for adobo and barbecue.
Red Lantern
Upscale Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese dishes & dim sum.
Harbor View Restaurant
Waterfront spot serving Filipino seafood dishes with bay views.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Manila cultural activities like the religious processions during the Black Nazarene, and national holidays such as Independence Day. These events offer a must-see glimpse into Filipino heritage and history, connecting you to the city's soul.
Enjoy
Things to do in Manila extend to diverse music festivals featuring OPM (Original Pilipino Music), and art installations, along with theatrical performances at venues like CCP. Don't miss out on the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.
Feast of the Black Nazarene
Massive religious procession and event in January.
Philippine International Pyromusical Competition
Fireworks displays and teams compete with dazzling light shows.
Manila International Auto Show
Features latest car models and automotive tech.
Philippine Independence Day
National holiday featuring parades and flag-raising ceremonies.
Paskong Pinoy (Filipino Christmas)
Street lights, carols, and family gatherings.
Metro Manila Film Festival
Showcasing local and international films.
Manila totally won me over
The energy here is unlike anything I expected. Intramuros alone is worth the trip - walking those old stone walls feels like stepping back in time. Street food is cheap and delicious, and locals are genuinely warm and welcoming.
Great city for food lovers
Binondo is an absolute must if you love food. The Chinese-Filipino dishes there are next level - tried the best pork asado I've ever had. The streets are busy and loud but that's part of the fun. Really good value for money overall.
More to Manila than I thought
BGC is super clean, walkable, and has great spots to eat and hang out. But honestly the older parts of the city have way more character. Rizal Park is lovely for a slow afternoon. People go out of their way to help you, which makes getting around so much easier.
Loved every bit of it
Manila is chaotic in the best possible way. The food scene is massive - from fancy restaurants in Makati to hole-in-the-wall eateries serving sinigang for almost nothing. Traffic can be rough but once you're where you want to be, it's all worth it.
Shopping and culture all in one place
SM Mall of Asia is gigantic and right by the bay - caught a gorgeous sunset from the esplanade out front. But beyond shopping, the city has a real cultural side that's easy to explore. Friendly people everywhere and the food is SO good and affordable.
A city that stays with you
Spent time around Ermita and the old Manila waterfront - lots of history packed into a small area. Halo-halo dessert is a must-try, especially in the heat. The people here are incredibly hospitable and always up for a chat. Great place to explore.