Manila, Philippines: travel guide
The Pearl of the Orient — Philippines' dynamic capital of Spanish colonial architecture, bustling markets, and world-class museums.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Nearest airport
- MNL
Top places to visit in Manila
Quiapo Church
Church · about 0.8 h
Home of the Black Nazarene — one of the most venerated Catholic images in Asia, drawing millions each January.
Manila Bay Sunset Roxas Boulevard
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h
Manila Bay sunset from the Roxas Boulevard waterfront — a legendary ritual. The sky turns vivid orange and purple, the Corregidor Island silhouette appears, and the entire city comes to watch.
SM Mall of Asia Bay Promenade
Cultural · 4.3 rating · about 5 h
One of the largest malls in Asia, SM Mall of Asia sits on Manila Bay with a 3km outdoor promenade. The sunset from the MOA bayside promenade is spectacular.
Intramuros Spanish Walled City
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · entry PHP 75
The walled city of Intramuros is the historic core of Manila — built by the Spanish in 1571 and containing centuries of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, churches, and the seat of Spanish colonial power.
Fort Santiago Rizal Citadel
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · entry PHP 75
The Spanish citadel at the entrance of the Pasig River where Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. The Rizal shrine, dungeons, and riverside ramparts are deeply moving.
BGC Modern Art District Taguig
Cultural · 4.5 rating · about 4 h
The modern financial district of BGC in Taguig has become Manila premier arts district — outdoor murals, the Mind Museum, Bonifacio High Street, and the finest contemporary restaurant scene in the Philippines.
Quiapo Black Nazarene Church
Church · 4.6 rating · about 1 h
The Quiapo Church houses the miraculous Black Nazarene — a life-size dark-wood statue of Jesus that is the object of one of the most intense expressions of popular faith in the Philippines. The January 9 Traslacion feast draws millions.
Divisoria Wholesale Market Manila
Market · 4.1 rating · about 3 h
The largest and cheapest market in Manila — Divisoria covers several city blocks with wholesale prices on clothing, textiles, toys, and household goods. The most overwhelming authentic market in Manila.
Makati Landmark Glorietta Shopping
Market · 4.2 rating · about 3 h
The Landmark department store and Glorietta shopping complex in Makati is the longest-standing shopping destination in Metro Manila — excellent for Filipino products and the best food court in the city.
Manila Cathedral Heritage Basilica
Church · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h
The Basilica Minore de la Immaculada Concepcion — the Manila Cathedral — has been rebuilt eight times since 1571 and remains the seat of the Manila Archbishop. The current structure dates to 1958.
Greenbelt Makati Shopping Garden
Cultural · 4.5 rating · about 4 h
The Greenbelt complex in Makati is the most sophisticated shopping and dining destination in Manila — five malls connected by garden pathways with a chapel at the centre and the best restaurant strip in the Philippines.
Manila Ocean Park Marine Aquarium
Wildlife · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · entry PHP 750
A large aquarium and marine theme park at the Manila Bay waterfront near Rizal Park. The walkthrough shark tunnel, jellyfish exhibit, and manta ray tank are the highlights.
Things to do
- Manila Rizal Park Heritage Walk Luneta Heritage · 2.5 h
- Manila Taal Volcano Hike Adventure Crater Lake Adventure · 12 h · from PHP 2,800 per person
- Manila Fort Santiago Dungeons Heritage Walk Heritage · 2 h · from PHP 180 per person
- Manila Intramuros Kalesa Heritage Carriage Ride Heritage · 1.5 h · from PHP 370 per person
- Manila Chinatown Binondo Heritage Food Walk Deep Dive Heritage · 4 h · from PHP 610 per person
- Manila National Museum Fine Arts Philippines Visit Heritage · 3 h
- Manila Pagsanjan Falls Day Trip Scenic Gorge Adventure · 10 h · from PHP 2,500 per person
- Manila Street Art Bonifacio Global City BGC Walk Heritage · 3 h
Where to stay in Manila
- Makati about PHP 4,000 per night
Business district with luxury hotels
Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Manila 5-star · PHP 15,000 to PHP 45,000 per night
- Raffles Makati 5-star · PHP 25,000 to PHP 80,000 per night
- Fairmont Makati 5-star · PHP 18,000 to PHP 50,000 per night
- The Peninsula Manila 5-star · PHP 18,000 to PHP 35,000 per night
- Shangri-La The Fort Manila 5-star · PHP 12,000 to PHP 45,000 per night
- City of Dreams Manila 5-star · PHP 18,000 to PHP 60,000 per night
Where to eat
- KFC Philippines QC Fast Food, Fried Chicken, American · about PHP 200 per person
- Manam Comfort Filipino Makati Filipino, Comfort Food, Traditional · about PHP 600 per person
- Mang Inasal Quezon City Filipino, Fast Food, Grilled · about PHP 200 per person
- Max Restaurant QC Original Branch Filipino, Fried Chicken, Heritage · about PHP 400 per person
- Chowking Quezon City Filipino, Chinese, Fast Food · about PHP 180 per person
- Aristocrat Restaurant Manila Filipino, Heritage, Comfort Food · about PHP 600 per person
- Chowking QC Flagship Branch Filipino, Chinese, Fast Food · about PHP 300 per person
- Shakeys Pizza QC Filipino, Pizza, American · about PHP 300 per person
Getting around
- Jeepney main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Tricycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Money exchange short-change
Major tourist zones
Cashier counts notes quickly, palms one, then re-counts and accuses you of being short.
How to avoid it: Use credit card. Count change yourself before stepping away.