Manila, Philippines: travel guide
The Philippine capital, with a walled Spanish old town and a busy bayfront
The Pearl of the Orient — Philippines' dynamic capital of Spanish colonial architecture, bustling markets, and world-class museums.
About Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, a dense and energetic city on the east shore of Manila Bay. It combines a Spanish colonial core, a long waterfront and layers of modern districts, and it is a gateway for almost every trip to the islands.
Things to do in Manila start in Intramuros, the walled old city, with its stone ramparts, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. The National Museum complex holds some of the country's most important art and natural history collections, while Binondo, one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, is a place to eat dumplings, noodles and sweet buns. Sunset on Manila Bay is a local ritual.
Manila suits history lovers, food lovers and first-time visitors beginning a longer trip. The cooler, drier months from December to February are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Nearest airport
- MNL
- Typical trip
- 3-4 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Manila
Quiapo Church
church · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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
district · 4.3 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
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
fort · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · entry ₱75 (≈ ₹110)
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
fort · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
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
district · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
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 · free entry
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · free entry
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
district · 4.5 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
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
aquarium · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
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 to Manila
Airport: Manila (MNL)
How visitors arrive in Manila
- Flight into Ninoy Aquino airport By air from International and domestic hubs · common
Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main international airport serving Manila. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Ferry from other islands By ferry from Other Philippine ports · possible
Ferries bring travelers mainly from other parts of the Philippines. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Yellow airport taxi from NAIA
Yellow airport taxis wait at arrivals at all terminals. Coupon taxis from the information desk are reported as often overcharge. Insist on the meter. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Grab from NAIA arrivals
Grab cars can be booked at arrivals at all terminals. Kiosks in the airport let you order without a data connection. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Airport bus from Terminal 3 unconfirmed
UBE Express runs airport buses from Terminal 3 arrivals to destinations such as PITX and Pasay; some routes are suspended or ended, so check current routes. Source: betternaia.com
- Airport taxis have been flagged for meters rigged to inflate fares; watch the meter and take only official taxis from the stand. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Jeepney
Jeepney routes in Manila are not numbered; the route is shown on the vehicle's sides and dashboard, and drivers or barkers call out destinations.
- Ride Hail
Several ride-hailing apps, including Grab, Angkas and Joyride, operate in Metro Manila as an alternative to taxis.
- Tricycle limited to a few areas
Tricycles and pedicabs handle short trips to areas that are hard to reach by larger vehicles.
- Walking
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.
Best time to visit Manila
- Jan 30°C
- Feb 31°C
- Mar 32°C
- Apr 34°C
- May 34°C
- Jun 33°C
- Jul 32°C
- Aug 31°C
- Sep 31°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 30°C
More in Philippines
Frequently asked questions about Manila
- How many days do you need in Manila?
- A typical trip to Manila is 3-4 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Manila?
- The highest-rated places in our Manila guide are Fort Santiago Rizal Citadel, Quiapo Black Nazarene Church, Manila Bay Sunset Roxas Boulevard, Intramuros Spanish Walled City, BGC Modern Art District Taguig.
- Where should I stay in Manila?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Manila: Makati.
- How do I get around Manila?
- Ways to get around Manila covered in our guide: Jeepney, Ride-hailing app, Tricycle, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Manila?
- Scams reported to us for Manila include Money exchange short-change. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Manila?
- Average daytime highs in Manila run from 30°C in Jan to 34°C in Apr.
- Which airport is nearest to Manila?
- The nearest airport to Manila has the code MNL.