Is there anything to see in Manila? Many people, when traveling to the Philippines, decide to skip a visit to the city because they’ve read there isn’t much to do. However, while we acknowledge that what was once known as “the Pearl of Asia” can’t really be called pretty, we do think it’s a city interesting enough to devote a day or two to, and we admit that a little piece of our heart will always stay there since we were lucky enough to live in it for years and, every time we pass through, we try to discover it a little more. Go with an open mind and soak up everything it has to offer.
The capital of the Philippines is the city that brings together the most historic sites in the country and, therefore, it’s where you can learn about the past and the roots that link Filipinos, Spain and Latin America.
Not only that, there’s a huge amount to do in Manila and its surroundings. From enjoying its top-notch restaurants and leisure areas or shopping for typical products, to visiting volcanoes like Taal, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, and beautiful waterfalls.
Do you want to know what to see and do in Manila? Keep reading, because we’re not only going to give you a list of things to do, we’re also going to share some basic tips so your visit goes great and put together a route with everything to do in Manila in one day.
Is it worth going to Manila?
The million‑dollar question! The truth is we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been asked this over the past few years… And, for us, it’s a resounding: yes, it’s worth it. Being 100% honest with you, you can’t really say Manila is a beautiful or surprising city, but it’s not awful either nor, as we’ll see, a place to flee from because it’s dangerous. Manila is a very lively city, with plenty to offer culturally, gastronomically and, of course, socially.
Obviously, Manila isn’t going to be your favorite thing about the Philippines. Thousands of more beautiful places come to mind across the islands, but we also believe that travel isn’t just about seeing the pretty side, but also the full reality of a country, and the Philippines aren’t only beaches, reefs, mountains, waterfalls and small towns. The Metro Manila region has no fewer than 16 million people who experience a life completely different from those in what they commonly call “the provinces.” It won’t be news if we tell you that, although there’s a growing middle class, social inequalities are much more palpable than in small towns—and you’ll notice this during your time here.
To all this we add that in the capital, specifically in the Intramuros area, you’ll find what we think is the most important colonial historical legacy in the whole country. For all these reasons, spending at least 1 day in Manila (or a few hours) will help you leave the Philippines with a much more complete picture.
What do travelers think of Manila? In the more than 15 years we’ve been in the world of travel in the Philippines, we’ve read it all. Many don’t love Manila, but they usually consider it an interesting stop. Others (to a lesser extent) are horrified by it, but there’s also a good share who like it and think that spending a day or two isn’t bad at all—if only for the historical side, the museums, neighborhoods like Chinatown or Quiapo, the food scene or the shopping. And, as always, to each their own!
The Pasig River as it flows between Makati and Mandaluyong
How many days to see Manila?
It all depends on how you’ve planned your trip around the Philippines. If you have at least a couple of weeks, we recommend dedicating a day to Manila. It’s best to make this the last day of your trip, so you can calmly wait for your international flight and avoid being caught off guard by a cancellation or delay on a domestic flight. In fact, you’ll see that in many of our guides we warn that it’s essential to return to Manila (or Cebu) from domestic airports so you don’t get your fingers caught in the door.
If you have more time to explore the country, you can see Manila in 2 days or devote one day to the city and another to a nearby attraction (such as Taal Volcano). In Day trips from Manila you’ll find inspiration to fill those extra days.
In this vein, we recommend taking a look at our Philippines itineraries page.
Is Manila safe?
Many travelers skip a visit to the Philippine capital because they’ve read or been told that Manila is dangerous. However, having lived here and having visited the city as tourists several times over the past 15 years, we can tell you that Manila isn’t any more dangerous than other Asian cities.
As in any big city, there are somewhat less safe neighborhoods in Manila that we don’t recommend you visit. These aren’t the areas tourists usually go to (Intramuros, Makati, Chinatown…), so don’t let fear win. Visiting Manila will give you a more complete view of the Philippines, and we can assure you that nothing has ever happened to us all these years—not even the many times we’ve walked the streets alone, including late at night.
Simply keep your belongings secure and don’t flaunt valuables. In the Philippines, violent robberies aren’t common; rather, petty theft due to carelessness. That said, you can absolutely carry your camera through the spots we’ve mentioned.
Obviously, as anywhere in the world, there are some scams, the most recurrent being those involving taxi drivers who won’t turn on the meter or tamper with it. But using Grab or similar apps solves that—don’t worry!
We dig deeper into this in Is it safe to travel to the Philippines?
Manila Baywalk – Binondo (Chinatown) – Rizal Monument
Manila or Metro Manila?
By the way, although we simplify here and talk about Manila, we’re actually referring to Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR). It’s made up of 16 cities: Manila (home to Intramuros), Makati (the financial district and where the Poblacion neighborhood is, which we’ll recommend a lot), Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig (where Fort Bonifacio or BGC is, which we’ll talk about later) and Valenzuela.
Things to do in Manila
Introductions made, here we’re going to tell you—without fluff or throwing in places that really aren’t worth it—the main things to do in Manila from our experience as residents.
1. Discover Intramuros, the most historic neighborhood
Intramuros, as its name suggests, is Manila’s walled district and where the capital of the Spanish colony was established in 1571 by Miguel López de Legazpi. For us, it’s the most interesting part to see in Manila and the one we recommend if you only have a little time.
The area is small and can be covered in a couple of hours on foot. Even so, you’ll see many tricycle drivers offering guided routes, as well as the typical Filipino kalesas in front of the Cathedral (we ask you not to use them due to the poor condition of these animals and the high temperatures).
As it’s such a historic place, if you have time, we strongly encourage you to join a guided tour. You’ll come away with a better taste in your mouth, as explanatory signs are conspicuous by their absence. These are the ones we recommend:
Free tour of Intramuros and Chinatown (English)
Guided visit to Intramuros (in English)
Intramuros afternoon/evening walk (in English)
Intramuros bamboo bike tour (in English)
We very highly recommend this last one, which we’ve had the chance to do several times and find very enjoyable. You can choose between 2 time slots and either 1.5 or 2.5 hours. We prefer the longer one, but with both you’ll learn a lot and on both you’ll enter Fort Santiago with your own bike, which is great fun.
Us in front of Manila Cathedral in Intramuros
In Intramuros you’ll find most of the historically important buildings to see in Manila, plus some restaurants and craft and souvenir shops for a bit of worthwhile shopping. To set the scene, we suggest you read our Summary of the history of the Philippines.
Although we go much deeper into this area in What to see in Intramuros, here’s a short summary of the must‑see sights in Intramuros, Manila:
Fort Santiago, the must‑see in Manila
The citadel built by the Spanish at the mouth of the Pasig River is, without a doubt, the top sight in Manila. In addition to being an essential part of the Manila Galleon trade route (mainly between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico), Fort Santiago served as a prison for José Rizal, the Filipino national hero, before he was executed in 1896.
You can visit almost all of it, and many buildings are restored and offer explanatory signs in English. Admission costs 75 pesos per person and you can buy it here.
Manila Cathedral
Located in Intramuros’ main square, Plaza de Roma (where the Palacio del Gobernador also stands), Manila Cathedral is one of the most important buildings to see in Manila. Established in the 16th century in nipa, wood and bamboo, the structure has been rebuilt several times due to fires, earthquakes and bombings during World War II. Today you can visit its revamped interior and, with luck, be part of one of the many weddings held there.
San Agustin Church
A true gem of Spanish Baroque that’s well worth a visit. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1993, it’s where the body of Legazpi lies. You can enter the church for free, but entry to the San Agustin Museum—located in the adjoining monastery—costs 200 pesos.
Casa Manila
Right opposite the previous church you’ll find this spot. Few colonial buildings were left standing after World War II, but at Casa Manila you can get a sense of what Manila was like back then. This is a typical bahay na bato (“stone house” in Tagalog), the typical construction of middle‑class homes during the colonial period, and it houses an exhibition with original furniture and artifacts from the era that makes it a very interesting visit. Entry to the exhibition costs 75 pesos (we highly recommend going in—you can buy the ticket here), but you can also just see the courtyards and fountains for free.
For more information and even a suggested itinerary with map, take a look at our guide: What to do in Intramuros, Manila
2. Get to know Rizal Park and the José Rizal Monument, two important places to see in Manila
Just outside Intramuros lies another must‑see in Manila: Rizal Park. Also known as Luneta, in this lively park you’ll see many families from Manila picnicking around the fountains. This is where José Rizal was executed, and you’ll find a diorama depicting the moment. In addition, this is where the José Rizal Monument stands—the twin of the one in Madrid—and the country’s kilometer 0.
For curiosity’s sake, there’s also a Chinese Garden and a Japanese Garden. The latter isn’t bad and entrance is free, so you lose nothing by going in. Around the park you’ll also find some of the most important museums in the Philippines, which we’ll talk about later.
Want to go with a guide? Then there’s this private tour with a Spanish‑speaking guide, which also includes the various museums next to the park.
If you’re in the mood to keep walking, head toward the sea and you’ll hit the Baywalk or Roxas Boulevard. This is Manila’s “seafront promenade” or malecón, and you’ll find it especially lively at sunset, when ice‑cream and peanut vendors make the rounds. It’s curious because a few years ago they created an artificial beach, Manila Bay Beach or Dolomite Beach, after a huge clean‑up of waste (which they need to keep doing periodically), and it’s hard to believe people bathe there given how polluted it is.
José Rizal Monument
3. Walk through Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in the world (outside China)
Did you know that in Manila you can see the oldest Chinatown in the world? Binondo (as Chinatown is known) was the place the Spanish government designated for the Chinese community to settle. Not only did the sangleys (Filipinos with pure Chinese ancestry) establish themselves here, but Spaniards, Americans and Japanese also chose to live here, making this district one of the most important in the Philippines.
The best way to visit is by starting at Escolta Street, one of the most historically significant streets to visit in Manila. This was a commercial artery that, during the Manila Galleon period, offered imported goods from China, Europe and America. Some of the city’s most luxurious buildings were located here, and a few can still be seen today. That said, the most interesting part is in the First United Building (don’t worry, we’ve marked it on the Manila map you’ll find below), which has been restored and where you’ll find a pretty cool café, as well as several independent designer shops.
Then continue walking toward Santa Cruz Church. This is where Ongpin Street begins, the main street of Manila’s Chinatown. Enjoy its gold and jade shops, stop for some dumplings, visit some of the Buddhist temples (Kuang Kong Temple is the best known) and take a look at the Arch of Good Will, the typical gate you’ll see in every Chinatown around the world, symbolizing fraternity between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
Plaza Sta. Cruz – stalls on Ongpin St. – Binondo Church
Afterward, you can stop by Binondo Church or the Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz and, if you’re up for more, continue toward the Tutuban shopping center (there’s a night market here that has lost a lot of steam over the years and never became like others in Southeast Asia, in case you come across a reference) and along Recto Street, the area known as Divisoria, which is packed with shops and markets selling household goods, cheap clothing and food.
We’ve been to Divisoria many times and we can tell you it’s an interesting place, but not particularly picturesque or productive in terms of picking up souvenirs or handicrafts. It’s true there are a few stalls selling items made from acacia wood, but it’s really more focused on a Filipino public looking to buy trinkets or Chinese clothing.
If you’re interested in getting the most out of this part of Manila and savoring Chinese cuisine with a guide, this Chinatown tour in English is highly recommended.
4. Delve into the depths of Quiapo
Want to get off the beaten path? Quiapo is one of the most interesting districts to visit in Manila. The main reason is that this is where the famous Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) is located, home to the image of the Black Nazarene or the Black Christ of Manila, a sculpture from Mexico dating back to 1606 that arrived in Manila on a galleon and is greatly venerated. In fact, every January 9 a procession is held that draws millions of people (more than 6 million are counted) to commemorate the arrival of the Black Nazarene.
Step outside the church to see the little stalls selling amulets (and, they say, abortive herbs) in Plaza Miranda, and take a stroll along Hidalgo Street if you want to see all sorts of “items” and old houses like Casa Zamora, Casa Padilla or Casa Paterno. If you get hungry, the most famous spot is Globe Lumpia House, which opened in 1956 to serve this classic Filipino snack, but there’s also Quiapo’s Quinta Market, full of food stalls (its pancit palabok is famous) and trinkets.
Keep in mind these are bustling areas, especially where there are lots of stalls or markets. While it isn’t dangerous, it’s wise to watch your wallet and valuables in these places, as you could fall victim to a pickpocket if you’re distracted.
5. Stroll around Makati, Manila’s financial and commercial district
Leaving behind the “old” part of Manila, we dive into its most modern neighborhoods. For us, exploring it all is discovering the city’s essence, which is a constant contrast between the luxurious and the humble, informal housing and high‑rise luxury apartment towers.
Makati is one of the cities that make up Manila and is considered its financial district. We’ve had the chance to live here for a while, and we’re not exaggerating when we say we were quite comfortable. If you’re up for it, you’ll find plenty to do here.
Though it doesn’t have as much history as the previous areas, it’s a great place to enjoy the capital’s leisure and dining options. You’ll see ultramodern malls where Manileños take refuge from the heat, grab a coffee, do some shopping or go to movie theaters with VIP seats. The best known are Greenbelt (with its 5 buildings and a wonderful, lush central area that’s very pleasant for dining—this is also where the Ayala Museum is, which we’ll talk about later), Glorietta (4 buildings) and SM Makati (where there’s a Kultura Filipino branch, our favorite place for shopping).
By the way, if you’re looking for more things to do in Manila, very close by you have the Ayala Triangle, a pleasant park with cafés and restaurants with terraces where you can take in the skyline. As a curiosity, the Instituto Cervantes is right across the street.
6. Explore the trendy neighborhood: Poblacion
Nightlife has moved to Poblacion, a neighborhood within Makati where you can enjoy the city’s youthful vibe in its restaurants and bars, especially on the streets around P. Burgos St. There are several rooftop terraces where you can have a drink and enjoy the views, such as Antidote, which we talk about in Where to eat in Manila.
Poblacion has gained momentum in recent years and seems to us the most pleasant alternative for accommodation—and the one we most recommend in Where to stay in Manila. This is where we usually stay each time we return, specifically at the Lub-D hotel, where, in addition, you can leave your luggage for free the entire time you’re traveling around the Philippines, in case you’re carrying a lot of weight.
Besides being a safe, quiet area, you have loads of restaurants, bars and shops. Without traffic, you can reach Manila airport in under 30 minutes. On the other hand, from the Hulo ferry stop there are free boats to Escolta Street, making it easy to walk to Intramuros. You also have the Power Plant Mall (Rockwell area) and Century City Mall very close by, where you can exchange money at a good rate and, if you fancy it, find places for massages, manicures/pedicures and other similar services at very good prices.
If you’re after historical things to do in Manila, Poblacion is also home to the Makati Church, or Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church. It was declared an Important Cultural Property in 2023. The Franciscans arrived in this area in 1578 eager to convert the indigenous population to Christianity, but it was the Jesuits who built the first church in 1620, which they called the Old Church of San Pedro y San Pablo.
It became very important for housing “La Virgen de la Rosa,” a 1718 sculpture that came from Mexico on the Manila–Acapulco galleon and supposedly had a reliquary containing a hair of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, the reliquary disappeared and the image was badly damaged during different uprisings. The same happened to the church, which was badly damaged during the British occupation of Manila in 1762 and therefore looks very reconstructed. Even so, you can appreciate the Baroque style in its architecture, typical of those built during the Spanish colonial period.
Very close to the church is the Makati Museum, where old photos of the city from the 19th and 20th centuries are exhibited and its entire history is told. It’s not exactly an impressive museum, but it’s free, air‑conditioned and housed in a picturesque early‑20th‑century building. From here you can continue walking along the Pasig River toward Power Plant Mall, a very pleasant shopping center full of restaurants and cafés.
Makati Church – Makati Museum
7. Do typical shopping in Manila: the best malls and markets
If the capital is your last stop on your trip through the Philippines, you might be looking to do some shopping in Manila. Many travelers ask us what typical things to buy, and we always recommend heading to our favorite store: Kultura Filipino. There you can find nipa (palm) products like bags, wooden or coconut housewares, barong and other textiles made from piña, pearls (with a certificate of authenticity) and typical souvenirs like little jeepneys or T‑shirts. Our favorite branch is the one in SM Makati, although you can find more scattered around other malls in Manila such as SM Mall of Asia, the 12th‑largest mall in the world. The simplest thing is to type “Kultura Filipino” into Google Maps and go to the one closest to you.
In any of these malls you’ll also find supermarkets where you can buy dry mango or dried mango at good prices—this is a typical Filipino snack and very easy to carry. It’ll be cheaper than buying it in airport shops.
If you’re looking for knock‑off clothing or imitation pearls, you can do so at other markets like Greenhills, Market! Market! or Divisoria. The first is especially interesting if you’re after counterfeit clothing or footwear, although they also sell a few souvenirs (not many, don’t get too excited) and some electronics. In the modern wing, if you’re interested, there’s a Kultura Filipino. Keep in mind that Greenhills is quite far from Makati, so getting there will take time.
Greenhills Shopping Center in Manila
If you’re visiting Manila on a weekend, one of the most interesting things to do is visit the Salcedo Saturday Market (Saturdays) or the Legazpi Sunday Market (Sundays), located in Makati. Local products—mainly food—from all over the country are sold there. Remember to go before 14:00.
If you’re at the airport and don’t want to go too far, there’s also the Mall Of Asia (MOA) which, with its 589,891 square meters, is the largest mall in the Philippines, the second‑largest in Southeast Asia and the sixth‑largest in the world. In addition to a ton of dining options (yes, there’s a food court), an IMAX and an ice rink, there are stores of all kinds.
Finally, there’s also the Tutuban Night Market, which is the closest thing to a Thai night market—though the comparison is a big stretch. It has a food‑stall area that isn’t bad and then shops selling cheap clothing, household goods and so on. There isn’t much in the way of handicrafts, and don’t expect many tourists. It’s aimed at the local public. It’s close to the Divisoria area and usually starts around 17:00.
Looking for inspiration? Don’t miss our article What to buy in the Philippines, where we recommend things to take home and give you even more shop suggestions.
Kultura Filipino
8. Try dark tourism: cemeteries in Manila
It might sound odd, but one of the most interesting things to do in Manila is to visit one or more of its cemeteries. Our favorite is the Chinese Cemetery, which, instead of being a place where bodies lie, looks like a gated community. Many of its mausoleums and tombs resemble real villas (some have bathrooms, kitchens and even jacuzzis!) and are tended by caretakers every day. At the south gate, which is the entrance, you can hire a guide to take you to the most famous mausoleums and learn more about them, but keep in mind that the prices they ask are somewhat steep (about 1,500 pesos for an hour).
Another interesting activity in Manila is a visit to the Manila American Cemetery, located in the BGC area. Totally different from the previous one, what will surprise you is the huge esplanade filled with white crosses and surrounded by imposing skyscrapers. There are 17,206 graves here, where U.S. and other Allied soldiers who died during World War II rest. Admission is free.
Finally, in Makati you also have the Manila South Cemetery, a burial ground that feels like a real neighborhood, as there are houses, food stalls and even basketball courts inside. Please be respectful if you visit and don’t go around taking photos as if it were a zoo. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area on October 31, November 1 or 2, you’ll find a real celebration.
9. See a completely different Manila in BGC
We already warned you above that Manila is a city of contrasts. Although the middle class is (very slowly) growing, social differences are still huge and noticeable. If you’ve explored Intramuros and taken the ferry along the Pasig River and then head to BGC, you’ll feel like you’re in two completely different cities.
BGC stands for Bonifacio Global City, one of the districts of Taguig (remember, one of the 16 that make up Metro Manila). Some of the most important multinationals in the Philippines are located here, as well as the Philippine Stock Exchange. It has the highest concentration of tall skyscrapers, including the tallest in the country, Metrobank Center, and, of course, there are plenty of luxury condominiums that rarely go below 1.000€ a month for a studio, so people with fairly high purchasing power live here.
In BGC everything is spotless and orderly, with comfortable sidewalks for walking, and you’ll see it’s packed with the latest cafés, restaurants and shops. For this reason, walking here feels like being transported to any city in the United States.
What can you do in BGC? Here are a few ideas:
- Stroll along Bonifacio High Street: this is BGC’s main commercial artery, a very pleasant pedestrian area with green spaces and restaurants and cafés on both sides. People dress up to come here, especially on weekends. As a curiosity, there’s a branch of the famous U.S. burger chain Shake Shack along one side.
- The Mind Museum: this science museum opened in 2012 with a clear focus on children. So if you’re looking for things to do in Manila with kids, we think it’s a great idea. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 and costs 625 pesos for adults and 550 for children. You can get discounted tickets on this platform.
- Metropolitan Museum of Manila at BGC: one of the few contemporary art museums in the Philippines, always featuring temporary exhibitions by international artists. It spans 3 floors. Open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission is 550 pesos.
- Explore its shopping malls (there are plenty): the most “popular” is Market! Market! (you’ll find cheap stuff, including electronics), but the prettiest is SM Aura Premier, where there’s a Kultura Filipino branch and a pleasant rooftop garden with views. Finally, there’s Venice Grand Canal Mall, which to us is a bit kitschy, but some people like it. It’s a mall with a Venetian‑style canal running through it—there are even gondolas.
- The Manila American Cemetery: we just mentioned it above.
- Dinner/drinks at Burgos Circle: in this roundabout/park and the surrounding streets (especially Forbestown Rd.) there are tons of restaurants and bars that get lively in the late afternoon/evening, especially on weekends. In line with the area, they’re on the pricey side. A few suggestions: Dr. Wine BGC, Ma Ma Ci Ta BGC, Locavore and Tipsy Pig.
10. Visit some of Manila’s museums
If you want to dig a little deeper into Philippine history, beyond Intramuros you can also visit some of its museums. From our experience, the most interesting to see in Manila are:
- Ayala Museum: located in Greenbelt 3, on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Dela Rosa St., this museum presents the history of the Philippines through dioramas with explanatory panels in English. On the upper floors you’ll find an exhibition of works by national artists and an impressive collection of Filipino goldsmithing from before the Spanish colonial period. It also has several galleries for temporary exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00; admission is 600 pesos (children under 12 pay 240 pesos and those under 3 enter free).
- National Museum of the Philippines: made up of several buildings located around Luneta Park. There’s the Fine Arts Museum, the Anthropology Museum and the Natural History Museum—all completely renovated and with free admission. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. In our opinion, the most interesting is Anthropology, as it delves into the country’s different ethnic groups, including the Aeta and Muslims, through a large collection of objects.
- The Mind Museum: as we mentioned above, ideal if you’re coming with kids. You can buy tickets on this platform.
On the other hand, there’s also the Intramuros Museum, Casa Manila, the San Agustin Church Museum and the Chinese Immigration Museum in the Philippines in the Intramuros area—all highly recommended. We talk more about them in What to do in Intramuros.
More things to do in Manila
In our view, with what we’ve included above you already have at least 2 days in Manila. However, if you have more time or are looking for more options, here are some extra things to do in Manila that might suit you:
- Tour of Malacañang Palace: this is the official residence of the President of the Philippines, and the building dates back to the mid‑18th century. Located next to the Pasig River, it’s possible to visit on a guided tour, but only if you request it at least 3 business days in advance via this form. You can also try visiting on your own from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–11:00 and 14:00–16:00. Note the dress code: no sleeveless shirts or flip‑flops.
- Pedicure and manicure services: yes, it sounds a bit “superficial,” but the Philippines is known for good prices for these services (300–400 Philippine pesos for a manicure), and you can take advantage and get them for much less than in your country. Obviously there are tons of nail salons, but here are our favorites in the Makati area: Dear Alice Nail Lounge, Enza Nails & Spa and Nail Addik Makati. You’ll find them under those names on Google Maps.
- Massages: as in the previous case, the supply of massage places is overwhelming and prices are very affordable (from 400 pesos for 1 hour). A few recommendations around Makati: Well Being Nature Spa Masagge Makati, Palmeo Spa & Masagge – Makati, Breeze Oriental Spa & Masagge – Makati, Thai Boran Makati MNL and Royal Oriental Wellness.
- Treat yourself to fine dining: Manila is where you’ll find the most options to try high‑end cuisine. One example is Gallery by Chele, by a Spanish chef, who highlights local ingredients to create versions of Filipino and Asian dishes. Another, a little farther afield, that you’ll like is Toyo Eatery. You’ll find many more options in our guide Where to eat in Manila.
- Star City Manila: if you’re looking for things to do in Manila with kids, this amusement park is very close to the airport and the Mall Of Asia. You can buy discounted tickets on this platform.
- Go out partying: we’re not exactly die‑hard party‑goers, but Manila—along with Siargao—is the best place to enjoy Filipino nightlife. There are loads of bars and clubs, especially in the Poblacion area of Makati. If you want to meet people, there are tours like this one.
What to see in Manila in 1 day – The ideal route
Maybe you’ve already got information overload, so here we’ll summarize what to do in Manila if you only have one day to visit the Philippine capital—you can put together a great route that takes you through the main points of interest. What to see in Manila in 1 day?
- Start with Intramuros and visit: Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church. For the views, you can climb the wall or enjoy a restorative break on the terrace at The Bayleaf Hotel, which has the best panorama of Intramuros. In What to see in Intramuros you’ll find this route in even more detail and, if you can, don’t miss this free tour or this bamboo bike tour, as in just two hours you’ll discover the highlights.
- Continue walking toward Rizal Park, soak up the atmosphere, see the José Rizal Monument and continue to the Baywalk.
- Take a taxi (or walk) to Chinatown, and walk from Binondo Church along Ogpin Street until you reach Santa Cruz Basilica.
- You’re probably hungry by now; in Chinatown there are plenty of Chinese restaurants with delicious food. Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food, Shanghai Fried Siopao and Vege Select are our favorites.
- For a day of contrasts, you can take a taxi (Grab is better) to the Greenbelt mall. Here you’ll see the modern side of Makati’s malls. Take the opportunity to pick up some typical Manila purchases at Kultura Filipino in SM Makati, which is nearby. Another option (or if you have more time) is to go to Bonifacio High Street in BGC. It’ll feel like you’ve been transported to New York.
- Dinnertime! You can choose between our favorite Thai spot in Greenbelt, People’s Palace, enjoy authentic Japanese food at Nihonbashitei, or look for something more trendy in the Poblacion area, such as El Chupacabra or Crying Tiger.
- Raise a toast with a cold San Miguel or a Tanduay at the best rooftop to see Manila: I’M Hotel. We also highly recommend Dr. Wine Poblacion Makati.
If you don’t want to worry and prefer to be taken to the best places with an expert guide, we recommend signing up for this Manila contrasts tour. You’ll tour the city’s most modern area, the bay and the best of Intramuros.
Day trips to take from Manila
Do you have more than one day for Manila? Then you might fancy leaving the city and taking a day trip. As you can imagine, since Luzon is such a large island, the possibilities are many. We’ve been lucky enough to do plenty, so here we’ll tell you the ones we think are the most interesting:
- Tagaytay and Taal Volcano: the first is a city a couple of hours from Manila and is well known among locals for its superb views of Taal, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, and the lake that surrounds it. It’s also a leisure spot, with parks boasting great views, pleasant accommodation and restaurants. Due to volcanic activity, it’s no longer possible to reach the volcano (before you could go up to the crater), but you can still admire it from above and take a boat ride on the lake. If you want, you can get to Tagaytay on your own, but in that case we recommend leaving super early because of the traffic and so the logistics don’t become a headache. A more comfortable option is an organized tour like these: Tagaytay + boat ride, Tagaytay + Pagsanjan Falls (really cool) or just Tagaytay.
- Pagsanjan Falls: located in the province of Laguna, these 91‑meter‑high falls impress more because of where they are—inside a canyon accessed by canoe and rapids. Part of the famous film Apocalypse Now by Francis Ford Coppola was shot here. You can drive from Manila or, as above, join an excursion such as the following: Getyourguide, Civitatis or Tagaytay + Pagsanjan Falls.
- Mount Pinatubo: along with Mayon, Pinatubo is the Philippine volcano that impressed us the most, and it’s possible to reach its crater, which is a lake. Getting there on your own is no small feat (and requires a permit), so we recommend going on a tour like this one, this one or this one.
- Sagada and Banaue: we’re not sure whether this can be called a day trip or not, because getting there takes at least 8 hours by land, but there are tours from Manila to these two fabulous points on Luzon, like this one, which lasts 4 days. If you want to go independently, check out our guides What to do in Banaue and What to do in Sagada.
Batad Rice Terraces trip from Manila
Practical information about Manila
Now that we’ve given you a few hints about the most interesting parts of the city, here are some useful tips from our own experience as residents.
Tips for visiting Manila
Here are some recommendations that will help you get more out of your visit:
- The best time to visit Manila is from November to May, which is the dry season in the area. That said, you can go at any time of year, since rain won’t stop you from making plans. You’ll find more information in our guide Best time to travel to the Philippines.
- Please choose your area to stay in wisely. Manila is a very large city and you can spend hours stuck in traffic. For us, Makati is the best option and we explain more below.
- Be very careful with taxi drivers, especially those at the airport. You’ll avoid problems by using Grab.
- Manila has plenty of currency‑exchange offices and ATMs, but as we explain in Money in the Philippines, it’s better to exchange a bit at the airport (surprisingly, the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where you get a good rate on arrival) or at one of the money‑changers we recommend, since all ATMs charge fees. If you need cash, it’s best to use Remitly (with our link you’ll get a better rate and €10 free) at any pawnshop (just type pawnshop into Google Maps and you’ll see there’s one every few meters). It might sound convoluted, but you’ll have the money in 5 minutes with no fees—it’s what we always use.
- Card payments are widespread in Manila, so take advantage, because it’s one of the few places where you’ll be able to use your card so much. Keep in mind you’ll have to pay in Philippine pesos, so your bank may charge a foreign‑currency fee. That’s why we recommend using Revolut.
- When paying taxis, always carry small bills. It’s very common for them to try to keep more money by claiming they don’t have change.
- If you need to work remotely, you won’t have problems—both the 4G/5G network and Wi‑Fi work quite well. In fact, it may be the best place in the country in this regard.
- If it’s a technical stop or the start of your trip, it’s worth buying sunscreen and repellents at one of the many Mercury Drug or Watsons stores around the city. It’ll be much cheaper than in tourist destinations and, above all, far more reliable. Refilling sunscreen bottles with body lotion is one of the most common scams in the Philippines.
- The same goes if you want to do laundry. There are thousands of laundries around the city, with prices around 40–50 pesos per kilo.
- Get proper travel insurance. Manila’s medical infrastructure is the best in the country, but it isn’t free. Check out the travel insurance for the Philippines that we use. The insurer will tell you which hospital to go to, but for reference, Makati Med and St. Luke’s are the best.
How to get there
Being the capital and having an international airport, it won’t be hard to figure out how to get there. We’ve summarized the main routes from outside the country and within it in How to get to Manila.
How to get around Manila
Transport in Manila is quite chaotic and traffic is unbearable (we’re talking hours in jams). The public transport network isn’t very convenient—although there’s a “metro” (the LRT and MRT, which run above ground), jeepneys and buses—the truth is that if you’re just visiting the city it’ll be more comfortable to use taxis (be insistent and tell them to turn on the meter) and, above all, Grab, an Uber‑like app you can use to request a pickup anywhere. Joyride, which we also mention below, is also offering ride‑hailing cars, but there are fewer drivers, so they’re less common.
Taxis (and, after that, GRAB) are extremely inexpensive. To give you an idea, a one‑hour ride can cost less than 400 or 500 Philippine pesos.
If you’re traveling solo, another great idea is to use apps like Move It, Angkas and Joyride. Basically you travel as a “package” on a motorbike (what’s known in the Philippines as habal habal), which helps you avoid much of the traffic. It’s not for the faint‑hearted, though—while they know exactly what they’re doing, the driving isn’t exactly slow. The good thing is that the first few times you use them they offer good discounts and sometimes rides can even be free.
Tricycles, unlike in other parts of the country, can’t travel between neighborhoods or cities here, so they’re not very practical. The maniremos can only take them for short trips within their area.
Finally, there’s also the Pasig River ferry option, which is free. It isn’t a very conventional alternative because services are infrequent, but we usually recommend it to go from Makati (Poblacion, Hulo stop) to Intramuros (Escolta stop) because it saves you a lot of traffic and lets you see scenes of daily city life.
If you have to go to the airport, unless it’s at dawn or you’ve slept right in front or very close by, leave 3 or 4 hours in advance. Seriously—you don’t want traffic scares. Rush hours are also between 7:00 and 9:00 and 16:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday.
Where to stay in Manila
If you’re set on visiting the city, we recommend these hotels, where we’ve stayed many times:
- Lub-D Philippines Makati: for us, this is the best hostel in Manila. If you’re traveling solo, it’s your best option, but they also have very pleasant double and family rooms, as well as spacious common areas. We almost always stay here when we come to Manila, so you might even find us wandering around reception.
- City Garden Grand Hotel: looking for a hotel with a pool in Manila in a cool area for going out to dinner? This is your place. below you have a photo of the views from the rooftop.
If you look closely, they’re all located in the Poblacion neighborhood of Makati. This is our favorite area to stay because, besides being quiet (bearing in mind Manila is still a big city), it has a great selection of restaurants and bars, making it a pleasant place to go out for dinner. From here you can easily reach the airport, and you have several malls nearby to pick up anything you need.
Here we tell you everything about where to stay in Manila and the best areas to do so. If you have an early flight, take a look at Where to stay near Manila Airport, but if you don’t have much time to look, we wholeheartedly recommend this one.
Where to eat
As you can probably imagine, the capital’s dining scene is overwhelming. If you want to try high‑level Filipino cuisine, this is the place, but you’ll also find restaurants from almost anywhere in the world. To avoid making this guide too long, we created a specific one on the topic: Where to eat in Manila. You’ll also find suggestions for cafés and bars there.
Manila map
Want to locate everything there is to do in Manila on a map? Here you have all the information:
Frequently asked questions about visiting Manila
To finish, we want to answer the most common questions from travelers who decide to visit Manila for 1 day or several:
How many days do you need to see Manila?
If you want to see the basics, 1 day is enough. Even with a full 5–6 hours, you’d have time to see Intramuros and Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown. If you have more time, you can explore much more or even take day trips.
What shouldn’t you miss in Manila?
The most important is Intramuros and then Binondo and Quiapo. In one day in Manila you also have time to explore Makati’s financial district and the city’s most modern area: BGC.
Is Manila worth visiting?
From our experience—having lived here and visiting several times a year—yes. Obviously, it’s a personal assessment, but Manila has interesting places and offers a different or more complete perspective to a trip through the rest of the islands.
How safe is Manila?
As in any city on the planet, there are petty‑crime issues (especially pickpocketing), but it’s a safe city. We’ve lived here quite a while and have never had a problem, not even when going out in the early hours.
What to see in Manila in 1 day?
We’d get up early to visit Intramuros first, then take a walk along Escolta Street and through Binondo, the Chinatown. We’d walk to Quiapo and, if you feel like it, you can take a stroll around Divisoria Market. Grab a taxi to Ayala Triangle in Makati and get to know the famous malls of the financial district. You can finish with dinner in BGC or Poblacion.
What are the best day trips from Manila?
We think the most interesting is Mount Pinatubo. You could also go to Tagaytay.
You’ve seen that we’re big fans of the Philippine capital, so this isn’t the only guide we have about the city. Be sure to check out the following to keep planning your trip:
How to get from Manila Airport to downtown
Best hotels near Manila Airport
Do you have any questions about your stay in Manila? We’ll be happy to answer you in the comments.
