Manila is a vibrant, chaotic, and historically rich metropolis that serves as the heart of the Philippines. Known for its colonial Spanish architecture, bustling modern shopping hubs, and deep historical significance, it is best visited between December and February when the weather is cool and dry.
Top Things to Do in Manila
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Getting Around Manila
From the Airport
Rideshare. Grab is the official and most reliable rideshare app in the Philippines; follow signs for the designated Grab pick-up points at NAIA terminals. Airport Taxi. Yellow metered taxis are available at the arrival curb and are a safe, regulated option for reaching the city center.
Once You're There
Rideshare. Grab is the primary way to get around; it is affordable, safe, and widely used for navigating between districts like Intramuros and BGC. Metro. The MRT and LRT systems are available but can be extremely crowded during rush hours; use them for longer distances if you want to avoid road traffic.
Where to Stay in Manila
Hotel picks for Manila are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Manila
Manam★ 4.7 (6,384)Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila, PhilippinesFamous for their innovative take on Filipino classics, their House Crispy Sisig is widely considered the best in the city.
Din Tai Fung★ 4.6 (2,254)MoA Globamaze, Globe Rotunda, Pasay City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesWhile international, the Manila branches are incredibly popular and serve the most consistent, high-quality xiao long bao in the city.
Spiral★ 4.5 (2,033)Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel CCP Complex 1300, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesLocated inside the Sofitel, this is arguably the most luxurious and extensive buffet in the country, featuring multiple world-class culinary ateliers.
XO 46 Heritage Bistro★ 4.5 (398)GXJJ+W3X, Pasay City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesThey serve elevated traditional Filipino heirloom recipes in a setting that feels like stepping back into the colonial era.
Victorino's★ 4.4 (1,348)11th Jamboree, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesSpecializing in Ilocano cuisine, this restaurant offers authentic northern Filipino flavors in a beautiful, homey heritage setting.
Cafe Adriatico★ 4.3 (1,120)1790 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, PhilippinesA historic institution in Malate that perfectly captures the old-world charm of Manila with its classic Spanish-Filipino comfort food.
Locavore★ 4.3 (1,093)Forbes Town Center, Burgos Cir, Taguig, 1634 Kalakhang Maynila, PhilippinesThis trendy spot focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with their Sizzling Sinigang being a must-order culinary experience.
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar★ 4.3 (1,024)The Frabella 1, 109 Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati City, 1229 Metro Manila, PhilippinesThis vibrant spot celebrates Negrense cuisine, featuring bold flavors and creative presentations of traditional Filipino street food.
Aristocrat Restaurant★ 4.2 (4,570)432, 1004 San Andres St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, PhilippinesA legendary establishment on Roxas Boulevard, it is best known for its iconic charcoal-grilled chicken barbecue with java rice.
Sentro 1771★ 4.2 (710)G/F Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesKnown for pioneering modern Filipino cuisine, their Corned Beef Sinigang is a unique, savory dish that you won't find anywhere else.
Tours & Activities
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3 Days in Manila
Colonial History in Intramuros
Morning. Start your journey by heading straight to the Walled City of Intramuros, the historic core of Manila. Begin at Fort Santiago, where you can walk through the stone gates and learn about the city's complex colonial past while enjoying the manicured gardens. From there, take a short walk to the Manila Cathedral to admire its stunning neo-Romanesque architecture and intricate stained glass. Be sure to arrive early, around 8:00 AM, to beat the heat and the large tour groups that arrive later in the day. After exploring the cathedral, wander through the cobblestone streets toward the nearby Plaza de Roma to soak in the atmosphere.
Afternoon. For lunch, head to a nearby heritage restaurant before visiting the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend an hour admiring the ornate baroque interiors and the museum connected to the cloisters. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Casa Manila to see how wealthy families lived during the Spanish occupation. The museum is beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into the opulent colonial lifestyle. Finish the afternoon by grabbing a refreshing halo-halo at a local cafe to cool down from the humid Manila sun.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, head to the nearby Baluarte de San Diego for a panoramic view of the walls and the surrounding moat. It is a peaceful spot to watch the sky change colors before heading out for a traditional dinner. For a true taste of history, find a restaurant tucked within the old walls that serves authentic Filipino dishes. End your evening with a short tricycle ride around the perimeter of the city walls to see the structures illuminated at night. The contrast between the ancient stone and the modern city skyline is truly a sight to behold.
Culture and Arts in the Center
Morning. Begin your second day at Rizal Park, the most significant public park in the Philippines, to pay your respects at the Rizal Monument. The area is massive, so plan to spend at least an hour walking through the gardens and the nearby Chinese and Japanese gardens. Once you have explored the grounds, walk across the street to the National Museum of the Philippines. This complex houses the National Museum of Fine Arts, where you can view Juan Luna's massive 'Spoliarium' painting. It is highly recommended to bring a valid ID for entry and to check the museum's schedule, as it is closed on Mondays.
Afternoon. After a morning of culture, head toward the bustling district of Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown. Navigate the narrow streets of Ongpin to find authentic street food like dumplings, hopia, and fresh lumpia. Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and the Binondo Church, which blends Spanish and Chinese influences in its architecture. It is a sensory overload in the best way possible, so keep your camera ready for the vibrant street life. If you have time, walk across the Jones Bridge for a great vantage point of the Pasig River and the city's skyline.
Evening. For your evening, head to the busy area of Ermita to enjoy a classic dinner featuring iconic Filipino barbecue. The atmosphere here is lively, reflecting the true spirit of Manila's urban life. After dinner, consider a short walk along Roxas Boulevard to catch the famous Manila Bay sunset, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The breeze from the bay provides a welcome relief after a day of city exploring. Wrap up the night by visiting a local bar to listen to some live OPM (Original Pilipino Music), which is a staple of the Manila nightlife scene.
Modern Manila and High-End Luxury
Morning. Transition to the modern side of the city by heading to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a master-planned financial district known for its clean streets and high-end shopping. Start your morning at the Bonifacio High Street, an outdoor retail and dining promenade that is perfect for a morning walk. Grab a coffee at one of the many specialty shops and enjoy the public art installations scattered throughout the area. It feels like a completely different city compared to the historic center, with its glass skyscrapers and wide, pedestrian-friendly boulevards. Spend your time browsing the boutiques and enjoying the manicured green spaces.
Afternoon. For the afternoon, visit the Ayala Museum in the nearby Makati district to dive deep into Philippine history and gold collections. The museum's dioramas provide a comprehensive overview of the country's past in a very digestible way. Afterward, explore the Greenbelt mall complex, which is famous for its open-air design and lush tropical gardens integrated into the shopping experience. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs or high-quality local crafts. Be sure to check out the chapel in the middle of the park, which is a serene escape from the surrounding retail buzz.
Evening. Conclude your Manila trip with a sophisticated dinner in Makati, where the city's best dining scene resides. Choose a restaurant that highlights modern Filipino fusion to see how the local culinary scene has evolved. After dinner, head to a rooftop bar in BGC or Makati for a cocktail while overlooking the sprawling city lights below. It is the perfect way to reflect on the diversity of Manila, from its colonial roots to its futuristic business hubs. Before you leave, take a moment to enjoy the vibrant energy of the city's nightlife, which remains unmatched in the region.