Philippines
About
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of Southeast Asia's most densely populated metropolises. Situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon island, the city forms the core of Metro Manila — a sprawling urban region of roughly 14 million people that encompasses cities like Makati, Taguig (Bonifacio Global City), Pasay, and Quezon City. Visitors arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which connects Manila to destinations throughout Asia and beyond.
The city's history stretches back centuries. Intramuros, the walled colonial quarter built by Spanish colonisers in the late 16th century, remains one of Manila's most atmospheric districts. Its stone fortifications, cobblestone streets, and restored churches — including the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — offer a tangible link to the Spanish colonial era. Fort Santiago, a citadel within Intramuros, was a key military defence point and later served as a prison for national hero José Rizal before his execution in 1896. Rizal Park (Luneta), a vast public green space along Roxas Boulevard, marks the site of his death and serves as both a national landmark and a popular gathering place.
Contemporary Manila is a city of sharp contrasts. Makati, the country's premier financial district, is home to gleaming towers, upscale shopping malls, and a polished dining scene along Ayala Avenue and the Greenbelt complex. Nearby Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig is a planned urban development with wide sidewalks, art installations, and a concentration of international restaurants, galleries, and retail outlets. The Mall of Asia complex in Pasay sits along the bay and is one of the largest malls in the world.
Manila's cultural scene is rich and varied. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, built on reclaimed land along Manila Bay, hosts performances ranging from classical ballet to contemporary theatre. Binondo, just north of the Pasig River, is one of the world's oldest Chinatowns, full of temples, dim sum restaurants, and traditional merchants. The National Museum complex in Ermita houses impressive collections of Filipino fine art, natural history, and anthropology.
Food is a major reason to visit. Filipino cuisine draws on Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. Signature dishes include adobo (meat braised in vinegar and soy), sinigang (a tamarind-soured soup), lechon (roasted whole pig), and kare-kare (peanut-based stew). Street food is abundant — from balut (fertilised duck egg) to kwek-kwek (battered quail eggs) and isaw (grilled chicken intestine skewers).
The best time to visit Manila is during the dry season from November to April, when humidity is lower and the risk of typhoons is minimal. The wet season runs from May to October, with the most intense rainfall typically in July and August.
When to Go
Manila is hot and humid year-round, with a pronounced wet and dry season. The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable — lower humidity, less rain and cooler evenings from December to February.
Attractions
Manila is a sprawling, energetic megacity of Spanish-era walled quarters, mega-malls, world-class museums and a booming food scene — the gateway to the islands. Two days covers the historic core; many travellers pass through en route to the beaches.
The 16th-century Spanish colonial core — a walled enclave of cobbled streets, churches and plazas. Visit the mighty Fort Santiago (where national hero José Rizal was held), the Baroque San Agustin Church (a UNESCO site) and Casa Manila. A bamboo bike tour is the best way to see it.
Fort Santiago ~75 PHP ($1.35); San Agustin ~200 PHP ($3.60); combo Intramuros pass ~250 PHP.
The grand national park and monument to José Rizal, fringed by the three National Museums — Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History — in striking colonial and modern buildings. A free, air-conditioned cultural afternoon.
Founded in 1594, the oldest Chinatown in the world — a food-lover's paradise of dim sum, dumplings, hopia and noodles along Ongpin Street. Join a walking food tour and eat your way through the oldest streets and the stunning Binondo Church.
Manila's malls are legendary — SM Mall of Asia (with its bay sunset and Ferris wheel), Greenbelt, Bonifacio High Street and the vast SM Megamall. Air-conditioned worlds of shopping, dining and entertainment that are a way of life here.
The sleek, modern business and lifestyle district — leafy streets, street art, world-class restaurants, rooftop bars and the Mind Museum. The cosmopolitan, walkable face of modern Manila.
Manila Bay is famous for its sunsets — watch the sky ignite from the Mall of Asia bayside, the Roxas Boulevard seawall or a harbour cruise. A free, unmissable Manila ritual.
Transport
Manila traffic is notorious — build in extra time. The elevated train lines are the fastest way across town; ride-hail and taxis cover the rest.
Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) has four terminals — check yours, as transfers between them take time. Manila is the Philippines hub — fly everywhere from here: Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, or drive up to Baguio.
Accommodation
Manila's districts vary hugely — pick a base for safety, walkability and what you want to see.
The central business district — safe, walkable, with malls, restaurants, rooftop bars and easy transit. The practical base for most visitors.
The sleek, leafy, walkable new city — the safest, most cosmopolitan district, with the best dining and nightlife.
The historic tourist district beside Rizal Park and Intramuros — budget hotels and hostels, close to the sights, if rougher around the edges.
Airport-area hotels for layovers and early flights, near the Mall of Asia and the bay.
Food & Drink
Manila is the food capital of the Philippines — everything from $1 street eats to world-class fine dining, with a rich Spanish-Malay-Chinese-American fusion cuisine.
Chicken adobo — the national stew of chicken in vinegar, soy and garlic. Sinigang — the beloved sour tamarind soup. Lechón, sisig sizzling pork, kare-kare peanut stew and halo-halo for dessert.
For breakfast, the legendary silog (garlic rice, egg and a meat) at every corner. Don't leave without Binondo dumplings, Pampanga-style dishes and the Japanese-Filipino fusion of BGC.
Plan Your Trip
Most passport holders get 30 days visa-free in the Philippines. The currency is the peso (PHP). English is an official language and spoken everywhere. Manila is safe in the main tourist districts with normal big-city caution — watch bags and phones in crowds.
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Where to Stay
Okada Manila is a sprawling integrated resort in Entertainment City on the Manila Bay waterfront, featuring 1,000 rooms across multiple tower wings with opulent decor and a casino. The property includes over 20 restaurants, a massive pool complex, and a dancing fountain billed as the world's largest. It is a popular choice for both leisure travellers and those attending conventions.
The Peninsula Manila is an iconic five-star hotel at the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, known for its grand lobby atrium, afternoon tea tradition, and meticulous service. Rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, and the hotel's Lobby Bar is one of the city's most celebrated social spaces. Its central Makati location puts guests within walking distance of major corporate offices and the Greenbelt shopping complex.
Fairmont Makati occupies a prime position within the Raffles Makati complex, blending contemporary design with attentive service and an extensive wellness offering. The hotel features 280 rooms, multiple dining venues, and a pool deck with sweeping city views. It caters to both corporate and leisure guests seeking a sophisticated base in the Makati central business district.
Conrad Manila commands a prime position on Seaside Boulevard at the Mall of Asia Complex, directly facing the bay. The 347-room tower offers contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a dedicated spa floor. The bayfront sunsets viewed from the upper floors are a particular draw.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila sits on reclaimed land along Roxas Boulevard, offering direct bay views and a large lagoon-style pool complex that is one of the city's most recognised amenities. The property's 609 rooms combine French-accented design with tropical influences, and its Sunday buffet brunch has been a Manila institution for decades.
Discovery Primea Hotel occupies a residential-style tower on Ayala Avenue in Makati, offering generously proportioned suites averaging over 70 square metres — considerably larger than typical city hotel rooms. The property provides a refined residential atmosphere with personal concierge service, a rooftop pool, and dining that draws on produce from its own gardens. It regularly earns top ratings among luxury properties in Makati.
Citadines Salcedo Makati is a four-star apart-hotel in Salcedo Village, one of Makati's quieter residential enclaves, offering studio and one-bedroom units with kitchenettes — well suited to extended stays. The property provides an outdoor pool, a gym, and complimentary breakfast, all at rates below most full-service hotels in the area.
Bayleaf Intramuros sits within the historic walled city, offering an unmatched location for travellers interested in Manila's colonial heritage. The hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant provides excellent views over the old fort walls and Manila Bay. Its 153 rooms are tastefully furnished and represent good value for a four-star property in such a distinctive setting.
Seda BGC is a sleek four-star hotel positioned at the heart of Bonifacio Global City, offering 305 contemporary rooms and an outdoor pool on a high floor. The hotel's emphasis on practical luxury — strong Wi-Fi, a good breakfast spread, and easy access to BGC's restaurant row — makes it a perennial favourite with corporate travellers and savvy leisure visitors alike.
Seda Vertis North is a modern five-star-rated hotel within the Vertis North mixed-use development in Quezon City, attached to the Ayala Malls Vertis North. The hotel offers 404 rooms, an outdoor pool, and is convenient for those attending events at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or visiting the northern parts of Metro Manila.
Novotel Manila Araneta City sits within the Araneta City complex in Cubao, Quezon City, directly beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum and convenient to the Cubao MRT and LRT interchange. The hotel's 300 rooms are well-maintained and offer good value for their four-star standard. The location is practical for travellers exploring northern Manila or attending arena events.
Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is a four-star hotel adjoining the Robinsons Galleria mall in Ortigas Center, offering 306 rooms with practical amenities and an outdoor pool. The central Ortigas location gives easy access to both EDSA and major business parks. The hotel is a reliable option for travellers seeking good value in a well-serviced mid-range property.
Microtel by Wyndham Mall of Asia is a budget-friendly three-star hotel near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, offering clean and compact rooms at prices well below the area's luxury hotels. The property is a short walk from the bay promenade and convenient to the Mall of Asia Arena. It provides a practical base for travellers who want proximity to the bay area without a premium price.
Z Hostel is a well-designed hostel in the Poblacion neighbourhood of Makati, occupying a converted building with rooftop bar, a swimming pool, and a convivial social atmosphere. Dormitory beds and private rooms are available, making it one of the most popular backpacker stays in the city. The surrounding Poblacion streets are packed with bars and restaurants.
Experiences
Explore the Spanish colonial walled city of Intramuros on a guided walking tour that covers Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and the old stone fortifications along the Pasig River. Guides explain the history of Spanish colonisation, the Philippine Revolution, and World War II's impact on the old city. The UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church is the highlight for most visitors.
Visit Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila's central ceremonial green space marking the execution site of national hero José Rizal, then explore the adjacent National Museum complex. The National Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History, and Anthropology are all free to enter and collectively house impressive collections of Filipino art, prehistoric artefacts, and natural specimens. The Spanish-colonial building housing the Fine Arts museum is itself worth seeing.
Binondo, established in 1594, is recognised as one of the world's oldest Chinatowns and remains a vibrant district of temples, herbal medicine shops, and some of Manila's best Chinese-Filipino food. A guided food walk covers dim sum houses, tikoy (glutinous rice cake) vendors, hopia bakeries, and noodle shops in the narrow lanes around Ongpin Street and Plaza Calderon. The Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz) is a notable landmark.
Board a small vessel from the Cultural Center of the Philippines harbour for a sunset cruise across Manila Bay, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatic waterfront views as the sun drops behind the Mariveles mountains. Boats typically depart in the late afternoon and some offer light refreshments on board. The cruise is popular with both tourists and locals, especially on weekends.
Bonifacio Global City hosts one of the largest collections of outdoor public murals in Southeast Asia, created by both local and international artists through the Art in BGC programme. A self-guided or guided street art walk covers several kilometres of wide pedestrian paths lined with large-scale works across multiple artistic styles. The best concentration is around 5th, 7th, and 9th Avenues.
Corregidor Island at the entrance of Manila Bay served as a key American and Filipino military fortress during World War II and is now a day-trip destination from the city. Ferries depart from the Mall of Asia pier and the journey takes about 75 minutes. The island contains preserved artillery batteries, the Pacific War Memorial, an underground tunnel complex, and a light-and-sound show recreating the 1942 siege.
Poblacion in Makati has transformed over the past decade into Manila's most eclectic bar district, with a dense concentration of cocktail bars, craft beer spots, and live music venues packed into a grid of streets between Kalayaan Avenue and P. Burgos. The area comes alive after 9 pm and is popular with both expats and younger Filipino professionals. Bar-hopping is the norm, with most venues open until 3 am or later.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Roxas Boulevard is the country's premier venue for the performing arts, hosting the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and major international touring productions. The main building was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin and opened in 1969. Check the CCP calendar in advance to book tickets for ballet, opera, or drama performances during your stay.
The Bamboo Organ in the San Jose Parish Church in Las Pinas City is a unique 19th-century instrument built largely from bamboo pipes and still played during regular masses and an annual international festival in February. The church is about 20 km south of Makati and can be reached by jeepney or car. The organ is one of only a handful of bamboo organs in the world still in working condition.
Learn to cook classic Filipino dishes including adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare in a hands-on cooking class typically held in a home kitchen or professional culinary studio in Makati or BGC. Classes generally begin with a market visit to buy ingredients, followed by preparation, cooking, and a shared meal. Several operators run classes for small groups, making for an intimate and social experience.
The Greenbelt complex in Makati is one of Manila's most attractive shopping destinations, featuring an open-air garden atrium connecting five interconnected malls with a mix of international luxury brands, Filipino designer boutiques, and dozens of restaurants. Adjacent Glorietta adds additional retail and cinema space. The complex is pleasant to walk through even for non-shoppers due to its well-landscaped outdoor areas.
Tagaytay Ridge, about 55 km south of Manila, provides sweeping views over Lake Taal and the world's smallest active volcano sitting on an island within the lake. Day trips from Manila typically combine a scenic drive along the ridge with a boat ride across the lake and a hike up Taal Volcano Island. The cool climate at Tagaytay makes it a refreshing contrast to the heat of the city.
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Philippines
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