Things To Do
in Manila
Manila, the bustling capital city of the Philippines, is a vibrant blend of Spanish colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and bustling street life, embodying the diverse cultures and histories that have shaped the nation. It's renowned for its historical landmarks such as Intramuros, a walled city from the Spanish colonial period, and Rizal Park, a tribute to the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
With its lively markets, such as Divisoria and Quiapo, offering everything from traditional crafts to tasty street food, Manila provides a colorful and dynamic urban experience.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a historical tour of Intramuros, the walled city of Manila. Visit Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church to immerse yourself in the rich history.
Have lunch at a local café in Intramuros and then explore Casa Manila, a museum showing Spanish colonial life. Take a leisurely walk along the walls for stunning views of the city.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Intramuros skyline. Wrap up the day with a Manila Bay sunset, a perfect end to your cultural excursion.
Kickstart your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Don’t miss sampling freshly made dim sum.
Continue your food tour and try local delicacies like lumpia and hopia at various eateries. Visit the Binondo Church for a glimpse of the area's heritage.
Finish your culinary adventure with a hearty dinner at a popular restaurant in Binondo. Savor the flavors while reflecting on the variety of dishes you’ve tried.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Vibrant and diverse food scene
- Warm and hospitable locals
- Affordable cost of living
- Growing economy and job opportunities
- Access to stunning natural attractions nearby
- Traffic congestion and transportation issues
- Pollution and environmental concerns
- High crime rates in some areas
- Limited public services and infrastructure
- Natural disaster risks such as typhoons and earthquakes
- Struggles with poverty and inequality in certain regions
Best Activities in Manila
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic walled area of Intramuros on foot and visit landmarks such as Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Manila Bay and witness the beautiful sunset while taking in the city skyline.
Embark on a day trip to hike the iconic Mount Pinatubo, famous for its breathtaking crater lake at the summit.
Tours
Uncover the best of Manila with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Manila
Visit one of these nice places.
offers historic architecture and city views
provides scenic views of the Manila Bay sunset
features a seaside sunset view and the iconic MOA Eye
showcases beautiful art in a scenic garden setting
offers underwater and sea-themed photo opportunities
presents panoramic views of Metro Manila
Food in Manila
Manila Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Filipino dish featuring meat (usually chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, then braised to perfection. A must-try that can be found in almost any local eatery or household.
Must-Try!
A tamarind-based soup with a sour broth complemented by savory meats, seafood, and a variety of vegetables. Visit iconic restaurants like Lola Idang's and Abe for an authentic taste.
A popular Filipino dessert that is a delightful mix of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, various jellies, and evaporated milk. Enjoy this refreshing treat at Razon's, a renowned specialty store for halo-halo.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Manila better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling night market in Bonifacio Global City is a haven for foodies, offering a vast selection of Filipino street food, from barbecues to local delicacies. Don't miss out on the sizzling sisig and grilled isaw (chicken intestines).
Explore the vibrant streets of Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, for an authentic food adventure. Sample siopao (steamed buns), dumplings, or hopia (bean cakes) from various street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Manila, it's common to greet them with a friendly smile, handshake, and the traditional greeting 'Kumusta po?' (How are you?). It is also customary to use the respectful titles 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to elders or those in authority.
In Filipino culture, there is a strong emphasis on respecting elders. It is important to use polite language and gestures when interacting with older individuals, such as addressing them with their respective titles and showing deference to their opinions.
During meals, it is polite to wait for the eldest or the host to start eating before beginning a meal. It is also customary to say 'Salamat po' (Thank you) after a meal to express gratitude to the host for their hospitality.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Manila with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Manila
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally practiced in Manila, Philippines, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for certain services.
Cash is widely used for payment in Manila, but credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments. Mobile payment methods are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Manila.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Manila, with sunny and dry weather, making it perfect for city exploring and beach activities.
During the wet season, expect heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, so outdoor activities may be limited. However, this is a good time for budget travelers, as prices tend to be lower.
Manila at Night
Hiking in Manila
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for its stunning sea of clouds, Mount Pulag is the second highest peak in the Philippines, offering various trekking trails and beautiful vistas.
Located in Batangas, Mount Batulao is famous for its rolling hills and panoramic views. It is a popular hike for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Taal Volcano, situated on Taal Lake, provides a unique hiking experience with its picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to see the crater up close.
Just a short drive from Manila, Mt. Maculot offers a relatively easy hike with stunning views of Taal Lake and the Pililla windmills.
Close to Baguio, Mount Santo Tomas features a well-maintained trail and rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Cordillera mountains.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Manila through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Manila by plane.
The primary airport serving Manila, Philippines, and the main gateway to the country.
Located in Pampanga, approximately 80 kilometers north of Manila, it serves international and domestic flights.
Located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, around 100 kilometers northwest of Manila, it caters to both passenger and cargo flights.
Located in Cebu, approximately 570 kilometers southeast of Manila, it is the second largest international airport in the Philippines.
Located in Davao City, approximately 960 kilometers southeast of Manila, serving international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The most widely spoken language and ethnic group in Manila, comprising a significant portion of the population.
Another prominent ethnic group, primarily from the Visayas region, with a notable presence in the metropolitan area.
An ethnic group originating from the Ilocos Region, with a good number of residents in Manila.
Refers to a group of various ethnicities and dialects predominantly originating from the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
An ethnic group with mixed Chinese and Filipino heritage, significantly influencing Manila's commerce and culture.
Former colonial rulers, this group includes expatriates and residents of US origin who contribute to Manila's diversity.
Various indigenous groups from different regions of the Philippines living in Manila, though they are less populous.
The Soul of Manila
Discover the essence of Manila through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport in Manila and the Philippines as a whole, with numerous leagues and street games played year-round.
Boxing has a rich history in the Philippines, and Manila is home to many boxing gyms, training facilities, and major boxing events.
Football is growing in popularity with the establishment of leagues and schools promoting the sport, and Manila hosts various tournaments.
Volleyball is increasingly popular, particularly among women, with collegiate leagues and community clubs actively participating.
Badminton is widely played in Manila, with many indoor courts and clubs available for both recreational and competitive play.
MMA has gained considerable traction, with various gyms and events focusing on martial arts training and competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manila.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Filipino cuisine heavily features meats and seafood, some restaurants and cafes in Manila cater to vegetarians and vegans. Visit Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe for a variety of plant-based dishes and meat alternatives.
Though gluten-free options may be limited in traditional Filipino dishes, many international restaurants and health-conscious cafes in Manila provide gluten-free alternatives. Consider dining at Nono's for their gluten-sensitive menu offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Manila with these cultural adventures.
