Things To Do
in Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and a dense urban hub that fuses centuries of history with modern urban life. Its streets pulse with markets, colonial churches, high-rise developments, and a vibrant food scene that spills into every neighborhood. The city is hot and humid most of the year, with a distinctive blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences visible in architecture and cuisine.
Amid the bustle, Manila reveals warm hospitality, colorful street life, and a gateway to the archipelago's rich cultural heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, enjoying the warm sun filtering through centuries-old walls. Visit San Agustin Church and Museo de Intramuros to absorb Spanish colonial art and architecture. Sip a cup of kapeng barako at a quaint courtyard café while watching horse-drawn carriages clip-clop by.
Cross over to Rizal Park for a leisurely picnic under towering acacia trees and snapping photos by the grand monument of José Rizal. Explore the lush gardens, ornamental fountains, and open-air amphitheater where local performers occasionally gather. Refresh with fresh buko juice from a street vendor while watching families and couples unwind.
Head to the Baywalk for a golden Manila Bay sunset, feeling the cool breeze off the water. Sample street food favorites like fish balls and kwek-kwek from riverside stalls as the city lights begin to twinkle. End the night with a serene stroll along the waterfront, lanterns reflecting on the gentle waves.
Begin your day in the world’s oldest Chinatown with a warm bowl of congee at a family-run eatery, garnished with century egg and spring onions. Explore hidden shophouses hawking exotic spices, dried seafood, and bright paper lanterns cascading overhead. Chat with local vendors who share centuries-old recipes passed down through generations.
Sample steaming pork dumplings and crunchy spring rolls at a bustling dim sum house, then sip on herbal tea in a cozy teahouse. Wander down narrow alleys to discover artisan bakers pulling pandan buns from wood-fired ovens. Let the aroma of freshly roasted peanuts guide you to the next delightful treat.
Indulge in a festive night feast with sweet and sour chicken, salt-and-pepper tofu, and herbal soups at a large family table. Toast to new flavors with fruity rice wine as the lanterns cast a warm glow on the street. Cap off the crawl with a stroll through its kaleidoscopic streets alive with neon signs and chatter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🏨One-night hotel stay (mid-range) | $40-120 |
| 🚆One-way local transit (MRT/LRT/Jeepney) | $0.25-1 |
| 🍹Cocktail or beer at a bar | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant street life and approachable people
- Rich history and diverse culinary scenes
- Compact historic districts easy to explore on foot
- Low-cost experiences and broad accommodation options
- Heavy traffic and air pollution in peak hours
- Humidity and heat can be intense, especially midday
- Variability in safety and infrastructure in crowded markets
- Some districts can feel chaotic for first-time visitors
- "Magandang araw po" - Good day to you
- "Salamat po" - Thank you
- "Po" - Polite particle used with elders or strangers
- "Magkano po?" - How much is this?
- "Saan po ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Paalam po" - Goodbye
- "Hindi po ako nakakaintindi" - I do not understand
- "Mabuti naman" - I am well
- "Tao po ba ito?" - Is this person here?
- "Salamat ulit" - Thanks again
Places to Visit in Manila
Visit one of these nice places.
A spacious green heart of Manila with wide avenues, sculptures, and morning light that softens the city edges.
Historic stone walls, cobblestone streets, and ancient gates that frame dramatic light for atmospheric shots.
Colorful streets, lanterns, and market chaos offering vibrant street photography opportunities day and night.
Roxas Boulevard provides iconic silhouettes of palm trees and seawaves with golden-hour skies.
Clean lines and classical architecture set against manicured lawns and modern exhibits.
Food in Manila
Manila Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy, savory meat stew marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. Found in almost every restaurant and carinderia across Manila.
Must-Try!
A sour tamarind soup with pork, shrimp, or fish and an assortment of vegetables; widely served in homes and casual eateries.
Crispy fried pork belly with a crackly skin, often enjoyed with a dipping sauce or served as part of a larger lechon spread in Filipino restaurants.
A refreshing shaved ice dessert laden with sweet beans, jellies, leche flan, purple yam, and milk, perfect for a hot Manila day.
Seafood-topped noodles in a savory sauce, a staple in Manila and Binondo eateries where fresh seafood is readily available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A huge, bustling bargain market district with stalls selling clothing, accessories, housewares, and a lively array of street foods such as kwek-kwek and fish balls.
Lanes packed with eateries offering dim sum, fried noodles, lumpia, and other Chinese Filipino fusion dishes; best explored with a foodie guide.
Traditional market with a mix of snacks, fresh produce, and quick bites; ideal for trying street foods and inexpensive tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use po and opo when speaking to elders and strangers as a sign of respect. A gentle nod or light handshake is common in many situations.
When greeting elders, a polite greeting and addressing with po is customary. Avoid overly loud conversations in religious or official settings.
Ask before photographing people, especially in markets. In some religious sites, modest dress and quiet behavior are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Manila
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is not always included; typical tipping ranges from 10% to 15% at sit-down restaurants if the service is good. Tipping street vendors is optional and usually small, while taxi drivers do not expect tips but appreciate small change.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in markets and smaller eateries. Major credit cards are common in hotels, mid-range to upscale restaurants, and malls. Mobile wallets like GCash or GrabPay are increasingly accepted in larger establishments and for ride-hailing services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and evenings; comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. Expect lower humidity, but still warm by midday. Occasional brief showers possible as a transitional pattern.
Very hot and humid; carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons. Air quality can be affected by heat and traffic.
Frequent showers and high humidity; intermittent heavy rainstorms can occur in the afternoons. Pack a compact umbrella and rain jacket; plan indoor alternatives for heavy rain days.
Manila at Night
Hiking in Manila
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Limestone karst landscape with rope trails and scenic viewpoints located in Baras, Rizal; a popular day trip from Manila.
Forested hills near Tanay, Rizal, featuring river canyons and a rewarding summit view, typically accessed via a guided hike.
A green, rolling mountain range in Batangas with longer day hikes and panoramic coastal-angle views.
Airports
How to reach Manila by plane.
Primary international and domestic gateway to Manila with multiple terminals; access to the city by taxi, ride-hailing, or airport express buses.
Located near Angeles City in Pampanga, a two-hour drive from Manila depending on traffic; serves low-cost carriers and some international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large, young, and tech-savvy population concentrated in districts like Makati, Quezon City, and Pasig.
A long-standing and influential presence in Binondo and other districts with strong culinary and business ties.
A mix of professionals, students, and travelers from around the world contributing to a cosmopolitan feel in districts like Makati and BGC.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the Philippines, with games and leagues at community centers, gyms, and professional arenas.
A strong boxing culture with local gyms and events; many athletes train in Manila's facilities.
Widely played in parks, community centers, and clubs across the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manila.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Filipino cuisine often centers on meat, but vegetarian options are widely available. Look for vegetable dishes, tofu, and bean-based stews, and ask for no fish sauce or meat stock where possible. In larger restaurants, request dishes labeled as purely vegetarian or specify no meat, seafood, or poultry.