Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide
A focused dose of Manila's history awaits. Explore Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum, and walking a section of the historic walls. Lunch on local Filipino cuisine in Intramuros or in nearby Binondo Chinatown.
Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Fine Arts or Natural The past for art or natural history immersion. In the evening, witness the sunset at Manila Baywalk, then enjoy dinner at a mid-range restaurant in Ermita or Malate.
Plan a short escape or a comprehensive exploration of Manila and its surroundings.
Day 1 explores Intramuros (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church & Museum, Casa Manila), Rizal Park, and the National Museum Complex. The evening features a Binondo Chinatown food tour. Day 2 focuses on modern districts like Makati or Bonifacio Global City for making purchases and public art.
Days 1-3 mirror the weekend itinerary. Day FOUR explores Binondo Chinatown in depth and Escolta Street, followed by a Pasig River Ferry ride. Day 5 dedicates to Pasay City, with SM Mall of Asia, Manila Ocean Park, and entertainment at Resorts World or City of Dreams.
Day 6 offers a day trip to Corregidor Island for WWII history or Pagsanjan Falls for 'shooting the rapids.' Day 7 is for departure or relaxed souvenir shopping before your flight.
Combine the one-week itinerary with dives into specific interests, like more museums or specific foodie neighborhoods. Add 2-3 multi-day trips to other regions like Palawan for beaches, Boracay for its famous white sand, or Northern Luzon for mountains and rice terraces. This creates a comprehensive Philippine experience.
Consider serviced apartments or Airbnb rentals in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, or Ortigas for comfort, amenities, and security. These areas offer good access to daily necessities and a range of facilities. Take time to explore local markets, integrate into local life, and discover hidden gems at a leisurely pace.
Serviced apartments or Airbnb rentals.
Makati, BGC, or Ortigas for comfort and access.
Explore markets and discover hidden gems at leisure.
Tailor your Manila journey to your specific passions, whether history, food, or adventure.
Concentrate on Intramuros (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church AND A museum, Casa Manila, Manila Cathedral), Rizal Park, the National Museum Complex, Binondo Chinatown, Escolta Street, and Paco Park. Include a day trip to Corregidor Island for a understanding of Philippine history.
Embark on a Binondo Chinatown food crawl. Experience the Dampa seafood market, where you choose fresh seafood to be cooked. Take a Filipino cooking class. Explore local carinderias and street food stalls. Venture into various districts for different cuisines, like Poblacion for trendy eats and Makati/BGC for international fine dining.
Manila itself offers limited adventure opportunities. Focus on day trips for hiking (e.g., Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Batulao) or water sports (Batangas beaches for diving/snorkeling). These excursions provide a refreshing escape from the urban environment.
Visit Manila Ocean Park, Museo Pambata (Children's Museum), and KidZania (BGC). Enjoy theme park rides at Sky Ranch (Tagaytay) and entertainment alternatives at SM Mall of Asia (IMAX, amusement rides). Choose hotels with good pools and family-friendly amenities.
National Museum of Fine Arts, CCP, Escolta Art Deco, Intramuros.
San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Quiapo Church.
Local spas and wellness centers, serene Tagaytay views.
Manage your expenses with itineraries designed for different budget levels.
Stay in hostels (dorm beds) for accommodation. Eat street food and at carinderias for meals. Utilize jeepneys, LRT, and MRT for the cheapest transportation. Visit free attractions like Rizal Park and the National Museum Complex (permanent exhibits). Do a lot of walking to explore neighborhoods.
Stay in 3-star hotels or Airbnb accommodations. Enjoy a mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants. Use Grab or taxis strategically for convenience, balanced with public transport. Include guided tours for a fee and entrance fees to the main sights.
Stay in 5-star hotels or luxury serviced apartments. Dine at fine dining establishments. Arrange private car hire for seamless transportation. Opt for premium tours, exclusive experiences, and spa treatments. Indulge in high-end shopping.
Balance cost-saving measures (e.g., local transport, street food for some meals) with comfort (e.g., a clean mid-range hotel). Prioritize experiences that offer the best value, and research discounts or package deals.
Time your visit with Manila's seasons to experience specific highlights. The Dry Season (December-May, with 'Winter' being Dec-Feb's cooler period) is ideal for all outdoor activities. Experience major festivals like Christmas, Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), and regional festivals.
Embrace indoor activities and explore Manila's malls, museums, and culinary scene. Take advantage of lower prices for flights and accommodations. Book flexible accommodations and flights in case of weather-related disruptions.
