Manila

Manila is a testament to resilience and growth. The walls of Intramuros whisper tales of yore, while modern hubs like the SM Mall of Asia herald a future. Amidst the rush, pause to cool down with a bowl of halo-halo, a blend of sweet delights.

Chapters

Manila Guide
Where to Stay
Best Season
Local Tips

Local Tips

Highlights:

• Intramuros
• Rizal Park
• Binondo (Chinatown)
• National Museum
• Sunset on Manila Bay

Lowlights:

• Heavy traffic
• Pollution
• Safety concerns


Currency: –
Festivities: –

Manila Guide

Guide for 1 Day

Morning

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Banana Leaf, a popular local restaurant that serves authentic Filipino dishes.
  • Take a short walk to Intramuros, the historic walled city that dates back to the Spanish colonial period.
  • Explore the ancient architecture and heritage sites like the San Agustin Church and Museum which is the oldest stone church in the country.

Midday

  • Enjoy a tasty Filipino lunch at Aristocrat Restaurant, a local favorite that has been serving traditional cuisine for over 80 years.
  • Take a short taxi ride to Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, which is a large urban park in the heart of Manila.

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Natural History, which showcases the rich biodiversity of the Philippines through its exhibits and displays.
  • Take a short walk to the Manila Cathedral, a stunning Roman Catholic basilica that has been around since the 16th century.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at La Cabrera, a trendy Argentine steakhouse that serves mouth-watering meat dishes.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Manila at Poblacion, a hip neighborhood that has a variety of bars, live music venues, and street food stalls.
  • End the day with a relaxing stroll along the Baywalk, a scenic promenade that offers stunning views of the Manila Bay sunset.

Guide for 2 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious Filipino breakfast at Tapsilog Avenue, known for their mouthwatering tapsilog.
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown and the oldest Chinatown in the world.
  • Explore the historic Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel and the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government.

Midday

  • Indulge in a hearty lunch of traditional Filipino dishes at Lutong Bahay, a popular local eatery.
  • Visit the España Boulevard and take a leisurely stroll to admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden gem of Paco Park, a tranquil park and former cemetery with a picturesque chapel.
  • Explore the unique exhibits at the National Museum of Anthropology and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Manam Comfort Filipino, a restaurant that serves modern Filipino cuisine with a twist.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Poblacion, Manila’s hippest neighborhood, with its wide array of bars and clubs.
  • Have a fun night out at XX XX, a trendy bar known for its great music and cool ambiance.

Day 2

Morning

  • Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at Artsy Cafe, a cozy café known for its artistic vibe and delicious food.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the San Agustin Church and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.
  • Explore the colorful streets of Malate, a vibrant district known for its art galleries, cafes, and street art.

Midday

  • Indulge in a delicious lunch at Mang Tootz Food House, a popular local eatery famous for their mouthwatering isaw (grilled chicken intestines).
  • Visit the Manila Ocean Park and get up close and personal with a variety of marine animals and enjoy exciting shows and exhibits.

Afternoon

  • Discover the hidden oasis of La Mesa Eco Park, a lush green park with various activities such as boating, fishing, and nature trails.
  • Explore the vibrant shopping district of Divisoria, known for its bargain shopping and wide array of products.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Casa Roces, a heritage house turned restaurant that offers traditional Filipino cuisine in an elegant setting.
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of Eastwood City, a bustling commercial and residential area with a wide range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
  • End your evening with a relaxing drink at The Brewery at the Palace, a popular bar known for its craft beers and laid-back atmosphere.

Guide for 3 Days

Day 1

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

  • Marvel at the grandeur of the National Museum of Fine Arts, home to the works of renowned Filipino artists.
  • Take a relaxing walk at Rizal Park, a 58-hectare park named after the country’s national hero.

Evening

  • Experience a unique dining experience at Spiral Buffet, featuring a wide array of international cuisines.
  • Sip on some cocktails while enjoying the stunning view of Manila Bay at the Bayleaf Hotel Rooftop Bar.
  • Cap off the night with some live music at 70’s Bistro.

Day 2

Morning

Midday

  • Satisfy your cravings with some authentic Filipino street food at Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
  • Experience the hustle and bustle of the city with a ride on the Jeepney, a popular mode of transportation in the Philippines.

Afternoon

  • Get up close and personal with marine life at the Manila Ocean Park.
  • Take a walk through history at the Museo ng Maynila, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage and evolution.

Evening

Day 3

Morning

  • Treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast buffet at The Peninsula Manila.
  • Learn about the country’s struggle for independence at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, a national cemetery for Filipino heroes.
  • Take a stroll through the colorful La Mesa Eco Park, a nature reserve with a butterfly garden and a fishing lagoon.

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

Guide for 5 Days

Day 1

Morning

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tapsilog Bistro, a popular Filipino eatery known for its delicious silog meals.
  • Visit the iconic Manila Cathedral, a stunning landmark that dates back to the 16th century.
  • Head to Rizal Park, a beautiful urban park that features gardens, fountains, and monuments.

Midday

  • Grab a quick bite to eat at Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, and try some authentic Chinese cuisine.
  • Explore the historic Fort Santiago, a citadel that played a significant role in Philippine history.

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a vast collection of Filipino art and historical artifacts.
  • Stroll through the vibrant Escolta Street, a bustling commercial district filled with shops and restaurants.

Evening

  • Savor a sumptuous dinner at Cafe Adriatico, a popular restaurant that offers an impressive selection of Filipino and Spanish dishes.
  • Enjoy a nightcap at The Curator Coffee and Cocktails, a trendy speakeasy bar that serves delicious handcrafted cocktails.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife at Poblacion, a hip neighborhood with numerous bars and clubs.

Day 2

Morning

  • Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina, a restaurant that serves Filipino-Mexican fusion cuisine.
  • Explore the Intramuros, a walled city that features numerous historical landmarks and attractions.
  • Visit the Bahay Tsinoy Museum, an interactive museum that showcases the Chinese-Filipino heritage.

Midday

  • Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Casa Manila Patio, a restaurant that offers traditional Filipino cuisine in a charming colonial-style setting.
  • Discover the picturesque Paco Park, a former cemetery turned into a beautiful park that features a chapel and a garden.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Blackbird, a stylish restaurant that offers international cuisine with a Filipino twist.
  • Sip some signature cocktails at Bank Bar, a cozy speakeasy bar that offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
  • Experience the local nightlife at BGC, a dynamic district with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wildflour Cafe + Bakery, a popular cafe that serves a wide variety of baked goods and brunch dishes.
  • Visit the Manila Ocean Park, an oceanarium that features a wide variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
  • Explore the Roxas Boulevard, a scenic coastal road that offers stunning views of Manila Bay.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Discover the Manila Zoo, a zoo that features a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
  • Explore the San Agustin Church and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century.

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Abuela’s, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist.
  • Enjoy some drinks and live music at 70s Bistro, a legendary music venue that has hosted some of the country’s top musicians.
  • Experience the local nightlife at Malate, a lively district with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Day 4

Morning

  • Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Mamou, a restaurant that serves mouth-watering American-style breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the Manila Baywalk, a scenic promenade that offers stunning views of Manila Bay and the city skyline.
  • Explore the Quiapo Church, a historic church that is famous for its Black Nazarene statue.

Midday

  • Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Ilustrado Restaurant, a restaurant that offers Filipino-Spanish cuisine in a cozy ambiance.
  • Visit the San Sebastian Church, a stunning church that is made entirely of steel.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks, a restaurant that offers innovative Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Enjoy some drinks and live music at Craft Rock & Grill, a bar that features a wide selection of local and international beers.
  • Experience the local nightlife at Ortigas Center, a bustling district with a vibrant nightlife scene.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Mary Grace, a restaurant that serves a wide variety of breakfast dishes and baked goods.
  • Visit the Manila Bay Yacht Club, a marina that offers a wide range of water sports and activities.
  • Explore the Manila City Hall, a beautiful building that serves as the headquarters of the Manila City government.

Midday

  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Casa Armas, a restaurant that offers Spanish cuisine in a cozy ambiance.
  • Visit the Manila City Museum, a museum that showcases the city’s history and culture.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Savor a delicious dinner at Bistro Remedios, a restaurant that offers traditional Filipino cuisine in a cozy ambiance.
  • Enjoy some drinks and live music at Route 196, a popular music venue that features a wide range of local and international acts.
  • Experience the local nightlife at Eastwood City, a bustling district with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Guide for 1 Week

Day 1

Morning

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Barrio Fiesta, featuring local dishes such as adobo and sinigang.
  • Visit the historic Intramuros and explore the ancient city walls.
  • Check out the colonial architecture of Casa Manila.

Midday

  • Savor a delicious lunch at Bistro Remedios, known for its traditional Filipino cuisine.
  • Take a stroll through the vibrant Chinatown.

Afternoon

Evening

  • Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Ilustrado, which offers a fusion of Spanish and Filipino cuisine.
  • Head to Intramuros and enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar of the Bayleaf Hotel.
  • Experience the nightlife scene at P. Burgos Street, known for its bars and clubs.

Day 2

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

  • Explore the street art scene at the BGC Arts Center.
  • Visit the Ayala Museum, which features the art, culture, and history of the Philippines.

Evening

  • Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Café Juanita, known for its Filipino comfort food.
  • Head to the Black Market, a popular nightclub in Makati.
  • Savor some local delicacies at Legazpi Sunday Market, known for its food, crafts, and entertainment.

Day 3

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Mary Grace, known for its freshly baked bread and cakes.
  • Visit the Manila Cathedral, a historic church in Intramuros.
  • Explore the Fort Santiago, a citadel built during the Spanish colonial period.

Midday

  • Savor a delicious lunch at Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
  • Visit Lucky Chinatown Mall, a popular shopping destination for locals.

Afternoon

  • Explore the art scene at the Pinto Art Museum, which features contemporary Filipino art.
  • Visit the Upside Down Museum, an interactive museum that will turn your perspective upside down.

Evening

Day 4

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Blackbird, a fine-dining restaurant located in an art deco building.
  • Head to the Chaos Nightclub, a popular nightclub in Pasay.
  • Try some local street food at Maginhawa Street, known for its food stalls and restaurants.

Day 5

Morning

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ooma, which features Japanese-inspired dishes.
  • Visit the Art in Island Museum, an interactive art museum featuring 3D paintings.
  • Explore the Greenbelt Mall, a popular shopping destination.

Midday

Afternoon

  • Explore the Manila Baywalk, a scenic promenade with views of the sunset.
  • Visit the CCP Complex, a cultural hub with theaters and galleries.

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Café Ilang-Ilang, which features international cuisine.
  • Head to the Resorts World Manila, a casino and entertainment complex.
  • Try some local desserts at Banapple, a popular café chain known for its cakes and pies.

Day 6

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Locavore, which features Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Head to the Poblacion, a hip neighborhood in Makati known for its bars and restaurants.
  • Try some local craft cocktails at The Curator Coffee and Cocktails, a popular speakeasy.

Day 7

Morning

Midday

Afternoon

Evening

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Gallery by Chele, which features modern European cuisine with a Filipino twist.
  • Head to the F1 Hotel Rooftop Bar, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Try some local craft beers at Tap Station, a popular beer bar in Bonifacio Global City.

Where to Stay

Coming soon for Manila!
Luxury: –
Good: –
Budget: –
Hostel: –

Best Season

Coming soon for Manila!