Manila

Travel Guide
Quiapo Church showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
The capital of the Philippines is a fast-paced and hectic city filled with cultural and historic gems, from old ruins to national museums and lively promenades.

Manila is continually expanding outwards and upwards. Scores of skyscrapers and business centers are rising up across the city and Filipinos from rural areas pour into the capital everyday looking for opportunities. This is one of the largest cities on the planet.

Manila can be overwhelming at first glance. The sprawling metropolis is a collection of 16 towns with no discernible center. The streets are busy, crowded and loud, but it’s this energy and chaos that gives the city its charm.

To really get to know Manila you need to understand its past. The city has been bombed, devastated by fires and earthquakes and occupied by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans.

Start your trip in Intramuros, the oldest part of Manila. It’s surrounded by fortifications and moats that were built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Most of the fortifications were destroyed by bombs during World War II. What was left has been rebuilt and restored. Walk around and on the walls and visit some of its key defensive structures such as the Baluarte de San Diego and the Baluarte de San Andres.

Go to the defensive centerpiece the Fort of Santiago, a large citadel and park, then visit Manila Cathedral. The present structure dates from the mid-20th century. Close to Intramuros is Rizal Park, a green expanse with ornamental gardens, lawns and monuments.

Pay a visit to the National Museum of the Filipino People to learn about the history and culture of the Philippines, and visit Casa Manila Museum, a reproduction of a Spanish colonial house.

Manila captivates with some of its modern charms. Take a ferry along the Pasig River and enjoy the nightlife of the Baywalk, a seaside promenade.

Like many Asian cities traffic is a huge problem. Fortunately, taxis are plentiful, cheap and air-conditioned. A good way to get around is on the light rail and metro. The main forms of public transport are the jeepneys, small brightly colored buses. If you travel by road it may take you longer to get to your destination than you planned. Allow plenty of time and do as the Filipinos do, just go with the flow.

Where to stay in Manila

Bonifacio Globe City Fort which includes outdoor art

Bonifacio Global City

4.5/5(83 area reviews)

Financial district BGC boasts residential condos, corporate offices, and retail spaces, with attractions like Bonifacio High Street and Uptown Mall. Enjoy Track 30th's urban park and easily navigate pedestrian-friendly roads.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Malate

3.5/5(52 area reviews)

Serving as Manila's commerce and tourism hub, Malate offers promenades and parks by Manila Bay, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. Accessible via main roads and LRT-1, the district features small hotels, specialty restaurants, and cafes.

Malate
Makati

Makati Central Business District

Vibrant commercial district, Makati CBD boasts premier shopping at Ayala Center and cultural experiences at Filipinas Heritage Library. Enjoy Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Community Market, and easy access to public transportation.

Makati Central Business District
Ortigas Center showing a city and a garden

Ortigas Center

4/5(266 area reviews)

Central business district boasting shopping malls like SM Megamall and Shangri-la Plaza, office skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife. Explore attractions such as EDSA Shrine and St. Francis Square.

Ortigas Center
Alabang which includes a garden

Alabang

4.5/5(182 area reviews)

Travelers come to Alabang for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Festival Supermall and Alabang Town Center while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita showing a hotel

Ermita

4/5(868 area reviews)

Civic center of Manila, Ermita boasts cultural landmarks like Rizal Park and National Museum of Fine Arts. Accessible via LRT-1 stations and Pasig River Ferry, it's perfect for exploring museums and attractions.

Ermita
Dusit Thani Manila
Dusit Thani Manila
5 out of 5
Arnaiz Ave, Ayala Center, Makati, Manila
The price is $110 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$110
$135 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,469 reviews)
"Good property to stay."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Dusit Thani Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay
The price is $73 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
$73
$82 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice place near the airport"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Savoy Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is $79 per night from Mar 20 to Mar 21
$79
$90 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location near Terminal 3"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Belmont Hotel Manila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ascott Makati
Ascott Makati
5 out of 5
Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (922 reviews)
"Staff are helpful, courteous & polite. Close to shopping, dining. Special mention to our buffet servers, Jake & Kenneth. Will definitely stay here again & will recommend to friends & family."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Ascott Makati
Citadines Salcedo Makati
Citadines Salcedo Makati
4 out of 5
148 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free parking, WiFi, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
"Close to every thing."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Citadines Salcedo Makati
LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
3 out of 5
Caruso Twr The Venice Luxury Residences, Condo, 8 Venetia Drive, Mckinley Hill, Taguig, Manila
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Taguig. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (424 reviews)
"We Loved it!"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Manila

There are numerous options when it comes to getting around Manila on public transit. An urban rail system criss-crosses the city, with most of the tourist attractions sitting on or near the Yellow Line. A uniquely local way of getting around is on a jeepney, a modified jeep with destinations written on the windshield. You can also jump on a motorized tricycle, good for quick city-center journeys. Visit the Department of Transportation website.Browse Manila rental cars.

Best time to visit

Manila, like the rest of the Philippines, is subject to wet and dry seasons, which might influence when you want to visit the city. The rainy season is between June and October, and while there can be torrential thunderstorms they rarely last for long, so it’s possible (and quieter and cheaper) to visit at this time. The best time to visit, though, is during the dry season between December and April.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Manila

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
170
" "5 - Excellent 26.771653543307085%
4 - Good
284
" "4 - Good 44.724409448818896%
3 - Okay
152
" "3 - Okay 23.937007874015748%
2 - Disappointing
20
" "2 - Disappointing 3.1496062992125986%
1 - Terrible
9
" "1 - Terrible 1.4173228346456692%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 15, 2020

Keep up the breakfast deals and the evening roof top restaurant. Your day time restaurant staff are outstanding. I wonder if the young lady and man who work there did fall in love. I am the one who took the photo of 4 of your staff with my son.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

It can be crowded but the people are friendly. I cannot say that the government handle the COVID 19 situation. They are still letting people leave Manila if you have a private vehicle and they’re making the spread of the virus worse with checkpoints

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

Negotiate your van ride van from the airport, or any vehicles without meter. The van from the airport charged me $3000 pesos from the airport to city garden hotel. Which should’ve only charge me 230 pesos.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

Manila is a great place to vacation in if traffic and heat are not out of control.

5/5 - Excellent

traveller
Mar 17, 2020

Manila had improved a lot since the kast time I have been there

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 9, 2020

Lots of traffic, bustling city full of exotic life

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Manila

Cities near Manila