Where to stay

Shopping reigns supreme throughout Manila, perhaps nowhere more than the Makati neighborhood. Browse the stands of the Salcedo Market for local handicrafts and Filipino delicacies. Head to the capital's most upscale malls, including Glorietta and Greenbelt, for the hottest international brands. Accommodations in Bonifacio Global City Fort are close to retail and dining outlets along Bonifacio High Street, as well as the open-air Alabang Town Center. Shop all day at the SM Mall of Asia before returning to your hotel in Manila Bay, also home to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and amusement parks for a change of pace.

From spring rolls to adobo lamb, Filipino food is universally appealing - not too spicy, pleasingly sour and vinegary and heavy on meat, particularly pork. Foodies like to stay in Makati, for the biggest variety of dining options, as well as Malate and Chinatown. In fact, Manila's Chinatown, or Binondo, is the oldest in the world. It's famous for its dumpling houses, iconic Binondo church and intricate Chinese architecture. Consider accommodations in the student-friendly neighborhood of UP Village. Set your sights on the university area's Maginhawa Street, with its mouthwatering food truck offerings and the chance to try a sushirrito (sushi plus burrito). In Pasig City, food enthusiasts retire to their hotels after dining at hip eateries or tasting their way through lively weekend markets.

Fun-loving visitors stay in Quezons City's South Triangle for its nightlife, live music and comedy clubs. Spend an evening at one of the cozy coffeehouses, then take a refreshing walk the next morning in serene Quezon Memorial Circle. Karaoke reigns supreme as an entertainment choice in Manila; look for it in any number of bars and restaurants. Alternatively, consider staying in Malate for its gay-friendly bars and the Remedios nightlife area, or Makati for its on-trend nightclubs. For a quieter nightlife, book a hotel near the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila Bay to attend ballet, concert and theater performances. Accommodations in Bonifacio Global City Fort are not only great for shopping and dining, but for the Fort Strip and entertainment complex at the western end of Bonifacio High Street.

At first glance, it might seem that Manila revolves around its shopping experiences. Yet, there's a whole world of culture awaiting discovery, from the city's intriguing museums to its world-class art galleries. To start your cultural tour of Manila, stay in Makati. Spend a morning at the Ayala Museum, a primer on Filipino culture and history, then visit the Guadalupe Ruins, a collection of 400-year-old churches. Don't miss the Leon Gallery for its respected antiques collection, old masters paintings and contemporary artwork. For a walk through history, consider staying near the walled city of Intramuros. An expert guide can accompany you through the streets, educating you on Manila's storied past. If the local zoo and botanical gardens are of interest, book a hotel in Malate.