Manila Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Travel Tips
Updated: Oct 20
Manila might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to the Philippines. Most travellers are dreaming of beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and turquoise lagoons!
However, there's a good chance you'll spend at least a day or two in Manila, as it's the country's main international gateway and a major hub for domestic flights. And while Manila can be busy, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming, there are definitely some interesting places worth visiting!
In this guide, I'm sharing the best things to do in Manila, where to stay, how to get around, and my personal travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Manila vs Metro Manila: What's the Difference?
Best Things to Do in Manila
Where to Stay in Manila
How to Get Around Manila
How to Get from Manila Airport to Your Hotel
Is Manila Safe for Tourists?
Best Time to Visit Manila
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Manila
Manila vs Metro Manila: What's the Difference?
First, something important to understand before booking your accommodation! Metro Manila, officially the National Capital Region, is made up of 16 cities and one municipality. The City of Manila is just one part of this much larger metropolitan area.
Other popular areas include Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, Pasay, and Ortigas Center.
Why does this matter? Because Manila is huge, and traffic can be terrible! Choosing the right area to stay in can make a big difference to your experience.
Best Things to Do in Manila
Explore Intramuros — Manila's Historic Walled City
If there's one place I'd recommend visiting in Manila, it's Intramuros! This historic district dates back to the Spanish colonial period and offers a completely different atmosphere from the modern skyscrapers and shopping centres found elsewhere in Metro Manila. Here you'll find beautiful colonial architecture, old churches, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks.
Some of the main attractions include:
Fort Santiago: A historic fortress and one of the most important landmarks in Intramuros.
San Agustin Church: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed church and one of the oldest surviving stone churches in the Philippines.
Manila Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral in the heart of Intramuros.
Casa Manila: A museum showing what an upper-class colonial-era home would have looked like.
I explored Intramuros by pedicab, which was a fun way to discover the area and learn more about its history.
I've written a separate guide covering the main attractions and my personal experience: Intramuros, Manila: Best Things to See & Do
Walk Along Manila Bay
Another popular place to visit is Manila Bay, especially around sunset. The bay is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and you'll find waterfront promenades where you can enjoy the views. It's a nice place to take a walk and escape the busy streets for a little while. I'd recommend visiting in the late afternoon when the temperatures are more comfortable.
Visit SM Mall of Asia
Shopping centres are a huge part of life in Metro Manila, and SM Mall of Asia is one of the most famous! Located in Pasay, near Manila Bay, this enormous shopping complex offers pretty much everything you could need, from international shops and restaurants to entertainment and leisure activities. Even if you're not particularly interested in shopping, it's worth visiting to see just how impressive some of Manila's malls are. It's also a convenient place to spend time if you have a few hours before a flight.
Discover Binondo — Manila's Chinatown
If you enjoy exploring local neighbourhoods and trying different foods, consider visiting Binondo. Established during the Spanish colonial period, it's widely recognised as the world's oldest Chinatown. Today, it's a lively neighbourhood filled with shops, markets, temples, and restaurants serving Chinese-Filipino dishes. It's particularly popular for food walks, with visitors exploring the streets and stopping at different restaurants and bakeries. I think it's a great addition to your itinerary if you want to experience a different side of Manila.
Explore Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
For a completely different experience, visit Bonifacio Global City, often simply called BGC. Located in Taguig, this modern district is known for its skyscrapers, clean streets, shopping centres, restaurants, and public art. It's one of the most developed and pedestrian-friendly areas in Metro Manila. You'll find plenty of cafés, parks, and places to eat, making it a nice area to explore without a strict sightseeing itinerary.
Visit Rizal Park and the National Museum
If you're interested in Filipino history and culture, I'd recommend combining Rizal Park with a visit to the National Museum Complex. Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is one of Manila's most important public spaces and is home to the monument dedicated to national hero José Rizal.
Nearby, you'll find several national museums, including the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History. It's a great way to learn more about the Philippines beyond its famous tourist destinations.
Where to Stay in Manila: Best Areas for Tourists
Choosing the right area to stay in Manila is important, especially because of the city's heavy traffic. For first-time visitors, I'd personally recommend Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Both offer plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping options.
Here's a quick comparison of the best areas to stay in Metro Manila:
Area | Best for | What to expect |
First-time visitors | Modern, convenient, with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and shopping centres | |
Families and comfortable stays | Clean, walkable, modern, but generally more expensive | |
Airport stopovers | Convenient for the airport and Mall of Asia | |
History and sightseeing | Close to Intramuros, Rizal Park, and museums; busier surroundings | |
Business trips and longer stays | Modern business district with hotels and shopping centres |
My Recommendation: Makati
I stayed in Makati and would recommend it, particularly around Greenbelt, Legazpi Village, or Ayala Center. It's a convenient base with plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodation options.
If you prefer a more modern and walkable neighbourhood, BGC is a great alternative.
For a short overnight stopover, I'd choose accommodation near the airport instead of spending unnecessary time in traffic.
How to Get Around Manila
Getting around Manila can be a challenge, mainly because of the traffic. Luckily, there are several transport options, depending on where you're going and how much you're comfortable spending.
Grab - My Favourite Way to Get Around
Grab is one of the easiest ways to get around Metro Manila. It's a ride-hailing application similar to Uber, allowing you to book a car directly from your phone. I personally used Grab for around three months while travelling around the Philippines and Southeast Asia, and I never had any issues. What I particularly liked was being able to see the fare before booking and having the journey arranged through the app. It's convenient, especially when travelling between neighbourhoods or carrying luggage. You can also use Grab for food delivery and other services, depending on availability. Download it before your trip: Grab Philippines.
My tip: Allow plenty of time for your journey. Even with Grab, you can spend a long time sitting in Manila traffic!
Jeepneys - A Traditional Filipino Experience
You can't visit the Philippines without noticing the colourful jeepneys! These are one of the country's most iconic forms of public transport, originally developed from military jeeps after World War II. They're brightly decorated, affordable, and used by locals for everyday journeys. I definitely recommend trying a jeepney at least once if you want to experience a more traditional way of travelling around Manila. However, I'd suggest doing it outside rush hour, when the streets and vehicles are less crowded. Jeepney routes can be confusing for first-time visitors, so ask a local which one to take and where to get off. Also, remember that jeepneys generally follow fixed routes rather than taking you directly to your chosen destination.
MRT and LRT — Avoiding Traffic
Metro Manila also has several urban rail lines, including the MRT and LRT. These can be very useful for avoiding road traffic, particularly when travelling between areas connected by the network. However, trains can become extremely crowded during rush hour, and stations aren't always close to the places you want to visit. I'd recommend using a combination of rail transport and Grab, depending on your itinerary.
How to Get from Manila Airport to Your Hotel
Manila's main international airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), located within Metro Manila. The easiest way to reach your accommodation is usually by arranging a Grab ride, an authorised airport taxi, or a hotel transfer.
If you're arriving after a long international flight, I would personally choose Grab or a prearranged transfer rather than trying to figure out several public transport connections.
Make sure to check your arrival terminal, as airport pickup arrangements vary by terminal.
Also, allow plenty of time when returning to the airport. Manila traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours.
Is Manila Safe for Tourists?
Manila is a large metropolitan area, and safety can vary considerably between neighbourhoods. Popular commercial districts such as Makati and BGC are generally comfortable bases for visitors, particularly around established hotels, shopping centres, and restaurants. However, like in any large city, it's important to take normal precautions.
I recommend keeping valuables secure, being careful with your belongings in crowded areas, using reputable transport services, and avoiding unfamiliar streets late at night.
For first-time visitors, choosing accommodation in a well-connected neighbourhood can make the experience much easier.
My personal go-to travel insurance is SafetyWing. I’ve found their pricing to be some of the most competitive, especially for frequent travelers or digital nomads. They now offer 2 different plans, so you can choose what fits your style of travel.
Nomad Insurance Essential is a flexible month-to-month subscription with no lock in contracts, which makes it super convenient for short trips or long term slow travel. Nomad Insurance Complete is a 1-year plan that covers you for a full year of adventures, even if you travel nonstop. It is great if you want all around protection with more complete coverage.
Best Time to Visit Manila
The best time to visit Manila is generally during the drier months, from December to April, when the weather is usually more suitable for sightseeing. However, Manila is hot and humid throughout much of the year. The wetter season, particularly from June to October, can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and occasional tropical cyclones. If you're visiting during these months, allow some flexibility in your plans and keep an eye on local weather forecasts.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Manila
A few practical tips to make your visit easier:
Plan around traffic. Don't underestimate how long it can take to travel between neighbourhoods.
Choose your accommodation carefully. For most first-time visitors, I recommend Makati or BGC.
Download Grab. It's one of the most convenient ways to arrange transport.
Carry some cash. Philippine pesos are useful for jeepneys, markets, and smaller businesses.
Be prepared for hot weather. Bring water and wear comfortable clothing when sightseeing.
Don't plan too many attractions in one day. Manila is spread out, so grouping nearby attractions together makes much more sense.
FAQ: Visiting Manila, Philippines
Is Manila worth visiting?
Yes! Although Manila isn't as famous as the Philippines' tropical islands, it has interesting historical attractions, lively neighbourhoods, excellent shopping, and plenty of food options. I think it's worth spending at least a day or two here if you're travelling through the city.
What is the best area to stay in Manila for tourists?
I recommend Makati for most first-time visitors because of its hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and convenient location. Bonifacio Global City is another excellent option if you prefer a modern, walkable neighbourhood.
Is Makati or BGC better for tourists?
Both are good choices. Makati offers a wider mix of restaurants, shopping, accommodation, and city life, while BGC feels more modern and pedestrian-friendly. Personally, I'd choose Makati for a first visit.
How many days do you need in Manila?
Two days is enough to see several of Manila's main attractions and explore a couple of neighbourhoods. If you're only stopping between flights, one full day can still be worthwhile.
What is the best way to get around Manila?
Grab is one of the most convenient options for visitors. MRT and LRT trains can help avoid traffic on certain routes, while jeepneys are an affordable traditional form of local transport.
Is Manila safe for first-time visitors?
Many tourists visit Manila without problems, particularly when staying in established areas such as Makati or BGC. As in any large city, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables, and use reliable transport.
Can you visit Manila without renting a car?
Absolutely! In fact, I wouldn't recommend renting a car just to explore Manila. Grab, taxis, trains, and other public transport options make it possible to get around without driving yourself.
What is the difference between Manila and Metro Manila?
The City of Manila is one of the cities within Metro Manila, the wider capital region. Metro Manila also includes places such as Makati, Taguig, Pasay, and Quezon City.
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