Travel Guide of Manila in Philippines by Influencers and Travelers
Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the capital of the Philippines and a highly urbanized city. It is the most densely populated city proper in the world as of 2019.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Manila
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Mandaluyong
6 km away
Mandaluyong, officially known as the City of Mandaluyong, is a first class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 425,758 people.
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2 - Makati
7 km away
Makati, officially the City of Makati, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines; it has the highest concentration of multinational and local corporations in the country.
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3 - Shore Excursions in Manila
Immerse yourself in Manila’s past and present as you travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle through the City of Makati and on to Old Manila. Step back in time as you stroll through ancient ruins in historic Intramuros, where you’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. From your expert and friendly local guide, hear about the Philippines’ interesting Spanish colonial period, as well as its modern-day culture.
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4 - University of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, or simply the University of Santo Tomas, is a private, Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines.
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5 - Quiapo
Quiapo is a district of the city of Manila, in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Referred to as the "Old Downtown of Manila", Quiapo is home to the Quiapo Church, where the feast of the Black Nazarene is held with millions of people attending annually.
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6 - Mountain Bike Tours in Manila
Cycle around historic walled city of Manila on a bamboo bike! The 2.5 hour guided bike tour goes through 8 - 10 major historical and cultural sites inside Intramuros. The tour is done in small intimate groups of around 5 - 10 pax. Choose from a wide variety of Bambike designs which include our signature Ligtasin Cove beach cruiser, Victoria city bikes and other Bambike designs as each Bambike is unique.
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7 - Aduana Building
The Aduana Building, also known as the Intendencia, was a Spanish colonial structure in Manila, Philippines that housed several government offices through the years.
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8 - Baluarte de San Diego
The Baluarte de San Diego is a bastion in Intramuros, part of the Spanish colonial fortification in the walled city of Manila in the Philippines.
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9 - Rafting in Manila
Discover majestic Pagsanjan Falls on this day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Manila! With your local guide, enjoy exciting boat rides along rapids surrounded by the lush landscape.
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10 - San Sebastian Church
The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, better known as San Sebastian Church or San Sebastian Basilica, is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church in Manila, Philippines. It is the church of the parish of San Sebastian. Completed in 1891, San Sebastian Church is noted for its architecture.
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11 - De La Salle University
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas also referred to by its acronym DLSU-D or La Salle - Dasma is a private Roman Catholic Lasallian co-educational secondary and higher education institution run by the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippine District of the Christian Brothers in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines.
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12 - Safaris in Manila
tHis one of a kind tour takes you the shores of Anilao Batangas, and from here you will see our diverse marine ecosystem. On this tour we will take you on to our local outrigger boats and explore the different snorkelling spots around the coastline of Anilao. There are plenty of fishes to see and lots of gorgeous corals to observe. Experience the real beauty of life under the sea. *** free pick up/drop off from your hotel in Makati, Taguig, Ermita (Manila), Malate(Manila),, Muntinlupa and Pasay. additional charges will incur outside these areas
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13 - NAIA Terminal 2
10 km away
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, also known as the Centennial Terminal, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, has an area of 75,000 square metres, and is located on NAIA Road.
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14 - SM By the Bay
7 km away
SM Mall of Asia, also abbreviated as SM MoA or simply MoA, is a large shopping mall in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines, near the SM Central Business Park, the Manila Bay, and the southern end of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
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15 - Culinary Tour in Manila
This food experience showcases the best of the filipino cuisine. we start off in the oldest chinatown in the world and we also get to explore the streets of quiapo where you will see the local produce that the area has to offer, we will sample various foods along the way and try about 10 dishes that makes this place a food heaven. there is no specific menu as the items change from time to time depending on the season. *** Please note that there will be a bit of walking involve on this experience SOLO TRAVELERS ARE ALSO WELCOME *** Free pick up/drop off from your hotel in Makati, Taguig, Ermita (Manila), Malate(Manila),, Muntinlupa and Pasay. additional charges will incur outside these areas
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16 - Quezon City
11 km away
Quezon City is a highly urbanized city and the most populous city in the Philippines. It was founded by and named after Manuel L. Quezon, the 2nd President of the Philippines, to replace Manila as the national capital. The city was proclaimed as such in 1948, though a significant number of government buildings remained in Manila.
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17 - Pasig
11 km away
Pasig, officially known as the City of Pasig, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 803,159 people.
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18 - Antipolo
15 km away
Antipolo, officially known as the City of Antipolo, is a 1st class component city and capital of the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 887,399 people. It is the most populous city in the Calabarzon region, and the seventh most-populous city in the Philippines.
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19 - Angono
20 km away
Angono, officially the Municipality of Angono, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 113,283 people.
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20 - Rodriguez
22 km away
Rodriguez, officially the Municipality of Rodriguez, formerly known as Montalban, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines.
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21 - Manila Bay
25 km away
Manila Bay is a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila, in the Philippines. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighboring countries, becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation.
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22 - Tanza
27 km away
Tanza, officially the Municipality of Tanza, formerly known as Santa Cruz de Malabón, is a 1st class highly urbanized municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 312,116 people.
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23 - Mount Balagbag
33 km away
Cuenca, officially the Municipality of Cuenca, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 32,783 people.
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24 - Masungi Georeserve
36 km away
The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area in the Philippines situated in the southern Sierra Madre range in Baras, Rizal near Tanay, Rizal, 47 kilometres east of Manila.
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25 - Nagpatong Rock Formation
37 km away
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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Manila here
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Pictures and Stories of Manila from Influencers
18 pictures of Manila from Luca Bucken, Eldon Vince Isidro, Charles Deluvio and other travelers
- Menor Basilica Iglesia de San Sebastian - Retablos Follow me at Instagram: @francisco_de_obra ...click to read more
- Experienced by @JM Vitanzo Francisco | ©Unsplash
- You can see the colors of the flag ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Raf Manabat | ©Unsplash
- Background, Religion. Buildings. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Deb Dowd | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Manila ?
Travel to Manila if you like:
🌆 Skyline 🏘️ Town 🏖️ Ocean 🗼 Landmark 🌉 Bridge 🏞️ RiverHow to visit Manila ?
Why traveling there?
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic destination filled with rich history, diverse culture, and a vibrant culinary scene. Traveling to Manila allows you to experience a unique blend of Spanish colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and colorful local markets. With its lively street life, friendly locals, and numerous attractions, Manila offers an unforgettable and authentic Filipino experience.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Manila is by flying into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which serves as the main gateway to the Philippines. Numerous airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, offer direct flights from various international destinations. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, Grab (local ride-hailing service), or Airport Express buses to reach your accommodation in the city.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your time in Manila, it's a good idea to book the following in advance:
1. Accommodation: Secure your preferred hotel or hostel before your arrival to avoid last-minute hassles.
2. Tours and excursions: Booking guided tours to popular attractions like Intramuros, Rizal Park, and Corregidor Island can help you save time and ensure you don't miss out on any must-see spots.
3. Cultural shows and events: Reserve tickets for shows, concerts, or festivals to get the best seats and avoid disappointment.
What are the costs?
Manila is an affordable destination for travelers, with budget accommodations starting at around $10 per night, and luxury hotels averaging $100 per night. Eating out is also reasonably priced, with local street food costing as little as $1-2 per meal, while mid-range restaurants charge around $10-15 per person. Public transportation is cheap, with jeepney rides costing around $0.20 and taxis starting at $1. Sightseeing and activities can vary in price, but you can expect to spend around $20-50 per day on average.
Best things to do
1. Explore Intramuros: Discover the historic walled city of Intramuros, filled with Spanish-era buildings, museums, and churches.
2. Visit Rizal Park: Pay tribute to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and enjoy leisurely strolls in this iconic park.
3. Shop at Divisoria Market: Experience the bustling local market scene and grab some bargains.
4. Catch a glimpse of the sunset at Manila Baywalk: Take a leisurely walk along the bay and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.
5. Explore the National Museum Complex: Immerse yourself in Philippine history and art at the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History.
Where to eat?
1. Ilustrado: Located in Intramuros, this restaurant offers delicious Filipino-Spanish fusion cuisine in a charming, historic setting.
2. Ristorante Delle Mitre: Enjoy Filipino and international dishes in this cozy restaurant near San Agustin Church.
3. Manam Comfort Filipino: Savor modern Filipino cuisine with a twist at this popular local chain.
Where to stay?
1. The Bayleaf Intramuros: A boutique hotel within the historic walls of Intramuros, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views of the city.
2. Red Planet Manila Mabini: A budget-friendly option in the vibrant Malate neighborhood, close to shopping and nightlife.
3. Rizal Park Hotel: Experience old-world charm at this beautifully restored historic hotel near Rizal Park.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience in Manila, visit the Chinese Cemetery in Santa Cruz. This unique attraction is filled with elaborate mausoleums, some of which are equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, kitchens, and even swimming pools. The cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into Chinese-Filipino culture and history. You can take a guided tour or simply wander around on your own to explore this hidden gem.
Learn More about Manila
Luzon, the capital of the Philippines offers an amazing mix of hyper-modern districts next to slums.
Manila attracts as well as discourages travelers who come to discover the country spread out in many islands.
More than 7000 islands in the Philippines:
Luzon is the island of Manila, the ethnic groups of the Cordillera, the fabulous rice fields of Banaue, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
If your itinerary favors beaches, choose the Visayas archipelago instead: from the iconic sandy spit of White Beach on Boracay Island to the picture-postcard landscapes (as beautiful underwater as on land) of
Palawan, from the seabed of Negros Island to the beaches of the Panglao Peninsula in Bohol (a must-see, underwater, Balicasag Island, and, between two dives, the perfect design of the 1200 chocolate hills, the enigmatic smile of the adorable Philippine tarsier that your guide will flush out, hidden in its forest under a big green leaf).
To discover the least touristy part of the country (but far from being the least beautiful), go to the south, to Mindanao: meet the ethnic diversity of the island, relax in the hot springs of Camiguin, ride the waves on the spot of Cloud Nine, go down the Cagayan de Oro river. And, the icing on the cake, the dream beach is there too, for example on Talikud Island, flour sand on turquoise water.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Manila
There are 2 types of cabs in Manila, yellow cabs and white cabs.
From the international airport, hop in a yellow cab if you are staying near the center of Manila.
Why? Because yellow cabs are the official cabs. They are therefore the safest. But as is often the case in Asia, you will surely have to insist that the driver starts his meter, always with a smile of course.
As for the fare: count 70 pesos when you take it at the airport + 4 pesos every 300 meters.
To reach the unusual hotel that we'll talk about below, count about 250 pesos for a 20-minute drive. If you go directly to the hotel, you will be asked to pay 800 pesos. The same price is charged to reach downtown Manila.
There are also white cabs, the "more local" cabs. We advise you to use them for short trips like for example for a race between the National airport of Manila and our second hotel which was located at 5 minutes of there or between this same hotel and the Mall of Asia. Less expensive than the yellow cabs, it is necessary to insist and even more to insist that the driver puts his meter on the road again or we agree on a price at the beginning of the race. White cabs are a good compromise when you want to take a cab on the fly.
Here is our list of top things to do in two days in Manila :
Where to Stay in Manila
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More Travel spots to explore around Manila
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🌆 Skyline spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🌊 Ocean spots Driving spots 🏰 Place of worship spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🛣️ Road trip spots 🏞️ Watercourse spots 🏰 Archaeological site spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏰 Basilica spots 🏖️ Bay spots 🚴 Cycling spots 🏨 Resort spots 🏞️ River spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🏊 Swimming pool spots 🏰 Temple spotsTravel map of Manila
Explore popular touristic places around Manila