Manila

Travel Guide

Makati featuring a city
Baywalk featuring a skyscraper, a bay or harbour and boating
Makati
Baywalk showing a bay or harbour, a skyscraper and boating
Makati

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 centres 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 centre. 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

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Bonifacio Global City

5/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bonifacio Global City, BGC Arts Center and The Mind Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

Malate

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Malate for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Quirino Avenue LRT Station or Vito Cruz LRT Station and check out top sights like Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Malate
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Makati Central Business District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Makati Central Business District. Make a stop by Ayala Triangle Gardens or Greenbelt Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

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

Ortigas Center

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Travellers to Ortigas Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Estancia at Capitol Commons and Asian Development Bank Headquarters.

Ortigas Center
Alabang featuring a garden

Alabang

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Alabang is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Festival Supermall and Alabang Town Center while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita showing a hotel

Ermita

4/5(56 area reviews)

National Museum of Fine Arts and SM City Manila are top sights in Ermita, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at United Nations LRT Station or Central LRT Station to see more sights in the area.

Ermita
Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is €83 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€83
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,596 reviews)
"Great property to stay at when flying into NAIA (Manila) Terminal 3 as one can walk to the property via the Skywalk. Clean, quiet and good breakfast. Great staff too."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

4 out of 5
Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay
The price is €76 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€76
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,751 reviews)
"I'm a frequent guest. The hotel is everything you need from an airport hotel. Very convenient."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
Grand Westside Manila Bay

Grand Westside Manila Bay

4 out of 5
Bagong Nayong Pilipino, Westside City, Tambo, Parañaque, National Capital Region
The price is €79 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€79
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Parañaque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions SM Mall of Asia and City of Dreams ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (471 reviews)
"Few options for dining and no walkable stores nearby"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Grand Westside Manila Bay
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.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila

4.5 out of 5
Block 12 Palm Coast Avenue corner, Seaside Blvd Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Pasay city
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Nice location and super new and clean hotel. All the staffs are friendly."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila
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, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (542 reviews)
"Employees were great... friendlly and kind.. Facilities were clean and great"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Citadines Salcedo Makati
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

4 out of 5
28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Taguig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (380 reviews)
Modern hotel in prime location
"Excellent suite, spacious and in good condition."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Ascott Bonifacio Global City 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.

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