Philippines

Manila

Manila: colonial walls, jeepney chaos, and bay sunsets.

Local time: UTC+8
Population: 14.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Affordable

Food$$$$$About $22 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $50 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.6 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇵🇭 PHP =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

MNLNinoy Aquino International AirportMain international gateway, about 11 km south of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Jeepney + LRTErmita / Malate	PHP 30-60	45-70 min
Cheapest but slow with bags; ride to a Line 1 station first.
Airport busCity centre hotels	PHP 50-150	40-70 min
Check locally for current routes and stops.
GrabErmita / Malate	PHP 250-450	20-45 min
Book at the app pickup point to avoid touts.
TaxiCity centre	PHP 200-400	20-45 min
Use the coupon or metered queue; avoid unmarked cabs.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Manila

Getting around

LRT Line 1 for the old sights, plus ride apps for everything else.

Metro ★LRT Line 1 (green) links Malate, Ermita, Quiapo, Binondo and Santa Cruz, where most sights sit. LRT Line 2 (blue) serves Quiapo, Sampaloc and Santa Mesa; trains are packed at rush hour.
BusCity buses start around PHP 16 and provincial buses around PHP 12. Route numbers are shown on the bus.
Taxi / ride apps ★Grab, Angkas, Gojek, Joyride and MyTaxi.PH work. Taxis are plentiful but insist on the meter.
Rental carNot recommended for first-timers: heavy traffic and hard parking. Use apps and rail instead.
WalkingGood inside Intramuros and around Rizal Park. Sidewalks are uneven and hot at midday; cross with care.
JeepneyFrom about PHP 10 for the first 4 km. Routes are painted on the sides, not numbered, so ask the driver.
Tricycle / pedicab / calesaShort trips only. A one-hour calesa ride in the old city costs around PHP 50–70; agree the price first.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night works: Intramuros, Rizal Park, and Binondo's landmarks fill a day and evening, while skipping Makati shopping and day trips keeps it compact.

Best for

HistoryIntramuros walls, Fort Santiago and Rizal's story.
FoodBinondo noodle houses and sizzling Filipino plates.

Weather by month

29°23°Jan🌧 10d

30°23°Feb🌧 6d

32°24°Mar🌧 7d

33°25°Apr🌧 9d

33°26°May🌧 18d

31°26°Jun🌧 26d

30°25°Jul🌧 28d

30°25°Aug🌧 28d

30°25°Sep🌧 28d

30°25°Oct🌧 25d

31°25°Nov🌧 15d

30°24°Dec🌧 15d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical and hot all year, with a clear dry season from January to April and a long wet season from May to October.

Best time: January to AprilHighs of 29–33°C and the fewest rain days, from 6 to 10 a month. Best for walking the old city.
Wet season: June to OctoberRain on 25–28 days a month. Showers are often heavy and short; plan indoor stops and check roads on the day.
Hot and humid year-roundLows stay around 23–26°C, so nights are warm. April is the hottest month at 33°C highs.
Carry rain gear in the wet monthsA light rain jacket or umbrella helps from May to October. Streets can flood briefly after heavy rain.
Typhoon seasonStorms are most likely from June to November. Check forecasts before day trips and keep plans flexible.
What to packLight, breathable clothes, sunscreen and a hat; a rain layer for the wet months; comfortable shoes for uneven old-city streets.

Landmarks 23

Must-see · 4

1
Intramuros
The walled old town is Manila's historic heart, with cobblestone streets and Spanish-era architecture. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds; enter via the gates near Rizal Park.
2
Fort Santiago
This citadel inside Intramuros offers a moat, gardens and the Rizal Shrine. Visit before 10am for cooler weather; tickets are inexpensive and can be bought at the gate.
3
San Agustin Church
A UNESCO-listed baroque church and the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and visit outside mass times for quiet viewing.
4
Rizal Park
A large urban park honoring national hero José Rizal, with gardens and monuments. Best visited in the late afternoon when locals gather; it's a short walk from Intramuros.

Cultural

Urban Hub 4

Old Town 2

Museum 2

Castle 1

Harbor 1

Christian 2

Market 1

Park 1

Activities

Food 1

Amusement Park 6

Aquarium 1

Brewery 1

Day trips from Manila

Tagaytay · 2 h 00 by bus

★★★★☆ · Full day · 64 km from Manila

Best way: Direct bus from Cubao or Pasay reaches Tagaytay in about two hours with no changes.

Take a bus from Manila's Cubao or Pasay terminals heading to Tagaytay, a direct ride of roughly two hours with no changes.

Bus ★2 h 00 · from $3-$5
Car1 h 04 · taxi ≈ 1,010 PHP

What to see

Taal Volcano viewpoint
Picnic Grove
People's Park in the Sky
Sky Ranch

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Go on a clear day for Taal Volcano views
Weekends are crowded, so leave early

Antipolo · 1 h 36 by bus

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 18 km from Manila

Best way: Frequent buses and vans from Cubao or Crossing take about an hour, or LRT plus a short jeepney.

Buses and vans from Manila's Cubao or Crossing terminals run to Antipolo in about an hour, or take the LRT to Santolan then a short jeepney ride.

Bus ★1 h 36 · from $2
Car24 min · taxi ≈ 320 PHP

What to see

Antipolo Cathedral
Pinto Art Museum
Hinulugang Taktak Falls
Cloud 9 viewpoint

Good to know

Pilgrims flock to the Antipolo Cathedral in May
Combine with nearby Hinulugang Taktak falls

San Pablo · 2 h 26 by bus

★★☆☆☆ · Full day · 85 km from Manila

Best way: Direct buses from Buendia or Cubao run to San Pablo in roughly two to three hours.

Buses from Manila's Buendia or Cubao terminals run directly to San Pablo, Laguna in roughly two to three hours.

Bus ★2 h 26 · from $3-$4
Car1 h 16 · taxi ≈ 1,320 PHP

What to see

Seven Lakes
Lake Sampaloc
San Pablo Cathedral
Sampaloc Lake boardwalk

Good to know

Visit the seven lakes area
Best in the dry season, December to May

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Manila rewards visitors who look past the traffic to find Intramuros, old Binondo, and a restless food scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · History

One packed day inside the old walled city, best started early before the heat.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 525
Taxis: ≈ PHP 451

Day 1

Intramuros on foot, then the bay at sunset

Tickets ≈ PHP 525 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 451

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:00–09:00 · Free to walk · museum and church fees extra

Intramuros Landmark quest

Start early. Streets are always open; museums open around 09:00.

Open Walled city streets always open · museums usually 09:00–17:00, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 954 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ PHP 64
2

09:00–10:30 · Around PHP 75 for adults · students and seniors discounted · check on the day

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

Rizal's story and the river views. Bring water and a hat.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1040 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ PHP 66
3

10:45–11:45 · Museum entry around PHP 200 · church visit may be free · check on the day

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

The oldest stone church in the city. Museum closes for lunch around noon.

Open Church open daily · museum roughly 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 81
4

12:00–13:00 · Around PHP 150–400 per plate in casual restaurants · check on the day

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Lunch nearby. Pick a busy local restaurant and try chicken adobo.

Open Depends on the restaurant
Taxi · 923 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ PHP 64
5

13:30–14:30 · Free

Escolta street walk

Short walk through old commercial streets. Some shops close Sunday.

Open Daytime hours; some shops close Sunday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 83
6

15:00–16:00 · Free · some gardens and museums charge

Rizal Park Landmark quest

About 20 minutes by taxi. Shady in late afternoon.

Open Roughly 05:00–21:00 daily · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ PHP 93
7

17:30–18:30 · Free

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Walk south along the bay for sunset. Watch your belongings.

Open Always open · busiest at sunset

Day trip · Food

A full day of eating: Binondo in the morning, Filipino classics and mall food later.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 1,450
Taxis: ≈ PHP 390

Day 1

Binondo noodles, market snacks and a bay dinner

Tickets ≈ PHP 1,450 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 390

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:30–11:00 · Free to walk · food tour fees extra

Binondo Landmark quest

Go early. Many shops close Sunday. Come hungry.

Open Streets busy roughly 08:00–20:00 · many shops close Sunday
2

11:00–13:00 · Around PHP 800–1,800 per person · check on the day

Binondo food walk

Optional guided walk if you want the stories behind the food. Book ahead.

Open Tours usually morning or afternoon
Taxi · 1408 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ PHP 71
3

13:15–14:15 · Free to enter · pay per item

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Short walk away. Busiest Friday; keep bags close.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00 · busiest Friday
4

14:30–15:30 · Around PHP 150–400 per plate in casual restaurants · check on the day

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Late lunch of adobo and rice. Restaurants vary, so check on the day.

Open Depends on the restaurant
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ PHP 200
5

17:00–19:00 · Free to enter · shops and food extra

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

About 30 minutes by taxi. Food court and bay views at sunset.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ PHP 119
6

19:15–20:00 · Free

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Optional stroll by the water after dinner.

Open Always open · busiest at sunset

Day trip · Shopping

Malls and markets in one day, from bargain hunting to air-conditioned Makati.

Stay: Makati. Modern business district with the best malls and restaurants; more polished but farther from the old sights.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 270
Taxis: ≈ PHP 972

Day 1

Quiapo bargains, then Makati malls

Tickets ≈ PHP 270 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 972

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ PHP 188
1

09:00–10:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Morning is calmer. Avoid Friday. Cash is easier here.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00 · busiest Friday
Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ PHP 187
2

10:45–11:15 · Around PHP 80–200 per meal · check on the day

Jollibee Landmark quest

Quick early lunch. Most branches open from about 07:00.

Open Most branches roughly 07:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 735 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ PHP 61
3

12:00–13:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Greenbelt Landmark quest

About 30 minutes by taxi or Grab. Shaded walkways between malls.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ PHP 118
4

14:00–15:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

Short taxi ride. Open-air park and shops; better in late afternoon.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00 · park always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ PHP 109
5

16:00–16:30 · Around PHP 100–250 per meal · check on the day

Mang Inasal Landmark quest

Chicken inasal snack or early dinner.

Open Most branches roughly 09:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ PHP 155
6

17:30–19:30 · Free to enter · shops and food extra

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

Big mall by the bay. Stay for sunset and dinner.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ PHP 153

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

One full day inside the old walled city, with the bay at sunset.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 525
Taxis: ≈ PHP 340

Day 1

Intramuros on foot

Tickets ≈ PHP 525 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 340

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:30–10:00 · Around PHP 75 for adults · students and seniors discounted · check on the day

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

Start early, before the heat. Rizal's shrine is inside.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1040 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ PHP 66
2

10:15–11:15 · Museum entry around PHP 200 · church visit may be free · check on the day

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

Short walk south. The museum closes for lunch, so go before noon.

Open Church open daily · museum roughly 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 81
3

12:00–13:00 · Around PHP 150–400 per plate in casual restaurants · check on the day

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Lunch nearby in Intramuros. Try chicken adobo with rice.

Open Depends on the restaurant
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 82
4

13:30–16:30 · Free to walk · museum and church fees extra

Intramuros Landmark quest

Walk the walls and side streets. Carry water and a hat.

Open Walled city streets always open · museums usually 09:00–17:00, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ PHP 112
5

17:30–18:30 · Free

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Short ride west for the sunset over Manila Bay.

Open Always open · busiest at sunset

1 night · Shopping ★ Recommended length

Old-city history in the morning, then Makati malls into the evening.

Stay: Makati. Modern business district with the best malls and restaurants; more polished but farther from the old sights.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 270
Taxis: ≈ PHP 664
Hotel: PHP 2,500–8,000

Day 1

Markets, then Makati

Tickets ≈ PHP 270 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 664

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ PHP 188
1

08:30–10:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Go early for bargains and fewer crowds. Cash only at most stalls.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00 · busiest Friday
Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ PHP 187
2

10:15–10:45 · Around PHP 80–200 per meal · check on the day

Jollibee Landmark quest

Quick early lunch. Most branches open from about 07:00.

Open Most branches roughly 07:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 735 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ PHP 61
3

12:00–13:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Greenbelt Landmark quest

Taxi to Makati. Shaded walkways between the malls.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ PHP 118
4

14:30–16:00 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

Short ride away. Best in late afternoon and evening.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00 · park always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ PHP 109
5

16:30–17:00 · Around PHP 100–250 per meal · check on the day

Mang Inasal Landmark quest

Early dinner. Chicken inasal with rice.

Open Most branches roughly 09:00–22:00 · Source

2 nights · History

First-time visitors who want the old city walls, Rizal's story and a bay sunset, at an easy pace.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 525
Taxis: ≈ PHP 386

Day 1

Arrive and walk the walled city

Tickets ≈ PHP 325 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 148

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

14:00–16:00 · Free to walk · museum and church fees extra

Intramuros Landmark quest

Start at the walls and get your bearings. Hot at midday, so go slow and drink water.

Open Walled city streets always open · museums usually 09:00–17:00, check on the day · Source
Taxi · 954 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ PHP 64
2

16:15–17:45 · Around PHP 75 for adults · students and seniors discounted · check on the day

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

Rizal's story and the riverside walls. Last entry is usually before closing, so check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 08:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 84
3

19:00–20:00 · Around PHP 150–400 per plate in casual restaurants · check on the day

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Dinner nearby. Classic Filipino adobo is a good first meal.

Open Depends on the restaurant

Day 2

Churches, park and bay sunset

Tickets ≈ PHP 200 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 238

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:30–09:30 · Museum entry around PHP 200 · church visit may be free · check on the day

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

Quietest in the morning. The museum may close over lunch, so go early.

Open Church open daily · museum roughly 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1169 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ PHP 68
2

10:00–11:00 · Free · some gardens and museums charge

Rizal Park Landmark quest

About 15 minutes on foot from Intramuros. Shady in the morning.

Open Roughly 05:00–21:00 daily · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PHP 81
3

11:30–12:15 · Free or small fee · check on the day

Paco Park

A short taxi ride away. A calm old cemetery-park.

Open Roughly 07:00–17:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ PHP 89
4

17:30–18:30 · Free

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Come back for sunset over the bay. Busiest right at sunset.

Open Always open · busiest at sunset

2 nights · Food

Visitors who plan the day around eating: Binondo noodle houses, markets and Filipino classics.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 1,720
Taxis: ≈ PHP 414

Day 1

Binondo and Quiapo food day

Tickets ≈ PHP 1,450 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 72

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–12:00 · Around PHP 800–1,800 per person · check on the day

Binondo food walk

A guided walk is the easy way to find the good stalls. Book ahead.

Open Tours usually morning or afternoon
2

12:30–14:00 · Free to walk · food tour fees extra

Binondo Landmark quest

Wander on your own after the tour. Many shops close Sunday.

Open Streets busy roughly 08:00–20:00 · many shops close Sunday
Taxi · 1438 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ PHP 72
3

14:30–16:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Busy market streets. Avoid Friday, the busiest day. Watch your bag.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00 · busiest Friday
4

18:30–19:30 · Around PHP 150–400 per plate in casual restaurants · check on the day

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Sit-down dinner back in Ermita.

Open Depends on the restaurant

Day 2

Makati market and malls

Tickets ≈ PHP 270 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 343

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–08:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Legazpi Public Market

Go early for the freshest food and the least heat.

Open Roughly 05:00–19:00
Taxi · 280 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ PHP 54
2

09:00–09:30 · Around PHP 80–200 per meal · check on the day

Jollibee Landmark quest

A quick local breakfast or snack.

Open Most branches roughly 07:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 735 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ PHP 61
3

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Greenbelt Landmark quest

Lunch and a walk around the gardens and shops.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ PHP 118
4

16:00–17:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

Late afternoon is best. Food and shops along the open street.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00 · park always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ PHP 109
5

18:30–19:00 · Around PHP 100–250 per meal · check on the day

Mang Inasal Landmark quest

Chicken inasal for an early dinner.

Open Most branches roughly 09:00–22:00 · Source

2 nights · Shopping

Shoppers who want the big malls, bargain markets and an easy bay-side evening.

Tickets & tours: ≈ PHP 240
Taxis: ≈ PHP 560

Day 1

Makati malls

Tickets ≈ PHP 240 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 227

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

11:00–13:00 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Greenbelt Landmark quest

Malls usually open around 10:00. Lunch here is easy.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ PHP 118
2

14:00–15:30 · Free to walk · shops and food extra

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

A short taxi or walk from Greenbelt. Outdoor street with shops and cafes.

Open Malls roughly 10:00–22:00 · park always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ PHP 109
3

16:00–16:30 · Around PHP 80–200 per meal · check on the day

Jollibee Landmark quest

Quick snack break.

Open Most branches roughly 07:00–22:00 · Source
3

18:30–19:00 · Around PHP 90–200 for roast chicken meals · check on the day

Chooks-to-Go Landmark quest

Fast roast chicken for dinner. Most branches close around 21:00.

Open Most branches roughly 09:00–21:00

Day 2

Bargains and the bay

Tickets ≈ PHP 0 pp · taxis ≈ PHP 332

1

09:00–10:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Morning is calmer. Avoid Friday. Keep valuables close.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00 · busiest Friday
Taxi · 1438 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ PHP 72
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk · food tour fees extra

Binondo Landmark quest

Walk over for lunch and small shops. Many close Sunday.

Open Streets busy roughly 08:00–20:00 · many shops close Sunday
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 39 min · ≈ PHP 203
3

15:00–17:00 · Free to enter · shops and food extra

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

Big mall by the bay. Taxi is easiest with bags.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00 · Source
Taxi · 524 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ PHP 58
4

17:30–19:00 · Ride tickets sold on site · check on the day

SM By the Bay Amusement Park Landmark quest

Next to the mall. Rides and sunset views. Check hours on the day.

Open Roughly afternoon to evening · check on the day

Swap in instead

Add a day trip to Tagaytay for cooler air and volcano views; check travel time on the day, traffic is heavy.
Swap one city day for a ferry or drive to Corregidor Island for WWII history; book tours in advance.
Spend a morning in Quiapo and Santa Cruz markets for cheap finds and local life along LRT Line 1.

Getting around

LRT Line 1 (green) links Malate, Ermita, Quiapo, Binondo and Santa Cruz; most sights sit along it.
LRT Line 2 (blue) serves Quiapo, Sampaloc and Santa Mesa; trains are packed at rush hour.
City buses start around PHP 16 and provincial buses around PHP 12; route numbers are shown on the bus.
Jeepneys start around PHP 10 for the first 4 km; routes are painted on the sides, not numbered.
Grab, Angkas, Gojek, Joyride and MyTaxi.PH ride apps work; taxis are plentiful but insist on the meter.
Tricycles, pedicabs and calesa horse carriages cover short trips; a one-hour calesa ride costs around PHP 50-70.

Where to stay

Ermita · ≈ PHP 1,500–4,500 a night
Walk to Rizal Park and the Intramuros gates; LRT Line 1 stops nearby. Good mix of budget and mid-range hotels.
Malate · ≈ PHP 1,200–4,000 a night
Cheaper rooms, cafés and bars, and a short walk to the baywalk. LRT Line 1 runs through it.
Intramuros · ≈ PHP 2,500–7,000 a night
Sleep inside the old walled city, steps from Fort Santiago and the churches. Quiet at night, few rooms.
Makati · ≈ PHP 2,500–8,000 a night
Modern business district with the best malls and restaurants; more polished but farther from the old sights.

Food & drink

Eat adobo, sinigang (sour soup) and lechon; a casual meal runs about PHP 150–350.
Binondo is the place for Chinese-Filipino food: noodles, dumplings and hopia pastries. Go hungry and share plates.
Try a halo-halo for dessert and a sizzling sisig with rice for a cheap, filling dinner.
Street food is everywhere: grilled skewers and fishballs. Pick busy stalls and eat food cooked hot in front of you.
Book ahead at popular restaurants on weekends; mall food courts are a cheap, safe fallback for first-timers.

Tips

Traffic is notoriously severe; use the LRT/MRT or Grab to avoid being overcharged by street taxis
Keep a close eye on belongings in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets
Try local street food like Halo-Halo, but stick to reputable vendors
Visit Intramuros to see the preserved walled city from the Spanish colonial era
English is universally spoken and understood

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Intramuros

Binondo Chinatown

Walk the walls and streets of old Manila
Explore Chinatown's busy lanes
720 reviews · 4.8 rating

Half-dayTop rated

Intramuros, Chinatown, and Old Manila Half-Day Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (720)

$62View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Intramuros

Cycle through Intramuros on a bamboo bike
Cover more of the old town in less time
691 reviews · 4.8 rating

Bike tourTop rated

Intramuros, Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (691)

$25View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Intramuros

Guided walk through the walled city
Learn the colonial history on foot
206 reviews · 4.9 rating

Walking tourTop rated

Viva Old Manila!: Intramuros Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (206)

$25View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Binondo

Taste local street food
Eat like a resident with a guide
163 reviews · 4.8 rating

Food tourLocal guide

Manila Street Food Tour Experience: Eat Like a Local

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (163)

$46View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Binondo Chinatown

Sample 15+ tastings in Binondo
Discover Chinatown's food scene
82 reviews · 4.6 rating

Food tourMany tastings

Manila Meals Food Tour in Binondo with 15+ Tastings

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (82)

$44View tour

Souvenirs

Piña fiber handkerchief

PHP 500–15001 small piece · estimate

Piña is a delicate cloth woven from pineapple leaf fiber, a Filipino craft long associated with Manila's fine textile tradition.

Where: Kultura, SM Makati, or SM Mall of Asia

Check the fiber blend and whether the embroidery is machine-made or hand-done.

Dried mango

PHP 150–300200 g · estimate

Sweet, chewy dried mango is one of the Philippines' best-known snacks, and it is sold throughout the country.

Where: Profood stores and the airport

Buy it at the airport if you are short on time, since it is easy to pack for the flight home.

Flights

Hotels

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eSIM

Get an eSIM for ManilaStay connected in Philippines from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$12 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$19.5 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in ManilaDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 23

Must-see · 4

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Rizal Park

Cultural

Urban Hub 4

Old Town 2

Museum 2

Castle 1

Harbor 1

Christian 2

Market 1

Park 1

Activities

Food 1

Amusement Park 6

Aquarium 1

Brewery 1

Day trips from Manila

Tagaytay · 2 h 00 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Antipolo · 1 h 36 by bus

What to see

Good to know

San Pablo · 2 h 26 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Intramuros Landmark quest

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Escolta street walk

Rizal Park Landmark quest

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Binondo Landmark quest

Binondo food walk

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Jollibee Landmark quest

Greenbelt Landmark quest

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

Mang Inasal Landmark quest

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

Intramuros Landmark quest

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Binondo food walk

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Binondo Landmark quest

SM Mall of Asia Landmark quest

Quiapo Market Landmark quest

Jollibee Landmark quest

Greenbelt Landmark quest

Bonifacio High Street Landmark quest

Mang Inasal Landmark quest

Intramuros Landmark quest

Fort Santiago Landmark quest

Adobo (classic Filipino dish) Landmark quest

San Agustin Church Landmark quest

Rizal Park Landmark quest

Paco Park

Manila Baywalk Landmark quest

Binondo food walk

Binondo Landmark quest

Quiapo Market Landmark quest