Manila Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Makati showing a city
Baywalk showing a bay or harbour, a marina and a city
Makati
Baywalk showing a bay or harbour, boating and a city
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 centers 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 showing a statue or sculpture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

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 which includes a city and a park

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 showing a park

Alabang

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

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

Alabang
Ermita featuring a hotel

Ermita

4/5(56 area reviews)

SM City Manila and Manila Metropolitan Theatre 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

Belmont Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is ฿2,580 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿2,580
฿2,911 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,556 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Belmont Hotel Manila
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The price is ฿1,655 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
฿1,655
฿2,033 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,048 reviews)
Good stay with minor nuisances
"Very limited temperature controls. The room was very cold with the air conditioning on the lowest settings. Clean room and great service. Room looked dated and tv kept losing network connection."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Heritage Hotel Manila
The Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula Manila

5 out of 5
Corner Of Ayala And Makati Avenues, Makati, Manila
Fully refundable
The price is ฿4,908 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
฿4,908
฿6,017 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

The Peninsula 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.
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
Exceptional staff
"Second time I have stayed here in 2 weeks. The property is great no doubt. The staff is exceptional in every way. They make you feel very welcome. Good bar as well!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 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! (529 reviews)
"Everyone was polite and welcoming, would definitely stay gere again"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Citadines Salcedo Makati
Y2 Residence Hotel

Y2 Residence Hotel

3 out of 5
4687 Santiago St., Corner B. Valdez And Singian Street, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (512 reviews)
"Property is great for families as well as regular travelers. Rooms are clean and spacious."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Y2 Residence Hotel
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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