Manila

🇵🇭 Philippines

A vibrant city bursting with culture and history

Manila - Vacation Briefing

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic city that blends modernity with a rich cultural heritage. Known for its stunning architecture, Manila boasts an array of historical landmarks such as the iconic Intramuros, a walled city dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Visitors can explore vibrant markets, sample delectable Filipino cuisine, and immerse themselves in the local arts scene. The city is also a gateway to picturesque natural landscapes, with nearby attractions like the beautiful beaches of Batangas and the stunning Taal Volcano. With a lively nightlife and warm hospitality, Manila offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Popular Sights in Manila

Intramuros Rizal Park Fort Santiago National Museum of the Philippines Manila Ocean Park Manila Baywalk San Agustin Church Quiapo Church Chinatown (Binondo)Bonifacio Global City

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Things to do during your Manila vacation

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a vibrant destination that offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring historical sites, indulging in delicious cuisine, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, Manila has something for everyone.

Intramuros: Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, with its well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful churches.
National Museum of the Philippines: Visit the National Museum of the Philippines, which houses a vast collection of Philippine art, cultural artifacts, and natural history exhibits.
Manila Ocean Park: Discover the wonders of the underwater world at Manila Ocean Park, featuring a variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and thrilling shows.
Rizal Park: Relax and unwind at Rizal Park, a green oasis in the heart of Manila, dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Binondo Food Trip: Embark on a culinary adventure in Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, and indulge in delicious Chinese-Filipino cuisine.
Manila Bay Sunset Cruise: Experience the breathtaking sunset views of Manila Bay on a sunset cruise, while enjoying a romantic dinner and live entertainment.
Divisoria Market: Shop 'til you drop at Divisoria, a bustling market known for its affordable clothing, accessories, toys, and household items.
Poblacion Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene of Poblacion, Makati's hip neighborhood, offering a wide array of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Manila Cathedral: Visit the Manila Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and a significant religious landmark in Manila.
Greenbelt Park: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Greenbelt Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Makati, featuring lush gardens and art installations.
Kalesa Ride in Intramuros: Take a leisurely kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride around the charming streets of Intramuros, soaking in the colonial-era atmosphere.

Why you should visit Manila

Overall

Manila, Philippines has some attractive aspects, but also a number of drawbacks to consider.

Safety

Safety can be a concern in Manila, Philippines due to high crime rates and occasional political unrest.

Culture

Manila, Philippines is rich in culture, with numerous museums, historical sites, and a diverse culinary scene.

Nightlife

Manila, Philippines offers a vibrant nightlife scene with various options for entertainment.

Adventure

Manila, Philippines offers some adventure activities such as water sports and hiking, but it's not primarily known for extreme adventure experiences.

Relaxation

While Manila, Philippines has some relaxing aspects like beaches, it can be crowded and not as peaceful as other destinations.

Best time to visit Manila

The best time to travel to Manila, Philippines is from November to February. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. It's the perfect time to explore the city's vibrant culture and visit popular attractions. However, be prepared for larger crowds and slightly higher prices as these are the peak tourist months. For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the shoulder months of March to May and September to October can also offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Jan

Ideal weather but crowded

21°C - 28°C

Feb

Great weather but crowded

21°C - 28°C

Mar

Pleasant weather with fewer crowds

23°C - 31°C

Apr

Pleasant weather with fewer crowds

25°C - 33°C

May

Good weather with manageable crowds

25°C - 34°C

Jun

Beginning of rainy season

24°C - 33°C

Jul

Rainy season but fewer crowds

23°C - 32°C

Aug

Rainy season but fewer crowds

23°C - 32°C

Sep

End of rainy season with fewer crowds

23°C - 31°C

Oct

Pleasant weather with fewer crowds

23°C - 31°C

Nov

Ideal weather with minimal rainfall

22°C - 29°C

Dec

Ideal weather but crowded

21°C - 28°C

A guide To your first day of Manila vacation

morning

Start your day with a visit to the Rizal Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Manila. Take a leisurely walk and admire the monuments and gardens.
Head over to the Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Fort Santiago, and immerse yourself in the colonial history of the Philippines.

afternoon

Indulge in a traditional Filipino lunch at a local restaurant. Try popular dishes like adobo, sinigang, or lechon.
Visit the National Museum of the Philippines, which houses an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage.

evening

Take a relaxing sunset cruise along Manila Bay. Enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Manila Bay sunset.
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Manila. Check out popular entertainment districts like Makati or Bonifacio Global City, and enjoy live music, bars, and restaurants.

night

Experience the lively atmosphere of a night market in Manila. Shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and indulge in street food delicacies.
Visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines and catch a performance showcasing Filipino arts and culture, such as a traditional dance or music show.

How to get to Manila

By Plane

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main gateway to Manila, offering direct flights from major cities worldwide. It's conveniently located within the city limits, ensuring minimal travel time after landing. Travelers can also consider Clark International Airport (CRK), located outside Manila, which offers a range of flights and is well-connected to the city center via various transport options.

By other means

Manila boasts an extensive public transport network, with light rail and bus services covering the city and surrounding areas. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems are efficient ways to navigate Manila, providing convenient access to key attractions. Buses offer an affordable and reliable option, with numerous routes connecting different parts of the city.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!