Pass The Passport

Places / Asia / Philippines

Manila

Not been yet

At a glance

Region
Metro Manila
Population
1.8 million
Best time to go
December to April
Main airport
Manila Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)
Coordinates
14.60°N, 120.98°E

Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.

Overview

Manila is loud, hot and gloriously chaotic, a sprawling bay-side capital where Spanish colonial churches stand a few streets from jeepney-choked boulevards and gleaming malls. Most visitors pass straight through on the way to the islands, which is a shame.

Give it two or three days. The walled city of Intramuros holds four centuries of history, Binondo claims to be the world's oldest Chinatown, and the sunsets over Manila Bay are among the best of any Asian city.

Things to see

  • Intramuros
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Intramuros

    The old walled Spanish city, best explored on foot or by bamboo bike along its ramparts and plazas.

  • Fort Santiago
    Photo: Elmer B. Domingo, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Fort Santiago

    The citadel at the mouth of the Pasig River where national hero José Rizal spent his final days.

    Tickets and tours
  • San Agustin Church
    Photo: Johngaje92, CC BY-SA 4.0

    San Agustin Church

    The oldest stone church in the Philippines, with a trompe-l'oeil ceiling and a cloister museum full of religious art.

    Tickets and tours
  • National Museum of Fine Arts
    Photo: Tagaaplaya, CC BY-SA 4.0

    National Museum of Fine Arts

    Filipino painting and sculpture in the grand former legislative building, including Juan Luna's enormous Spoliarium.

  • Rizal Park
    Photo: Ernest Malsin, CC BY 4.0

    Rizal Park

    A long green park facing the bay, busy with families, joggers and the honour guard at the Rizal Monument.

Things to do

  • Eat your way through Binondo
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Eat your way through Binondo

    Hop between hole-in-the-wall dumpling houses, hopia bakeries and noodle shops along Ongpin Street and its alleys.

  • Sunset on Manila Bay
    Photo: Pierre Markuse from Hamm, Germany, CC BY 2.0

    Sunset on Manila Bay

    Walk the Roxas Boulevard baywalk in the early evening as the sky turns orange.

  • Ride a jeepney
    Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ride a jeepney

    These chrome-covered minibuses are the city's workhorses. Try a short route with small change ready.

  • Day trip to Taal Volcano
    Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0

    Day trip to Taal Volcano

    Head south to Tagaytay ridge for cool air and views over the volcano island sitting in its huge lake.

Where to stay

  • Makati

    The business district, with the best range of hotels, restaurants and bars, and relatively walkable streets.

    Hotels in Makati

  • Bonifacio Global City

    Modern, clean and orderly, good for families and anyone wanting a softer landing.

    Hotels in Bonifacio Global City

  • Ermita and Malate

    Older, cheaper and closer to Intramuros and the bay, though rougher around the edges.

    Hotels in Ermita and Malate

Getting around

Traffic is notoriously heavy, so allow plenty of time. Grab is the easiest way to get about, and the LRT and MRT rail lines help for some journeys.

Ninoy Aquino International is in Pasay, south of the centre; a Grab or taxi to Makati takes 30 minutes to well over an hour depending on traffic.

When to go

The dry season from December to April is the most comfortable, though March to May gets very hot. June to November brings heavy rain and the risk of typhoons.

Plan your trip to Manila

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Philippines

Back to Philippines