Top things to do in Manila
Attractions, tours, and activities in Manila
Manila: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Manila
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Makati
3.7 miles from downtown
Makati is the heart of the financial district. It’s loaded with air-conned office buildings, slick hi-rises and mega-malls. Chief among them is the Greenbelt Mall, a group of five malls in one that cover clothes, jewels and everything in-between. For authentic Filipino dishes, try the XO 46 Bistro Filipino at Le Grand Condominium.
Places to stay from $5 a night
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Quezon City
5.8 miles from downtown
Despite its tech-shops, lush parks and higher learning institutes, ‘QC’ has earnt its reputation as the foodie hub of Manila. Maginhawa Street is known for its mix of pan-Asian food stalls, which are great for casual dining. Also visit the La Loma area, famous for its roast pig that’s sold on practically every street corner.
Places to stay from $16 a night
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Fort Bonifacio
5.3 miles from downtown
Historically associated with unrest, the “BGC” transformed of late into an area of upmarket hi-rises, bars and nightspots. Shop at Market Market Mall and along Bonifacio High Street, or try the Midnight Mercato – a fabulous weekend lifestyle market. Learn about science at the kid-friendly Mind Museum, filled with interactive exhibits.
Places to stay from $47 a night
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Intramuros
0.6 miles from downtown
Intramuros – Latin for “inside the walls”. Manila’s oldest district retains a lot of its historic character. It’s “Great Wall”, streets and churches are left over from Spanish colonial rule. See the famous San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, or shop at the Silahis Center on General Luna Street for Filipino handicrafts.
Places to stay from $39 a night
About Manila
Including tips for the best time to visit Manila
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, historic Manila is filled with things to see and places to visit, such as parks, restaurants and shopping malls. As the capital of the Philippines, it’s also a great place to delve into the nation’s history at various museums.
Manila’s street-food markets and eclectic choice of restaurants have made it a favourite destination for foodies. You can sample traditional dishes like isaw (grilled chicken and pork intestines), Pinoy-style cheese sticks and kwek-kwek (battered quail eggs). For a typical sweet treat, head to a stand serving sorbetes – a style of ice cream made from coconut or powdered milk and cassava flour.
The oldest part of Manila is called Intramuros, which is Spanish for ‘within the walls’. Here, you’ll get a snapshot of the city under Spanish rule as you wander through this former fortress. Remnants of what was once the capital of the Spanish East Indies include the statue of King Carlos IV on Plaza de Roma, the restored Ayuntamiento building and the Puerta de Isabel II gate. You can learn more about the area’s captivating past at Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel featuring tranquil gardens, fountains and a museum dedicated to Philippine Revolution hero, Dr José Rizal. The district of Binondo is home to the world’s oldest Chinatown, where you can find many Chinese herbal stores and noodle houses. Architectural highlights include the wonderful Catholic church and the Buddhist temples of Seng Guan and Kuang Kong.
Tonight
From $11 per night
This weekend
From $22 per night
Next weekend
From $21 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | ₱ 100 = $1.76 |
| Language | Filipino |
| Average weekend price | $59 per night |
| Average weekday price | $57 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Manila
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Manila
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SM Mall of Asia
4.3 miles from downtown
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Intramuros
0.7 miles from downtown
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Greenbelt Mall
4 miles from downtown
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Quiapo Church
0.1 miles from downtown
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Manila Cathedral
0.7 miles from downtown
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Chinatown
0.6 miles from downtown
Latest articles featuring Manila
Inspiration and insider tips for things to do in Manila
Destination Inspiration: Manila, Philippines
Shop and snack your way through this booming Asian megacity.
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Manila reviews
What other travelers say about Manila
Airport needs a revamp from the facility itself to the staff...
September 26, 2023
Airport needs a revamp from the facility itself to the staff personnel performing their tasks.Grab rides (Uber version) are your best bet to get around the city. Malls security at the Entrance doors makes you wonder the need for them since they don't really do a proper job but just Creating a line up for the customers.it's the only Asian country I been that does this practice.Restaurant staff always tell you they don't serve straws with your drink because of some straw less environment excuse but really they could serve recyclable made straws instead of plastic ones.
Manila has 3 airports that is close to each other do not...
September 25, 2023
Manila has 3 airports that is close to each other do not take a cab they will overcharge you. A free shuttle bus is available just ask the Tourism Desk. Do not ask the Secuirty Guards they are in cahoots with the taxi drivers.
Many Taxis are scammers and will scam you.
September 24, 2023
Many Taxis are scammers and will scam you. I do not trust the taxis in Philippines. make sure you have google maps and make sure you know the distance before you enter a taxi and make sure you know the price. you are double charged by the meter for the distance you drive and for time. I make an agreement with the driver before I enter the taxi. I will pay 35 pesos per kilometer. If they don't accept it there are plenty of taxis who will. this guy try to charge me 3700 pesos and that is about 67 usd. from the airport to go 9 km to our hotel. I only gave him 250 pesos.
Very nice and busy capital city of the country , the place...
September 14, 2023
Very nice and busy capital city of the country , the place where we stayed was very clean and friendly atmosphere . Many attractions , lovely shops for food and everything . Friendly , hospitable and polite people I met in the city .
Manila is busy metropol and business hub.
September 11, 2023
Manila is busy metropol and business hub. If you are holiday maker then one night in Manila is enough and please stay near by Airport at hotel. If you want to something different and do some shopping then take taxi to SM-mall.
The room has enough space, clean, good air-condition.
September 6, 2023
The room has enough space, clean, good air-condition. The shop and the restaurant was just around the corner. Special mention to Miss Jona for allowing me to stay to her parking area😍 Superb all in all 🫰
Popular places to stay in Manila
Stay in some of the best accommodations Manila has to offer
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ASN Boutique Residence Makati, Manila
From $44 per night
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City Of Dreams - Nüwa Manila Paranaque, Manila
From $224 per night
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Shangri-La The Fort, Manila Fort Bonifacio, Manila
From $238 per night
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Makati Diamond Residences Makati, Manila
From $137 per night
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OYO 104 Manila Venetian Hotel Santa Cruz, Manila
From $11 per night
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Other accommodations in Manila
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Manila
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Apartments
From $12 per night
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Resorts
From $167 per night
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Villas
From per night
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Cottages
From $62 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $14 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $62 per night
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Guest houses
From $10 per night
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Hostels
From $4 per night
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Motels
From $35 per night
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B&Bs
From $14 per night
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Resort Villages
From per night
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Homestays
From $14 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $10 per night
