Manila - Discovering Philippines

Travelling to Manila

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Manila, a pretty good destination in Philippines (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Manila and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Manila, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Philippines, here's everything to know about Manila for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Manila

Manila is the capital and one of the largest cities in the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. It has a rich history, having been occupied by various colonial powers throughout its history, including Spain, the United States, and Japan. Manila is known for its cultural and historical landmarks, including Intramuros, a historic walled city within Manila that was built during the Spanish colonial period. The city is a hub for business, commerce, and entertainment in the Philippines, with a bustling downtown district known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife.

What to visit in Manila

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Manila, Philippines: 1. Intramuros - a historic walled city built during the Spanish colonial period. The area is home to several old churches, a museum, and Fort Santiago, which offers a glimpse of Manila's past.
2. Rizal Park - a 58-hectare park named after the country's national hero, José Rizal. It features a grand monument of Rizal, fountains, gardens, and museums.
3. Manila Ocean Park - a world-class oceanarium that offers a view of various sea creatures. The park features a walk-through aquarium, a shark and ray encounter, a mermaid show, and a 4D cinema.
4. National Museum of Fine Arts - the flagship branch of the National Museum of the Philippines. The museum features a collection of fine arts, including the works of Filipino artists such as Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo.
5. San Agustin Church - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the country. The church features a museum that houses religious artifacts and treasures.
6. Quiapo Church - one of the country's most famous churches and home to the Black Nazarene, a revered statue of Jesus Christ. The church is known for its vibrant and colorful surroundings.
7. Binondo - the world's oldest Chinatown and a destination for foodies. The district is home to numerous Chinese restaurants that offer authentic Chinese dishes.
8. Manila Cathedral - the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and stained-glass windows.
9. National Museum of Anthropology - a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines that showcases the country's diverse indigenous cultures and traditions.
10. Escolta Street - a historic commercial district that was once the heart of Manila's business scene. The street features several Art Deco buildings that reflect Manila's past as a cosmopolitan city.
I hope this helps in planning your trip to Manila!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Philippines, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Manila.

When to go on holiday to Manila

The best time to visit Manila is from December to February, during the cooler and drier season. This is the peak tourist season in the Philippines, so expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodations and attractions. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and save some money, you might consider traveling during the off-peak season (June to September), although this season is characterized by more rainfall and higher humidity.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Manila

There are several ways to get to Manila, Philippines: 1. By Air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the primary airport of Manila. It is served by numerous international and domestic airlines.
2. By Sea: If you prefer a more leisurely mode of transportation, there are several ferry services that operate between Manila and nearby provinces, as well as neighboring countries like Japan and China.
3. By Land: If you’re coming from other parts of the Philippines, you can take a bus or a private car to Manila. There are also several train services that connect Manila to nearby cities and towns.
Depending on your location and mode of transportation, travel time may vary. It is best to plan your trip ahead of time and research the available options.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Manila, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Manila

Here are some typical foods of Manila, Philippines with a short description for each of them: 1. Adobo - considered the national dish of the Philippines, it is a stew of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves.
2. Lechon - a whole roasted suckling pig that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
3. Sinigang - a sour soup made with tamarind paste, tomatoes, onions, vegetables (usually kangkong, string beans, and eggplant), and either pork, fish, or shrimp.
4. Sisig - a sizzling dish made with chopped pig's face and ears, often mixed with liver, garlic, onions, vinegar, and calamansi.
5. Pancit - a dish made of noodles, vegetables, meat or seafood, and sometimes topped with egg and calamansi.
6. Halo-halo - a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened condensed milk, a variety of sweet beans, young coconut, jelly, and topped with a scoop of ice cream.
7. Turon - a dessert made of sliced bananas and jackfruit wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and deep-fried.
8. Lumpia - a Filipino version of spring rolls that are filled with meat, vegetables, or a combination of both, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
9. Champorado - a sweet porridge made of glutinous rice, cocoa powder, and sugar, often served with dried fish on the side.
10. Bibingka - a rice cake made from ground rice, coconut milk, and sugar, baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves and served with salted egg and grated coconut on top.
You can find general info about typical foods in Philippines here.

Is Manila an expensive destination for tourists?

Manila can be an expensive destination for tourists depending on the type of travel and activities you are doing. Generally speaking, prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities in Manila are more expensive compared to other cities in the Philippines. However, there are still ways to manage your expenses by staying in budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses, eating at local eateries, and utilizing public transportation instead of private taxis. Additionally, planning your trip during off-peak seasons can also help reduce costs. It's always good to research and plan ahead to avoid overspending and manage your budget.

Where to find accomodation in Manila

The best areas to find accommodation in Manila (Philippines) would be Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Malate. Makati is the financial center of Manila and known for its shopping malls and business centers. BGC is a modern and upscale district with high-end restaurants, shops, and museums. Malate is a bustling and vibrant neighborhood with cheap eats, bars, and nightclubs. All three areas are well-connected to public transportation and within close proximity to major tourist attractions.
You can check hotel prices at Manila here:
Booking.com

Is Manila a safe destination for tourists?

Manila, like any major city in the world, has its share of crimes and safety concerns. While there are areas that are considered safe for tourists, it is important to remain vigilant, especially at night, and take precautions to ensure personal safety. It is recommended to avoid areas with high crime rates and to take transportation provided by your hotel or a trusted source. Additionally, it is recommended to do some research on areas to avoid and to be aware of common scams targeting tourists. Overall, Manila is generally safe for tourists as long as they take appropriate safety measures.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Philippines here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Manila.

What type of travelers will enjoy Manila the most?

Manila is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone, whether you are a couple, young people looking for fun, or families. For couples, Manila offers romantic places such as the historic Intramuros district, beautiful sunsets along Manila Bay, world-class restaurants, and exciting nightlife in trendy areas like Bonifacio Global City and Makati.
For young people looking for entertainment and fun, Manila offers a wide range of activities, including shopping in malls like SM Mall of Asia or Greenbelt, exploring the colorful street art in Bonifacio Global City, and enjoying the exciting theme parks like Enchanted Kingdom and Star City.
For families, Manila offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, such as visiting the Manila Ocean Park, exploring the Mind Museum, and enjoying the interactive exhibits at the Science Discovery Center. There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds in and around Manila.
Overall, Manila is a great destination for all types of travelers, with plenty of experiences to suit all interests and budgets.

How to get around Manila

There are various modes of transportation you can use to move around Manila: - The most popular and convenient mode of transportation is a taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab or Uber.
- Jeepneys, the iconic public utility vehicles in the Philippines, can be found throughout the city.
- Buses are also available and can take you to different parts of the city.
- The LRT (light rail transit) and MRT (metro rail transit) are two rapid transit systems serving Metro Manila, and they are ideal for traveling long distances without being caught in traffic.
- Tricycles or motorcycle taxis are also available in some areas.

What to see around Manila

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Manila: 1. Tagaytay – a popular destination for its scenic views of Taal Lake and Volcano.
2. Pagsanjan Falls – a natural wonder of cascading waterfalls nestled between green cliffs and caves.
3. Hidden Valley Springs – a nature reserve featuring lush rainforests, hot springs to bathe in, and a relaxing day trip away from Manila.
4. Taal Heritage Town – the perfect destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, it is the best-preserved colonial town in the Philippines.
5. Subic Bay – a former US naval base that has been converted into a bustling adventure destination featuring water sports activities, theme parks, and animal encounters.
6. Anilao – a beach destination that is popular for its diving and snorkeling, featuring beautiful coral reefs with vibrant marine life.
7. Corregidor Island – a historic island fortress that played an important role in WWII with a guided tour that provides an insightful piece of Philippine history.
8. Mount Pinatubo – a popular hiking destination where visitors can admire stunning views of the crater lake and volcanic landscape since its eruption in 1991.
For every travel information about Philippines you can click here.

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