Manila

Travel Guide

Makati which includes a city
Baywalk featuring a skyscraper, a city and boating
Makati
Baywalk showing a city, boating and a high-rise building
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 center. 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

Bonifacio Global City which includes outdoor art and street scenes

Bonifacio Global City

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Financial district BGC boasts residential condos, corporate offices, and retail spaces, with attractions like Bonifacio High Street and Uptown Mall. Enjoy Track 30th's urban park and easily navigate pedestrian-friendly roads.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Malate

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Serving as Manila's commerce and tourism hub, Malate offers promenades and parks by Manila Bay, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. Accessible via main roads and LRT-1, the district features small hotels, specialty restaurants, and cafes.

Malate
Makati Central Business District showing street scenes and a bridge

Makati Central Business District

Vibrant commercial district, Makati CBD boasts premier shopping at Ayala Center and cultural experiences at Filipinas Heritage Library. Enjoy Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Community Market, and easy access to public transportation.

Makati Central Business District
Ortigas Center showing a city and a garden

Ortigas Center

4/5(45 area reviews)

Central business district boasting shopping malls like SM Megamall and Shangri-la Plaza, office skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife. Explore attractions such as EDSA Shrine and St. Francis Square.

Ortigas Center
Alabang which includes a garden

Alabang

4/5(20 area reviews)

Travelers come to Alabang for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Festival Supermall and Alabang Town Center while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita showing a hotel

Ermita

3.5/5(100 area reviews)

Civic center of Manila, Ermita boasts cultural landmarks like Rizal Park and National Museum of Fine Arts. Accessible via LRT-1 stations and Pasig River Ferry, it's perfect for exploring museums and attractions.

Ermita
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The price is CA $74 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
CA $74
CA $91 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,018 reviews)
"Great price and near the airport"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 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 CA $224 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
CA $224
CA $275 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

The Peninsula Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila

Belmont Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is CA $98 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
CA $98
CA $111 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,508 reviews)
"Staff are very professional and accommodating. Buffet breakfast was great. Only downside is rooms are not fully soundproof you can hear people walking in the hallway and banging the doors."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Belmont Hotel 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (137 reviews)
Great hotel on Manila bay.
"Very good location on Manila bay close walk to the hypermarket and mall of Asia plenty of great restaurants. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. The staff is top notch!"

Reviewed on Jul. 7, 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! (525 reviews)
"good for the price. in need of some basic maintenance. breakfast is included and is GREAT."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (509 reviews)
"The hotel has a pool and gym area"

Reviewed on May 20, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Manila

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
14
5 - Excellent 16%
4 - Good
40
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 26%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 6%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice to go around

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Broken sidewalks, stupid crazy traffic.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Roads need improvement and traffic is horrible.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

As can be expected, very noisy and polluted big city. Parts in very bad repair

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Love this city. So much fun.

Cities near Manila