Manila Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Makati which includes a city
Baywalk which includes boating, a marina and a bay or harbour
Makati
Baywalk showing boating, a bay or harbour and a city
Makati
From the hectic pace of its high-rise business district to the tranquillity of its flower-filled parks, Manila is a city of strong contrasts.

Vast and sprawling, Manila at first sight can be daunting. One of the largest cities in the world and still growing, this metropolis of sixteen towns seems impossible to navigate. With no obvious centre, the new visitor can find themselves bewildered by the crowded streets, dense traffic and frantic pace. But spend a little time among its friendly people, learn a little of its fascinating but volatile history, and its charms will soon get under your skin.

Manila has been under occupation by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans, and has been destroyed many times by natural disasters including fires and earthquakes. More recently, the tragic devastation wrought by bombing raids during the Second World War brought the city to its knees. Now, thanks to an ambitious programme of reconstruction, many of the city’s historic buildings have been preserved for posterity.

Intramuros is the oldest area and one of the main focuses for tourism. This ancient walled city is surrounded by sturdy fortifications built by the Spanish in the 16th century to repel hostile invaders. Most of the walls were left in ruins by wartime bombing, but the remaining parts have been sympathetically restored. Follow the walkways to the Baluarte de San Andres and the Baluarte de San Diego to appreciate their strategic position overlooking Manila Bay and the Pasig river. Nearby Fort Santiago houses the Rizal Shrine, dedicated to national hero Dr José Rizal, who lost his life in the struggle for independence. See the place of his execution in Rizal Park, one of the largest recreational spaces in Asia.

Learn about the fascinating archaeology and anthropology of the region in the National Museum of the Filipino People, or visit Casa Manila Museum for a close-up view of the domestic life of an affluent Filipino family during the colonial era. Believers and non-believers alike can’t fail to be moved by the sight of faithful pilgrims flocking to Quiapo Church to pray to the Black Nazarene, one of the most important icons in the country. Take time to visit Manila Cathedral, still proudly serving the Catholic community despite being destroyed many times.

Getting around on foot is hard in this huge metropolis, but taxis are cheap and plentiful and the light rail links most of the main sites. For the authentic Manila experience, hop on a colourful jeepney and hold on tight!

Where to stay in Manila

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Bonifacio Global City

4/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bonifacio Global City, BGC Arts Center and Bonifacio High Street are top sights worth seeing.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate showing a statue or sculpture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Malate

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Travellers choose Malate for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Quirino Avenue LRT Station or Vito Cruz LRT Station and check out top sights like Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Malate
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Makati Central Business District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Makati Central Business District. Make a stop by Ayala Triangle Gardens or Greenbelt Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Makati Central Business District
Ortigas Center which includes a city and a park

Ortigas Center

4/5(34 area reviews)

Travellers to Ortigas Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by PhilSports Complex and Asian Development Bank Headquarters.

Ortigas Center
Alabang showing a park

Alabang

4/5(20 area reviews)

Alabang is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Festival Supermall and Alabang Town Center while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita featuring a hotel

Ermita

3.5/5(107 area reviews)

SM City Manila and Manila Metropolitan Theatre are top sights in Ermita, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at United Nations LRT Station or Central LRT Station to see more sights in the area.

Ermita
Belmont Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is AU$155 per night from 20 May to 21 May
AU$155
includes taxes & fees
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,273 reviews)
"This is a good hotel if you want to be close to the airport for travel. The area around this hotel is very ‘high-end’ for Manila and you feel safe. A lovely mall nearby with some dining options. Food better there than what we ordered at the rooftop bar. Bar good for drinks - service a bit slow but ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

Belmont Hotel Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay
The price is AU$87 per night from 6 May to 7 May
AU$87
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,488 reviews)
"Spent one night overnight in transit. Hotel modern and clean. Area around the property white average, directly opposite terminal 3. Good grab pickup/drop off point, and the gym centre was great"

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

Savoy Hotel Manila
Dusit Thani Manila
Dusit Thani Manila
5 out of 5
Arnaiz Ave, Ayala Center, Makati, Manila
The price is AU$202 per night from 18 May to 19 May
AU$202
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,454 reviews)
"Had the best time here. Staff was friendly, service was great. Just an overall luxury experience and the amenities were abundant."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

Dusit Thani 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.
Tess and Tessha Condotel near T3 Airport
Tess and Tessha Condotel near T3 Airport
3 out of 5
150 Newport Blvd, Pasay, Manila
Stay at this 3-star golf condo in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Newport World Resorts and SM Mall of ...
7.6/10 Good! (139 reviews)
"Too difficult to locate and check in and out"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Tess and Tessha Condotel near T3 Airport
Seda Residences Makati
Seda Residences Makati
4 out of 5
Ayala Ave corner Amorsolo and Salcedo St, Legazpi Village, Makati
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (297 reviews)
"highly recommended!!!"

Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2025

Seda Residences Makati
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! (501 reviews)
"Marlo, Jerry, Kristine and Russ were very helpful, professional and welcoming. Thank you"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Citadines Salcedo Makati
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

Activities

Reviews of Manila

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
25
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 8%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An eye opener for sure.. so much activity

4/5 - Good

Maria

Good for a short trip to visit the National Museum, Old Manila and even Jones Bridge as it6 Christmas lights were magnificent with Parisian undertones! Just need trusted car/ van or Grab taxi to go around for convenience.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Manila is a hot tropical place, full of lots of traffic and people. Be prepared where every you go there, always smile and say hello to people.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not the safest place to go, especially in Makati. Keep your wallet and phone safe.

1/5 - Terrible

Sonny

Really terrible traffic congestion. If you plan to visit, go outside of Metro Manila but do your shopping in the metro.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I am from Australia and my wife and I live in the Philippines. I love the Philippines.

Cities near Manila