Manila

Travel Guide

Makati which includes a city
Baywalk which includes city views, boating and a marina
Makati
Baywalk which includes a city, boating and a bay or harbor
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(83 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

3.5/5(52 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(266 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

4.5/5(182 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

4/5(868 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
Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

4 out of 5
Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay
The price is NT$2,033 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
NT$2,033
NT$2,294 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,721 reviews)
"Lacking amenities!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Savoy Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is NT$1,764 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
NT$1,764
NT$1,991 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (2,553 reviews)
"excellent service and hospitality and the food"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The price is NT$1,516 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
NT$1,516
NT$1,862 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (3,049 reviews)
"Simply the go to when flying in ti manila"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Heritage 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.
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! (531 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 2025/7/30

Citadines Salcedo Makati
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

4 out of 5
28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Taguig. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila
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 breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (327 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable rooms. Love the laundry and dryer features in the rooms. Staff provided great service, welcoming and friendly too."

Reviewed on 2025/7/28

Seda Residences 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.

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