Baywalk was once a no-go area for visitors to Manila, but since its transformation into one of the liveliest spots in the city, that's no longer the case. Baywalk is great for strolling – this two-kilometre seaside promenade is populated with restaurants, cafes and shops in the day, and the sounds of music floating on the air at night.
You can find Baywalk on the main harbour – Manila Bay – between the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the American Embassy. Come to watch the sunset over the bay, and you’ll find yourself spending the whole evening here. After sun-down, pick a restaurant for dinner, or take a table in one of the open-air cafés and listen to the music, watch the street artists and acrobats, and drink in the buzzing atmosphere.
If you're more of an early bird than a night owl then the Baywalk is a great spot for an early-morning jog. You can also join Tai Chi or aerobics classes. Alternatively, families will enjoy simply sitting and people-watching, or spotting the ships coming and going out in the bay. Keep an eye out for the life-sized statues of famous Filipinos, including Benigno Servillano "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., an opponent of the Marcos government who was assassinated in 1983.
Baywalk offers a great opportunity to taste some local street food, such as premature duck eggs (‘balut’), and you can take a ride on the 55-metre high Ferris wheel – the Eye of MOA – which offers some unforgettable views.
Baywalk is easily reached by taking a hotel shuttle to Mall of Asia, which is only metres from the seafront, or simply hopping on a bus, or in a taxi or jeepney. You can visit the Baywalk at all hours and entry is free.
