Step back in time within the ancient walls of Intramuros, Manila's oldest district. This 16th-century Spanish colonial gem features well-preserved fortifications, historic churches, and cobblestone streets perfect for leisurely exploration. Fort Santiago's dungeons and Manila Cathedral's baroque grandeur transport visitors through centuries of Philippine history. Kalesa horse-drawn carriages offer authentic transport through this pedestrian-friendly area. The district houses museums like Casa Manila and San Agustin Church with intricate stone carvings. Colonial-themed restaurants serve Filipino-Spanish fusion dishes in atmospheric heritage buildings where history comes alive.
Malate pulses with energy as Manila's entertainment heartbeat. The area blends cultural landmarks like Malate Church with a legendary nightlife scene along Remedios Circle. Manila Zoo draws families while budget travellers appreciate the affordable food and lodging options. Explore this walkable district using the convenient LRT stations at Quirino Avenue and Vito Cruz. Live music spills from open doorways as food vendors create a feast for the senses. College students from nearby universities add youthful vibrancy to this authentic Filipino area.
Ermita is Manila's cultural heart where history and modern city life come together. Rizal Park's green lawns lead to stunning Manila Bay views. The National Museum complex showcases Filipino art and heritage in grand buildings. Cultural centers and colonial landmarks tell stories of the city's rich past. Take a stroll along Roxas Boulevard for spectacular sunset views over the water. Visit SM City Manila for shopping or catch performances at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre. Three LRT stations make it easy to explore both Ermita and beyond.
Step into Manila's Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown dating back to 1594. Red lanterns hang above streets where the aroma of authentic Chinese-Filipino cuisine fills the air. Historic Binondo Church stands as a cultural anchor amid busy shopping thoroughfares. Explore Ongpin Street where traditional medicine shops and gold jewellery stores create a bustling marketplace atmosphere. Visitors can sample local delicacies like hopia and fresh lumpia between shopping stops. The neighborhood's unique blend of Filipino and Chinese heritage makes it an essential cultural experience.
Legazpi Village blends corporate sophistication with urban oases in the heart of Makati. The area houses international embassies, financial towers, and luxury condominiums alongside peaceful green retreats. Washington SyCip Park offers shaded benches amid tropical landscaping, perfect for escaping the business district buzz. Premium shopping awaits at Greenbelt Mall with its luxury boutiques and al fresco dining terraces. Upscale restaurants and artisanal coffee shops dot the area, serving international cuisine. The area boasts excellent connectivity through nearby Ayala MRT station and is wonderfully walkable with covered pathways between buildings.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Manila
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Open Photo by Natalie Robinson
SM Mall of Asia
8.6/10 (5,009 reviews)
This sprawling waterfront complex offers over 700 shops and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink. Catch sunset views from the MOA Eye Ferris wheel or stroll along the scenic Seaside Baywalk.
SM City North EDSA, one of the Philippines' largest malls, offers a sprawling retail paradise with international and local brands. Escape to the Sky Garden for a peaceful retreat amid greenery and dining options.
This Venetian-inspired mall features an artificial canal with gondola rides and serenading gondoliers. Explore pastel facades before enjoying international dining as evening lights enhance the romantic ambiance.
Greenbelt Mall blends luxury retail with tranquil gardens and a central chapel in bustling Makati City. Explore high-end boutiques in Greenbelt 4-5 or savour diverse dining options amid koi ponds and landscaped retreats.
SM Megamall dazzles with over 600 shops, an ice skating rink, and interactive gaming zones across its expansive floors. Weekday mornings offer the most relaxed shopping experience for exploring this retail paradise.
Stroll through this vibrant urban oasis where retail, dining, and art installations merge along tree-lined walkways. Enjoy al fresco dining in Manila's most stylish open-air shopping destination.
This luxury entertainment complex features three upscale hotels, a world-class casino, and diverse dining options. Families can enjoy DreamPlay, the world's first DreamWorks-inspired interactive entertainment centre.
Why not try your luck with a visit to Newport World Resorts during your visit to Pasay? Visit the churches and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.
"Conveniently located among shops/eateries at Greenbelt. Very professional and friendly staff. Well maintained and large rooms. One of the best breakfast buffet spreads in Manila. Bar drinks could be improved to be more special."
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.
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.
In Manila, you can enjoy shopping at SM Mall of Asia, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a local experience, visit Baclaran Market, bustling with city vibes. Don’t miss SM North EDSA for more shopping and fun activities.
Recreation
At the Manila Film Center, immerse yourself in a unique blend of culture and entertainment, where cinematic experiences elevate your spirit. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex offers invigorating sports activities, perfect for fitness enthusiasts, while the Manila Yacht Club provides luxurious relaxation amidst beautiful marina views, ideal for unwinding.
Adventure
At Club Manila East, located 17.7km from the city, you can enjoy thrilling water slides and relaxing pools, perfect for families. The Mall of Asia Eye offers breathtaking views on its giant Ferris wheel, while Fun Ranch is an exciting arcade adventure zone for all ages, filled with fun games.
Nightlife
In Manila, immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife at Poblacion and Bonifacio Global City, where lively bars, clubs, and street parties await. Explore the bustling atmosphere of Malate for live music and dance, or enjoy sophisticated rooftop views at Makati's high-end venues.
Find the best attractions in Manila
Manila offers a rich blend of city-themed, family-friendly, and business-oriented experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including historic churches, urban parks, and renowned colleges and universities. With its cultural depth and vibrant atmosphere, Manila caters to those seeking a family experience or a taste of local culture. Don't miss the scenic views of Manila Bay, which adds to the charm of this bustling metropolis.
Rizal Park: An urban oasis in the heart of Manila, Rizal Park offers lush greenery, historical monuments, and vibrant family-friendly spaces. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, take in the statue of national hero Jose Rizal, and enjoy the lively atmosphere where locals gather for picnics and leisure.
Smart Araneta Coliseum: Known as the Big Dome, this iconic arena is a hub for entertainment in Manila. Experience thrilling sports events, concerts, and cultural shows that cater to families and fans alike, making it a lively venue brimming with energy and excitement.
SMX Convention Center: A premier event venue, the SMX Convention Center hosts various business and trade events. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it a bustling hub for networking, exhibitions, and conferences, perfect for professionals and business-minded visitors.
Best time to go to Manila
The best time to visit Manila is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Manila
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Manila.
Consider traveling to Manila during the low season (May and August to September) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Manila holiday package cost?
You can pick up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. However, how much your holiday to Manila costs will depend on the season, hotel choice and length of stay.
What are the cheapest months to go to Manila?
April, August and September are the best times to look for cheap Manila holiday packages. Opting to travel in quieter months means you can typically find lower prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Manila?
To get the most out of a Manila holiday, we suggest staying for 3 days. Split your time between discovering New Frontier Theatre, The Mind Museum and other key sights, in addition to exploring neighbourhoods like Barangay 76 and San Lorenzo. If you've got some time to spare, include a day trip or tour in your Manila holiday itinerary.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Manila?
Whether you'd like to visit top sights such as Manila Ocean Park and Rizal Park on your Manila holiday, or coming for its excellent shopping, festivals and culture, there's something for everyone here. With so much to do, you'll quickly learn why so many travellers think Manila is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Manila package deals?
Finding a cheap Manila package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your preferred dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add a few filters and see what's available. You can personalise your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most wallet-friendly Manila package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are usually lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Manila holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to booking accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your Manila trip to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Check out our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Manila?
Land incredible bargains by reserving your flights ahead of time with Expedia. If spontaneity is more your style, snap up one of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Manila escape.
How to plan a trip to Manila?
Choose the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to visit Manila.
Budget wisely: In addition to the price of your stay, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include transportation, flights and food. Also, set aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses that could crop up during your trip to Manila.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Manila, you can figure out the ideal length of your holiday. Create a rough itinerary and allocate enough time for all the things you want to do.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left now is to choose a Manila holiday package that brings all your bookings together.