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

Manila is a chaotically colourful city, ripe with history and culture, from ancient ruins to lively nightlife.

Manila has a distinct vibrancy and energy that is the product of ongoing economic expansion and a continuously growing population. It is one of the biggest urban areas in the world – a fusion of 16 different towns – and a place where hustle and bustle energy are the order of the day.

Manila's history is one of instability, from being invaded by the British, Japanese and Spanish, to being partially destroyed by fires, earthquakes and wartime bombing. As a result, it has a unique character with residents full of charming survival instinct and fascinating local stories – as well as a mishmash of architectural styles.

Some of the most ancient sites can be seen in the city’s oldest quarter – Intramuros – where the defences built by the Spanish in the 16th century felt the force of the bombs of World War Two, and have now been rebuilt. Here you will find the Baluarte de San Diego, one of the oldest stone fortifications in the city, as well as the Baluarte de San Andres – built to protect the old Puerta Real.

Learn more about the history of Manila’s walled city at Spanish-built Fort Santiago, and admire the resilience of the Filipino people and their enduring faith in the rebuilt Manila Cathedral.

There are numerous attractions in the vicinity of Intramuros, including the ornamental gardens of Rizal Park and the National Museum of the Filipino People where visitors can learn more about this compelling country and its culture, including ancient discoveries, trading history and traditional burial rites. Casa Manila Museum is a reproduction of a Spanish colonial house full of period furniture and overflowing with history.

Manila is a city that has survived and thrived by its vicinity to the Pacific Ocean, s there are plenty of water-focused activities to enjoy – from taking a ferry ride along the Pasig River to exploring the buzzing bars and nightlife of Baywalk.

Manila is a busy city, and the light rail and metro are usually the best transport options. Travel by road tends to take a little longer but there are plenty of inexpensive, air-conditioned taxis, so if you do get stuck in a jam then take lesson from the locals and just sit back and relax.

Where to stay in Manila

Default Image

Bonifacio Global City

4/5(7 area reviews)

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

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

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 Manila Zoo.

Malate
Default Image

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 featuring a garden and a city

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 Estancia at Capitol Commons and Asian Development Bank Headquarters.

Ortigas Center
Alabang which includes a park

Alabang

4/5(20 area reviews)

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

Alabang
Ermita featuring a hotel

Ermita

3.5/5(107 area reviews)

National Museum of Fine Arts and SM City Manila 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
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The price is NZ$99 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$99
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (3,026 reviews)
"Although the regular room was ok, I opted for the upgraded room and it was worth it. Staff, amazing! Front desk knowledgeable and kind. Kudos to Nino!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

The Heritage Hotel Manila
The Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula Manila

5 out of 5
Corner Of Ayala And Makati Avenues, Makati, Manila
The price is NZ$331 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$331
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

The Peninsula Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila

Belmont Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is NZ$122 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$122
27 July - 28 July
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! (2,534 reviews)
"This is my go to hotel whenever I visit the Philippines. It’s close to the airport and the Shrineof Saint Teresa is justacross the street."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 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! (141 reviews)
Exceptional staff
"Second time I have stayed here in 2 weeks. The property is great no doubt. The staff is exceptional in every way. They make you feel very welcome. Good bar as well!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 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! (529 reviews)
"Everyone was polite and welcoming, would definitely stay gere again"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 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! (512 reviews)
"Property is great for families as well as regular travelers. Rooms are clean and spacious."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 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

Activities

Cities near Manila