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

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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 The Mind Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Bonifacio Global City
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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
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
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
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 Robinsons Galleria Mall and Ayala Malls The 30th.

Ortigas Center
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
Kabayan Hotel
Kabayan Hotel
3 out of 5
347 EDSA, Pasay
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"I had a fantastic stay! The room was spotless, the staff were incredibly friendly."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Kabayan Hotel
Belmont Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is NZ$136 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$136
12 July - 13 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! (2,451 reviews)
"They worked to check us in early at no extra charge. That was very helpful."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Belmont Hotel Manila
New World Makati Hotel
New World Makati Hotel
5 out of 5
Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati, Manila
The price is NZ$195 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$195
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Great room and service! Excellent location near Greenbelt Mall and restaurants."

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

New World Makati 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.
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 a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (131 reviews)
"Hotel Lanson is a great Hotels from the Sraff to the accommodation..."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Lanson Place Mall of Asia 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! (318 reviews)
"Great location!. Starbucks, ATMS, restaurants and convenience stores are all on the ground floor."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 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! (516 reviews)
"Nicole was fantastic. Always willing to help with a fantastic attitude. The rest of the staff was excellent too. I cant remember the name of the guy at the front who recommended me to sign up for the asr points club, but thank you. Also security made us feel secured and safe every time we walked ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 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