Here’s a Practical Manila Travel Guide to Help You Explore the City
It’s pretty common to hear Filipinos (or tourists) say, skip Manila. It can be overwhelming, chaotic, and risky, but Manila has amazing things to offer, from historic sites, food trips, and a glimpse into the Filipino way of life. So if you’re up for an adventure, here’s a Manila travel guide to exploring the city.
Manila Background
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s made up of several districts, with each offering something different: Intramuros for history, Binondo for amazing food, Ermita for nightlife, and Quiapo for a taste of Manila at its rawest. It’s a city full of contrasts that make it unforgettable.
How to Get There
Most international travelers arrive via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). From there, you can reach Manila by taxi, ride-hailing apps like Grab, or a private airport transfer. Travel time depends on traffic, so give yourself at least an hour if you’re heading to Manila proper.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Manila is between December and February. It’s cooler, less humid, and the skies are clearer. Avoid the rainy season (June to October) as the rainy season will make your trip difficult with flooding and traffic jams.
Where to Stay
If you want to explore Manila but prefer somewhere more modern and less chaotic, consider staying in nearby areas like Ortigas, BGC, or Makati. These business districts are cleaner, safer, and have better hotel options.
Check out this hotel in Ortigas for easy access to malls, restaurants, and transport. From here, you can reach Manila’s tourist spots in under an hour.
Getting Around
Download ride-hailing apps, such as Grab and In Drive, to get around by car. You can also ride a motorbike taxi instead to easily navigate the city by downloading Move It or Joyride.
But if you want to do it the local way, jeepneys are the cheapest option and a cultural experience. You just need to look at the cardboard sign hanging on the windshield or the printed signs on the side of the jeepneys to see the routes. It can be confusing if this is your first time exploring Manila, so ask the locals for help. Filipinos are generally friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask.
You can also ride the Light Railway Transit (LRT) train. Here’s the train route.
If you’re staying close to Intramuros or Binondo, you can explore those areas on foot or by bamboo bike tour, which is a more sustainable and fun way to move around.
Places to See
Intramuros
Probably the most beautiful site to see in Manila, Intramuros is a walled city that seems to have been trapped in time. Here, you can walk the cobblestone streets, learn about the Philippines’ history by visiting Fort Santiago, and marvel at the beauty of two old churches, San Agustin and Manila Cathedral. You can book a historical walking tour, join the bamboo bike ride, or explore the city on your own.
Binondo
Known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo is one of the best places to visit for food and culture. Here you can find Chinese-owned establishments such as restaurants, jewelry shops, fruit stalls, shopping malls, etc.
The best time to visit Binondo is during the Chinese New Year, when the town becomes alive with lion and dragon dances, parades, cultural performances, and bazaars. This is also the best place to go on a food trip. Some of my recommendations are buying lumpia at New Po Heng, taking home hopias from Eng Bee Tin, and falling in line to get the popular Shanghai Fried Siopao.
Quiapo
Home to the iconic Quiapo Church and the bustling street market. It’s gritty, but full of character. You can check out the fortune tellers and herbal medicine vendors in front of the church.
As with anything else, please be careful when walking through the streets of Quiapo. Mind your belongings, keep them in front of you, especially in crowded areas.
Manila Ocean Park
Whether you’re a family of four or a group of friends, the Manila Ocean Park is full of marine life and interactive exhibits that will keep you entertained throughout the day.
National Museum Complex
If you like exploring museums, there are museums sitting across from each other near Rizal Park: The National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Anthropology. Entry is free; you just need to present an ID before entering and leave your belongings at the bag counter.
National Museum of Natural History
The building features neoclassical architecture and a centerpiece called the Tree of Life, a DNA-shaped structure that houses an elevator. This museum spans six exhibition floors, showcasing Philippine biodiversity. There were stuffed animals, fossils, marine life models, and exhibits on geology, forestry, and ecology. The most popular exhibit is Lolong; the preserved skeleton and taxidermy of the world’s largest captured crocodile.
National Museum of Anthropology
This museum focuses on people and culture; artifacts from indigenous groups, pre-colonial tools, textiles, weapons, traditional burial jars, and exhibitions on Philippine languages and belief systems.
Roxas Boulevard at sunset
To enjoy the perfect sunset view, walk along Roxas Boulevard.
SM Mall of Asia (Pasay)
Not in Manila City, but located in the nearby city, Pasay, the SM Mall of Asia, or MOA, is one of the biggest malls in Asia. Go if you need retail therapy or want to experience an ice skating rink in a tropical country.
Divisoria
Known as the shopping mecca of Manila, Divisoria is a commercial sub-district where you can find mass market shops selling low-priced merchandise, such as clothing, household items, souvenir items, toys, accessories, etc.
Visit the SM Mall of Asia
The Mall of Asia is a great place if you enjoy shopping and want to do a little bit of it while you’re on vacation.
Explore one of the largest shopping malls in the world. The Mall of Asia offers a wide range of retail, entertainment, and dining options, so it’s definitely a place that you could spend a whole day if you felt like it.
Make sure you don’t overpack your luggage too much because if you’re somewhat of a shopaholic, there’s a high chance you’ll be bringing plenty back with you.
Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park is a great place when it comes to both a fun and educational experience. Whether you’re a family of four or a group of friends, this park is full of marine life and interactive exhibits that will keep you entertained throughout the day.
If you’re looking for something to do beyond just eating and drinking, then Manila Ocean Park is worth giving a go.
General Tips
For a fun and safe Manila tour, please keep these things in mind:
- Watch your belongings – Pickpocketing is common in crowded places like Quiapo and Divisoria, so be careful when exploring these areas.
- Don’t flash your valuables – Keep it low-key, especially in busy streets.
- Dress lightly – Manila is hot and humid most of the year, so wear airy or light clothing and don’t forget to wear sunblock as well.
- Don’t expect punctual public transport – Traffic jam is a huge problem in Manila so be extra patient while going around.
- Bring cash – Smaller shops and eateries don’t accept cards.
- Learn a few Tagalog phrases – It helps, even if most people speak English. Here are a few words you can use:
- Salamat po – Thank you
- Bayad po – Here’s my payment
- Para po – When you’re riding a jeep, use this phrase to ask the driver to stop so you can alight from the vehicle.
- Saan po ito? – Where is this?
- Magkano po? – How much?
- Pwede pong tumawad? – Can I ask for a discount? You may use this when buying from bargain shops (also known locally as “ukay-ukay”), or in a public market like Divisoria.
Author's note: The word, "po" is a honorific term used to express respect. I recommend adding it to a sentence (for example, "Good morning po") especially when speaking with the elderlies.
A vacation in Manila is time and money well spent, making plenty of memories and experiences along the way. I hope that this Manila travel guide can convince you to explore the city on your next visit.
Featured image by Andrey Andreyev on Unsplash
