Flights from London (LON) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila blends modern energy with deep history, where glass towers stand beside centuries-old architecture and lively bayside promenades. You will find a city that feels dynamic yet approachable, with friendly locals, colourful streets, and a strong sense of community.

What to expect
The city spreads out along Manila Bay and the Pasig River, with districts that each have a distinct character. Historic Intramuros offers cobbled lanes and heritage facades, while Makati and Bonifacio Global City are known for offices, galleries, and high-rise living. Expect busy roads, vibrant shopping centres, and neighbourhood pockets of greenery.

Plan your trip
Manila works well as both a city-break destination and a starting point for wider adventures in the Philippines. From here, you can connect to islands known for beaches, diving, and mountain scenery. With year-round warm weather and a growing hospitality scene, it is easy to build a flexible itinerary that suits your pace.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Explore Manila's historic walled district, with centuries-old architecture, leafy plazas, and museums in restored buildings.

Rizal Park

Stroll through this central green space by Manila Bay, home to monuments, gardens, and evening gatherings.

Baywalk and Manila Bay

Walk the seafront promenade at sunset for wide harbour views and a relaxed, open-air atmosphere.

National Museum Complex

Visit the cluster of national museums to see art, natural history, and cultural exhibits under elegant domes and halls.

Binondo

Wander through one of the world's oldest Chinatowns, with narrow streets, traditional shops, and busy eateries.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Discover a modern district of wide pavements, public art, open plazas, and contemporary dining and nightlife.

Makati Central Business District

Combine shopping, dining, and gallery visits in this commercial hub, known for its skyline and walkable core.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Take a break in this landscaped park framed by towers, often lit up with seasonal light displays after dark.

Experience Manila's everyday rhythm

Getting around
For longer journeys, the most practical options are metred taxis, app-based ride services, and the elevated rail lines that cross key districts. Jeepneys and buses offer a more local experience on shorter hops. For the last stretch, walking between nearby malls, parks, and offices is often the quickest option.

Local life & culture
Manila's rhythm is shaped by workdays in commercial districts and evenings spent in malls, parks, and neighbourhood eateries. Street art, live music, and small galleries are part of the urban landscape, especially in creative pockets of Makati and BGC. Many residents socialise in large family groups, giving public spaces a warm and lively feel.

Where to unwind
Green pockets such as Rizal Park, Ayala Triangle Gardens, and neighbourhood parks offer space to slow down between city explorations. Manila Bay's seafront paths are popular towards late afternoon, when the light softens and the heat eases. Hotel pools and spa centres across the city provide additional quiet corners to rest and reset.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
You can try local dishes ranging from grilled favourites to savoury stews in casual eateries and food courts across the city. Districts such as Binondo and parts of Makati are known for small, long-running establishments, where recipes and flavours often span generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Many visitors gravitate to malls in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas, where you will find a wide mix of local and international options under one roof. Food halls and mid-range restaurants make it easy to sample several small plates or share dishes with friends, ideal for tasting a variety of flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, rooftop venues and high-floor restaurants in Makati and BGC offer city views with refined menus. Along Manila Bay, some establishments highlight the waterfront setting, particularly around sunset. Advance reservations are recommended if you would like a window seat with a skyline or harbour backdrop.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shopping centres are a central part of daily life in Manila, doubling as places to meet, dine, and relax in a cool, comfortable setting. Large complexes in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas house international fashion, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller finds, head to neighbourhood markets and specialty shops where you can browse handicrafts, textiles, and local products. Areas around Intramuros, parts of Makati, and selected weekend bazaars often showcase pieces from independent makers, offering souvenirs with a clear sense of place.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay busy with late shoppers and diners, and streets around BGC and central Makati become softly lit promenades. Pop-up markets and seasonal fairs sometimes appear in open plazas, adding a festive atmosphere. Public transport and app-based rides make it straightforward to reach these districts in the evening.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season, peak season)
From December to February, Manila enjoys its mildest conditions, with average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Lower humidity and clearer skies make it popular for sightseeing and outdoor events, and it is a comfortable time to explore districts on foot.

Dry summer months (shoulder season)
From March to May, temperatures rise to around 28–32°C (82–90°F), with bright, sunny days and warm evenings. This period is ideal if you enjoy long daylight hours, and it pairs well with trips from Manila to coastal areas and islands.

Habagat (rainy season, low season)
From June to November, temperatures hover around 27–30°C (81–86°F), with higher humidity and more frequent showers. Rain often comes in bursts, leaving time between for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, and the city feels lush and vibrant after downpours.

Frequently Asked Questions