Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a vibrant bayside capital where history, art, and modern city life meet. Spanish-era fortifications, leafy streets, and contemporary skylines sit side by side, giving you a mix of heritage and energy in one fast-growing metropolis.

What to expect
You can explore the walled district of Intramuros, busy business hubs in Makati and Bonifacio Global City, and lively waterfront promenades along Manila Bay. Expect bustling streets, friendly locals, colourful neighbourhoods, and a pace of life that blends work, leisure, and family time.

Plan your trip
Manila works well as both a city break and a starting point for wider adventures. From here, you can connect easily to islands, beaches, and mountain regions across the Philippines, making the city a practical gateway as well as a destination in its own right.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the cobbled streets of Manila’s historic walled city, where old ramparts, plazas, and preserved buildings tell the story of the capital’s past.

Rizal Park

Stroll through expansive lawns, monuments, and fountains in this central urban park overlooking Manila Bay.

Manila Ocean Park

Discover marine life up close at this family-friendly attraction with aquariums, shows, and interactive exhibits by the bayfront.

National Museum Complex

Explore art, archaeology, and natural history across several museum buildings that showcase the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Binondo

Head into one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, known for its busy streets, traditional shops, and atmospheric alleys.

Makati Central Business District

Experience modern Manila with high-rise towers, art spaces, green pockets, and contemporary cafes and bars.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Walk among public art, wide pavements, and modern architecture in this planned district filled with dining and entertainment options.

Manila Baywalk

Take an evening promenade along the bayfront to enjoy sea views, cooling breezes, and one of the city’s most famous sunsets.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis, app-based ride services, and light rail lines are the most practical ways to move between districts like Intramuros, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City. Jeepneys and buses add local flavour on shorter hops, while walking works well within compact neighbourhoods and park areas.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Manila revolves around close-knit communities, shopping centres, and lively street corners. You will notice a strong appreciation for music, performance, and visual arts, with buskers, galleries, and public art bringing colour to many districts. Weekends often centre on family gatherings and leisurely meals out.

Where to unwind
For calmer moments, you can head to spacious parks, waterside promenades, or quieter residential streets with pocket gardens. Early mornings and late afternoons are comfortable times to explore on foot, enjoy a jog, or sit on a bench and watch the city go by, with softer light over the skyline.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
Manila’s streets and casual eateries offer comforting rice dishes, grilled skewers, and noodle favourites. Neighbourhoods around Binondo, Quiapo, and the university belt are known for stalls and small diners where you can try a variety of local snacks in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City gather many cafes, bistros, and international restaurants under one roof. Menus often combine familiar Asian flavours with global influences, and sharing plates make it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can book a restaurant with views of the city skyline or Manila Bay. Hotels and rooftop venues offer refined menus paired with panoramas, turning dinner into an unhurried experience with a memorable outlook over the city lights or sunset.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres are social hubs in Manila, bringing together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. In districts like Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, air-conditioned malls make it easy to browse, dine, and meet friends in one place.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, you can explore markets and side streets around Quiapo, Binondo, and parts of Makati for crafts, textiles, and small independent shops. These areas are good for picking up simple souvenirs, accessories, and locally made items while observing everyday city life.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay lively with late-opening stores and busy dining floors, while some streets gain a festive atmosphere with lights and outdoor stalls. It is straightforward to reach these districts by taxi, rail, or app-based rides, so you can enjoy evening shopping and return to your hotel with ease.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season, November to February, shoulder season)
During the amihan months, Manila is generally cooler and less humid, with temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F). Skies are often clearer, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing, bayfront walks, and exploring historic districts on foot.

Tag-init (warm dry season, March to May, peak season)
Tag-init brings hot, sunny days with temperatures typically between 26–34°C (79–93°F). This is a lively period for outdoor activities and beach trips from the city, with long daylight hours ideal for planning excursions and early evening strolls.

Habagat (rainy season, June to October, low season)
The habagat season is characterised by warm temperatures of about 25–31°C (77–88°F) and more frequent showers. Rain often comes in bursts, leaving time for museum visits, shopping, and indoor attractions, while the city’s greenery looks especially lush.

Frequently Asked Questions