Manila blends historic walled districts with modern skyscrapers, lively streets, and bayside sunsets. You will find a city that feels energetic yet welcoming, with culture and creativity at every turn.
Discover Manila
Discover Manila
Why visit Manila?
What to expect
Expect busy streets, colourful jeepneys, and a skyline dotted with malls and towers, alongside leafy parks and Spanish-era architecture. Manila is sociable, music-loving, and always on the move.
Plan your trip
Use Manila as your base for exploring nearby islands, mountain escapes, and beach destinations across Luzon and beyond. Allow time for traffic, and group your sightseeing by district for smoother days.
Top sights in Manila
Intramuros
Wander the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city, where colonial-era walls, churches, and plazas tell the story of the capital's past.
Rizal Park
Stroll through Rizal Park, a wide green space by Manila Bay, ideal for evening walks, monuments, and views of the city skyline at sunset.
Manila Ocean Park
Visit Manila Ocean Park to see marine life exhibits, walk through underwater tunnels, and enjoy family-friendly shows by the bay.
National Museum Complex
Explore the National Museum complex to discover Philippine art, archaeology, and natural history housed in grand neoclassical buildings.
Binondo
Head to Binondo, often described as the world’s oldest Chinatown, for narrow streets, temples, and endless small eateries and shops.
Manila Baywalk
Walk along the Manila Baywalk in the late afternoon to catch cooling breezes, street performances, and one of the city’s signature sunsets.
Fort Santiago
Step into Fort Santiago within Intramuros to see stone ramparts, gardens, and riverside views where key moments in Philippine history unfolded.
Experience Manila's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Combine ride-hailing cars with the LRT and MRT train lines for longer journeys across Manila. For a different perspective, try a jeepney or a traditional calesa ride within Intramuros, and use taxis or ride-hailing for the last leg to your hotel.
Local life & culture
Experience Manila's culture in music bars, art galleries, and small theatres scattered around districts like Makati and Quezon City. You will notice a strong sense of community, with families and friends gathering late into the evening in plazas and neighbourhood streets.
Where to unwind
Find calm in leafy spots such as Rizal Park, Ayala Triangle Gardens, or the waterfront paths along Manila Bay. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to walk, jog, or simply sit and watch the city slow down.
A taste of Manila
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites like barbecued skewers, rice bowls, and savoury snacks at streetside stalls and casual eateries in areas such as Binondo, Quiapo, and Malate.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to malls and lifestyle districts in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas for relaxed restaurants and cafés serving Filipino dishes alongside Asian and Western flavours, with portions that make it easy to share and sample more.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at rooftop lounges or hotel restaurants overlooking Manila Bay or the city skyline for memorable dinners, especially at sunset when the bay and buildings glow with evening light.
Retail therapy in Manila
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Discover large malls in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, where international brands sit alongside local designers, cinemas, and family attractions, turning shopping into a full-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
Browse markets and smaller centres around Quiapo, Divisoria, and Greenhills to find handicrafts, fashion, and souvenirs, with plenty of chances to pick up uniquely Filipino gifts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and some streets fill with stalls and bright signage, especially around tourist areas and transport hubs, and you can rely on taxis and ride-hailing apps to reach them easily.
Best time to visit Manila
Dry season (peak season): From December to May, Manila is generally dry and warm, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F), making it popular for city sightseeing and beach trips. Wet season (shoulder season): June to November brings higher humidity and frequent showers or thunderstorms, with temperatures of about 24–31°C (75–88°F); rain is often heaviest in the afternoon and early evening. The rainier months can feel like low season for outdoor exploring, but indoor attractions and shopping areas remain comfortable year-round.