Flights from New Zealand to Manila (MNL)

Discover Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?

Manila is a dynamic bayside capital where historic walls, modern towers, and lively neighbourhoods sit side by side. You will find a welcoming city that blends heritage, creativity, and a relaxed coastal feel.

What to expect

Expect busy streets, colourful jeepneys, and districts that each feel distinct, from the old-world charm of Intramuros to the polished boulevards of Bonifacio Global City. Shopping malls double as social hubs, and the city stays vibrant well into the night.

Plan your trip

Use Manila as your base to explore beaches, islands, and mountain landscapes across the Philippines. With good air, sea, and land links, the city works well as both a short city break and a gateway to a longer island-hopping journey.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the stone walls and cobbled streets of Intramuros, the historic walled district where colonial-era landmarks and leafy plazas offer a slower pace in the heart of the city.

Rizal Park and Manila Bay

Stroll through Rizal Park before heading to the Manila Bay waterfront, where you can watch vivid sunsets and take in views of the city skyline along the promenade.

National Museum Complex

Explore the National Museum galleries to see art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits that trace the story of the Philippines under one walkable campus.

Binondo

Visit Binondo, often described as one of the world’s oldest Chinatown districts, to wander narrow streets lined with shops, eateries, and traditional businesses.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Spend time in Bonifacio Global City, a modern district known for its public art, wide pavements, green pockets, and a concentration of dining and nightlife.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Relax at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, a pocket of greenery framed by high-rises, often hosting light displays and events in the evenings.

Manila Ocean Park

Head to Manila Ocean Park on the bayfront to enjoy aquariums, marine-themed attractions, and city-and-sea views from the promenade outside.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use ride-hailing services and taxis for the most convenient way to move between districts, especially in the heat. For a local touch, try a short journey on a jeepney or the elevated rail lines, then walk or take a tricycle for the final stretch to your destination.

Local life & culture

Feel Manila’s energy in its plazas, churches, and lively streets where music, street art, and everyday life spill into the open. Neighbourhoods like Makati, BGC, and Malate each carry their own character, from business-focused to artsy and bohemian.

Where to unwind

Seek calm in city parks, hotel pools, and spa centres, or escape to bayside walks in the early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler. Weekends are ideal for day trips to nearby lakes or coastal areas for fresh air and open views.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties

Sample local favourites such as skewers, rice dishes, and sweet snacks from stalls around university belts, side streets in Binondo, and neighbourhood markets, where casual eateries serve comforting home-style recipes.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Head to Makati, BGC, and Ortigas malls for air-conditioned food courts and casual restaurants offering Filipino plates alongside Asian and Western options, with portions that make it easy to share and try a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining

Choose high-floor restaurants in business districts or venues along Manila Bay for skyline or sunset views, ideal for marking a special evening with carefully presented menus and attentive service.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Discover large shopping centres in Makati, Ortigas, and BGC where international labels, local designers, cinemas, and play areas sit under one roof, turning a shopping trip into a full-day outing.

Markets & local crafts

Browse neighbourhood markets and smaller centres in areas like Quiapo, Divisoria, and parts of Makati to find textiles, handicrafts, and everyday items, often at negotiable prices.

Evening retail scene

Enjoy brightly lit malls and lively streets that stay open into the evening, with some outdoor bazaars and seasonal night markets adding to the atmosphere, all easily reached by taxi or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Manila

Dry season (peak season): From December to April, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F). This is the most popular time to visit for city sightseeing and onward island travel. Hot pre-monsoon (shoulder season): From May to early June, temperatures can climb above 33°C (91°F) with higher humidity, so plan indoor breaks and stay hydrated while exploring. Rainy season (low season): From June to November, Manila experiences more frequent showers and occasional storms, with temperatures averaging 24–30°C (75–86°F); showers often come in bursts, leaving cooler evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions