Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a dynamic bayside metropolis where historic districts meet fast-growing business hubs and lively waterfront promenades. You will find a city that blends old-world architecture, modern towers, and relaxed coastal views.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods such as Intramuros, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City each offer a distinct character, from cobbled streets and colonial-era walls to gleaming malls and artsy cafés. Traffic can be busy, but the city rewards you with friendly locals, vibrant music, and an easy-going atmosphere.

Plan your trip
Use Manila as both a city break and a gateway to the Philippines many islands and beach destinations. With good air and ferry connections, you can pair time in the capital with side trips to nearby heritage towns, mountain landscapes, or tropical coastal retreats.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the historic walled district of Intramuros, exploring cobbled streets, old stone ramparts, and leafy plazas.

Rizal Park

Stroll through Rizal Park, a spacious green area by Manila Bay with monuments, fountains, and open lawns.

Manila Ocean Park

Visit Manila Ocean Park to see marine life up close through underwater tunnels and themed exhibits by the waterfront.

National Museum Complex

Discover Philippine art, archaeology, and natural history across the National Museum galleries near the old city centre.

Binondo

Explore Binondo, often considered one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, with narrow streets and bustling shopfronts.

Baywalk along Manila Bay

Head to the Manila Baywalk in the late afternoon for a relaxed promenade and views over the water at sunset.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Spend time in Bonifacio Global City, a modern district known for open-air art, wide pavements, and contemporary dining.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Take a break in Ayala Triangle Gardens, a pocket of greenery surrounded by the towers of Makati’s business district.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hail services are the most convenient way to move between districts in Manila’s spread-out urban area. For shorter hops, jeepneys and app-based motorcycle services can be useful, while walking is pleasant within areas like BGC and Intramuros during cooler hours.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Manila revolves around neighbourhood shopping centres, community parks, and casual meeting spots in business districts. You will notice a strong focus on family and social gatherings, with live music, outdoor events, and seasonal festivals often filling plazas and streets in the evenings.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Rizal Park, Ayala Triangle Gardens, and the harbourfront paths along Manila Bay offer places to slow down. Visit in the early morning or around sunset for cooler temperatures, softer light, and a more relaxed pace away from the city’s busiest roads.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
You will find local favourites in simple eateries and food courts around districts like Binondo, Malate, and Ermita. Casual stalls and small shops serve comforting rice and noodle dishes, grilled items, and sweet snacks that are ideal for a quick, flavourful meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City gather a wide range of Asian and international options under one roof. With many smaller plates and shareable portions on menus, you can sample a variety of dishes in one sitting, whether you are dining solo or with a group.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, look for restaurants on upper floors of Makati and BGC towers or along the Manila Bay waterfront. These venues pair city or bay panoramas with attentive service, making them suitable for special occasions or a relaxed evening after a day of exploring.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large, air-conditioned malls that combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family entertainment. Complexes in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City act as social hubs where you can shop, dine, and relax in one place.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the main malls, smaller markets and neighbourhood streets offer more local character and unique finds. Areas such as Binondo, Quiapo, and parts of old Manila are good for browsing textiles, accessories, and everyday items with a distinctly local flavour.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, many malls stay open late and shopping streets glow with bright signage and lively cafés. Weekend night-time events and pop-up markets appear in districts like BGC and Makati, and public transport and taxis make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season, November to February, shoulder season)
During the amihan season, Manila is generally drier and slightly cooler, with average temperatures around 24°C–30°C (75°F–86°F). Breezier evenings and clearer skies make this a comfortable time for walking tours, open-air events, and exploring the city’s waterfront areas.

Tag-init (warm dry season, March to May, peak season)
The warm dry months bring hot days that often reach 26°C–33°C (79°F–91°F), with plenty of sunshine and bright blue skies. This is a popular time to combine a city stay in Manila with trips to nearby beaches and islands, making the most of the long, sunny days.

Habagat (rainy season, June to October, low season)
During the habagat or southwest monsoon, expect more frequent rain showers and slightly higher humidity, with temperatures around 25°C–31°C (77°F–88°F). Showers are often brief and refreshing, and you can still enjoy museum visits, indoor attractions, and the city’s extensive shopping and dining scene.

Frequently Asked Questions