Manila blends historic walled streets and sleek high-rises with a lively bayfront setting. You will find a city full of energy, friendly faces, and colourful neighbourhoods to explore.
Discover Manila
Discover Manila
Why visit Manila?
What to expect
Expect busy streets, buzzing shopping districts, and waterfront sunsets along Manila Bay. Historic Intramuros, modern business hubs like Makati and Bonifacio Global City, and sprawling malls shape most visits.
Plan your trip
Manila is an ideal starting point for journeys across Luzon and island escapes around the Philippines. Use the city as your hub before heading onwards to beaches, mountains, and heritage towns.
Top sights in Manila
Intramuros
Walk the cobbled streets and stone walls of Intramuros, Manila's historic core, with colonial-era landmarks, leafy plazas, and horse-drawn carriages.
Rizal Park
Stroll through Rizal Park, a central green space with monuments, fountains, and lawns that offer a calm break from the surrounding city.
Manila Baywalk
Head to the Baywalk along Manila Bay for sea breezes and some of the city’s most memorable sunsets, right next to dining and entertainment areas.
National Museum Complex
Explore the National Museum Complex to see art, archaeology, and natural history collections that tell the story of the Philippines.
Binondo district
Visit Binondo, one of the world’s oldest Chinatown districts, for lively streets, heritage buildings, and traditional shops.
Makati Central Business District
Spend time in Makati for its polished skyline, galleries, dining, and easy access to malls and nightlife.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
Discover Bonifacio Global City, known for its street art, open plazas, modern malls, and family-friendly parks.
Experience Manila's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use ride-hailing apps and metered taxis for most journeys in Manila, especially between the airport and city centres. For a different perspective, try the elevated rail lines where available, then switch to jeepneys or tricycles for the last stretch to your destination.
Local life & culture
Manila's culture plays out in lively plazas, music-filled streets, and neighbourhood basketball courts. You will notice a strong arts and live-music scene, from galleries and theatres to bars where locals gather late into the evening.
Where to unwind
Unwind in manicured parks in Makati and Bonifacio Global City, or enjoy the sea breeze along Manila Bay during the late afternoon. Many hotels offer pools and spas, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring.
A taste of Manila
Street food & local specialties
Seek out neighbourhood eateries and food streets for grilled meats, noodle dishes, and hearty stews, especially around Binondo and areas near university districts where stalls and small canteens are busiest.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to malls and mixed-use developments in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City for casual dining, international flavours, and cafés. Portions are often generous, so sharing dishes lets you sample more.
Signature & scenic dining
For something special, choose restaurants with city or bay views, or rooftop venues in business districts that showcase the skyline, turning an evening meal into a relaxed night out.
Retail therapy in Manila
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its vast malls, where you will find international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family entertainment all in one place, especially in districts like Makati and Ortigas.
Markets & local crafts
For crafts and everyday finds, explore neighbourhood markets and smaller shopping streets around areas such as Binondo, Quiapo, and parts of old Manila, where local stalls line busy lanes.
Evening retail scene
Many malls stay open into the evening, and shopping streets glow with bright signage and busy cafés. Public transport and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these areas after dark.
Best time to visit Manila
Dry season (peak season): From December to May, Manila is typically warm and less humid, with average temperatures around 26–34°C (79–93°F). This is popular for city sightseeing and onward beach trips. Wet season (shoulder season): From June to November, temperatures usually range from 25–31°C (77–88°F), with higher humidity and frequent showers or storms, but fewer crowds. Hottest months (low season within the dry period): March to May can feel particularly hot in the city, with temperatures often at 28–35°C (82–95°F), encouraging slower sightseeing and more time indoors.