Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a dynamic bay-side metropolis where modern towers rise beside historic streets, and lively neighbourhoods meet views over Manila Bay. You will find colourful districts, bustling roads, and a warm welcome that makes the city an engaging start or end to any trip in the Philippines.

What to expect
The city is made up of distinct areas, from the preserved walls of Intramuros and the grand avenues of Ermita and Malate to the business hubs of Makati and Bonifacio Global City. Expect busy roads, large shopping centres, and pockets of green spaces, all tied together by a strong sense of local community.

Plan your trip
Manila works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to the country’s islands and beaches. Many travellers choose to spend a few days here to adjust, explore the main sights, and then continue to destinations like Palawan or Cebu, making good use of the city’s extensive air and ferry links.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the cobbled streets and centuries-old walls of Manila’s historic Intramuros district, with its plazas, museums, and preserved architecture.

Rizal Park

Stroll through Rizal Park, a wide open green space with monuments, fountains, and views towards Manila Bay.

Manila Ocean Park

Explore underwater tunnels and marine exhibits at Manila Ocean Park, a family-friendly attraction facing the bay.

National Museum Complex

Discover art, natural history, and cultural treasures across the National Museum’s galleries in the city centre.

Baywalk along Manila Bay

Head to the Baywalk promenade for an atmospheric sunset, sea breeze, and skyline views across Manila Bay.

Bonifacio Global City

Experience Bonifacio Global City, a modern district known for its public art, open-air dining, and contemporary streetscapes.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Take a break in Ayala Triangle Gardens, an urban park in Makati surrounded by offices, cafes, and restaurants.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
To move around Manila’s main districts, you can combine taxis or ride-hailing services with the city’s rail lines, such as the LRT and MRT. For short hops, many visitors prefer walking within compact areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City, especially in the early morning or evening.

Local life & culture
Manila’s neighbourhoods each have their own character, from the heritage feel of Intramuros to the commercial energy of Ortigas and Makati. You will notice lively streets, music, and a strong café culture in newer business districts, alongside long-established local shops and community spaces across the city.

Where to unwind
For a pause from the traffic, you can relax in parks such as Rizal Park, Ayala Triangle Gardens, or the Greenbelt park spaces. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for cooler temperatures, while Manila Bay’s waterfront is a popular place to enjoy fresh air and wide views near sunset.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours in areas around Binondo, considered one of the city’s most vibrant food districts, and in small eateries across Malate and Ermita. Classic dishes, grilled specialities, and snack stalls give you many chances to try a variety of tastes in a casual setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas, you will find many malls and open-air complexes that gather cafés, bakeries, and restaurants in one place. Portions tend to be generous, so sharing plates or ordering several smaller dishes can be a good way to explore more of the menu.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, you can look for restaurants overlooking Manila Bay, rooftop venues in Makati, or dining rooms that frame the city skyline in Bonifacio Global City. These spots are popular for evening gatherings, offering a relaxed atmosphere alongside wide views and well-crafted menus.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large shopping centres, with major complexes in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City bringing together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. These malls often double as social spaces, where families and friends spend whole days indoors in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and local finds, you can explore districts such as Binondo, Quiapo, and parts of Makati where independent boutiques and craft stalls appear. Here you may discover clothing, accessories, and home décor that reflect local style, often at a different pace from the city’s larger malls.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay open into the evening and selected streets light up with food and lifestyle pop-ups. Areas like Bonifacio Global City and Makati’s commercial districts are especially lively, and public transport plus taxis or ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these neighbourhoods at night.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan dry season (peak season)
From December to April, Manila experiences its drier months, with temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and lower humidity. Clearer skies make this period popular for sightseeing, bayfront walks, and onward travel to beaches, so you can expect a lively atmosphere across the city.

Transition months (shoulder season)
May and November sit between the dry and wetter periods, with temperatures of about 26–33°C (79–91°F). You may encounter brief showers alongside sunny spells, which can bring cooler moments and fewer crowds than peak months, while still allowing plenty of time for urban exploration.

Habagat rainy season (low season)
From June to October, Manila’s rainy season brings higher humidity and more frequent showers, with average temperatures of 25–31°C (77–88°F). Rain often comes in bursts rather than all day, and this season can offer a softer cityscape, greener parks, and a more relaxed pace of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions