Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a lively bayside metropolis where historic streets meet modern skylines. You will find grand architecture, creative districts, and an easy-going warmth that makes first-time visitors feel welcome.

What to expect
The city spreads out around Manila Bay, with the heritage quarter of Intramuros, bustling business hubs like Makati and Bonifacio Global City, and lively waterfront promenades. Expect lively traffic, energetic streets, and pockets of calm in leafy parks and bayside spots.

Plan your trip
Manila works well as both a city break and a starting point for wider island journeys. With strong air and sea links to destinations across Luzon and the rest of the Philippines, it is an ideal gateway for exploring beaches, mountain landscapes, and smaller historic towns.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the cobbled streets of Manila’s historic walled district, lined with stone ramparts, colonial buildings, and leafy plazas.

Rizal Park

Stroll through this expansive city park by the bay, with manicured gardens, monuments, and open lawns for relaxed afternoons.

Manila Baywalk

Enjoy the famous sunset views along the Baywalk promenade, with sea breezes and a skyline that lights up after dark.

National Museum Complex

Explore Philippine art, natural history, and cultural exhibits in a series of grand museum buildings near Rizal Park.

Binondo

Discover one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, with narrow streets full of traditional shops, eateries, and long-running businesses.

Makati Central Business District

Experience a modern cityscape of offices, hotels, galleries, and green spaces connected by convenient walkways and underpasses.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Walk among street art, contemporary architecture, and outdoor installations in this modern district designed for pedestrians.

Cultural Centre of the Philippines area

Visit a cluster of theatres and galleries near the bay, where you can catch performances or simply enjoy the open waterfront.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
In Manila, a mix of taxis, ride-hailing services, and the elevated rail lines are the most practical ways to move between districts. For shorter hops, try a jeepney or tricycle for a more local feel, and plan extra time for traffic during peak periods.

Local life & culture
Daily life centres on family, neighbourhoods, and shared public spaces. You will notice busy shopping streets, people gathering in parks, and communities meeting in local cafés and small eateries. Contemporary art, live music, and independent galleries are increasingly visible in districts like Makati and BGC.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the pace, head to bayside promenades, landscaped parks, or hotel pool decks to slow down. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, when the light is softer and temperatures are gentler, making it easier to stroll, sit, and take in the city views.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
Across Manila you will find simple eateries, food courts, and neighbourhood stalls serving comforting local dishes and sweet treats. Areas such as Binondo and older districts around Quiapo are known for long-running establishments and informal spots where you can sample everyday flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Makati, Ortigas, and BGC, you can explore malls and open-air complexes where cafés, international chains, and modern restaurants sit side by side. Menus tend to be shareable, which makes it easy to try several dishes with friends or family in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable evenings, look for rooftop venues, hotel restaurants, or bayside spots with views of Manila Bay and the city skyline. Many higher-floor restaurants and lounges are designed to showcase sunset or night-time vistas, turning dinner into a relaxed, scenic occasion.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large shopping malls, where international brands, cinemas, and family attractions sit under one roof. Areas like Makati and Ortigas offer linked complexes that combine retail, dining, and entertainment in fully air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and neighbourhood streets offer a different experience, with stalls, small shops, and local labels. Districts such as Divisoria, Quiapo, and parts of Binondo are known for textiles, everyday goods, and an energetic, fast-paced atmosphere.

Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and some streets take on a more relaxed, illuminated atmosphere. Night-time is a comfortable time to browse, meet friends, or enjoy window-shopping, and the city’s taxis, rail lines, and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach the main retail areas.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season): November to February, peak season
During amihan, temperatures in Manila are typically around 24–30°C (75–86°F), with lower humidity and less rainfall. It is popular for outdoor sightseeing and evening walks by the bay, and the milder conditions make city exploring comfortable.

Main dry season: March to May, shoulder season
From March to May, daytime temperatures usually range between 26–34°C (79–93°F), with bright sunshine and warm evenings. This is a good time for hotel pools, air-conditioned attractions, and early-morning or late-afternoon strolls when the city is at its most atmospheric.

Habagat (rainy season): June to October, low season
During habagat, temperatures sit around 25–31°C (77–88°F), with higher humidity and more frequent showers. Rain is often short-lived, leaving clearer air and vivid sunsets, and it is an appealing period if you enjoy quieter attractions and lush greenery in parks and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions