Manila blends bayside sunsets, lively streets, and a rich blend of Asian and European influences. You find history, creativity, and a warm welcome in one energetic city.
Discover Manila
Discover Manila
Why visit Manila?
What to expect
Expect busy avenues, modern malls, and pockets of old-world charm in Intramuros and surrounding districts. Manila moves fast, yet every neighbourhood has its own relaxed rhythm.
Plan your trip
Use Manila as both a city break and a gateway to the Philippines islands beyond. Build in time for the city, then connect easily onwards to beaches, mountains, and smaller cities.
Top sights in Manila
Intramuros
Walk the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled district, and explore its old ramparts, plazas, and colonial-era architecture.
Rizal Park and Manila Bay
Stroll through Rizal Park’s gardens, then head towards Manila Bay to enjoy one of the city’s most famous sunsets along the bayside promenade.
National Museum Complex
Discover art, archaeology, and natural history across several buildings in the National Museum complex, an easy way to understand the country’s heritage.
Binondo
Visit Binondo, often called the world’s oldest Chinatown, for narrow streets lined with shops, eateries, and traditional businesses.
Fort Santiago
Step into Fort Santiago inside Intramuros to see stone gates, leafy courtyards, and riverside views that reveal Manila’s layered past.
Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex
Head to the Cultural Center of the Philippines area for theatres, waterfront views, and open spaces that host performances and events.
Ayala Museum area in Makati
Explore the Ayala Museum precinct in Makati for curated exhibitions, public art, and nearby green pockets amid the city’s business district.
Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for most journeys, and the MRT or LRT to move quickly along main corridors. Try a jeepney or ferry for a different view of the city, and walk short distances within compact districts like Makati or Bonifacio Global City for the last mile.
Local life & culture
You see Manila’s daily life in its plazas, side streets, and shopping centres, where families and friends gather in the evenings. Lively neighbourhoods like Malate, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City mix offices, galleries, and music venues that stay active well into the night.
Where to unwind
Seek quieter moments in city parks, bayside promenades, and pockets of greenery in Makati and Bonifacio Global City. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy cooler air, soft light, and open spaces by the water or under the trees.
A taste of Manila
Street food & local specialties
You find skewers, noodles, and comforting stews in neighbourhood eateries, street stalls, and simple canteens across the city, especially around Binondo, Quiapo, and Malate.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Malls in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City offer everything from local comfort food to Asian and international favourites, with small portions and sharing plates that make it easy to try a variety of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose hotel restaurants, rooftops, or bayside venues with skyline or harbour views, turning dinner into a relaxed way to watch the city lights come on.
Retail therapy in Manila
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and entertainment, making them popular places to spend an afternoon or evening.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out smaller markets and streets for crafts, homeware, and local labels, with districts like Quiapo, Escolta, and parts of Makati offering more characterful finds.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls stay lively and streets around major centres glow with neon and lights, with some outdoor areas hosting stalls and pop-ups. Taxis and ride-hailing services make these night-time shopping spots easy to reach.
Best time to visit Manila
Dry season (peak season): From December to May, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 27–34°C (81–93°F). This is the most popular time to visit, especially from December to February when humidity is lower. Shoulder season: June and November can bring a mix of sunshine and showers, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). You may experience brief, intense rain, but there are still many clear periods. Rainy season (low season): From July to October, expect frequent showers and possible storms, with temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F). Rain often comes in bursts, leaving cooler air in between.