Flights from Singapore to Manila (MNL)

Discover Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?

Manila blends bayside skylines, historic streets, and lively urban energy. You will find a city that mixes Spanish-era architecture, modern malls, and access to some of the Philippines most beautiful islands.

What to expect

Expect busy streets, friendly locals, and a colourful mix of old and new neighbourhoods from Intramuros to Bonifacio Global City. Traffic can be dense, but each district offers its own personality, from creative hubs to heritage quarters by the bay.

Plan your trip

Manila works well as both a city break and a starting point for island journeys to Luzon, Palawan, Cebu, and beyond. Give yourself time in the capital before continuing to the Philippines beaches, mountains, and smaller cities.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk along the cobbled streets and stone walls of Intramuros, the historic walled city filled with colonial-era buildings, leafy plazas, and museums.

Rizal Park and Manila Bay

Stroll through Rizal Park then head towards Manila Bay for a dramatic sunset view and a sense of the citys scale along the waterfront.

National Museum Complex

Explore the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History to understand the Philippines art, heritage, and biodiversity.

Binondo

Visit Binondo, often described as one of the worlds oldest Chinatowns, known for its temples, shop-lined streets, and small eateries.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Discover Bonifacio Global City, a modern district with public art, green pockets, galleries, cafés, and shopping streets that stay busy into the evening.

Tagaytay day trip

Escape the city heat with a trip to Tagaytay, where you can enjoy cooler air and views of Taal Lake and its volcanic island.

Ayala Museum area

Combine art, history, and shopping around the Ayala Museum in Makati, then relax in the nearby parks and cafés.

Experience Manilas everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use a mix of ride-hailing apps, taxis, and the LRT and MRT trains for key routes across Metro Manila. For short hops within districts like Makati, BGC, or Intramuros, walking is often the fastest way to move between sights and cafés.

Local life & culture

Life in Manila centres around malls, plazas, and family gatherings, with music and street performances adding to the atmosphere. Explore different districts to experience everything from creative street art to historic plazas where locals meet and unwind.

Where to unwind

Relax in green spaces such as Ayala Triangle Gardens or the paths around Rizal Park, best enjoyed in the cooler early morning or late afternoon. Hotels and wellness centres across Makati and BGC also offer spas and pools for a quieter break from the city.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties

Try classics such as adobo, lechon, and halo-halo in neighbourhood eateries across Malate, Binondo, and Makati. Night-time food spots and small carinderias give you a relaxed way to sample everyday Manila flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Head to Makati, BGC, and Ortigas malls and lifestyle centres for casual dining, where you can mix regional Filipino dishes with Asian and Western favourites. Smaller portions and shared plates make it easy to try several dishes with friends.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table at restaurants with skyline or bay views for a memorable evening, especially around Manila Bay or in high-rise towers in Makati and BGC. Many venues pair creative menus with panoramic cityscapes.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Explore large malls in Makati, Ortigas, and BGC for international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions, all under one roof. These hubs double as social spaces where you can dine, shop, and relax throughout the day.

Markets & local crafts

Visit neighbourhood markets and artisan spaces in areas like Greenhills, Quiapo, and Makati for pearls, handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Smaller boutiques often showcase contemporary Filipino design and handmade goods.

Evening retail scene

After dark, selected malls and lifestyle districts stay open late, with illuminated façades and live music creating a lively atmosphere. Ride-hailing services and taxis make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Manila

Dry season (peak season): From December to April, days are warm and generally sunny, with average temperatures of around 25–32 °C (77–90 °F). This is the most popular time for city sightseeing and onward island travel. Hot season (shoulder season): From May to early June, temperatures can climb to 27–34 °C (81–93 °F), with higher humidity and occasional showers, but you will still enjoy many clear mornings and evenings. Rainy season (low season): From June to November, expect frequent showers and occasional storms, with temperatures around 24–31 °C (75–88 °F); rainfall is heavier in the afternoon, but you can still plan indoor activities, shopping, and dining.

Frequently Asked Questions