Flights from United Kingdom to Manila (MNL)

Discover Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?

Manila is a dynamic bayside capital where old-world architecture meets a fast-paced modern city. You will find history, creative districts, and warm Filipino hospitality at every turn.

What to expect

Expect lively streets, colourful jeepneys, and contrasting neighbourhoods from historic Intramuros to the business hubs of Makati and Bonifacio Global City. The pace is energetic, yet you are never far from a quiet church square or seaside sunset.

Plan your trip

Manila is a convenient starting point for exploring the islands of Luzon and onward beach escapes across the Philippines. Plan time both for the city itself and for day trips or short flights to nearby mountain and coastal regions.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the cobbled streets of Manila's walled city, where stone fortifications, plazas, and colonial-era buildings tell the story of the country's past.

Rizal Park and Manila Bay

Stroll through expansive gardens and monuments at Rizal Park, then head to the nearby baywalk for wide sky views and dramatic Manila Bay sunsets.

National Museum Complex

Explore the National Museum's galleries dedicated to fine arts, anthropology, and natural history, housed in grand neoclassical buildings.

Makati and Bonifacio Global City

Discover polished business districts filled with art installations, rooftop bars, galleries, and landscaped walkways perfect for an evening wander.

Binondo

Step into one of the world's oldest Chinatowns, where narrow streets are lined with traditional shops, bakeries, and family-run eateries.

Tagaytay day trip

Escape the city heat with a drive to Tagaytay, where cooler air and viewpoints offer sweeping vistas over Taal Lake and its island volcano.

Greenbelt Park

Pause in the shaded gardens and ponds of Greenbelt Park, a tranquil green pocket set amid Makati's sleek malls and office towers.

Experience Manila's everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use ride-hailing apps or metered taxis for convenient door-to-door transport, and the LRT and MRT lines for peak-hour journeys along main corridors. For short hops and a local feel, try jeepneys or tricycles, and plan extra time for traffic at rush hour.

Local life & culture

Manila's culture is expressive and social, with music, street performances, and family gatherings spilling into plazas and malls. Explore neighbourhoods like Malate, Escolta, and Poblacion to see restored buildings, small galleries, and creative spaces taking root in old streets.

Where to unwind

Head to bayfront promenades for a breezy evening walk, or seek calm in city parks, university campuses, and leafy church courtyards. Early morning and just before sunset are the most comfortable times to enjoy outdoor spaces and skyline views.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties

Sample favourites like adobo, sinigang, lechon, and halo-halo in local eateries and food streets across Binondo, Malate, and Quezon City. Night-time stalls and carinderias offer quick bites packed with homestyle flavour.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In areas like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas, you will find malls and dining complexes with Filipino, Asian, and Western options side by side. Many menus feature small plates and sharing portions, perfect for trying several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining

Choose rooftop lounges and high-floor restaurants in Makati or Bonifacio Global City for skyline views, or reserve a table in heritage houses converted into refined dining spaces for a more intimate Manila experience.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Discover vast shopping centres in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, where international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés are gathered under one roof and double as favourite meeting spots for locals.

Markets & local crafts

Browse for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in districts such as Quiapo, Divisoria, and parts of Makati, where smaller shops and markets showcase local makers and everyday bargains side by side.

Evening retail scene

After dark, many malls stay lively with late-opening shops, live music, and outdoor dining spilling into promenades. Well-connected transport options like taxis and ride-hailing services make these evening retail areas easy to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Manila

Dry season (peak season): From December to May, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 25–34°C (77–93°F). This is the most popular time for city sightseeing and beach trips. Hot pre-monsoon period (shoulder season): From April to early June, temperatures can feel hotter, often 28–35°C (82–95°F), with increasing humidity and occasional showers, but many festivals and events take place. 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 often intense but short, leaving cooler air for exploring between downpours.

Frequently Asked Questions