Flights from China to Manila (MNL)

Discover Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?

Manila blends historic districts, glittering bayside skylines, and warm hospitality. You will find lively streets, creative neighbourhoods, and easy access to tropical islands beyond the city.

What to expect

Expect a fast-paced urban centre with colourful jeepneys, busy shopping streets, and pockets of calm in historic Intramuros and along Manila Bay. Modern business districts sit beside older neighbourhoods full of character and local life.

Plan your trip

Use Manila as your base to explore the wider Luzon region and islands such as Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu. Plan extra time for traffic within the city and allow daylight hours to enjoy the bayfront views and heritage sites.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Stroll the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city, and explore its colonial-era walls, plazas, and museums.

Rizal Park and Manila Bay

Walk through Rizal Park’s landscaped gardens, then head towards Manila Bay to watch a vivid sunset over the water.

National Museum Complex

Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History to understand the Philippines’ art, culture, and biodiversity.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Discover outdoor art murals, modern architecture, and lively public spaces in BGC, one of Manila’s most contemporary districts.

Binondo

Explore Binondo, known as one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, with its narrow streets, busy shops, and traditional eateries.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use ride-hailing services and taxis for the most convenient way to move between districts, especially during peak traffic. For a local touch, try a short jeepney or tricycle ride, and rely on the MRT and LRT lines for predictable journeys along main corridors.

Local life & culture

You will see street life unfold in plazas, church-front squares, and neighbourhood basketball courts, where residents gather in the evenings. Music, street performances, and family outings keep parks and malls busy late into the night.

Where to unwind

Relax in bayfront parks at sunset, or find calm in the gardens around Rizal Park and university campuses. For a quieter escape, head to city hotels with rooftop pools and lounges that offer open views and a gentle breeze after dark.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties

Try favourites such as grilled skewers, noodle dishes, and local snacks from streets around Binondo, Malate, and university districts. Night-time food strips are ideal for sampling different flavours in one walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Discover casual eateries and cafes in Makati, BGC, and Quezon City’s lifestyle malls, where you can find regional Filipino flavours alongside pan-Asian and international choices, with portions that make sharing and tasting several dishes easy.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table at rooftop restaurants in Makati or BGC for skyline views, or choose bayside venues along Manila Bay for a meal paired with sunset scenes over the water.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Spend time in major shopping centres in Makati, Ortigas, and Pasay, where you will find international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment all under one roof.

Markets & local crafts

Browse smaller markets and streets in areas such as Quiapo, Binondo, and parts of Quezon City for handmade crafts, local fashion labels, and everyday essentials at a relaxed pace.

Evening retail scene

Many malls and lifestyle complexes stay lively late into the evening, with illuminated promenades and open-air dining beside the shops, and you can easily reach these areas by taxi or ride-hailing from most central districts.

Best time to visit Manila

Dry season (peak season): From December to April, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F), ideal for city sightseeing and beach trips. Wet season (shoulder season): From May to early October, expect higher humidity and frequent afternoon showers, with temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F); showers are often brief and the city remains active. Transition months (low season): Late October to November bring mixed conditions with occasional rain and slightly cooler evenings around 25–29°C (77–84°F), with fewer crowds at popular spots.

Frequently Asked Questions