The Philippines is a sunlit archipelago of emerald islands, clear seas, and warm hospitality. You can explore pristine beaches, vibrant cities, and a mix of Spanish, Asian, and modern influences.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
From the energy of Manila to the relaxed shores of Cebu and the wider Visayas, you will find lively waterfronts, island-hopping adventures, and historic districts framed by tropical scenery.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as gateways to the country’s islands, dive sites, and mountain regions, or as convenient hubs when combining the Philippines with wider Southeast Asia.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city, and discover Spanish-era churches, forts, and leafy plazas.
Island-hop in the Visayas
Use Cebu as a starting point for ferries and short flights to surrounding islands with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and quiet coves.
Visit Manila Bay and its waterfront
Stroll along the bayside promenades at sunset, enjoy open-air public spaces, and take in views of the city skyline against the water.
Discover Cebu’s heritage sites
See colonial landmarks, old churches, and historic plazas in Cebu City before heading out to its coastal resorts.
Go diving and snorkelling
Head from Manila or Cebu to nearby reef destinations where you can snorkel or dive with colourful marine life in warm tropical waters.
Chase waterfalls and mountain views
From Cebu, make day trips inland to cool highland viewpoints, river canyons, and photogenic waterfalls surrounded by tropical forest.
Experience the Philippines nightlife
Enjoy lively entertainment districts in Manila and Cebu with music venues, rooftop hangouts, and late-opening cafes and bars.
Relax at beachfront resorts
Unwind at seaside resorts near Manila or around Cebu, where you can enjoy calm bays, spa treatments, and slow island mornings.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
Major routes are covered by domestic flights linking Manila, Cebu, and key islands, while ferries and fast boats connect nearby islands. Within cities, taxis, ride-hailing services, and local transport help you move between districts and waterfront areas.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends modern city rhythms with long-standing neighbourhood traditions, from community gatherings to lively street scenes. You will notice friendly greetings, music-filled evenings, and a strong sense of family and community in both Manila and Cebu.
Where to unwind
Relax on beaches near Manila and Cebu, spend time in city parks and waterfront promenades, or escape to nearby islands for quiet coves and gentle hikes. Many resorts also offer spa facilities and pools overlooking the sea.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Across Manila and Cebu you will find classic Filipino dishes such as slow-braised stews, grilled meats, and seafood specialities, often served with rice and tangy sauces. Coastal areas are known for fresh fish and shellfish.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and business areas in both cities are filled with casual eateries, modern bistros, and international chains, giving you everything from quick bites to relaxed sit-down meals. Food halls and city malls make it easy to sample different flavours in one place.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop venues in Manila with skyline and bay views, or beachfront restaurants in Cebu where you can dine close to the water. Many hotels also offer elegant dining rooms ideal for special occasions.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large shopping centres and lifestyle complexes, where you will find global brands alongside local designers. Cebu offers modern malls with fashion, electronics, and entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out markets in Manila and Cebu for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Smaller coastal towns reachable from Cebu often have local stalls selling woven products and beach-inspired keepsakes.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, malls in Manila and Cebu stay lively with bright storefronts, music, and late-opening cafes. Some neighbourhoods feature night-time stalls and pop-up markets where you can browse in a relaxed atmosphere.
Best time to visit the Philippines
The dry peak season typically runs from December to May, with warm temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and plenty of sunshine, especially in coastal areas (peak season). The shoulder season covers June, November, and parts of transitional months, when you may see a mix of sunshine and showers, with temperatures around 24–31°C (75–88°F) and fewer visitors (shoulder season). The wetter low season usually falls between July and October, bringing higher humidity, frequent rain showers, and possible storms, though temperatures remain around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and some destinations feel quieter (low season).