Flights from Paris (CDG) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a dynamic bayside capital where gleaming towers rise beside historic streets and lively waterfront promenades. You will find a blend of heritage, modern culture, and a warm welcome that makes it an inviting gateway to the Philippines.

What to expect
The city stretches along Manila Bay, with districts that each have a distinct character, from the walled streets of Intramuros to contemporary business hubs and shopping areas. Expect busy roads, a fast pace in commercial centres, and calmer corners in parks, museums, and by the water.

Plan your trip
Manila works well as both a short city break and a starting point for island journeys across the Philippines. With its international connections, range of hotels, and onward transport links, it is an ideal base before exploring beaches, mountain landscapes, and smaller regional cities.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk the cobbled streets of this historic walled district, where preserved architecture and leafy plazas evoke Manila's colonial-era past.

Rizal Park

Stroll through expansive lawns, ponds, and monuments in this central park overlooking Manila Bay, a popular spot for relaxed evening walks.

Manila Ocean Park

Explore marine life exhibits and walk through glass tunnels surrounded by colourful fish and rays right beside the bayfront.

National Museum Complex

Discover art, natural history, and cultural exhibitions across several interlinked museum buildings in the heart of the city.

Binondo

Wander through busy streets in this historic district, known for narrow lanes, traditional shops, and a strong trading heritage.

Baywalk along Manila Bay

Enjoy sunset views, sea breezes, and a relaxed promenade atmosphere along the waterfront paths of Manila Baywalk.

Cultural Center of the Philippines area

Visit theatres and galleries in this arts district, set among open spaces with views across the bay.

Ayala Museum area in Makati

Combine a visit to this well-regarded museum with a walk through nearby landscaped plazas and modern city streets.

Experience Manila's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and app-based rides are often the most straightforward way to move between districts, especially if you are carrying luggage. For a more local experience, you can try the city’s trains on main routes, then switch to short taxi rides for the final stretch to your hotel or sights.

Local life & culture
Manila’s rhythm is energetic, with office workers, students, and families filling malls, parks, and cafés from morning until late evening. Neighbourhoods like Makati and Bonifacio Global City feel distinctly modern, while older districts offer a slower pace and more traditional streetscapes.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Rizal Park and the parks around Makati and Bonifacio Global City provide welcome shade and room to pause. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to walk, sit on a bench, or enjoy the waterfront as the heat softens and the city lights begin to glow.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
You will find local dishes in modest eateries and casual food courts across the city, particularly around older districts and busy commercial streets. Many menus feature comforting stews, grilled meats, and rice dishes that highlight the city’s homely, flavourful cooking traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City, malls and mixed-use developments host a wide range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. It is easy to snack your way through several small plates, sharing dishes to sample different flavours and styles in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants in high-rise buildings or hotels that overlook Manila Bay or the city skyline. Dining while watching the sunset or the twinkling lights below adds an atmospheric touch to business dinners, family celebrations, or a relaxed final evening in the city.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large, air-conditioned shopping centres, which combine international labels, local brands, cinemas, and restaurants. Areas such as Makati and Ortigas feature several adjoining complexes, making it easy to spend a few hours browsing and relaxing indoors.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller shops and more individual finds, explore neighbourhood streets and community malls in districts like Binondo, Quiapo, and parts of Makati. Here you can look for locally made items, souvenirs, and everyday essentials in a more compact setting.

Evening retail scene
Many shopping areas stay lively into the night, with illuminated façades, open-air dining terraces, and music drifting from cafés and bars. Some neighbourhood streets also come alive after sunset, and you can usually reach these evening hotspots by taxi or city trains combined with short walks.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season, November to February, shoulder season)
During Amihan, Manila is generally warm and less humid, with average temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F). Skies are often clearer, making it pleasant for walking city streets, visiting parks, and planning side trips to nearby coastal areas.

Main dry season (March to May, peak season)
These months are typically the hottest, with daytime temperatures often between 26–34°C (79–93°F). It is a bright period for enjoying sunsets over Manila Bay and planning beach escapes from the city, as long as you take breaks indoors and stay well hydrated.

Habagat (wet season, June to October, low season)
The southwest monsoon brings higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures usually around 25–31°C (77–88°F). Rainfall can be intense at times, but it is a good season for museums, malls, and indoor attractions, and you will still find many warm, dry intervals in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions