Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a vibrant bayside capital where historic districts sit alongside dynamic business centres and lively entertainment hubs. You will find a city that blends heritage architecture, modern skylines, and a warm, energetic street life.

What to expect
Across Manila, you can explore waterfront promenades, characterful old quarters, and contemporary districts filled with offices, malls, and dining spots. Traffic is busy, but major areas are well connected, and you will quickly find pockets of greenery, culture, and coastal views.

Plan your trip
Manila is a practical starting point for exploring the wider Philippines, with airports, bus terminals, and ferries linking you to islands and beaches. Plan a few days to discover the city itself before using it as your hub for onward journeys around the archipelago.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Wander the historic walled district of Intramuros, where cobbled streets, stone ramparts, and colonial-era buildings tell the story of old Manila.

Rizal Park

Stroll through Rizal Park, a vast green space with monuments, fountains, and open lawns overlooking Manila Bay.

Manila Ocean Park

Visit Manila Ocean Park to see marine life up close in walk-through tunnels and themed exhibits beside the waterfront.

Binondo Chinatown

Explore Binondo, often described as one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, with narrow streets lined with shops and eateries.

Baywalk along Manila Bay

Head to the Manila Baywalk for a leisurely promenade, especially at sunset when the sky and water glow with colour.

Ayala Museum

Discover curated exhibitions at the Ayala Museum, where art, design, and history displays give context to Filipino culture.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Spend time in Bonifacio Global City, a modern district known for public art, contemporary architecture, and a strong café culture.

Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

Walk around the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex for bayside views, open plazas, and performance venues hosting regular shows.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
To move around Manila, you can combine ride-hailing cars or taxis with the city’s rail systems for longer journeys. In some areas, colourful jeepneys and tricycles offer short hops and a local perspective. For the final stretch, walking between nearby malls and offices is often the simplest option.

Local life & culture
Manila’s neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, from the commercial buzz of Makati and Ortigas to the creative edge of Cubao and BGC. Public spaces often host open-air performances, art events, and weekend gatherings. You will notice a sociable atmosphere, with families and friends spending time together in plazas and parks.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the city pace, parks and waterfront areas offer space to breathe. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for gentle walks along Manila Bay or in urban green pockets. Many hotels also feature pools and spas, giving you quiet corners to rest after a day of exploring.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
In Manila, you will find local snacks and homely favourites at casual eateries, food courts, and roadside stalls. Certain districts are known for long-running family venues and simple canteens where you can sample rich stews, grilled dishes, and hearty rice plates.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and mixed-use developments across Makati, Ortigas, and BGC are packed with cafés, fast-casual spots, and international restaurants. Menus often feature sharing plates, allowing you to try several flavours in one sitting. Food halls make it easy to mix local comfort food with global classics.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for rooftop bars, hotel restaurants, or bayside venues with skyline or sunset views. Some areas around Manila Bay and the main business districts combine dining with live music or city panoramas. Booking ahead helps you secure a table at the most popular scenic spots.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large malls, which combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. Complexes in Makati, Ortigas, and BGC have become everyday social hubs, where you can shop, meet friends, and enjoy indoor entertainment away from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the big centres, you can explore smaller markets and neighbourhood streets for crafts, accessories, and homeware. Districts such as Quiapo, Divisoria, and parts of Makati are known for dense clusters of stalls and shops. These areas are ideal for browsing and discovering items with a distinct local touch.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, many malls stay lively with late-opening shops, bright displays, and plenty of dining choices. Some streets in BGC and Makati are especially atmospheric after dark, with illuminated façades and outdoor seating. Public transport and ride-hailing services make these busy retail areas straightforward to reach at night.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool and dry season, peak season)
From December to February, Manila experiences the amihan season, with cooler, drier air and average temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F). Skies are often clearer, making it a popular time for city sightseeing and day trips along the bay and nearby coasts.

Transition months (shoulder season)
March to May brings warmer days, with temperatures typically between 26–34°C (79–93°F). Humidity increases, but long, bright days are ideal for shopping, indoor attractions, and evening walks. This shoulder season suits travellers who enjoy a lively, summery feel.

Habagat (rainy season, low season)
From June to November, the habagat season brings more frequent showers and occasional storms, while temperatures usually range from 25–32°C (77–90°F). Rain often falls in bursts, leaving plenty of dry intervals for museums, malls, and cosy cafés, with a softer, less crowded city atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions