Manila is a vibrant bayside capital where history, creative energy, and modern city life meet. You will find lively neighbourhoods, diverse culture, and easy access to tropical escapes.
Discover Manila
Discover Manila
Why visit Manila?
What to expect
Expect a busy, welcoming city of historic walled districts, high-rise business hubs, and waterfront promenades. Traffic can be dense, but each area has its own character, from Spanish-era streets to stylish new lifestyle centres.
Plan your trip
Use Manila as a base to explore the wider Luzon region or connect onwards to the Philippines many islands. Plan extra time for the city itself, from museums and galleries to its growing dining and nightlife scenes.
Top sights in Manila
Intramuros
Walk the cobbled streets and stone walls of Intramuros, the old walled city, to explore centuries-old fortifications, plazas, and colonial-era buildings.
Rizal Park and Manila Bay
Stroll through Rizal Park before heading towards the bay to watch the sunset over Manila Bay from the promenade or a nearby rooftop.
National Museum Complex
Visit the National Museum galleries to see fine art, archaeology, and natural history collections that trace the story of the Philippines.
Binondo
Explore Binondo, often described as one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, with its bustling streets, traditional shops, and heritage buildings.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
Head to Bonifacio Global City for modern art murals, open-air plazas, and contemporary dining and shopping in a walkable district.
Cultural Center of the Philippines area
Spend an evening around the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, where theatres, galleries, and views of the bay come together.
Day trip to Tagaytay
Take a refreshing day trip to Tagaytay for cooler air, views over Taal Lake, and scenic cafés overlooking the landscape.
Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Combine the metro and city trains for longer journeys with taxis or ride-hailing services for door-to-door convenience. For a local touch, try a short jeepney or tricycle ride, and allow extra time during peak-hour traffic.
Local life & culture
Experience Manila’s energy in its plazas, waterfront promenades, and creative districts where street art, live music, and community events are common. You will notice a strong sense of hospitality and a blend of traditional and contemporary influences in daily life.
Where to unwind
Relax in green pockets such as Rizal Park or Ayala Triangle Gardens, best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon. In the evening, head to Manila Bay or elevated city viewpoints for cooler breezes and wide-open views.
A taste of Manila
Street food & local specialties
Sample hearty local favourites like grilled meats, savoury stews, and rice dishes at neighbourhood eateries and street stalls, especially around Binondo, Malate, and market areas.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Explore malls and lifestyle districts in Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City, where cafés, bistros, and international restaurants sit side by side and smaller portions let you try a variety of flavours in one outing.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at rooftop venues or bayside restaurants for skyline or sunset views, or choose refined city-centre dining rooms that showcase contemporary interpretations of Filipino cuisine.
Retail therapy in Manila
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Discover expansive malls in Makati, Ortigas, and BGC, where international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions make shopping a full-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs in neighbourhood markets and smaller streets in areas such as Binondo, Quiapo, and parts of Makati.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay lively and some outdoor retail streets glow with lights, often paired with live music and casual dining, and you can reach them easily by taxi or ride-hailing services.
Best time to visit Manila
Dry season (peak season): From December to April, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F). This is popular for sightseeing and island trips. Hot and humid pre-monsoon (shoulder season): From May to early June, temperatures can rise to 26–34°C (79–93°F), with higher humidity and more short showers. Wet season (low season): From June to November, expect frequent rain, possible storms, and temperatures around 24–31°C (75–88°F), though showers are often intermittent and the city is quieter.