Flights from Rome (FCO) to Manila (MNL)

About Manila

Discover Manila

Why visit Manila?
Manila is a vibrant bayside capital where sleek towers rise beside historic districts and leafy avenues. You will find a mix of lively neighbourhoods, creative energy, and welcoming locals, making it an engaging introduction to the wider Philippines.

What to expect
The city stretches along Manila Bay, with Intramuros preserving Spanish-era streets, while areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City showcase modern architecture and nightlife. Expect busy roads, a fast pace in commercial districts, and quieter pockets in residential villages and waterfront promenades.

Plan your trip
Manila is a practical starting point for exploring the country’s islands and mountain regions, thanks to its extensive domestic flight network. Many travellers spend a few days enjoying city sights and shopping before heading on to beach, dive, or hiking destinations across the Philippines.

Top sights in Manila

Intramuros

Walk through Manila’s historic walled district, with cobbled streets, stone ramparts, and restored colonial-era buildings.

Rizal Park

Stroll around this expansive city park by Manila Bay, with lawns, fountains, and monuments that offer a green escape from the traffic.

National Museum Complex

Explore galleries showcasing Philippine art, natural history, and cultural artefacts in a cluster of grand neoclassical buildings.

Binondo

Visit one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, known for its bustling streets, traditional shops, and small eateries.

Makati Central Business District

Discover modern Manila with shopping centres, galleries, and rooftop venues set among high-rise offices and hotels.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Wander through pedestrian-friendly streets filled with murals, open-air plazas, and contemporary dining and shopping options.

Manila Baywalk

Take an evening walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy wide views over Manila Bay and colourful sunsets.

Ayala Museum

Learn about Philippine history and craftsmanship through dioramas, gold collections, and rotating art exhibitions in Makati.

Experience Manila’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
In Manila, major journeys often combine ride-hailing or taxis with the city’s rail lines, such as the MRT and LRT, which connect key business and shopping districts. Traditional jeepneys and modern buses cover many routes, while walking is best kept to compact areas like BGC and central Makati.

Local life & culture
Manila’s daily rhythm moves between busy commercial towers and relaxed neighbourhood streets. Office districts hum on weekdays, while weekends see families and friends gathering in malls, cafés, and parks. Street art, live music, and small galleries add creative flair to districts like BGC and Poblacion.

Where to unwind
Green pockets around the city, including Ayala Triangle Gardens and parks near Manila Bay, offer places to sit, walk, or simply watch the city go by. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to be outdoors, when the heat softens and the light over the skyline and bay turns gentle.

A taste of Manila

Street food & local specialties
In Manila, you can sample local favourites at informal eateries, food courts, and small streetside stalls. Neighbourhoods such as Binondo and parts of Quezon City are known for a wide variety of snacks and traditional dishes enjoyed by residents throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls in Makati, Ortigas, and BGC gather many casual restaurants, cafés, and international cuisines under one roof, making it easy to try different flavours in one outing. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can order several plates for the table and taste more.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, head to venues with views of the Manila skyline, city parks, or Manila Bay. Rooftop lounges, hotel restaurants, and high-floor dining rooms provide a calm setting above the streets, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to appear.

Retail therapy in Manila

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its expansive malls, which combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Districts like Makati, Ortigas, and BGC host large lifestyle centres that serve as social spaces as much as shopping destinations.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for more local character, explore smaller markets and independent shops across the city. Areas such as Escolta, parts of Quezon City, and districts around Intramuros are good places to look for handicrafts, design pieces, and souvenirs with a distinctly Philippine flavour.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and mall façades are brightly lit, and some areas extend opening hours into the evening. Manila Bay areas, BGC, and central Makati feel particularly lively at night, with plenty of options for a stroll after dinner and straightforward access by taxis or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Manila

Amihan (cool dry season, November to February, peak season)
During Amihan, Manila enjoys its most comfortable weather, with average temperatures around 25–28°C (77–82°F) and lower humidity. Skies are often clear, making it a popular time for city sightseeing and onward trips to beach destinations.

Transition months (March to May, shoulder season)
From March to May, temperatures rise to around 28–33°C (82–91°F), with long sunny days and warm evenings. It is a great period for enjoying air-conditioned attractions, malls, and evening walks by Manila Bay, while also being ideal for island getaways.

Habagat (wet season, June to October, low season)
The Habagat season brings warmer days, around 27–31°C (81–88°F), and more frequent showers, often in short, intense bursts. Between rain clouds you will find bright spells and fewer crowds, and many travellers use Manila mainly as a hub for connecting flights during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions