Manila

Travel Guide
Quiapo Church featuring religious elements, a city and a church or cathedral
From the hectic pace of its high-rise business district to the tranquillity of its flower-filled parks, Manila is a city of strong contrasts.

Vast and sprawling, Manila at first sight can be daunting. One of the largest cities in the world and still growing, this metropolis of sixteen towns seems impossible to navigate. With no obvious centre, the new visitor can find themselves bewildered by the crowded streets, dense traffic and frantic pace. But spend a little time among its friendly people, learn a little of its fascinating but volatile history, and its charms will soon get under your skin.

Manila has been under occupation by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans, and has been destroyed many times by natural disasters including fires and earthquakes. More recently, the tragic devastation wrought by bombing raids during the Second World War brought the city to its knees. Now, thanks to an ambitious programme of reconstruction, many of the city’s historic buildings have been preserved for posterity.

Intramuros is the oldest area and one of the main focuses for tourism. This ancient walled city is surrounded by sturdy fortifications built by the Spanish in the 16th century to repel hostile invaders. Most of the walls were left in ruins by wartime bombing, but the remaining parts have been sympathetically restored. Follow the walkways to the Baluarte de San Andres and the Baluarte de San Diego to appreciate their strategic position overlooking Manila Bay and the Pasig river. Nearby Fort Santiago houses the Rizal Shrine, dedicated to national hero Dr José Rizal, who lost his life in the struggle for independence. See the place of his execution in Rizal Park, one of the largest recreational spaces in Asia.

Learn about the fascinating archaeology and anthropology of the region in the National Museum of the Filipino People, or visit Casa Manila Museum for a close-up view of the domestic life of an affluent Filipino family during the colonial era. Believers and non-believers alike can’t fail to be moved by the sight of faithful pilgrims flocking to Quiapo Church to pray to the Black Nazarene, one of the most important icons in the country. Take time to visit Manila Cathedral, still proudly serving the Catholic community despite being destroyed many times.

Getting around on foot is hard in this huge metropolis, but taxis are cheap and plentiful and the light rail links most of the main sites. For the authentic Manila experience, hop on a colourful jeepney and hold on tight!

Where to stay in Manila

Bonifacio Globe City Fort featuring outdoor art

Bonifacio Global City

5/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bonifacio Global City, BGC Arts Center and The Mind Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate showing a statue or sculpture, religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Malate

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Malate for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Quirino Avenue LRT Station or Vito Cruz LRT Station and check out top sights like Manila Bay.

Malate
Makati

Makati Central Business District

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Makati Central Business District. Make a stop by Ayala Triangle Gardens or Greenbelt Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Makati Central Business District
Ortigas Center which includes a city and a park

Ortigas Center

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Travellers to Ortigas Center praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Robinsons Galleria Mall and Ayala Malls The 30th.

Ortigas Center
Alabang showing a park

Alabang

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Alabang is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Festival Supermall and Alabang Town Center while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita featuring a hotel

Ermita

4/5(56 area reviews)

Manila Bay and National Museum of the Philippines are top sights in Ermita, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at United Nations LRT Station or Central LRT Station to see more sights in the area.

Ermita
Belmont Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is S$133 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
S$133
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,039 reviews)
Nice Place...
"Very accomodating..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Belmont Hotel Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
Savoy Hotel Manila
4 out of 5
Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay
The price is S$140 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
S$140
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Close to the airport, public transport and malls"

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2024

Savoy Hotel Manila
Dusit Thani Manila
Dusit Thani Manila
5 out of 5
Arnaiz Ave, Ayala Center, Makati, Manila
The price is S$175 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$175
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,488 reviews)
"Need to upgrade some appliances like fridge, phone plugs, bathroom sink, bathroom shower room plugs & carpets inside the room. Other than that it’s nice hotel."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Dusit Thani Manila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
3 out of 5
Caruso Twr The Venice Luxury Residences, Condo, 8 Venetia Drive, Mckinley Hill, Taguig, Manila
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Taguig. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (435 reviews)
"Every is in a walking distance but he pillow in the bed is to high maybe a little softer and smaller"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

LUXE In Venice - The Venice Residences
Ascott Makati
Ascott Makati
5 out of 5
Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (927 reviews)
"we went back to stay for one night before our flight back overseas! loved this hotel since 2018!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

Ascott Makati
Citadines Salcedo Makati
Citadines Salcedo Makati
4 out of 5
148 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free parking, WiFi, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (374 reviews)
"Very kind, helpful and accommodating crew. My second time and will still choose to stay here next time."

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2024

Citadines Salcedo Makati
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Manila

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 18.6046511627907%
4 - Good
25
" "4 - Good 58.13953488372093%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 16.27906976744186%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 6.976744186046512%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

Overrated. Get your money's worth elsewhere. Staff need retraining with customer service for sure esp at secuity.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Nov 2019

Manila is a really busy city so takes a few days to adjust. Once you start to get used to it you start to uncover the quirky and interesting places to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Nov 2019

Love the Old Manila. Barbara restaurant is a must to visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
14 Jul 2019

All taxi drivers believe that you must feed their families for the whole year. They decide how much tip must be given to them! Always have change and "forget" to tip them in order to teach them that the tip is not a requirement!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Jul 2019

Hectic.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
27 Jun 2019

very dirty city, over crowded, very very conguested, beggers and homless sleeping on the streets. terrible city