The Best Things to Do in Manila, Philippines (6 Top Spots!)

Manila is a chameleon-like city. Similar to other developing countries, the traffic here is stiff, people on the street are many and chaos is visible. It's also a city that is visited with caution by many with funky stories circling the globe. Many people simply don't know what to do in Manila.

After visiting Manila for the first time, I was actually shocked at how much I liked it. There were some cool sights to see, history to learn from, places to eat and shop at, and some very friendly locals to meet. It's not for nothing that Manila was once called “The Pearl Of The Orient” before WWII, when it was an elegant metropolis.

Today, Manila is the Philippines' capital city with around 11 million people living in the greater area, most of them with a strong tie to the European ideals of Catholicism compared to its surrounding Southeast Asian countries.

Things To See & Do In Manila

Dive Into Manila's History

Perhaps the most popular historic landmark in the country is Intramuros. Dubbed as the Walled City, Intramuros dates back to the 16th century during the Spanish colonial era.

Explore Intramuros while riding a horse-drawn carriage, they are also called kalesa over here. Better yet, book Manila Old And New Tour for a fun-filled guided tour of the top sights in Manila.

Within the walls of the Intramuros, you can find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the San Agustin Church and the San Agustin Museum. Another sight you shouldn't miss when wandering around the Walled City is the Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish fortress in the country.

Drop by the Casa Manila, a lifestyle museum in the elegant style of an 1800s home. Absolutely beautiful and so unexpected to see this in Manila, I couldn't believe my eyes, felt like I was in southern Spain!

Or how about discovering the old Spanish town of Intramuros on a Bamboo Bike?

Take in all the historical sights as you ride through the heart of Manila while meeting some other travellers and chatting with friendly locals.

Explore Street Food Markets In Manila

After your walk through the past, head over to Binondo, believed to be the world's oldest Chinatown. Fill yourself with authentic Cantonese and Fujian cuisine or try Filipino street food. Here you can also find a huge variety of fresh fruits in season at low prices.

Speaking of low prices, explore the typical Asian-style market called Divisoria, a haven for inexpensive clothes, shoes, and another crazy knick-knacks.

Take a Day Trip Outside Of Manila

About 2-3 hours outside of Manila, you can visit Mt. Taal, said to be the world’s smallest active volcano where you can take a hike while breathing in the fresh air, a great change from Metro Manila's smog.

Other day trips from Manila to consider are:

• Pagsanjan Falls
• Pinatubo Crater
• Tagaytay Ridge

End The Day Watching The Sunset at Manila Bay

The Philippines has a lot of great sunsets to offer, which you will soon discover on your trip around the islands.

In Manila, the best spot to end the day is along Roxas Boulevard. You can visit Rizal Park also known as Luneta Park. Marvel at the shrine of Jose Rizal, a Philippine national hero at the end of the Spanish colonial period.

Enjoy an afternoon on the grass or try your luck with kite-flying on a windy day.

End the day by taking a walk along Roxas Boulevard and gazing at the sunset in Manila Bay, said to be one of the best sunsets in Asia!

And if you are still up for some nightlife, the party is pumping all night long at one of Malate's nightclubs, bars or pubs. Oh, and did you know that Filipinos love karaoke?

Go Shopping In Manila

With the country's tropical weather and oh-so-often scorching heat, Filipinos surely need a cool place to take shelter upon. Even in the city, you can escape from the high temperature once you enter a mall. Mind you, Manila has so many of them with around 16 supermalls and dozens more of smaller, community and lifestyle malls.

And these shopping empires have it all for you from grocery stores, fast food and restaurants, clothing stores, gyms, cinemas, and entertainment centers including skating rinks, bowling alleys, arcade games, and so much more. Some malls even have a chapel inside.

The 5 biggest shopping malls in Manila are:

• Mall of Asia with its Olympic-sized skating rink
• Mega Mall which has 12 different movie theaters you can choose from
• Glorietta in the posh Makati, the central business district in Manila
• Greenbelt which is famed for its upscale and lavish amenities
• TriNoma is known for its unique reverse waterfall, multi-leveled terraces and color-changing facade

Take A Tour to the Slums of Manila

If you are looking to explore the slums around Manila, consider the Smokey Mountain Tour, it's not for the faint-hearted however, it offers a guided experience through the slum to raise awareness about the living conditions and resilience of its residents.

The tours emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy while highlighting the community's efforts to improve their situation.

Where To Stay In Manila

I stayed at Y2 Residence in Makati as I travelled with some friends so we could easily share the cost of renting an apartment which was perfect. The location of Y2 Residence is great as you can walk around Makati and to the nearby shopping malls as well as quickly get an Uber to ride to other attractions around town.

Check availability & best rates

I felt very safe walking around Makati but there are reports from travellers of being pickpocketed or tricked at ATMs and whatnot, so please keep safe and exercise some caution. Ask the hotel staff if you don't know the area and where it's safe to go.

Additionally, the apartment at Y2 Residence was very comfortable, beautifully designed and had amazing views from the big glass windows across the city. There is wifi in all rooms, a fitness gym and spa offering massage treatments as well as a pool on the rooftop which again has some incredible city views!

Downstairs you can find Pink Panda restaurant serving up a breakfast buffet and a varied food menu throughout the day which was also very good.

There are plenty of great places to stay in Manila, I recommend you read my full Manila hotel guide which also includes the safest areas and some of the best hotel choices.

Where To Eat In Manila

While I wasn't initially impressed by Philippino food, Manila probably had the best food out of all the places I went to. Try the famous Halo-Halo, a shaved ice dessert made with evaporated milk and various fruits and lumpia, Filipino-style spring rolls. Kare Kare is a Filipino stew traditionally made with oxtail and a heavy peanut sauce, but can be found with other meat too.

If you are after some Mexican-style food, El Chupacabra is one of the hottest street food hangout places in Makati.

Also, check out Single Origin situated at Greenbelt Mall. And when it comes to coffee, these are some of the best cafes in Makati:

• The Curator Coffee and Cocktails, doubling as a cafe and cocktail bar
• Commune Café, a modern cafe with great coffee
• Antipodean Coffee Roasters has a great ambiance and makes awesome flat whites!

The Best Things To Do In Manila – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila Worth Visiting?

Manila is where the hustle and bustle of a big cosmopolitan city meets the charm of Philippine history through the rich heritage sites that can be found here. Prepare to sweat in the equatorial heat, but don't let that hold you back from exploring this exotic city. But in my eyes, it's totally worth it!

Do People In The Philippines Speak Good English?

You probably won't have much trouble getting around as most Filipinos speak very good English thanks to 50 years of rule by the US.

What's Public Transport like in Manila?

Hope on an Uber or Jeepney, converted U.S. military jeeps left over from WWII now serving as shared taxis and are the main means of public transportation.

Getting To & Around Manila

Flying into Manila from overseas, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. The best and safest way to get from the airport to your hotel is using the wifi inside the terminal to order a Grab Taxi or Uber. Or you pre-organise transportation from your hotel as I don't recommend taking any of the ride offers at the airport directly. My Uber from the airport to Makati City cost around PHP400, which is about US$8.40. It takes about 30 minutes from Manila Airport to Makati, depending on how long you sit in traffic and what time of the day it is.

How Much Time Should I Spend In Manila?

People say one day is enough, with many of them disliking it and wanting to head out as soon as they arrive at the airport. I do not necessarily agree and was rather impressed by Manila and would've liked to explore it further. I recommend 1-3 days in the city to appreciate it fully and see all the places to visit in Manila as a tourist.

Where is it Safe to Stay in Manila?

If it's your first time in Manila, I recommend you stay in Makati City, there are many great places to stay in the city of Makati, which is part of the Manila Metro Area and the country's financial hub known for its skyscrapers and air-conditioned shopping malls.

The Best Things To Do In Manila – Final Words

Manila offers a mix of cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and historical sites. It's certainly a lot different than other cities in Asia such as staying in Bangkok or exploring the beautiful city of Hanoi.

Beyond the city, Manila is a great base for further exploration. You can take an overnight bus north to discover the stunning Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces or head to the paradise islands of Palawan, Bohol, or Boracay for the beaches and crystal-clear waters the Philippines are known for.