Where To Stay In Manila, Philippines: SAFEST Areas + Best Hotels

Looking for an answer on where to stay in Manila? As with every major city in the world, the area you choose to stay in heavily depends on what you would like to see and do and of course, what your budget is.

To my surprise, I found that accommodation prices in the Philippines were generally not as cheap as elsewhere in Southeast Asia like Thailand where you can sleep heavenly in a beachfront bungalow in Koh Samui for a few bucks. Not in the Philippines!

So what area of Manila is best to stay in? After traveling to the capital of the Philippines, I wanted to make a detailed guide with recommendations on where to stay in Manila from my own experience to help others find the safest and ultimately the best neighbourhoods to stay in.

The 5 Best Areas To Stay In Manila

Makati – If you're a first-time visitor looking for a safe, vibrant and convenient location, Makati is my definite go-to choice. This bustling business district has plenty of upscale hotels, excellent dining options, and high-end shopping malls. Plus it feels really safe, even when going by foot.

Malate – If you like a waterfront experience with stunning views of Manila Bay, Malate is the place to be. Here, you can find a mix of hotels and restaurants along the bay, making it a perfect choice for couples and romantic getaways.

Ermita – For travelers on a budget, the neighbourhood of Ermita offers affordable accommodation options without compromising on accessibility to popular attractions.

Quezon City – Is my ultimate pick if you're seeking trendy nightlife, you'll find plenty of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Intramuros – Lastly, if you're visiting Manila with your family and want a historic and culturally rich experience, consider staying in Intramuros, where you'll find charming boutique hotels and easy access to historical sites.

Where To Stay In Manila Map

1. Where To Stay In Manila For Your First Time Visit & Safest Area: Makati

Makati is the safest place to stay in Manila and the best neighborhood for your first time visit as it's clean and has many things to see and do.

Many travelers who have been to the Philippines before would agree with me that Makati is the nicest, cleanest and safest area to stay when travelling to Manila.

Makati is actually one of the sixteen cities that make up Metro Manila and represents the country's financial and business hub with all the skyscrapers and big shopping malls.

The City of Makati is the best area in Manila for first-time visitors, making shops, nightlife and sights really accessible while offering a wide range of accommodation options from budget to luxury.

Staying in the Makati area will additionally minimize the culture shock you may have when traveling to the otherwise a little crazy and much poorer parts of Manila.

The Best Hotels To Stay In Makati

Our Favorite 5-Star Hotel in Makati: Discovery Primea

You can find a lot of luxury hotels in Makati, Discovery Primea luxury with panoramic views all while being close to many shops and restaurants.

The hotel caters to couples, families as well as business travelers.

Fully equipped with everything you need including an amazing infinity pool, this luxury Makati hotel is truly our favorite.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Makati: City Garden Grand Hotel

Luxurious accommodation with extensive city views, an outdoor pool and free wifi in the heart of Makati.

If you want to splurge a little, City Garden Grand Hotel is one of the best places to stay and truly a little gem, offering spacious air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, a 24-hour gym and a front desk as well as several convenience stores, restaurants and nightlife spots right around the corner.

Century City Mall is also only 100 m away from the hotel. Oh, and you will absolutely love the rooftop!

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Best Hotel Close To Greenbelt Mall: Astoria Greenbelt

Looking for warm welcoming staff, great service and amazing shopping so close you only have to make a few steps outside the door? It's the ideal spot to discover Manila, go sightseeing and make the most of Greenbelt Shopping Malls.

Comfortable air-conditioned rooms, impeccable service, plasma TV, free Wi-Fi and a yummy Asian Fusion Restaurant called Tableau downstairs, are also great for getting your morning coffee.

I often see sales for this hotel. Choose a room facing away from the street if you can as honking is still a big thing on the crowded streets of Manila.

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Where to Stay in Manila for 1 Night: New World Makati Hotel

Located in “The Wall Street of the Philippines” right next to the upscale shopping malls of Greenbelt, New World Hotel offers over 580 rooms with a modern vibe and amenities. It's the perfect luxury stay for one night in Manila.

It's only a 30-minute ride from the airport (in normal traffic) and has a fitness center with a sauna and spa as well as an outdoor pool.

Jasmine Restaurant is one of the three restaurants at the hotel and serves traditional Cantonese cuisine.

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Best Value For Money Hotel in Makati: I'M Hotel

Situated only a short 700 meters from the Power Plant Mall, I'M Hotel has a sauna, spa and fitness center. The rooms are filled with lots of light and are spacious and clean with wonderful views over the skyscrapers of Manila.

Don't forget to visit the rooftop bar and also spend some time at the pool. Very good value for money for a hotel so central to Manila.

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The Best Apartments To Stay In Makati

Our Favorite Apartment in Manila: Makati Diamond Residences 

Makati Diamond Residences is located in one of the best locations in Makati. Choose from various room types, all air-conditioned and some come with a living room and sitting area, some even come with a kitchen and city views.

There's free wifi all around, a flat-screen TV as well as a fitness center and a pool. Great place for couples and there are also family rooms available for that little bit more space.

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Best Family-Friendly Apartment in Makati: Y2 Residence

I really loved my stay at Y2 Residence in Makati. It's a pretty good spot to put your head down and go in all directions of the sky exploring Manila.

Choose from studio, 1 or 2-bedroom apartments. I found the apartments and facilities are all very modern and unique in their style incorporating harmony and balance with Yin and Yang being ever present all around the place. Really super cute and relaxing!

There is a fitness center with awesome city views, a spa offering massage treatments and more as well as a rooftop pool and terrace, which is perfect to cool down and unwind after a busy day of exploring.

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Best Value For Money Apartments: Ascott Makati

Around the corner from Glorietta and Greenbelt Mall, Guijo Suites offers three elegant, air-conditioned types of suites sleeping up to 3 adults.

There are a restaurant and bar, free wifi, cable TV in the room, and small coffee and tea-making facilities, but not a full kitchen. On the downside, it's a bit hard to find and not very walkable. That being said, I took Uber everywhere around Manila, it's very cheap and much better than taking a taxi.

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The Best Budget Accommodation In Manila

Yes, it's totally possible to stay in Makati if you are on a budget. There are actually some very nice and affordable places!

Best Hostel in Makati: Z Hostel

Stylish and comfortable is your thing? No second thoughts here but to choose the luxury Z Hostel, a modern budget hostel with free wifi, a 24-hour front desk, a cool chill-out and games room and only a stone's throw away from Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

And wait till you see the roof deck with those city views! All rooms have air-conditioning and individual lockers and you can choose from shared to private bathrooms.

Sleep in an 8-bed dorm or opt for a private double room. Rates start from US$43 per night.

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Some of the best things to do in Makati include:

• Explore Greenbelt Mall for shopping and dining.
• Go on a street food tour to discover Filipino cuisine.
• Visit the Ayala Museum for your fix of Filipino art and history.
• If not too humid, a nice outdoor park to hang out at is Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.
• Stop at Legazpi Markets for a Sunday shop for souvenirs and lots of food.

2. Where To Stay In Manila For Nightlife & Right By The Water: Malate

Other good & safe areas to stay in Manila are Ermita & Malate, which both have a bit more character and are overall also safe. Malate is the best neighbourhood in Manila to stay beachfront and for nightlife as it has many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Two other areas to consider for a night's accommodation are Malate and Ermita as they have a bit more character than super-clean Makati.

They both are good areas to stay in Manila and also closer to the water, making them fantastic places to watch the sunset over Manila Bay or to go on a sunset boat cruise. Another highlight close by is the Mall of Asia! Here's a cool video about it.

After dark, Malate comes to life with plenty of bars, music and a lively clubbing scene.

The Best Hotels To Stay In Malate

Best Luxury Hotel in Malate: Admiral Hotel Manila

Only a stone's throw away from Manila Bay Beach, Admiral Hotel is the perfect 5-star choice if you're looking to stay in Manila close to the water.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Malate: Rizal Park Hotel

Set in a heritage building, Rizal Park Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful views over Manila Bay. An elegant choice when choosing to stay in Malate.

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Best 3-star Hotel in Malate: Bay Area Suites Manila

With clean rooms and accommodation staff, Bay Area Suites offer great value for money when staying in Malate. They welcome families, couples and solo travelers with a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.

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Some of the best things to do in Malate include:

• Shop up a storm at Mall of Asia (MOA).
• Take a sunset dinner cruise around Manila Bay.
• Go for a walk along the water at the Baywalk Manila, you'll have views of the skyscrapers on one side and the bay on the other.
• Visit the trendy pool bar at the New Coast Hotel Manila.
• There are certainly a lot nicer beaches on the islands in the Philippines, but if you're looking for one in Manila, head to Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach. Note that this is a man-made beach.

3. Where To Stay In Manila On A Budget: Ermita

Ermita is a well-known area in Manila close to the water that houses many government buildings, universities and museums. It's also a great area to stay in Manila for anyone on a tighter budget.

Ermita is located south of the city and is another great area to stay in Manila. In its heart, you'll find Rizal Park, one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines.

You can also find Robinson's Place Shopping Mall as well as many shops, restaurants and cafes. The nightlife in Ermita is also very much alive.

Ermita is a pretty big district and therefore easily caters to anyone, from luxury to budget, from hotels to apartments and hostels.

The Best Hotels To Stay In Ermita

Best 5-Star Hotel in Ermita: The Manila Hotel

Best 3-Star Hotel in Ermita: City Garden Suites

Best Value-for-Money Hotel in Ermita: Bayview Park Hotel Manila

Some of the best things to do in Ermita include:

• Visit Manila Ocean Park, a great spot if traveling with family.
• On a rainy day, there are many nice museums to visit, such as the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
• Enjoy a seafood meal at Harbor View Restaurant.
• Stroll around Rizal Park and watch the light and water show (at night only).

4. Where To Stay In Manila For Trendy Nightlife & Foodies: Quezon City

Quezon City is a super trendy area to stay in Manila filled with cafes, clubs and stylish boutiques. If you like a young crowd or you're a foodie, this is the best area to stay in Manila for you.

Quezon City is truly the trendy part of town which has an alternative and young vibe mixed with some of the top universities, fashion boutiques, cozy cafes and a vivid nightlife!

Famous for its amazing street food, it's definitely one of Manila's best neighborhoods.

Also, if you are on a budget and looking for where to stay in Manila as a backpacker, check out Quezon City.

As the former capital of the Philippines, Quezon City is a little further from Manila Airport but well worth a visit due to its many attractions.

The Best Hotels To Stay In Quezon City

Best 4-Star Hotel in Quezon City: Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel

Best 3-Star Hotel in Quezon City: OYO 570 Casa Lily

Best Budget Hotel in Quezon City: Glory Hotel Cubao

Some of the best things to do in Quezon City include:

• Pay a visit to Quezon Memorial Circle, an iconic park located in the heart of Quezon City.
• Go on a shopping spree at the largest mall in the city, SM City North EDSA.
• Walk or hang out at UP Sunken Garden.
• Eat your way along Maginhawa Street, the foodie center of Quezon City!

5. Where To Stay In Manila For Families & History Lovers: Intramuros

Intramuros is the old historic centre of Manila and the perfect place to stay in Manila for history buffs. If you want to experience Manilas history and culture the walled city will give you insights into the colonial times during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines.

The old historic, walled town of Intramuros also has a lot of charm with its Spanish influences. And while it covers a small area, it's a great place to stay if you don't know where to stay in Manila with family, like history and exploring by foot, something you can't or shouldn't do much in other parts of Manila.

Below are the best hotels to stay in Manila, no matter if you are a backpacker, looking for luxury or a spacious apartment, we got you covered!

The Best Hotels To Stay In Intramuros

Best Value-For-Money Hotel in Intramuros: The Bayleaf Intramuros

Best Family Hotel nearby Intramuros: Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central

Best Budget Hotel in Intramuros: Red Planet Manila Binondo

Some of the best things to do in Intramuros include:

• Take a guided walking or bike tour of Intramuros to gain deeper insights into its history, architecture, and hidden gems.
• Visit the historically significant Fort Santiago.
• Stop by Manila Cathedral and Plaza Roma.
• Close by, you'll find Intramuros Golf Club, it's small but good for a different way to experience Manila.
• Visit Casa Manila, which showcases life during the Spanish colonization.

Where To Stay In Manila – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where is the nicest part to stay in Manila?

The nicest part to stay in Manila is the area of Makati, which is perfect for Manila first-timers due to its modern amenities and easy accessibility. Ermita is also great for sightseeing and history enthusiasts as it's close to Intramuros. Lastly, Bonifacio Global City is an up-and-coming area that's quite posh, safe and modern.

✔️ Is Manila safe to visit?

Manila, like any major city, has areas that require caution, but the above-listed parts of the city are the safest for foreign travelers. Always stick to well-known tourist areas, follow basic safety guidelines, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When in doubt, take a reputable taxi instead of walking.

❌ Where should I avoid staying in Manila?

Avoid staying in areas known for higher crime rates and less tourist-friendly environments like Tondo, which is next door to Intramuros and Navotas. In some parts of Malate, you will find prostitudes as well as people selling viagra or fake goods. Stick to the main districts mentioned above that are well-established and have a good level of safety and convenience for travelers.

📅 How many days should I stay in Manila?

Manila is pretty big but in general, you'll cover major attractions in about 2 to 4 days, unless you want to take day trips from the city, then add another day or so.

🏙️ What's the best way to get from Manila Airport to the city?

I personally think the best ways to get from Manila Airport to the city is taking a Grab or taxi or using the airport shuttle service provided by your hotel. Grab offers a safety and reliable ride-hailing option, while airport shuttles can be a more cost-effective choice if your hotel provides this service.

Where To Stay In Manila: Hotel Comparison Table

Hotel Name	Location	Best Choice For	Budget
The Peninsula Manila	Makati	Luxury stays	$$$
New World Makati Hotel	Makati	Closest to Greenbelt Shopping Mall	$$
Y2 Residence Hotel	Makati	Apartment style accommodation	$
Admiral Hotel Manila	Malate	Couples & business travelers	$$$
Bay Area Suites Manila	Malate	3-star for couples & solo travellers	$$
The Manila Hotel	Ermita	Couples & families	$$$
City Garden Suites	Ermita	Solo & business travelers	$
Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel	Quezon City	Modern 4-star hotel, families & couples	$$
OYO 570 Casa Lily	Quezon City	Simple, clean, affordable	$
Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central	Intramuros	Families with kids	$$
Red Planet Manila Binondo	Intramuros	Budget stays	$

Where to Stay in Manila – Final Words

So if you are thinking if you should travel to the Philippines, I'd say: do it!

This country is an incredible place and despite negative reviews about Manila, I think this city has some interesting sights and corners and seeing the city with your own eyes will only confirm that. Manila is a great starting point for any Philippines travel itinerary.

Many times it simply depends on where you stay and if you feel safe, and if you do, then there is nothing holding you back from exploring outside your comfort zone.

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