Manila

Travel Guide

Makati which includes a city
Baywalk which includes city views, boating and a marina
Makati
Baywalk which includes a city, boating and a bay or harbor
Makati

The capital of the Philippines is a fast-paced and hectic city filled with cultural and historic gems, from old ruins to national museums and lively promenades.

Manila is continually expanding outwards and upwards. Scores of skyscrapers and business centers are rising up across the city and Filipinos from rural areas pour into the capital everyday looking for opportunities. This is one of the largest cities on the planet.

Manila can be overwhelming at first glance. The sprawling metropolis is a collection of 16 towns with no discernible center. The streets are busy, crowded and loud, but it’s this energy and chaos that gives the city its charm.

To really get to know Manila you need to understand its past. The city has been bombed, devastated by fires and earthquakes and occupied by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans.

Start your trip in Intramuros, the oldest part of Manila. It’s surrounded by fortifications and moats that were built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Most of the fortifications were destroyed by bombs during World War II. What was left has been rebuilt and restored. Walk around and on the walls and visit some of its key defensive structures such as the Baluarte de San Diego and the Baluarte de San Andres. 

Go to the defensive centerpiece the Fort of Santiago, a large citadel and park, then visit Manila Cathedral. The present structure dates from the mid-20th century. Close to Intramuros is Rizal Park, a green expanse with ornamental gardens, lawns and monuments.

Pay a visit to the National Museum of the Filipino People to learn about the history and culture of the Philippines, and visit Casa Manila Museum, a reproduction of a Spanish colonial house.

Manila captivates with some of its modern charms. Take a ferry along the Pasig River and enjoy the nightlife of the Baywalk, a seaside promenade.

Like many Asian cities traffic is a huge problem. Fortunately, taxis are plentiful, cheap and air-conditioned. A good way to get around is on the light rail and metro. The main forms of public transport are the jeepneys, small brightly colored buses. If you travel by road it may take you longer to get to your destination than you planned. Allow plenty of time and do as the Filipinos do, just go with the flow.

Where to stay in Manila

Bonifacio Global City which includes outdoor art and street scenes

Bonifacio Global City

4.5/5(83 area reviews)

Financial district BGC boasts residential condos, corporate offices, and retail spaces, with attractions like Bonifacio High Street and Uptown Mall. Enjoy Track 30th's urban park and easily navigate pedestrian-friendly roads.

Bonifacio Global City
Malate featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Malate

3.5/5(52 area reviews)

Serving as Manila's commerce and tourism hub, Malate offers promenades and parks by Manila Bay, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. Accessible via main roads and LRT-1, the district features small hotels, specialty restaurants, and cafes.

Malate
Makati Central Business District showing street scenes and a bridge

Makati Central Business District

Vibrant commercial district, Makati CBD boasts premier shopping at Ayala Center and cultural experiences at Filipinas Heritage Library. Enjoy Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Community Market, and easy access to public transportation.

Makati Central Business District
Ortigas Center showing a city and a garden

Ortigas Center

4/5(266 area reviews)

Central business district boasting shopping malls like SM Megamall and Shangri-la Plaza, office skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife. Explore attractions such as EDSA Shrine and St. Francis Square.

Ortigas Center
Alabang which includes a garden

Alabang

4.5/5(182 area reviews)

Travelers come to Alabang for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alabang Town Center and Festival Supermall while you're in town.

Alabang
Ermita showing a hotel

Ermita

4/5(868 area reviews)

Civic center of Manila, Ermita boasts cultural landmarks like Rizal Park and National Museum of Fine Arts. Accessible via LRT-1 stations and Pasig River Ferry, it's perfect for exploring museums and attractions.

Ermita
Belmont Hotel Manila

Belmont Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay
The price is ₩219,059 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
₩219,059
₩247,208 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,549 reviews)
"Everybody that I came in contact with was very professional. This is my second time staying here and I definitely recommend it to my friends."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Belmont Hotel Manila
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The price is ₩70,766 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
₩70,766
₩86,918 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,050 reviews)
Good stay with minor nuisances
"Very limited temperature controls. The room was very cold with the air conditioning on the lowest settings. Clean room and great service. Room looked dated and tv kept losing network connection."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The Heritage Hotel Manila
The Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula Manila

5 out of 5
Corner Of Ayala And Makati Avenues, Makati, Manila
The price is ₩209,400 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
₩209,400
₩256,724 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

The Peninsula 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.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila

4.5 out of 5
Block 12 Palm Coast Avenue corner, Seaside Blvd Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Pasay city
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Pasay. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (142 reviews)
Exceptional staff
"Second time I have stayed here in 2 weeks. The property is great no doubt. The staff is exceptional in every way. They make you feel very welcome. Good bar as well!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila
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, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (529 reviews)
"Everyone was polite and welcoming, would definitely stay gere again"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Citadines Salcedo Makati
Y2 Residence Hotel

Y2 Residence Hotel

3 out of 5
4687 Santiago St., Corner B. Valdez And Singian Street, Makati, Manila
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Makati. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (512 reviews)
"Property is great for families as well as regular travelers. Rooms are clean and spacious."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Y2 Residence Hotel
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.

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