Best Historic Places to Visit in Manila
Discover Manila’s top historic spots like Intramuros, Rizal Park & more. Step back in time with this easy travel guide to the best heritage sites.
View Detailstravel guide
Discover Manila
Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is a hub of trade, industry, commerce, education, entertainment, and arts. It seamlessly blends the country's oldest and richest heritage treasures with modern metropolitan features, making it a fascinating destination to explore.Initially a small tribal settlement along the Pasig River, Manila rose to prominence as the seat of Spanish colonial rule in Asia during the 16th century. Today, it is a bustling megalopolis with over 13 million inhabitants, boasting impressive skyscrapers and a thriving urban landscape.
Request a quote
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
How to Get There
By Air
The fastest way to reach the city. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four terminals serving international and domestic flights, with major airlines connecting Manila to cities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the US, plus daily domestic routes from Cebu, Davao, Palawan, and Iloilo via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
By Sea
A more affordable, scenic alternative to flying if you're not in a hurry.
The Port of Manila, one of the country's busiest, connects with major ferry operators like 2GO Travel from Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, with trips typically taking 12 to 24 hours depending on route and weather.
Getting Around
Grab is the safest, most convenient option, while metered taxis are widely available.
Jeepneys offer the cheapest, most iconic ride, and buses cover main roads affordably, though traffic can be heavy.
Walkable, bike-friendly areas like Intramuros, BGC, and Makati are easy to explore on foot.
Top Attractions in Manila
Manila Bay
Manila Bay is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a romantic sunset by the water. It’s also home to several popular attractions, including a large shopping mall (SM Mall of Asia), the Star City amusement park, and a number of lively casinos, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Intramuros
The oldest district in Manila and historic center, also known as the "Walled City." Built during Spanish colonial rule, Intramuros houses popular attractions like San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, and the Rizal Shrine.
National Museum Complex
The National Museum Complex houses the country's leading collections of art, culture and natural history, spread across four buildings in the heart of Manila. Highlights include masterpieces of Filipino art, along with a rich range of archaeological and ethnographic treasures.
Best Time to Visit Manila
Manila features a distinct tropical climate split between wet and dry phases. With warm temperatures year-round, timing your visit lets you experience the absolute best of the city's historic streets, vibrant markets, and outdoor celebrations in absolute comfort.
Dry Season (Dec - May)
The dry season, especially January to April, brings mostly sunny, comfortable weather. December to February are the coolest months — ideal for exploring the city on foot.
Wet Season (June - Nov)
Expect heavy rain and occasional typhoons, especially in Luzon, though it doesn't rain every day. Some travelers still visit for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Peak Season
January-February and June-August bring the best deals with post-holiday and mid-year sales at Manila's major malls. This is also peak season, drawing large crowds of tourists. Year-round highlights include the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January, Binondo's Chinese New Year, spring concerts and cultural shows, and Christmas lights from as early as September.
Top Activities
Riding a Jeepney is a quintessential part of Philippine culture. Just flag down a jeepney driver and hop on for a unique mode of transportation.
Experience the historic neighborhoods and scenic destinations of Intramuros on a bamboo bike.
Explore the flavors of the world’s oldest Chinatown with a food tour in Binondo. Taste a mix of Filipino-Chinese delicacies like dumplings, hopia, and lumpia while walking through historical streets.
On a rainy day, visit Manila’s museums and art galleries that showcase the rich history and culture of the Philippines.
Shopping malls in Manila are a shopper’s paradise. Make sure to include a visit to one of these malls in your itinerary.
If you’re feeling lucky, visit one of Manila’s many casinos located near the airport.
Itinerary
There’s no recommended number of days you need to spend in Manila.
Many travellers use the city simply as their arrival or departure point, staying for 1–2 nights before continuing to another destination in the Philippines.
If you have more time, there’s plenty to explore in Manila and the surrounding area, including day trips to Tagaytay and Taal or Mount Pinatubo.
Want to stay longer? Request a tailor-made itinerary and we’ll build your trip around the places and experiences that interest you most.
Day 1: Arrive Manila – Intramuros
Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and have some rest. In the afternoon, explore the historical walled city of Intramuros, which is filled with centuries-old churches, government buildings, and museums. You may opt for a guided tour or rent a bamboo bike to explore on your own. End the day with dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, known for its Filipino-Spanish cuisine and cultural performances.
Day 2: Tagaytay and Taal Heritage Town
Head to the highlands of Tagaytay to see the famous Taal Lake and Volcano. Afterward, visit the heritage village of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, a beautiful resort and open-air museum showcasing traditional Filipino houses and structures. Return to Manila in the evening.
Day 3: Mt. Pinatubo
Take an early morning excursion to Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano that offers a challenging hike to its crater. A 4×4 ride will take you through the scenic valley, lahar canyons, and rocky streams. After the hike, head back to Manila for some leisure time in the afternoon.
Day 4: Depart Manila
Depart Manila, but if time permits, visit one of the city’s modern shopping malls or experience the thrill of a casino.
manila Tour Packages
Plan Your Trip With Us
Manila Day Trips
Manila Intramuros and Binondo Chinatown Walking Tour
Experience Manila on a private guided tour! Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Philippine...
Manila Day Trips
Manila Intramuros Tour with Dinner at Barbara’s
This tour takes you to Intramuros, the historic heart of Manila, on a private guided walking tour through...
Private Tours in the Philippines
The Best of the Philippines | 16 Days
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey across the Philippines, exploring its top islands and iconic destinations. Recently emerging...
Where to Stay
Manila offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and travel style. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or budget-friendly options, the city has something for you.
From stylish boutique stays to affordable hostels and guesthouses, there’s a place for every traveler in Manila.
Here are our favorites:
5-star: The Peninsula (Makati)
Situated in Makati’s central business district, The Peninsula Manila is a luxury hotel known for its grand architecture and exceptional service. The hotel features spacious rooms, multiple dining venues, a spa, and an outdoor pool, providing a refined experience for discerning guests.
5-star: Raffles (Makati)
Set in the heart of Makati Central Business District, just a few minutes' walk from the Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, Raffles Makati is an all-suite luxury hotel with just 32 rooms across 30 floors. Every suite features a separate sitting area, premium bedding and deep-soaking tubs. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center and Mireio, the hotel's French fine-dining restaurant, about 30 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
5-star: Dusit Thani (Makati)
Located in Makati’s central business district, Dusit Thani Manila is a 5-star hotel blending Filipino hospitality with Thai elegance. It offers over 500 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Guests can enjoy various dining options and easy access to nearby shopping malls and entertainment venues
5-star: Shangri-La The Fort (Taguig)
Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Shangri-La The Fort, Manila is a modern luxury hotel surrounded by shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, several dining options, a wellness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool, offering a stylish and convenient stay in one of Manila’s most vibrant districts.
4-star: Seda BGC (Taguig)
Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, just steps from Bonifacio High Street, Seda BGC offers 179 rooms with air-conditioning, minibar and city views. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center and Misto, the hotel's restaurant serving international cuisine with al fresco dining.
4-star: The Bayleaf (Intramuros)
The Bayleaf Intramuros is a boutique hotel located within Manila’s historic walled city. It features 57 modern rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers. Guests can enjoy dining at the rooftop Sky Deck with panoramic city views or at the 9 Spoons restaurant offering international cuisine. The hotel is within walking distance of landmarks such as Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, making it a convenient base for exploring Intramuros
5-star: Manila Marriott (near the airport)
Located directly across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, within the Resorts World Manila complex, Manila Marriott Hotel offers 570 modern rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, the Quan Spa, a 24-hour fitness center and eight dining options, including Cru Steakhouse and Man Ho, along with a free airport shuttle.
4-star: Belmont (near the airport)
Belmont Hotel Manila is a 4-star hotel located in Newport City, Pasay, just a short walk from NAIA Terminal 3 via the Runway Manila footbridge. It offers 459 modern rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, a fitness center, sauna, and spa services. Dining options include Café Belmont, serving local and international cuisine, and Rooftop 11, a bar offering nightly entertainment. The hotel’s location provides easy access to nearby attractions like Newport World Resorts and various shopping and entertainment venues.
5-star: Conrad (Manila Bay)
Set in the Mall of Asia Complex on Manila Bay, within walking distance of SM Mall of Asia and Mall of Asia Arena, Conrad Manila is a 5-star hotel known for its striking architecture inspired by ships docked in the bay. Its 347 rooms feature rainfall showers and premium amenities, and guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a spa with private treatment rooms, a fitness center and two restaurants, with panoramic views over Manila Bay's sunset.
4-star: SAVÈA Bay (Manila Bay)
Located near Ayala Malls Manila Bay and City of Dreams Manila, just 3.2 km from the airport, SAVÈA Bay City Manila offers 140 suites with kitchens, air-conditioning and city views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a fitness center and an airport shuttle, with SM Mall of Asia and Newport World Resorts just a short drive away.
Restaurant & Dining
Manila is a fantastic city to explore through its food. From authentic Filipino dishes and bustling street-food stalls to stylish restaurants and famous local fast-food chains, the capital offers an exciting variety of flavours and dining experiences.
For first-time visitors, trying Filipino food is a must. Look out for local favourites such as adobo, sinigang, sisig, lechon and chicken inasal. Filipino meals are usually served with rice, and ordering several dishes to share is one of the best ways to discover the country’s different flavours. For dessert, try halo-halo, a colourful and refreshing combination of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, beans, milk and other toppings.
For a more adventurous culinary experience, head to Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown and one of the best places to experience the city’s street food and Chinese-Filipino flavours. Wander through its busy streets and food stalls to sample everything from dumplings and noodles to grilled snacks, fried treats and traditional Filipino-Chinese specialities. It is a lively, authentic experience and a great way to see another side of Manila.
Manila is also home to countless fast-food restaurants, which are an important part of everyday Filipino life. One of the most famous is Jollibee, a home-grown Filipino chain that has become a cultural icon. Try its popular Chickenjoy fried chicken, sweet-style spaghetti or the classic Jolly Burger for a quick and distinctly Filipino meal. Even if you normally avoid fast food, stopping at Jollibee is a fun part of experiencing modern Filipino culture.
For a more modern dining experience, head towards Makati or Bonifacio Global City, where Filipino chefs are reinterpreting traditional recipes with contemporary techniques and presentation. Manila’s food scene has increasingly embraced creative regional cuisine, tasting menus and high-end Filipino dining, alongside excellent Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Italian and other international restaurants.
Here are some of our favourite restaurants, chosen for their genuinely Filipino food, interesting settings and strong sense of place, rather than simply being the most famous or well-known restaurants.
Ilustrado
Set in a charming Spanish-era building in Intramuros, Ilustrado has been serving Spanish and Filipino cuisine since 1989. The old-world setting, antique décor and historic character make it a lovely choice for a special meal. It has also hosted heads of state and other dignitaries over the years.
Barbara’s
Located in the heart of Intramuros, Barbara’s is set inside a Spanish colonial-style building and offers a more traditional Filipino experience. The buffet is accompanied by cultural performances featuring Filipino dances and music, making dinner as much about the atmosphere and experience as the food.
Toyo Eatery
One of Manila’s best-known modern Filipino restaurants, Toyo takes traditional Filipino ingredients and flavours and gives them a creative, contemporary interpretation. It has also been recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, making it a good choice if food is an important part of your trip.
Harbor View
A long-established favourite for fresh and reasonably priced seafood, Harbor View has been around since 1985. The setting is the main attraction, with open views across Manila Bay and a great spot to watch the sunset. It works equally well for a relaxed dinner with friends or a more romantic evening.
Manam at the Triangle
A more relaxed option, Manam puts a modern twist on familiar Filipino favourites without making the experience too formal. It is lively, casual and particularly popular with younger locals, making it a good introduction to Filipino food if you want somewhere easy-going.
DISCOVER & EXPERIENCE
Manila's Top Activities
Culinary Adventure
Manila’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Filipino, Spanish, Malay, Chinese, and American influences. With countless restaurants and street vendors scattered around the city, there is no shortage of dining options.
For the adventurous foodie, Manila is the perfect place to explore daring culinary delights like balut, taho, fishballs, and dirty ice cream. Wash it down with San Miguel Beer or, for the more adventurous, try tuba, gin bulag, or Tanduay Rhum.
For a luxurious dining experience, Manila offers five-star hotels and upscale restaurants perfect for special occasions.
Manila’s nightlife scene is also a must-see, offering a range of options from cultural shows to futuristic discotheques, karaoke bars, lively casinos, sensational entertainment lounges, and fashionable cafes.
Ride a Jeepney
Riding a jeepney in Manila is one of the most unique and local experiences you can have in the Philippines. It’s not just a way to get around—it’s a cultural adventure.
A jeepney is a colorful, open-air vehicle originally made from U.S. military jeeps left after World War II. Today, it’s the most popular form of public transportation in the country. You’ll see them everywhere in Manila—brightly decorated with loud colors, religious quotes, and fun artwork. Each one has a route painted on the side (e.g. “Cubao – Divisoria”).
You enter from the back and sit on long benches inside. You might have to squeeze in beside other passengers—it can get crowded, especially during rush hour.
Once seated, say your destination and hand your money to the person beside you. Passengers help pass the money to the driver.
Expect a bumpy and noisy ride. Jeepneys don’t have air conditioning (though a few modern ones do), so it can get hot. You’ll hear car horns, street sounds, and sometimes loud music from the driver’s playlist. It’s all part of the fun!
When you’re near your stop, say “Para po!” (meaning “Stop, please!”). The driver will pull over so you can hop out the back.
Explore History
Discover Manila’s rich historical heritage by exploring iconic landmarks that tell the story of the Philippines’ past. Visit Intramuros, the old walled city built during Spanish colonization, where you can walk along cobblestone streets, see Fort Santiago, and admire San Agustin Church. Stop by Rizal Park to learn about national hero José Rizal.
A guided tour through these historic sites offers a deeper understanding of Manila’s colonial history, culture, and architecture—making it a must-do activity for travelers who love history and culture.
Manila's Best Casinos
There are several casinos in Manila, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who enjoy gambling and gaming. The most famous and largest casino in Manila is the Resorts World Manila, located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This casino offers a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.
Other popular casinos in Manila include the Solaire Resort and Casino, City of Dreams Manila, and Okada Manila. In addition to gambling, these casinos also offer entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences for visitors.
Keep Exploring Manila
More guides to help you plan your Manila trip.
Best Day Trip Destinations from Manila
Escape the city! Discover top places to visit around Manila—from Tagaytay to hidden beaches and nature spots. Perfect for day trips and weekend getaways.
View Details
Best Places to Stay in Manila
Find the best places to stay in Manila for first-time tourists—safe, convenient, and close to top attractions. Explore Makati, BGC, Ermita, and more.
View Details