Manila
A big, loud, layered capital, where Spanish walls, American boulevards and the world's oldest Chinatown sit side by side.
Quick answer
- What it is: the capital, part of the sprawling Metro Manila region and the country's main international gateway.
- Don't miss: Intramuros, the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park, and a food walk in Binondo.
- Free: admission to the National Museum of the Philippines' main museums in Manila.
- Getting around: Grab or taxis, the LRT-1 for the old city, and lots of patience with traffic.
- How long: one or two full days for the historic core, then fly or ferry onward.
Manila doesn’t make a gentle first impression. It is huge, hot and often gridlocked. But the old city on the Pasig River holds four centuries of history within walking distance: the walls of Intramuros, the grand museums around Rizal Park, and Binondo, often called the world’s oldest Chinatown.
The capital is part of Metro Manila, a region of cities including Makati, Taguig (BGC) and Quezon City. Most international flights to the Philippines land here.
Top things to do
- Walk Intramuros, the old walled city, and visit Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. See our Intramuros guide.
- See the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park: fine arts, anthropology and natural history, with free general admission.
- Eat your way through Binondo. See our Binondo guide.
- Watch the sunset over Manila Bay from the bay walk.
- Visit Quiapo for its church and one of the city’s busiest markets.
Areas to know
| Area | Why stay or visit |
|---|---|
| Intramuros, Ermita and Malate | The historic core, Rizal Park and the museums |
| Binondo | Food, temples and old commercial streets |
| Makati | Hotels, restaurants and nightlife, convenient for the airport |
| Bonifacio Global City (BGC) | Modern, walkable and well organised |
When to go
December to February is the coolest and most comfortable time to walk around. March to May is very hot. June to November is the rainy season, with typhoons and flooding at times. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Getting there and around
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main gateway. Use Grab or official taxis to get around, and allow far more time than the distance suggests. The LRT-1 is handy for the historic core, with stops near Intramuros (Central Terminal), Rizal Park (United Nations) and Binondo (Carriedo). See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Choose Makati or BGC for comfort and food, Ermita or Malate to walk to the historic sights, or a hotel near NAIA if you are only overnighting between flights.
What to eat
- Dumplings and noodles in Binondo
- Sisig, sizzling chopped pork with chilli and calamansi
- Halo-halo, shaved ice with sweet beans, fruit and leche flan
Day trips and next stops
Take a day trip to Taal from the Tagaytay ridge, or to Mount Pinatubo. See our Taal guide and Pinatubo guide. Then fly onward to Palawan, Cebu or Bohol.
Museum hours, fares and traffic advice change. Check before you go.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Manila worth visiting?
Give it at least a day. The old city around Intramuros, Rizal Park and Binondo holds some of the country's best history, museums and food.
Where should I stay in Manila?
Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for comfort and restaurants, Ermita and Malate for being close to the historic sights, or near the airport for a short stopover.
Is the National Museum free?
Yes. General admission to the National Museum's main museums in Rizal Park is free; bring a valid ID.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
Grab or an airport taxi is easiest. Allow plenty of time: Manila traffic can be very heavy, especially at rush hour.
Is Manila safe for tourists?
Like any big city, use common sense: keep valuables out of sight, use Grab or official taxis, and be careful in crowds.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
