Manila

How many days: 3

Spend your first day around Intramuros, Fort Santiago and nearby historic sights. Give another day to Binondo, local markets and museums, with time to try Filipino dishes rather than rushing between attractions.

Use the third day to explore a modern district such as Makati or Bonifacio Global City, or visit additional cultural sites around Manila Bay. Three days is enough for a useful introduction, but allow generous travel time and avoid planning too many appointments across the city.

What to do in Manila

Walk through Intramuros

Explore Manila's historic walled district, where churches, plazas and surviving colonial architecture tell the story of Spanish rule. Walking makes it easier to appreciate the streets.

Visit Fort Santiago

Discover this historic fortress within Intramuros, closely associated with national hero José Rizal. Its grounds and exhibitions offer important context for Philippine history.

Explore the National Museum complex

Spend time with Philippine art, archaeology and natural history across the national museum institutions. Choose the collections that interest you most rather than rushing through everything.

Discover Binondo

Walk through Manila's historic Chinatown, known for crowded streets, shops and Chinese-Filipino food. Come hungry and explore at a relaxed pace.

Visit San Agustin Church

See one of the country's most important surviving Spanish-colonial churches within Intramuros. Respect worshippers and check arrangements for visitors.

Walk around Rizal Park

Visit this major public space associated with Philippine independence and national remembrance. It is a useful stop between the historic centre and museum district.

See Manila Bay at sunset

Head towards an accessible waterfront promenade for views across the bay as the light changes. Conditions and access vary along the shoreline.

Explore Makati's urban neighbourhoods

Spend time around the business district, public spaces and cultural attractions for a different side of metropolitan Manila. It is a useful contrast to Intramuros.

Visit the Ayala Museum

Explore collections covering Philippine history, art and cultural heritage in Makati. Check the official site for exhibition and visitor information.

Experience a local market

Browse a suitable public market for produce, snacks and everyday goods. It is one of the simplest ways to understand the city's food habits and daily routines.

What to eat and drink

Try pork or chicken adobo

This Filipino staple combines meat with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices. Eat it with rice to enjoy the rich sauce.

Sample kare-kare

Try this substantial stew with a savoury peanut-based sauce, vegetables and often meat. Shrimp paste may be served alongside, so check ingredients if needed.

Eat Chinese-Filipino noodles

Binondo is a good area to discover noodle soups, dumplings and other dishes reflecting Manila's Chinese heritage. Try a few smaller portions.

Enjoy a silog breakfast

Garlic rice and egg are paired with different savoury meats or fish. It is a filling and familiar start to a day of sightseeing.

Try crispy lechon

Roasted pork with crisp skin is a favourite for celebrations and shared meals. It is rich, so pair it with rice and something fresh.

Cool down with halo-halo

This shaved-ice dessert combines sweet beans, fruit, milk and other toppings. It is a refreshing introduction to Filipino sweets.

Getting around

Manila's metropolitan area is extensive, and traffic can be extremely slow. Use reputable ride-hailing services or metered taxis for journeys that are awkward by public transport, and leave plenty of time. Rail services, including LRT and MRT lines, can help avoid road congestion on suitable routes, although trains can be crowded. Walking works within Intramuros and selected districts but is less pleasant across major roads.

Jeepneys and buses provide extensive local transport, though routes may be confusing for first-time visitors. Use navigation tools and confirm the direction before boarding. Stay near the areas you most want to explore rather than relying on repeated cross-city journeys. For airport transfers, allow for unpredictable road conditions.

Good to know

• Traffic is a major factor in planning. A short distance on a map can require a long journey.
• Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded areas, markets and public transport.
• The climate is hot and humid, with heavy tropical rainfall possible during wetter periods.
• Carry small cash denominations for markets and some local transport.
• Drink safely treated or bottled water and choose food prepared hygienically.
• Dress respectfully when visiting churches and religious sites, particularly during services.