Manila Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Manila

Manila rewards visitors with centuries of history, a thriving food scene and modern districts packed with shopping and nightlife, all within Metro Manila’s sprawling cityscape.

• Intramuros — Walk or cycle through the historic walled city built during the Spanish colonial era, with cobbled streets, stone ramparts and restored houses.
• San Agustin Church — Visit the oldest stone church in the Philippines, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a beautiful interior and museum.
• Fort Santiago — Explore this historic citadel at the edge of Intramuros, closely linked to national hero José Rizal.
• Rizal Park — Relax in the city’s large central park, home to the Rizal Monument and surrounded by important museums.
• National Museum of the Philippines — Discover fine arts, anthropology and natural history collections in grand neoclassical buildings near Rizal Park.
• Binondo — Taste your way through one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, famous for dumplings, noodles and traditional bakeries.
• Manila Bay sunset — Stroll the bayside promenade along Roxas Boulevard to watch the city’s celebrated sunsets over the water.

Best time to visit Manila

The best time to visit Manila is during the dry season, from December to April. December to February is the most comfortable period, with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures, while March to May becomes increasingly hot, with April and May usually the warmest months of the year.

The wet season runs roughly from June to October, bringing heavy afternoon downpours, occasional flooding and the risk of typhoons, especially from July to September. Travel is still possible, but it is wise to keep plans flexible and follow official weather advisories.

The Christmas season is celebrated with great enthusiasm and starts early, with lights and decorations appearing from September. Holy Week (March or April) is an important religious period when many residents leave the city and some businesses close. The Feast of the Black Nazarene in January draws huge crowds to the Quiapo district.

Getting from the airport

Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located in the Pasay and Parañaque area, around 7 to 12 km south of central Manila and close to Makati and Bonifacio Global City. The airport has several terminals, so check which one you arrive at and depart from, as they are not all within walking distance.

• Taxi — Official airport taxis and metered taxis wait outside arrivals. Journeys to Makati, Pasay or Manila Bay typically take 20 to 60 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
• Ride-hailing apps — Widely used across Metro Manila, with designated pick-up points at the terminals.
• Airport buses — Point-to-point buses link the terminals with key areas and transport hubs, a budget-friendly option if you are travelling light.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels offer pre-arranged pick-ups, which can be convenient on late-night arrivals.

Traffic in Metro Manila can be very heavy, especially on weekday rush hours and Friday evenings, so allow plenty of time when heading back to the airport.

Where to stay

Metro Manila is made up of several cities, and choosing the right area can save you a lot of time in traffic. Most visitors stay in the business districts or near Manila Bay.

• Makati — The main financial district, with walkable streets, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife; ideal for business travellers and first-time visitors.
• Bonifacio Global City (BGC) — Modern, clean and pedestrian-friendly, suited to those who like parks, cafes and a polished urban setting.
• Manila Bay and Pasay — Close to the airport, the bayfront and large entertainment complexes, convenient for short stays and sunset views.
• Ermita and Malate — Near Intramuros, Rizal Park and the museums, good for travellers focused on history and sightseeing.
• Ortigas — Another business hub with good-value hotels and large malls, handy for meetings on the eastern side of the metro.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest ways to travel. The elevated rail lines are affordable and avoid traffic but can be very crowded at rush hour. Jeepneys are an iconic local experience for short hops.
• Payment — Cards are accepted in malls, hotels and larger restaurants, but carry pesos in small notes for taxis, markets and smaller eateries.
• Tipping — Many restaurants include a service charge. Where they do not, leaving around 10% is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares is common.
• Etiquette — Filipinos are warm and polite; a friendly smile goes a long way. Dress modestly when visiting churches, and use “po” and “opo” as a sign of respect if you learn a few words of Filipino.
• Safety — Keep valuables out of sight in crowded places and on public transport, use official taxis or apps at night and follow local weather advisories during the typhoon season.
• Entry requirements — Requirements vary by nationality. Check before you travel.