Grab
Each terminal at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has a Grab pickup area. Fixed app fares make it the easiest choice.
Manila Travel Guide
The Philippine capital pairs the Spanish-era walled city of Intramuros with the gleaming towers of Makati and BGC. Come for giant malls, Filipino food and Manila Bay sunsets, or as a stopover before heading to islands like Boracay, Palawan or Cebu.
Plan your Manila trip
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At a glance
- Currency
- PHP (₱)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type A/B/C
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- Filipino
- How long to stay
- 2 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
December to April is the dry season and the best time, though March to May is very hot. June to October brings typhoons and flooding, so build in buffer days. Holy Week and the Christmas season bring heavy traffic.
Airport to the city
Yellow Airport Metered Taxi
Airport-accredited metered taxis from the official arrivals rank, with a slightly higher flag-down than regular cabs. Make sure the meter is on.
Coupon Taxi
Prepay a fixed fare by destination at the counter. No haggling, but the most expensive option.
Getting around
Grab
The safest and easiest way around Manila. Cars are scarce and pricier at rush hour and in the rain.
LRT / MRT
LRT-1 serves Intramuros and the Manila Bay side; MRT-3 runs along EDSA through Makati and Ortigas. Avoid rush hours, when trains are packed.
Jeepney
The iconic shared ride, very cheap. Routes are hard to decode, so try it for a short hop.
Regular Taxis
Easy to hail, but some drivers refuse the meter and try to haggle. Use Grab when possible.
Where to stay
Makati (incl. Poblacion)
Good for: First visit, dining and nightlife
The business district with hotels, malls and restaurants, and relatively safe. Poblacion is the bar and nightlife hub.
BGC (Bonifacio Global City)
Good for: Clean modern city, families
A walkable planned district full of shops and restaurants. No rail station, so you rely on Grab.
Pasay / Bay Area
Good for: Airport access, resort hotels
Close to the airport, with SM Mall of Asia and casino resorts. Good for stopovers or early flights.
Malate / Ermita
Good for: Budget, historic sights
Near Intramuros and Rizal Park with cheaper stays. Take more care at night than in other areas.
Top sights
Intramuros
The Spanish-era walled city with cobbled streets and old buildings. A kalesa (horse carriage) or bike tour makes it easy.
Fort Santiago
Citadel inside Intramuros where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned. Paid entry; go in the morning to avoid heat.
San Agustin Church
UNESCO-listed baroque church, among the oldest stone churches in the country. Be quiet during Mass.
Rizal Park & National Museum
A big central park beside the free National Museum complex (fine arts, anthropology, natural history). Check for Monday closures.
Binondo (Chinatown)
One of the world's oldest Chinatowns, great for a dumpling and hopia food crawl. Watch for pickpockets.
Manila Bay Sunset
Famous red sunsets from the Baywalk or the Mall of Asia seaside. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset.
BGC High Street
Pedestrian strip with shops, murals and restaurants, nice for an evening walk.
Tagaytay Day Trip
Cool highland town about 2 hours south, with views of Taal Volcano and lake. Known for bulalo beef-bone soup.
What to eat
Adobo
Chicken or pork braised in soy sauce and vinegar, the Filipino classic. About 150-300 PHP (~3-5 USD) at local eateries.
Sinigang
Sour tamarind soup with pork or shrimp, eaten with rice.
Lechon and Sisig
Whole roast pig and sizzling chopped pork, perfect with beer. Sisig runs about 200-400 PHP.
Halo-halo
Shaved ice with beans, fruit and ube ice cream, about 100-250 PHP.
Jollibee
The beloved local fast-food chain, famous for sweet spaghetti and Chickenjoy. Meals about 150-250 PHP.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 2,000 PHP (~35 USD) - guesthouse, local eateries, rail
Mid-rangeabout 6,000 PHP (~105 USD) - 4-star hotel, mall restaurants, Grab
Comfortabout 15,000 PHP+ (~260 USD+) - 5-star hotel, fine dining, private car tours
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Intramuros and Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, the National Museum in the afternoon, then sunset at Manila Bay and Mall of Asia.
- Day 2
Binondo food crawl in the morning, Makati malls in the afternoon, then the Poblacion bar scene.
- Day 3
Day trip to Tagaytay for Taal Volcano views and bulalo lunch, then BGC High Street in the evening.
- Day 4
Brunch and shopping near your hotel, then leave early for the airport to allow for traffic.
Local tips
- All arrivals must register for free on the official eTravel site (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before arrival and show the QR code. Many fake sites charge fees, so use only the official one.
- Manila traffic is severe. Leave for the airport at least 3-4 hours before your flight and group sights by area each day.
- Bag checks and security screening at malls, hotels and rail stations are routine.
- Jeepneys, street stalls and small eateries are cash only. Carry 20, 50 and 100 PHP notes and use ATMs inside bank branches.
- Keep phones and wallets in front, avoid quiet streets at night and use Grab to get around.
- Tipping is not required, but about 5-10% is common where no service charge is added.
- Do not drink tap water. Globe and Smart SIMs or eSIMs are sold at the airport.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.