Manila
Capital of the Pearl of the Orient
Why Visit Manila?
Manila is the country's teeming, contradictory, fascinating capital — a metropolis of 13.5 million sprawled around the bay where Spanish galleons once docked. Old Intramuros sits inside 16th-century stone walls; Makati gleams with skyscrapers; BGC is master-planned and pristine; Tondo is unfiltered street life. It is the gateway flight for almost every Philippines trip and worth at least 2 days before you scatter to the islands.
Top Attractions
Fort Santiago & Intramuros
The 16th-century walled city — Rizal's last steps and centuries of Spanish history.
Rizal Park
Vast urban park anchored by the Rizal Monument and national flag pole.
Manila Cathedral
The seat of Catholic Manila — eight rebuilds, the current one from 1958.
Binondo Chinatown
The world's oldest Chinatown (1594) — hopia, dumplings, and Filipino-Chinese fusion.
Ayala Museum
Modern art and Philippine history, with the famed gold collection.
Makati & Glorietta
The CBD and shopping core — high-end malls, sky bars, business hotels.
Safety
Costs & Budget
| Hostel dorm | ₱600-1,200 ($11-22) |
| Mid hotel (Makati) | ₱4,000-8,000 ($72-145) |
| Jeepney ride | ₱13 ($0.25) |
| Grab across city | ₱200-500 ($4-9) |
| Filipino meal | ₱150-350 ($3-6) |
| MRT/LRT ride | ₱13-30 ($0.25-0.55) |
Food & Drink
- Adobo at any carinderia (eatery)
- Lechon kawali at Manam
- Sisig at Aling Lucing-style joints
- Halo-halo at Razon's or Iceberg's
- Pancit Malabon in Tondo
Plan Your Trip
Use the free interactive calculator to estimate your Manila budget instantly.