Manila Philippines Tourism (2021) Travel Guide Top Places

"Manila: a whole different kind of architecture"

Manila Tourism

The city of extensive commerce and seats the executive and judicial branches of the Philippine national government, MANILA, also the capital city of Philippine, contains architectural and cultural landmarks, dating from the Spanish colonial period such as the Walled City of Intramuros. Globalisation and World Cities Research Network listed the city as a global city in the year 2012. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, it is the second most populous city in the Philippines.

The city is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and lies 800 miles/1300 km. from mainland Asia. The Pasig River bisects Manila. Manila has been altered substantially by human intervention, with considerable land reclamation along the waterfronts since the American colonial times. The city has six representative districts for the lower house of the Philippine Congress thus the city is composed of 16 districts. Before the city became a province of the Hindu Majapahit Empire, the Kingdom of Tondo once ruled in the vicinity of Manila. During the Brunei invasion of the Philippines, Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei captured Seludong and renamed it Maynilà, a Tagalog term referring to the presence of the Nila shrub. Manila is one of the earliest examples of globalisation as it was a centre of Spanish activity in the east and one end of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade route which linked Spanish America with Asia.

Places To Visit In Manila

Intramuros

Rizal Park

Casa Manila

Divisoria Market

National Museum

Manila Bay

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Book Manila Activities

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Deals start $8

4.8 /5

4311 ratings

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The Dessert Museum in Manila

Deals start $13

4.6 /5

1703 ratings

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Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Deals start $13

4.4 /5

1626 ratings

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KidZania Manila Admission Ticket in Manila

Deals start $17

4.8 /5

1436 ratings

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The Mind Museum All Day Pass

Deals start $12

4.5 /5

865 ratings

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Intramuros Bambike Tour

Deals start $17

4.9 /5

333 ratings

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Currency in Manila

Philippine peso (PHP/P/Php), is the local currency of Philippine. One peso is made up of 100 centavos. The notes come in denominations of P 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Whereas the coins come in denominations of P 10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Exchanging Money in Manila

It is easy for the visitors to exchange foreign currency into local peso. Even though the hotels provide money exchange services, the best rate providers are the banks and licensed moneychangers. The ATM services are easily accessible around the city, you must check for any charges added to each transaction. All major shops accept credit cards. Carry cash if you are going far from the urban centres as it would be difficult withdraw cash there.

Daily Budget for Manila

This is to give an estimate of the amount of money a traveller should carry. Try and give separate ranges for a shoestring budget travel, comfortable travel and luxury travel. Short, objective information expected.

Religion of Manila

Philippines is the only country having Christian religion in Asia with 92% population falling in this religion. About 5.6% population belongs to the Muslim religion making Islam the second largest religion in Philippine. The Japanese population of the country practice Buddhism.

Manila Customs

Greeting the eldest or the most important person of the family first is a must. Two people shake hands with a smile is a standard way of greeting in the city, close females may also give hugs to each other. Using the first name or nickname without given the permission is not appreciated, you may call a person by his surname or a title asked by him. Dress Code: Men or women, it is not appreciated to wear shorts, for men knee length are still fine but not above knee lengths, shorts are strict no no for girls. If roaming in malls you are to dress up well.

Language of Manila

Filipino is the national language of Manila. Although English is spoken and understood by the locals too. Many more languages are spoken like Spanish, Arabic, Ibanag, etc. Phrases in Filipino - Hello: Kamusta; Thank You: Salamat; Sorry: pinagsisisiha; Goodbye: Paalam.

History of Manila

After winning the sovereignty over the Philippine Islands, Manila became the seat of the colonial government of Spain in 1565. The seat of the government was situated within the fortified walls of old Manila to keep out the invading Chinese pirates and protect the city from native uprisings. Manila became the center of trade between Manila and Acapulco, which took place for three centuries and brought in goods from the America to South East Asia and the other way round. World War II destroyed the city fully but was soon reconstructed after the war. Manila was the most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland during the World War II. It was then the city became an independent entity in 1975.

Nightlife in Manila

Malate area of Manila is the main area where most of the nightlife is enjoyed by the people. Malate is an area that represents the Old Manila with some old buildings dating to the Spanish time. The restaurants and bars would cover a lot of space of the streets and are loudy and are generally the classy and cheap ones. Best club of the city is Oarhouse Pub of Manila.

Shopping in Manila

When in Manila you must follow their way of shopping. Shopping+eating+basketball, all together results in a perfect weekend for the Filipinos. There are several malls in the city to shop from and stay in the air conditioned indoors in the hot and humid climate. Malls like the SM malls, Glorietta and Greenbelt, Trinoma(Triangle North of Manilla), Divisoria and 168 are few offering great shops and flea markets to experience the local tradition of Manila.

Best Time to Visit Manila

Commuting within Manila

Manila Photos

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Top Hotels In Manila

The Peninsula Manila (Staycation Approved)

9.1 (2211 reviews)

$ 134 onwards

Lub d Philippines Makati

8.7 (2696 reviews)

$ 12 onwards

City Garden Grand Hotel

8.8 (2416 reviews)

$ 86 onwards

Savoy Hotel Manila

8.4 (2819 reviews)

$ 114 onwards

Discovery Primea

9.2 (1226 reviews)

$ 143 onwards

The Mini Suites - Eton Tower Makati

7.8 (4346 reviews)

$ 30 onwards

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FAQs on Manila

What is the best time to visit Manila?

The best time to visit Manila is during the drier months of January to April. Though temperatures are high during March and April, still it is a good time when you wouldn't need to tackle the rains. The dry season is the best time when you can hire a bike and roam through Manila, do not forget to visit Intramuros, which is the oldest part of the city. The wet season in Manila lasts from June to November. But it does rain in December as well. As Manila is a booming city, one can visit it year round, but the wet season tends to be hot and humid, which restricts tourists from going around the town. Some streets in Manila also get flooded during this time. Manila is also prone to cyclones, so tourists should skip the wetter months, which are also considered off-season for tourism in the city. If you do visit Manila during the wet season, do make sure you check the weather reports to see the severity of the rains.
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What is the local food in Manila?

The Philippine cuisine has evolved over many centuries and is a mixed of many cuisines like Malay, Indian, Spanish, American, Chinese and other Asian Indian cuisines. The famous unofficial food of Manila is Adobo which is a marinated fried chicken available everywhere in the city.
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What is the best way to reach Manila?

Manila is connected with 30 countries through flights. Major international airlines take off and land in in the city.
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What are the top hotels in Manila?

There are 2931 in Manila which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Manila are Princeton Condotel Residences, Azure Miami, Eastwood Parkview 1, Marlyn Bryans Picasso Apt, MSuites at Knightsbridge Makati, Azure Urban Residences - My Abode. You can see all the hotels in Manila here

What are the things to do in Manila?

The top things to do in Manila are Intramuros, Rizal Park, Casa Manila , Divisoria Market, National Museum, Manila Bay. You can see all the places to visit in Manila here

What are the places near Manila?

The top places near to Manila are Boracay which is 308 km from Manila, Cebu city which is located 571 km from Manila, London which is located 10738 km from Manila, Dubai which is located 6910 km from Manila, Amsterdam which is located 10394 km from Manila