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Manila Travel Guide: Best Attractions, Neighborhoods, and Tips

  • Writer: Itallo Olimpio
    Itallo Olimpio
  • Dec 30, 2025
  • 4 min read

Manila is one of those cities people love to hate before they even arrive. Too chaotic, too polluted, too much traffic. And yes, all of that is true. But it’s also incomplete. I’ve been to Manila twice in 2025, and the city grew on me in a very unexpected way. Not because it’s pretty or easy, but because it’s real, intense, and full of layers if you’re willing to look past first impressions.


Manila is not a postcard city. It’s not trying to be. If you come with the right expectations (or whitout expectations at all), it can be surprisingly rewarding and hopefully, this Manila Travel Guide will help you with that.


BGC views
BGC views

First things first: what Manila actually is

Manila is not just “Manila”. What people usually mean is Metro Manila, a massive urban area made of several cities stitched together. Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Pasay, Quezon City, Manila proper… they all feel very different from each other.

Traffic is brutal. Distances look short on Google Maps and take forever in real life. Planning your days by area is not optional, it’s survival.


Best areas to stay in Manila

BGC (Bonifacio Global City)

If it’s your first time, BGC is the easiest entry point. Clean, organized, walkable, modern. It almost doesn’t feel like the rest of Manila, which is exactly why some people love it and others say it’s “not real Manila”. I disagree. It’s still Manila, just a very curated version of it.

You’ll find good hotels, cafés, malls, restaurants, gyms, and a strong international vibe. If comfort matters, start here. I chose to stay at The Residences, in the BGC area. The rooms are spacious, the price is good, and the breakfast and views from the rooftop pool are great. The only downside is the gym, so keep that in mind.


Views from my hotel balcony in BGC
Views from my hotel balcony in BGC

Makati

Makati is more chaotic than BGC but also more interesting in some ways - that's why I'd recommend you to stay in this area. This is a proper business district mixed with nightlife, local spots, rooftop bars, and a lot more texture. Areas like Poblacion are great if you like bars, food, and a bit of edge. If you're looking for a place to stay in Makati, check this out.

Traffic is worse here, but you’re closer to a lot of things


Manila City (Intramuros, Ermita)

This is where history lives. Not where I’d stay for comfort, but absolutely worth visiting. Intramuros, the old walled city, feels like stepping into another timeline, especially early in the morning.


What to visit in Manila

Intramuros

This is non-negotiable. Walk the walls, visit Fort Santiago, explore the churches, and just slow down for a bit. Go early. Heat and crowds get intense fast.

Best way to get there: Grab, early morning.


National Museum Complex

Three museums, free entry, and surprisingly well done. Art, anthropology, and natural history. Even if you’re “not a museum person”, it’s worth at least one of them.


Rizal Park

Right next to the museums. It’s more symbolic than impressive, but it helps contextualize Filipino history.


Binondo (Chinatown)

One of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. Go hungry. This is where Manila’s food scene really shows off. It’s chaotic, crowded, and delicious.


Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia and a major part of Manila’s modern city life. Beyond shopping, it’s a whole entertainment complex.



Food: where Manila shines

Manila is one of the most underrated food cities in Asia. Period.


Local Filipino food

  • Manam: great introduction to Filipino dishes in a modern setting.

  • Mesa: solid classics, very accessible.

  • Locavore: Filipino flavors with a twist.


Cafés and casual spots

  • Single Origin (BGC): brunch, coffee, comfort.

  • The Curator (Makati): coffee by day, cocktails by night.

  • Yardstick Coffee: excellent coffee scene.


Rooftops and bars

  • The Penthouse 8747 (Makati): old-school vibes.

  • Firefly Roofdeck: relaxed, good views.

  • Yes Please (Poblacion): fun, social, chaotic in a good way.


Somewhere in BGC
Somewhere in BGC

Getting around Manila

Short answer: Grab. Long answer: still Grab.


Public transportation exists, but it’s not tourist-friendly and not time-efficient if you’re visiting short-term. Walking works in BGC, sometimes in Makati, almost nowhere else.

Always buffer extra time. Always.


Safety and common sense

Manila is not unsafe, but it’s not forgiving either.

  • Don’t flash valuables.

  • Avoid empty streets at night.

  • Stick to well-lit, busy areas.

  • Trust your instincts.


Nothing dramatic, just city rules. And... honestly? I'm Brazilian, they should pay attention to ME haha


I’ve been using Nomad Insurance on my previous trips, and even though I’ve thankfully never had to use it, they’ve always been very attentive and responsive. That’s why I recommend them and their pricing is solid too.


Weather and timing

Manila is hot. Always. Rainy season is real, especially mid-year, with sudden downpours that can stop everything. Bring light clothes, patience, and a sense of humor.


Also, just be aware the Philippines is very prone to typhoons. I’ve experienced TWO beforehand and I don’t recommend that. Just pay attention to typhoon season and you’ll be fine.


Who Manila is for (and who it’s not)

Manila is for:

  • Curious travelers

  • Food lovers

  • People who enjoy big, messy cities

  • Those willing to look beyond aesthetics


Manila is NOT for:

  • People on a tight schedule

  • Travelers looking for beaches

  • Anyone expecting “easy Asia”


If you want beaches, that’s another post. Or another flight.


Extra: my personal must-have travel gear (prices as of Dec 2025)


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© 2025–2026 Itallo Olimpio Corp. — All content, photos, and opinions are mine. Don’t steal my stuff.

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