If you’re headed to an idyllic Philippine island, you’ll most likely have to fly through Manila to get there. Other people may tell you to skip it, but I’m here to tell you the capital of the Philippines is worth your time.
Manila is the economic, political and cultural hub of the Philippines, a country that has been occupied by Spain, Japan and the United States. If this densely populated city feels new, it’s because it is. Manila was decimated in 1945 during a World War II battle that killed over 100,000 civilians and destroyed cultural landmarks.
Like Berlin, Warsaw, Hamburg and others, Manila was forced to rebuild after the Second World War ended. Modern Manila is a densely populated collection of smaller cities and villages where you’ll quickly notice Spanish, Chinese, Malaysian and American architectural influences.
The historic core of the city is known as Intramuros and is within walking distance of the Manila cruise port, making it an easy DIY shore excursion option for cruise passengers.
Things to Know
- Currency: The official currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso, sometimes referred to as the piso. One U.S. dollar was worth about 55 Philippine pesos at the time of publication. Check xe.com for current exchange rates. Many places accept credit cards and digital payments, but you’ll want to carry cash for small vendors, taxis and tuk-tuk drivers.
- Public Transit: There are light rail, bus and rail systems across Manila, but they’re operated by different networks. There’s not a single pass that covers the entire system, and some key sites are far from train stations. There are still some Jeepneys on the streets, but these public transit minibuses made with repurposed Japanese truck engines are being phased out.
- Ridesharing: Uber isn’t available in the Philippines, but you can use a similar app called Grab to book rides, pay for purchases and more.
- Local laws to note: Smoking is not allowed in public places.
What to Do in Manila
Visit Intramuros
The entire city of Manila once existed within the walls of this centuries-old fortress district. This is the most Spanish-feeling part of the city, though much of the area was flattened in 1945 when the Japanese Imperial Army made a last stand against Allied soldiers and Filipino fighters.
Only one church, San Agustín Church, the oldest in the Philippines, survived the month-long battle, a piece of World War II history I hadn’t heard about before visiting Manila. Monuments including the Manila Cathedral have been rebuilt, but parts of this neighborhood are still under reconstruction.
For a deeper dive into World War II history, spend some time at Fort Santiago, a Spanish citadel that served as the headquarters for several Philippine colonizers. Look out for the Wall of Martyrs, where a brass plaque records the names of Filipinos who were tortured and incarcerated inside during the Second World War.
Check Out The World’s Oldest Chinatown
Manilla is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, established by the Spanish in 1594 as a permanent settlement for Chinese immigrants who had converted to Catholicism. Banks once lined Escólta, earning it the nickname Wall Street of the Philippines. Nowadays, most of the action is on Ongpin Street, known for its tea houses and hawker-style food stalls.
Go To The Mall
In Manila, like much of Asia, going to the mall is a cultural experience. It’s a window into local life and modern Filipino culture that you can’t get at a museum or historic sight.
I’ve been to a lot of spectacular shopping malls over the years—including icons like the Mall of America in Minneapolis, the Galleria in Houston, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris and the Lotte Department Store Myeongdong in Seoul, but I’ve never experienced anything like SM Mall of Asia.
Get your hair and nails done. Treat yourself to a facial or a massage. Shop for new clothes, furniture, luggage or a car. Hang out at a playground. Play arcade games. Go bowling or ice skating. Catch a movie, have dim sum or get your steps in crisscrossing this six million square feet of retail spread across several city blocks. It’s as authentically local an experience as it gets.
Where to Stay in Manila
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Manila, and five stars go far here. I stayed at the Conrad Manila in Pasay, about a 15-minute drive from Manila International Airport. The hotel has a striking yacht-inspired exterior design and is attached to the sprawling Mall of Asia, which covers several city blocks.
The Conrad Manila has an outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, five restaurants and one of the most expansive breakfast buffets I’ve ever seen.
Some rooms feature picturesque views of Manila Bay. Mine did not. I did, however, have a large luxurious space with an elegant seating area, king-sized bed and floor-to-ceiling overlooking an interior garden. This is one of those hotels where the service is impeccable and it’s reflected in the details.
Guests arriving after 10 a.m. are offered a complimentary early check-in when rooms are available. Staff is always around to answer questions, and there are special touches like turndown service with an adorable branded stuffed animal.
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Pasay is a solid choice for anyone who’s looking for a relatively quick drive to the airport or the cruise terminal. If you’re traveling to shop or looking for nightlife, consider Makati—an area where trendy bars and restaurants are stashed among glitzy skyscrapers.
In Makati, a friend who’s traveled to Manila extensively for work, loves the Mandarin Oriental—especially when it’s time to check out and pay what feels like a bargain bill.
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Where to Eat in Manila
The Aristocrat
This restaurant is a Manila mainstay that traces its history to 1936. It’s best known for its sweet barbecue chicken and its flying saucer-shaped sandwiches. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to try authentic Filipino food.
https://delivery.aristocratph.com/
Milky Way Cafe
This spot in Makati got its start as an ice cream bar in the 1950s. It’s since added savory menu items, but it’s still best known for its homemade ice cream. Try the halo-halo, a parfait-style dessert topped with homemade ube ice cream.
https://cafe.milkywayrestaurant.com/
Jollibee
I know this is a fast food chain, but hear me out if there isn’t a Jollibee in your city. Jollibee is a Filipino fried chicken chain, and Jollibee fans are some of the most passionate fast food loyalists in the world. You don’t even need to eat chicken to appreciate it. Pies are some of the most popular items on the Jollibee menu.
