City guide · Philippines
Manila
Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City.
4 ready itineraries · 3, 5, 7, 10-day plans
Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 1,902,590 people.
Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon, it is classified as a highly urbanized city. With 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer (116,380/sq mi), Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper.
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Manila without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of Landmarks.
- Skip if
- Skip Manila if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
- 3days3-day itineraryA long weekend walking Manila.Open plan →
- 5days5-day itineraryPopularA first visit to Manila with room for one extra neighborhood.Open plan →
- 7days7-day itineraryA slower week in Manila, with one day outside town.Open plan →
- 10days10-day itineraryFirst-time visitors who want a full Manila trip with day trips.Open plan →
5-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
Museums
Walk Museums in Manila. Start at National Museum of the Philippines, then Bahay Tsinoy and Museo Pambata. Stay on foot.
National Museum of the Philippines · Bahay Tsinoy · Museo Pambata
- 2
Landmarks
Walk Landmarks in Manila, including University of Santo Tomas.
University of Santo Tomas
- 3
Nature and wildlife
Walk Nature and wildlife in Manila, including Manila Zoo.
Manila Zoo
- 4
City
Walk City in Manila. Start at Manila Dance and Cultural Arts Center, then St. Mark United Church and Iglesia Evangelica Methodista En Las Islas Filipinas. Stay on foot.
Manila Dance and Cultural Arts Center · St. Mark United Church · Iglesia Evangelica Methodista En Las Islas Filipinas · Quezon City Evangelical Church · …
- 5
Day trip toward Makati
Leave Manila for the day. Come back to the same bed.
Makati · Pasay · Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
Museums
2 to 4 nights
Walking this plan
Base here if you want National Museum of the Philippines, Bahay Tsinoy, Museo Pambata on foot.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
Manila works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
thumb|250px|LRT Line 1 Manila is served by LRT Line 1 (green line), operated by Light Rail Manila Corporation, and LRT Line 2 (blue line), operated by the Light Rail Transit Authority. Line 1 uses light-rail type rolling stock and serves Malate, Ermita, Quiapo, Binondo and Santa Cruz. Line 2 uses longer commuter-grade rolling stock and serves Quiapo, Sampaloc and Santa Mesa. Most tourist sites are along Line 1.
- Public transit from MNL30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
thumb|250px|Fort Santiago, Intramuros The City of Manila is in the western part of Metro Manila, facing the Manila Bay. It is bordered on the west by Manila Bay, to the north by Navotas, Quezon City and Caloocan City, to the east by San Juan and Mandaluyong City and to the south by Pasay and Makati.
It is the oldest part of Metro Manila and the seat of the government of the Philippines. However, despite its historical and administrative importance, the City of Manila is not effectively the "Downtown" or "City center" of Metro Manila in the traditional sense.
Get in
* | url=https://betternaia.com | email= | address= | lat=14.508611 | long=121.019444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q86446 | lastedit=2019-08-20 | content=Main international airport of Manila. }} For more information check the section on airports in the Metro Manila article. For travel by ferry, mainly from other parts of the Philippines but also from a few other ports, see the section on boats.
Get around
thumb|250px|LRT Line 1 Manila is served by LRT Line 1 (green line), operated by Light Rail Manila Corporation, and LRT Line 2 (blue line), operated by the Light Rail Transit Authority. Line 1 uses light-rail type rolling stock and serves Malate, Ermita, Quiapo, Binondo and Santa Cruz.
Line 2 uses longer commuter-grade rolling stock and serves Quiapo, Sampaloc and Santa Mesa. Most tourist sites are along Line 1.
Stay safe
Despite a reputation for crimes and congestion, Manila is relatively safe if you follow basic precautions. Touristy areas are well patrolled by police or private security, and most trips are done by public transport.
Driving is surely the worse way to get around if you do not know large city driving. Petty crimes are one risk, but you may get around without any hassle if you maintain common sense.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for Manila.