Manila, Philippines
Manila is the bustling capital city of the Philippines, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisines. The city boasts of stunning colonial architecture, lively street markets, and a plethora of tourist attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
Trip to Manila, Philippines
Day 1: Arrival and check-in
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and settle into your accommodation in the heart of the city. Take the rest of the day to relax, shake off any jet lag, and get acquainted with your local surroundings. Take a stroll around your hotel to familiarize yourself with the local surroundings. For dinner, head to any local Filipino restaurant and try some of the well-known dishes.
Day 2: City Tour
One of the best ways to see Manila is by taking a city tour. You can opt for a private tour or a group tour organized by several local operators. The city tour can take you to historic areas, colonial sites, and significant landmarks that are miles apart from each other. Some of the top sights to see are the colonial-era walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church, Rizal Park, and Fort Santiago, to mention but a few. In the evening, head to Poblacion for some nightlife. Poblacion is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its colourful graffiti murals, hipster bars, and events such as local food markets and live music.
Day 3: Shopping in Makati
As one of the top shopping destinations in Manila, Makati is a perfect location to shop for souvenirs, fashion items, and luxury brands. You can start by visiting the Ayala Center, a vast shopping mall with local and international brands. The Greenbelt complex offers an outdoor shopping experience with beautifully landscaped parks and eateries. In the afternoon, head to the Bonifacio Global City and visit the SM Aura Premier, another stunning shopping mall in the city with an impressive collection of stores and restaurants. For dinner, head to The Grid in Powerplant Mall, known for its modern eating concept and trendy food options.
Day 4: Explore Chinatown
Manila’s Chinatown is also known as Binondo, and it is a historic district that offers a glimpse into the Chinese culture and cuisine. Binondo has the oldest Chinatown in the world, and it is famous for street food, traditional shops, and cultural splendour. Start your day by visiting Binondo Church, which was built in 1596 and is the oldest church in Manila. Then take a stroll through the various shops selling unusual merchandise. You can’t visit Binondo without partaking in the street food which is known for its exotic flavours. In the evening, visit the iconic Century Park Hotel for a wonderful night out on the town.
Day 5: Enjoy the Seashore
After a few days of city explorations, it’s time to enjoy the seaside. Manila Bay is famous for its beautiful sunset views and a great spot to just lounge. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants which offer spectacular views of the bay. Try out the Manila Bay sunset dinner cruise that offers you an unforgettable experience of dining on a floating restaurant while enjoying beautiful views of the city lights. Another popular destination is the Pasig River Bay, which is known for its picturesque riverbank and lush waterfront environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverbank, which provides peaceful and relaxing surroundings.
Day 6: Visit the Museums
Manila is also famous for its museums that offer a glimpse into the country’s history, culture, and contemporary art. Start your day by visiting the National Museum of Fine Arts, which houses some impressive art collections that spans various historical periods. The Ayala Museum is another great museum to see, which offers visitors an interactive experience of Filipino history and cultural identification. In the evening, head to Bonifacio Global City, the centre of the night-time entertainment scene in Manila. You can enjoy dinner in one of the sumptuous restaurants in the neighbourhood before dancing the night away in one of the many bars and clubs that keep the neon lights up until dawn.
Day 7: Departure
It’s your last day in the city, and all good things must come to an end. Spend your final hours souvenir shopping and making some last-minute memories before departing for Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Enjoy your time in Manila; it truly is a bustling and vibrant city packed with things to do!
