Approximate reading time: 30 minutes or more

Introduction

When you think of the Philippines, more often than not you think of its many gorgeous beaches like Siargao, El Nido, or Boracay, but it would be a mistake to discount Manila as a great destination spot in the Philippines as well.

Manila has so much to offer, as the capital of the Philippines, it is rapidly growing and developing with so many old and new things to discover. Manila is a place rooted in history that continues to adapt every day, pushing its culture into the present.

Calling Manila Home

Manila means so much to the both of us. We’ve been coming and going from here for many years and we’ve finally decided to grow our family’s roots here for the time being. Because just like the iconic Filipino band Hotdog once sang, “I keep coming back to Manila. Simply no place like Manila. Manila, I’m coming home.” And Manila is where we hope to have baby Tokyo call (at least her first) home.

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Most people only see Manila as a jumping off point for more Philippine adventures across its different islands but there are so many adventures that you can have here as well. Whether Manila is a pitstop between your other Philippine adventures or it is your sole destination in the Philippines, this 5 day itinerary can help you get a full taste of the essence of Metro Manila. This article won’t just suggest sites for you to see but we’ll give you accommodation and dining options as well to really maximize your stay! We’ve also got some quick tips at the end that you might want to take note of especially if it’s your first time visiting the Philippines, so make sure to read this through till the very end.

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Disclaimer

The information presented in this article may be subject to change at the venue or service provider’s discretion. You may check their respective websites or social media accounts for any updates on the price, location, and other details. Additionally, this article may contain affiliate links from which we get a portion of profit, at no added cost to you. These links are safe to click.

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Where To Stay

Metro Manila is made up of 16 administrative districts, so choosing where you will stay depends on the type of vibe that you want to have for your vacation. If you want to be closer to the historical side of Metro Manila, you might want to consider booking a spot within the City of Manila. But we would personally recommend you try to find a place in either the Central Makati City Area, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), or the Rockwell/Poblacion area.

Central Makati City

Makati City is one of the bustling business centers in the Philippines. Here you will find office workers walking past tall buildings, but also families and friends enjoying the scattered parks around. Staying in the central part of Makati City gives you access to some of the top malls in the area. In Makati, four big malls are connected to one another: SM, Glorietta, Landmark, and Greenbelt; each offering a plethora of stores with prices ranging from affordable to more luxury brands. This is one of Ave's favorite places to go shopping because they have everything you need. If you explore this area some more you may even come across Salcedo and Legazpi Village which have great weekend morning markets, but if you are more of a night owl they also have some locally and internationally renowned bars around the area.

*Image courtesy of "Makati Web Portal." All rights reserved to the original owners.*

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Bonifacio Global City, also known as Fort Bonifacio but most commonly known as BGC, is another business hotspot in Metro Manila. BGC is a more urban city that continues to develop in ways that make it perfect for work and play. Intertwined with the business buildings are malls offering shops and restaurants that are a bit more higher priced as compared to the malls in Central Makati. But BGC also has a lot of free things to offer, you can check out our list of 10 Free Things to Do in BGC over here. BGC is also home to many bars and clubs which are bursting with life and energy on the weekends (and even sometimes on weekdays too).

*Image courtesy of "BGC.com.ph" All rights reserved to the original owners.*

Rockwell/Poblacion

Over the years, Poblacion has become one of the go-to spots for a great night out. If you’re looking to explore the nightlife scene of Manila, there is no better place to be. Poblacion is home to Manila’s Red Light District, it is filled with speakeasies, bars, and clubs that could suit many different people’s tastes. Close to this pulsating party spot is the Power Plant Mall, sometimes referred to as Rockwell due to the street that it is on. Power Plant Mall is a great place to start the night with some delicious eats or a preliminary shopping spree before your exciting night out.

Our recommendations are mostly centered around these three spots. We personally believe that these places serve as great jumping off points, allowing you to easily explore other parts of Manila, but of course other spots in Manila may be better suited to your needs. We also have a recommendation in case you want to settle closer to the more historic parts of Manila or the northern side which also offers its own unique charm.

*Image courtesy of "e-rockwell.com" All rights reserved to the original owners.*

Ascott Makati

Housed within the Glorietta Mall, settle down at the heart of Makati and find adventure in every direction once you step outside. Ascott Makati makes sure that once you are through with your day of exploration, you can fully rest and relax in your elegant but still extremely comfortable rooms. You don’t even need to set foot out of Ascott to have a great day - stay in and explore their different amenities like their tennis court, spa and massage center, and on-site fitness center. Check out our very own chill weekend staycation in Ascott Makati in this Youtube video here.

Book Here : Link to Booking page

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Citadines Salcedo Makati

Located in a prime spot in Central Makati, Citadines Salcedo lets you have the best of Makati at your fingertips. Their services are very thoughtful, for example, since Citadines is in such a central spot, they even provide a list of the top 5 coffee shops within the area. Their rooms are spotless and extremely comfortable. When we had our own little staycation here, we definitely enjoyed spending time in their jacuzzi.

Book Here : Link to Booking page

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City Garden Grand Hotel

Thanks to City Garden Grand Hotel’s high quality amenities and consistently accommodating guest services, it has become one of the most sought after hotels by travelers coming into the Philippines. From staycations, business trips, special celebrations, and vacations - City Garden Grand Hotel can cater to every need. Take in the Makati City landscape from their rooftop pool.

Book Here : Link to Booking page

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila ensures that you get the same first class Ascott standards and treatment but this time in the heart of another vibrant area of Manila. Rest easy knowing that you are staying in a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certified hotel, just like Ascott Makati is as well.

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Book Here : Link to Booking page

I’M Hotel

A few steps away from Power Plant Mall and the always lively Poblacion, I’M Hotel has 10 room types to fit all your vacation needs. One of them even comes with a spa bundle if you really want to pamper yourself on your vacation. You can even have a pre-game session here before going out for a night of bar crawling in one of their 3 on-site restaurants.

Book Here : Link to Booking page

Hotel Kimberly Manila

Walk into Hotel Kimberly and experience the immense warmth of the trademark Filipino hospitality. More than just being assisted by kind and welcoming staff, Hotel Kimberley offers comfort on a budget. Located closer to the historical side of Manila, Hotel Kimberly lets you explore the older iconic cultural landmarks of Manila with ease. Each one of their 58 rooms is spacious and kept pristine.

Book Here : Link to Booking page

Dormitos

If you are in the mood to explore Northern Manila on a budget, look no further than Dormitos to call home base for the time being. Inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, Dormitos is located in a very exciting part of Northern Manila. Cubao in Quezon City is one of Manila’s thriving art scenes with vintage shops, art stores, local coffee shops, and bars to satisfy any type of thirst. Be at ease in one of Dormitos clean and futuristic looking pods in either their female or male dormitory. Dormitos offers a unique accommodation experience without sacrificing your comfort and privacy, and without having to break the bank either!

Book Here : Link to Booking page

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into what you came here for: our suggested 5 day Manila itinerary! We hope you’re ready for an exciting (and flexible) mix of history and culture, must-visit spots, and delectable eats! This itinerary might also help you out in deciding where you want to stay for the duration of your trip.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Mabuhay Manila!

Once you first arrive in Manila, you might want to take it easy, especially depending on the time that you arrive. Take some time to settle down and slowly begin exploring this wonderful place! Depending on your energy levels, we suggest you take this day to go around the Central Makati area (which is a great place to explore whether in the day or night time).

Mall Hopping

One of the major conveniences of Central Makati is that there are 4 top tier malls that are connected to each other: SM, Glorietta, Landmark, and Greenbelt. Greenbelt and Glorietta even have different wings which are numbered. Each mall has its own identity. SM and Landmark are the more affordable options, where you can also do some grocery shopping for anything that you need. Glorietta and Greenbelt both have cinemas in case you want to take a really chill day and watch a movie in one of their premium cinemas. Glorietta has some great local and international stores and restaurants while Greenbelt has more upscale shops.

Ayala Museum

Connected to Greenbelt is the Ayala Museum. It is a compact but incredibly curated museum showcasing the colorful and rich culture of the Philippines. They have great selections of Filipino artworks and artifacts that can have you staring in awe for hours. More than their collection, they also host several events celebrating and diving deeper into the different aspects of Filipino culture.

Optional: Chill Nightcap

Cap off your first day in Manila with a chill nightcap and toast to a great rest of your vacation. Close to the Greenbelt area are the Legazpi and Salcedo Villages. Around these parts are some great low key bars where you can be sure to grab a delicious drink in a place with a cool and calm atmosphere.

If you want to check out the best of the best within this area, click on our Top 10 Bars of Manila to find the best spots for a drink and a chat. The speakeasies and bars in Manila continue to up the craft cocktail game of the Philippines in very exciting (and delicious) ways.

DAY 2: History and Culture

Day 2 is all about exploring the famed living history sites of Manila that are Intramuros and Binondo. There is so much to see here so make sure to prepare your walking shoes and hungry tummies!

Intramuros

Walking around Intramuros is like stepping into a time machine and being transported in the Philippines’ past. This walled city was originally built in 1571 and has survived different foreign occupations, world wars, and present day urbanization. If you are interested in history and want to know the Philippines on a deeper level, this is a great place to start. Within Intramuros’ walls are famed historical sites like Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral.

Fort Santiago

This is the famed base of military defense and prison of the Spanish during the time that the Philippines was colonized under their rule. This site was also where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before he was later executed for his writings about the injustices during the time of the Spanish colonization.

San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church was dubbed as a National Historic Landmark. It was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church’s towering baroque design gives it a prominent presence in Intramuros. This church is one of the oldest in the Philippines, even surviving the battles during World War II. The air inside feels coated with decades of prayers from Filipino ancestors.

Manila Cathedral

The Manila Cathedral is also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It has been visited by different popes, making it a popular religious spot to visit for both foreign and local tourists alike. One of the outstanding features in the Neo-Romanesque style church are its stained glass windows which cast a brilliant light within the pews of the church.

If you want to visit more spots in Intramuros and learn more about the gripping history of the Philippines with a knowledgeable guide, why not try out this historic walking tour. Martin was able to do this tour and really enjoyed learning about the interesting past of the Philippines. It is important to remember that the life and comforts that we have now are all thanks to the immense sacrifice, strength, and courage of those who have come before us.

Binondo

Fun fact that Binondo is actually the oldest Chinatown in the whole world! Established in the 16th century, Binondo is still teeming with life. Binondo is a prime spot to go to if you want to do some shopping and find some great deals that are rare to find anywhere else. But what keeps locals and foreign tourists coming back for more is the food. Binondo is the place to be if you are in the mood for some authentic Chinese food in the Philippines. Food tours are a popular activity here and it’s the perfect way to eat some good food, walk it out, then fill your tummy back up again! While each spot in Binondo is sure to have something delicious for you to try, we also name some staple spots that you should make sure to visit at the end of this itinerary.

Optional: BGC Nightlife

If all that walking doesn’t wear you out, why not try another spot for your next night out. BGC is also home to some of the best bars in Manila but it is also a great spot if you’re in the mood to really party in a club. BGC has the best of both worlds whether you’re down for a chill drink or a night of dancing and singing at the top of your lungs.

DAY 3: Museumathon

After walking the streets of Intramuros and Binondo for a taste of history and Philippine culture, take this day to walk through some galleries in the many national museums of the Philippines. Each one is a treasure trove of intriguing pieces of works and artifacts that tell their very own story, each a thread in the larger fabric that is the joint history of the Philippines.

National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines is a bit like the culmination of all the other national museums. It gives a more general overview of each aspect, so if you want to get a little taste of everything then this may be the place for you. Despite having many different exhibits, each one is still carefully curated to reflect the richness of Philippine history and culture. This museum may also pique your interest towards more specific aspects of Philippine culture, worry not because the other national museums get deeper into these.

National Museum of Natural History

The building alone is enough of a reason to get people coming to the National Museum of Natural History, it has a grand “Tree of Life” courtyard that will take your breath away, it is also a very photogenic spot so make sure to take some pics! This museum is a great spot for nature lovers, the Philippines has a lot of beautiful and exotic plants and animals living among its many islands.

National Museum of Anthropology

If the National Museum of the Philippines gave you a taste of Philippine culture, the National Museum of Anthropology can deliver you a full course meal on it! This museum's extensive collection of artifacts helps document the social, linguistic, and even economic history of Philippine culture. The well kept artifacts give you a glimpse into the country’s ancient baybayin language and various trade artifacts in different periods.

National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts may be considered as one of the most celebrated museums in the Philippines. While it focuses mostly on exhibiting different types of important works of art by Filipino artists throughout the decades, they also house international pieces and other various artifacts that represent key features of the artistic and historical background of the Philippines. One of the most iconic Philippine artworks hangs proudly in these halls, the Spolarium by Juan Luna. Seeing a photo of it is already amazing but seeing it in real life is a truly surreal experience.

Rizal Park

Close to a few of these museums is the Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park. Get some fresh air and walk around the large space of Rizal Park. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to National Hero Jose Rizal. A statue of him stands tall on a monument at the park’s center, surrounded by Philippine flags. This park is a special place that serves as a testament to the Philippines’ enduring past, it is also made extra special since it holds the actual remains of Rizal himself.

Optional: Red Light District

Another day, another night out! You can’t let your trip end without exploring the Poblacion area. There is so much to see in Poblacion, whether or not you are a fan of drinking. Bars and clubs aren’t the only thing that fill Poblacion, but some great little restaurants too. It’s almost a 3 in 1 package - a place to get dinner, drinks (if you want), and a post-drinks meal too! Our list of the Top 10 Bars in Manila includes some great spots in Poblacion as well.

*Image courtesy of “ Filling Station Bar Cafe on Facebook" All rights reserved to the original owners*

DAY 4: The Road Less Taken or Explore the Urban City

As your trip comes closer to its end, we reserved day 4 to be a bit more mellow. Here we offer you two options for the day, so choose your own adventure! Your day will depend on which place you choose to explore for your last full day in Manila.

Escolta

If you want to continue soaking in the deeper roots of Philippine culture, but with a bit of a modern twist, then Escolta may be the better option for you. Escolta itself is a great place to just wander around if you like to explore without a strict itinerary. It was once the bustling business center of the Philippines but it has now become one of the beloved spots of the artist communities in the Philippines.

Read more about Escolta and other underrated gems in Manila in our list of the Top 10 Underrated Hidden Gems in Manila.

BGC

BGC is a modern playground of a city. You could spend an entire day just exploring the area without ever getting bored.The beauty of BGC is that there are a lot of things to do whether or not you are willing to dip into your budget some more. Sure there are world class shops and restaurants, but it also provides fun activities that you can do for free.

If you’re interested in learning more about BGC and the free things that you can do here, check out the article Martin wrote about 10 Free Things to do in BGC. Some things on this list include mall hopping and going on an art hunt around the city!

Optional: One Last Hurrah

It’s totally up to you if you still want to go out on your last night here or if you want to call it an early night to get some rest before you travel back home the next day. But if you are itching to go out one more time then why not have one last hurrah in one of the three areas that we already mentioned here. Try another bar/club in either Central Makati, BGC, or Poblacion. Or, you could also try exploring a different area completely. Just make sure you wake up in time for checkout!

DAY 5: Maraming Salamat, Manila!

Depending on your checkout and what time you need to leave, you may be able to squeeze in one more trip to the mall to do any last minute shopping for yourself and/or loved ones back home.

Other than this, it is time to say goodbye to Manila! We hope that you were able to create great, unique, and lasting memories here.

Where to Eat

Now that you know where you can stay and what you can do, we definitely can’t leave out where you can eat! Metro Manila is a melting pot of different cuisines, and thanks to the rich history of the Philippines, there have also been a lot of different influences on its very own cuisine.

Here are just a few recommendations of places to eat around the different areas that we mentioned in this itinerary.

Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant

Barbara’s doesn’t only offer delicious Filipino and Spanish food, but they also treat you to cultural shows with traditional Filipino dances like the Tinikling, Binasuan, and more! Enjoy the show while digging into classic Filipino dishes like kare-kare and sinigang. Make sure to try their Spanish dishes too like their mouthwatering arroz ala cubana and paella de mariscos.

Sarsá Kitchen + Bar

Located in Legazpi, Makati, Sarsa is owned by renowned Filipino Chef JP Anglo. Get a taste of his menu full of elevated Filipino food. In his menu, Chef JP playfully balances the authentic taste of Filipino cuisine with some contemporary flare. Take a sip of one of their cocktails named after meaningful Filipino words like the “Hiraya” which means the “fruit of one’s hope, dreams, and aspirations.”

Wai Ying FastFood

A Binondo go to, Wai Ying offers a wide variety of options that are both authentic but still affordable. Their generous servings also make sure that you get your money’s worth. One of their best sellers is their savory steamed siomai filled with real pork/shrimp.

Lan Zhou La Mien

Another Binondo staple, Lan Zhou La Mien is famously known for their hand pulled noodle dishes like their slurp worthy Beef and Wanton Lamien. Every dish offered in their long menu tastes incredibly fresh. Their menu is also more than just soup dishes so there is definitely something for everyone in this classic Binondo food joint.

Nolita Joe’s

Located in Poblacion, Nolita offers some delicious New York style pizza. Pizza, what better way is there to end (or start) a night of drinking than with a freshly cooked pizza slice almost a little bit bigger than a paper plate. Each slice is a piece of heaven. Some of their flavors include 4 cheese, spicy italian sausage, pepperoni, chicken parmesan, and sausage pepperoni mushroom. We don’t know about you, but our tummies are starting to rumble right now!

Quick Tips

Before you book your accommodations and drool from thinking about the food that you can eat in Manila, here are a few tips that you should take note of – especially if you are a first time visitor to Manila.

When to Come

Since the Philippines is a tropical country, you might want to travel to Manila during the sweet spot between the wet and dry seasons. November to February are a great time to visit Manila because there is a slight chill in the air but it is still sunny. Although, if you are visiting other islands in the Philippines like one of its many beautiful beaches then you might want to consider coming during summer, around March to May.

Dress Smart

When you come to Manila, you may want to pack a lot of light, breezy, and breathable clothes. With our itinerary, you may be doing a lot of walking and while it may be a bit cool from November to February, you may still sweat. And if you come during the summer, then know that summer in the city can get sweaty and sticky with humidity.

Pack Up

With the tropical sun in the Philippines, you may want to pack yourself a cap and sunscreen to protect your skin. The humidity may also attract mosquitoes so you may also want to pack some bug spray. It is also becoming more and more common to bring around your own water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and reduce the use of plastic bottles.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Most places in Manila offer free wifi, so it is actually a very digital nomad friendly place to be. There are many coworking spots to get your work done in case you need to squeeze in some work while on vacation. If you’re a digital nomad on the go, you might want to also consider updating your travel insurance. Traveling can be unpredictable sometimes, but let SafetyWing give you one less thing to worry about. Check out their different insurance packages over here.

Traffic Jams

Take note of rush hours when making your plans. Roads may get congested in the mornings at around 7am-10am when workers and students make their way to work and school. In the afternoon you can also expect some traffic when they all go home around 4pm-8pm. If there is heavy rain you can also expect there to be some traffic since some roads tend to get flooded.

Ending Notes

We’ve both been residents of Metro Manila for quite some time now, especially with Ave having grown up here, and yet we both still find new things to discover almost every day.

There are so many things that make Manila great, from the history, culture, continuous growth, and even the people. There is so much to love here! Sometimes things can get hectic but there are always spaces that allow you to recenter yourself.

Feel free to play around with this itinerary, remove or add anything that you like. This is just meant to serve as a basis or foundation to get you to see all there is of Manila in your five day stay.

Want to visit the Philippines?

Get a chance to catch not just the classic sights of Manila but live like a local for a few days and even visit some great spots that some locals don’t know about with the help of Dream Philippines Tours. We have an all inclusive service that connects you to top of the line services, spots, and activities. So, what are you waiting for? Book your dream vacation right now with Dream Philippines Tours!

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Share Your Stories with Us

We hope that you end up loving Manila as much as we do. Whether or not you follow this itinerary exactly, we would love to hear about your experiences in Manila and see your photos! Don’t forget to tag us on your posts and stories using the hashtags #MarveTravelGuides, #MarveToldMeToDoIt, and #TravelWithMarve. Safe travels!

Discover the Best of Manila with this 5 Day Itinerary

Table of contents

Introduction

Want to visit the Philippines?

Where To Stay

Itinerary

Where to Eat

Quick Tips

Ending Notes

Want to visit the Philippines?

Discover the Best of Manila with this 5 Day Itinerary

Table of contents

Introduction

Want to visit the Philippines?

Where To Stay

Itinerary

Where to Eat

Quick Tips

Ending Notes

Want to visit the Philippines?

The Top 10 Best Bars in Manila

10 Underrated Hidden Gems in Manila, Philippines