Manila, Philippines - Travel Guide

Manila offers a vibrant mix of historical sites, bustling markets, and modern entertainment. It's a gateway to explore the rich culture and diverse landscapes of the Philippines, from colonial architecture to vibrant street art and delicious local cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

LuzonPhilippines National Capital RegionMetro ManilaPhilippine IslandsTaguigQuezon CityMakatiPasigMandaluyong

🇵🇭 Country Information: Philippines

CapitalManila

CurrencyPhilippine peso (₱)

Language Filipino (Tagalog) , English, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicolano, Waray, Kapampangan, Pangasinan

Phone Code+63

Electricity220V (Type A, B, C)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants (10
15%), for hotel staff (50
100 PHP), and for tour guides/drivers (100
300 PHP per day)
Small tips for bellhops and porters are common

Money & Payments

ATMs are common in urban areas but less so in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in major establishments but cash is preferred for smaller vendors and rural areas
It is generally better to bring a mix of cash and cards
There is no recognized black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Filipinos are generally polite and respectful, especially to elders
It is customary to use "po" and "opo" when speaking to elders or those in authority as a sign of respect
Removing shoes before entering someone's home is common
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Eating with hands (kamayan) is traditional for some dishes, but utensils are also widely used

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The Philippines has a generally tolerant attitude towards LGBTQ+ individuals, but same-sex marriage is not yet legal. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in some local ordinances.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including life imprisonment and the death penalty for drug offenses
Even small amounts of drugs can lead to harsh sentences

Special Laws

Jaywalking is strictly enforced in some cities and can result in fines
Vaping and e
cigarettes are regulated and restricted in public places
Photography of government or military installations may be restricted

Common Phrases

NoHindi (heen-dee) Hindi

YesOo (oh-oh) Oo

HelloKumusta (koo-moos-tah) Kumusta

PleasePaki (pah-kee) Paki

Excuse mePaumanhin (pah-oo-man-heen) Paumanhin

Thank youSalamat (sah-lah-mat) Salamat

Climate

Climate Zone: Equatorial Monsoon

Best Time to Visit

Hot/dry season: Mar
May (extreme heat possible)
Monsoon season: Jun
Oct (heavy rainfall, high humidity, possible floods)
Typhoon season: Jun
Nov (typhoons are common)
Earthquakes: Philippines is in an active seismic zone; earthquakes can occur year
round

Getting There

- Fly directly to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila from major international hubs

Getting Around

Taxis (metered or fixed
rate) are common
Ride
sharing apps like Grab are widely used
Jeepneys and buses for local routes
LRT/MRT train systems cover key areas

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid) recommended
Consult doctor for specific recommendations
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Malaria risk is generally low in urban areas but consult a doctor if traveling to rural areas

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major providers include Globe, Smart, and DITO
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Adobo must_try

The unofficial national dish of the Philippines - meat (usually chicken or pork) braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. Each fa

Sinigang must_try

A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and vegetables with pork, shrimp, or fish. The perfect comfort food with its tangy, savory broth.

Lechon must_try

Whole roasted pig with incredibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. A centerpiece at Filipino celebrations and gatherings.

Kare-Kare regional_speciality

A rich peanut-based stew with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables, traditionally served with fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side.

Sisig street_food

Sizzling chopped pig face and ears seasoned with calamansi, chili peppers, and onions. Originally from Pampanga but beloved throughout Manila.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Intramuros Walled City and Historical Tours tour_or_activity

Book 2–6 weeks in advance

The most popular guided tours, especially those covering multiple landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, often reach capacity, particularly for morning slots.

High-Demand Fine Dining Reservations Dining

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Manila's top-rated and trending restaurants have limited seating and popular time slots (7–9 PM) often book out far ahead.

Accommodation at Iconic/Boutique Hotels Accommodation

Book 3 weeks–2 months in advance

Iconic properties (like The Manila Hotel) and smaller, highly-rated boutique hotels have limited room inventory and fill up quickly, especially during holiday periods.

Fun Facts

1. Manila was one of the most heavily damaged cities in the world after World War II, with almost all buildings in areas like Intramuros destroyed during the fighting in 1945.
2. The city features several highly capacious underground tunnels, located about 3.5 meters below street level, which are reportedly big enough to house dumper trucks.
3. Manila Day, celebrated on June 24, marks the city's founding by Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1571.
4. The total land area of Manila is 247 square miles (639 square kilometers), which is slightly larger than Greater London.

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