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This itinerary covers 3 days in manila, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 3 days trip to manila. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

3-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration in Manila, Philippines

Viewed by 85 travelers

Day 1: Historic Manila Tour

Manila, Philippines on July 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ilang-Ilang

Start your day with a delicious Filipino breakfast buffet at Café Ilang-Ilang located inside Manila Hotel, open from 7am to 10am, featuring local favorites and fresh tropical fruits.

PHP800, 1h

9:30am

Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church (the oldest stone church in the Philippines). The tour is best started as museums open at 9am.

PHP75, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Filipino dishes in a heritage setting inside Intramuros, renowned for their flavorful adobo and kare-kare, open from 11am to 9pm.

PHP600, 1h

2:00pm

Rizal Park Visit

Relax at Rizal Park, a historical urban park dedicated to the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Spend time in the gardens and see the Rizal Monument. Open 24/7.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit National Museum Complex

Explore the National Museum of Fine Arts and Anthropology nearby to admire Filipino art and cultural history. Open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

PHP0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Aristocrat

End your day with a hearty meal at The Aristocrat, an iconic Filipino restaurant serving classic comfort dishes like chicken barbecue and pancit, open until 10pm.

PHP450, 1h30m

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Day 2: Cultural Chinatown Experience

Manila, Philippines on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Breakfast at The Original Philippine Sweets & Delicacies

Sample traditional Filipino-Chinese breakfast pastries and congee in Binondo, open from 7am to 11am, providing a unique local experience.

PHP200, 1h

9:30am

Binondo Walking and Food Tour

Discover the world’s oldest Chinatown by foot, visiting churches, temples, and tasting street food like hopia and siopao. The area is lively and open throughout the day.

PHP500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Wai Ying Fastfood

Feast on authentic Cantonese dishes in this popular Binondo spot famous for their dim sum and roast pork, open until 8pm.

PHP350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Chinatown Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Chinese Filipinos through exhibits and artifacts. Open 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

PHP100, 1h30m

4:30pm

Temple Visits

Visit famous temples such as Seng Guan Temple and Binondo Church to appreciate the spiritual heritage of Chinatown.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sincerity Café and Restaurant

Enjoy affordable and tasty Filipino-Chinese dishes in a casual atmosphere within Binondo, open until 10pm.

PHP300, 1h30m

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Day 3: Modern Manila & Shopping

Makati and BGC, Philippines on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wildflour Café + Bakery

Experience a contemporary café in Makati offering artisan pastries and breakfast favorites with excellent coffee, open from 7am.

PHP500, 1h

9:30am

Ayala Museum Visit

Discover Filipino culture, art, and history at Ayala Museum located in Makati. Open 9am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday.

PHP300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Alley by Vikings

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch with a variety of local and international cuisines located inside SM Makati, open from 11am to 3pm weekdays.

PHP650, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping and Exploring Greenbelt and Glorietta Malls

Shop and browse luxury and local brands in Makati's premier shopping malls while enjoying the open garden spaces.

Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Travel to BGC for modern art murals, parks, and vibrant cityscape. Explore Mind Museum or just walk around the lively streets. The Mind Museum is open 9:30am to 6pm.

PHP500 (Mind Museum admission), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Marketplace by Rustan’s

Dine in style with a wide variety of cuisines in this upscale food court in BGC, offering everything from Italian to Japanese, open until 10pm.

PHP600, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Makati and BGC

Itinerary created by Plantrip Team July 25, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

3-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration in Manila, Philippines

Day 1: Historic Manila Tour

8:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Cultural Chinatown Experience

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Modern Manila & Shopping

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

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