Intramuros is the historic walled area within Manila. Visitors can stroll around Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church, or take a bamboo bike tour of the area. Along the way, don't miss the Bahay Tsinoy Museum, which tells the story of the Chinese in the Philippines.
Makati is Manila's main financial district and home to a variety of shopping and dining options. Visit the Ayala Museum, which showcases Filipino art and history, or take a food tour to taste local delicacies. At night, head to the rooftop bars for stunning views of the city skyline.
Escape the city for a day trip to Tagaytay. Marvel at the view of Taal Volcano and Lake from the Picnic Grove or the Sky Ranch amusement park. Afterward, visit the Puzzle Mansion, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles.
Getting around Manila can be challenging due to traffic. Taxis and Grab (ride-hailing app) are available, but choose wisely based on traffic conditions. Jeepneys and tricycles are popular and relatively cheap but not recommended for first-time visitors. Estimated cost: PHP 200-500 per day. Car rental with a driver is also an option, with prices starting at PHP 1500 per day.
If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City for a dose of contemporary Filipino art. Or, add a side trip to Batangas for an island-hopping adventure or to hike the Taal Volcano. If you have less time, skip Tagaytay and spend some more time exploring Intramuros or the malls in Makati.
Manila has one main airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). The airport is located about 7 km south of the city centre and has four terminals. Terminal 1 serves international airlines, while Terminal 2 serves Philippine Airlines and a few other airlines. Terminals 3 and 4 serve local airlines and budget carriers. Taxis are available at the airport and cost around PHP 200-500 to get to the city centre.