15-Day Itinerary for Manila, Philippines

  • Day 1: Intramuros
    30 minutes (7.2 km) from Ninoy Aquino International Airport

    Intramuros is the historic walled city within Manila built during the Spanish colonial period. Visitors can explore Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and San Agustin Church among other attractions within the walls. The place offers a glimpse into Manila’s rich history and culture.

  • Day 2: Ayala Museum and Greenbelt
    25 minutes (8.2 km) from Intramuros

    The Ayala Museum provides a glimpse into Filipino art, history, and culture with its collections of archaeological artifacts and art pieces. Afterwards, take a walk through Greenbelt, a premier shopping complex with a variety of stores, dining, and cultural events.

  • Day 3: Binondo and Quiapo Church
    20 minutes (3.5 km) from Ayala Museum

    Binondo is Manila's Chinatown district where visitors can enjoy traditional Chinese food and tea, shop for Chinese goods or engage in cultural tours. Afterwards, visit Quiapo Church, a popular and vibrant church known for its Black Nazarene statue, which attracts thousands of devotees every year on its feast day.

  • Day 4: Taal Volcano and Tagaytay
    70km (2 hours) from Quiapo Church

    Take a day trip to Taal Volcano, an active volcano located in Tagaytay. The crater lake offers scenic views, scenic drives, and boat tours. Afterwards, drive up to Tagaytay Highlands for breathtaking scenery of the Taal Lake and relax among the surrounding coffee plantations.

  • Day 5: National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Park
    20 minutes (5.1 km) from Tagaytay Highlands

    National Museum traces the country’s history through its collections of art, archaeology, and natural history. Rizal Park, located nearby, is a large park with fountains, gardens, historic monuments, and a musical fountain show. The perfect spot for Instagram-worthy moments.

  • Day 6: Manila Ocean Park and Luneta Park
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from National Museum of the Philippines

    Manila Ocean Park is a multi-level aquarium park featuring a wide array of sea creatures like sharks, penguins, and stingrays. It also offers shows, and other attractions for kids and kids at heart. Later, relax at Luneta Park with its vast expanse of greenery and scenic views of the city.

  • Day 7: Philippine Science Centrum & Art in Island
    30 minutes (16.1 km) from Manila Ocean Park

    Philippine Science Centrum offers interactive exhibits and activities perfect for families. Later, visit Art in Island, a museum that features a 3D art collection that allows visitors to become part of the paintings.

  • Day 8: Fort Bonifacio and Bonifacio High Street
    30 minutes (10.5 km) from Art in Island

    Fort Bonifacio is a former American military base converted into a modern commercial district that boasts of shopping centers, high-end retail boutiques, trendy restaurants, and clubs. It is a perfect spot for leisure, shopping, and food-tripping activities.

  • Day 9: Mind Museum and Uptown Bonifacio
    10 minutes (3.5km) from Fort Bonifacio

    Mind Museum is a world-class science museum that features immersive exhibits and activities perfect for families. Later, wander around Uptown Bonifacio, a newly developed district that offers a mix of lifestyle, shopping, dining and entertainment options, perfect for one-night entertainment.

  • Day 10: SM Megamall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall
    20 minutes (8.1 km) from Uptown Bonifacio

    SM Megamall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall are shopping centers that offer a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and activities to suit every traveller's budget and preference. Be sure to check the movie houses and IMAX 3D theater for an enjoyable cinematic experience.

  • Day 11: Marikina and Antipolo
    40 minutes (20.7 km) from Shangri-La Plaza Mall

    Take a day trip to Marikina, the city known for its shoe industry and locally made leather goods. After shopping, go to Antipolo and visit Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage Church, known for its religious significance and scenic views of Metro Manila.

  • Day 12: Tondo and Malabon
    40 minutes (15. 4 km) from Antipolo

    Visit Tondo, one of the city’s most historic and culturally significant districts with its diverse range of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Tondo church and nearby Malabon, situated by the delta, home to many species of marine fishes and bangus farms.

  • Day 13: Divisoria and Robinsons Manila
    30 minutes (8.7 km) from Malabon

    Divisoria, another shopping district with a reputation and known for its wide array of goods, from cheap clothing, electronics, fruits, amidst an eclectic and colorful milieu. Robinsons Manila, located nearby, is one of the oldest shopping centers in Manila, which now houses a wide range of restaurants and entertainment options.

  • Day 14: Batanes and Pagsanjan Falls
    90 minutes (110 km) from Robinsons Manila

    Take a day trip to Batanes, famous for its picturesque rolling hills, lighthouses, stone houses, and rich Ivatan culture. A three-hour boat ride will transport you to Pagsanjan Falls, a popular tourist destination with its majestic waterfalls and scenic countryside.

  • Day 15: Manila Bay Sunset Cruise
    30 minutes (10 km) from Pagsanjan Falls

    End your trip with a bang and take a sunset cruise along Manila bay. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the city's skyline and its iconic landmarks such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Rizal Park, and the popular spot for the statue of the brave fighter of a Filipino during the Spanish colonialism, Lapu-Lapu Monument on Rizal Avenue.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Intra-city jeepney and rail fare (PHP 10-20)
  • Ride-sharing fare (PHP 40 -- PHP 200)
  • National Museum Entrance Fee (PHP 150)
  • Manila Ocean Park Entrance Fee (PHP 500)
  • Taal Lake and Tagaytay tour (approximately PHP 5000 for two people)
  • Philippine Science Centrum Entrance Fee (PHP 250)
  • Mind Museum Entrance Fee (PHP 800 for two people)
  • Lunch and Dinner (PHP 200 -- PHP 1000 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: PHP 15000- PHP 20,000 per person

Transportation

Manila offers various forms of transportation for tourists such as taxis, jeepneys, buses, and the rapid rail mass transit. It is advisable to use the rapid transit rail and ride-sharing applications for convenience and guaranteed safety.

Useful Tips

To maximize your stay in Manila, check the weather forecast for any typhoon alert, research ticket prices and accessible hours for your desired location, and consider booking a guided tour for convenience and comfort.

Airports

Manila has one International Airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (MNL). The runway facility is located 7 kilometers south of Manila's city center in Pasay City. Airlines from different parts of the world arrive here, like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and more.

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