Manila

The capital city and port of entry for most travelers. Manila can be a challenging place to love, but it provides a historical and cultural overview to the country. With a population of 12 million people, Metro Manila comprises a sprawling expanse of districts that include Makati; the central business district with its tall, glass towers and swanky shopping malls; Intramuros, the old walled city with cobblestone streets facing Manila Bay; Ortigas, a shopping center surrounded by affluent suburban communities; and Quezon City, a partly rural, partly seedy section that is also the seat of government.

Manila is a heady mix of the new and old. Young professionals from all reaches of the archipelago move here to find work, while old families with roots dating back to Spanish colonial times still hold fort over all manners of commerce and society. Though it can be overwhelming with its crowds, Manila is a vibrant place that is ultimately a great introduction to the country's colonial past, preserved in its walled city and museums, and the bright future Filipinos are fervently working towards.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Bars & Nightclubs

Manila is party central and often plays host to international bands, DJs and musicians. The city also has a robust local music scene, and you're never far from a bar or music venue with a live band or karaoke. Bars abound all over the metropolis, as Filipinos love to imbibe their national drink, San Miguel Beer.

Coconut Palace

Commissioned in 1981 by eccentric First Lady Imelda Marcos for $37 million, the octagonal structure is built entirely of local hardwoods and coconut shells, and was intended to honor Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Philippines, a country where over 80% of the population is Roman Catholic.

Intramuros

Visit Intramuros, the walled city, where Manila was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. In this area of cobblestone paths plied by horse-drawn carriages, you will find Manila's main cathedral, with its 4,500-pipe organ, and the St. Augustine Church, the oldest church in the Philippines and home to an antiquities museum.

Local Cuisine

Philippines cuisine is a curious mix of Spanish, Chinese and American influence. Traditional Filipino food is typically very savory (and often fatty!) and can be enjoyed in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining establishments to streetside cafes. Local chefs, many of them trained abroad, have returned to revive Philippine cuisine with an international twist.

Manila Bay

Catch the sunset at Manila Bay, whether on a private yacht cruising the bay, or from the Roxas Boulevard Boardwalk, where you’ll find couples sitting on stone benches, soaking in the view.

Pig Roast

Celebrate your stay with a traditional Filipino dinner at the home of one of the Philippines' most prominent families, who will throw a fabulous fiesta and pig roast in your honor.

Quiapo

Stop by Quiapo, a lively residential district known for its seemingly endless outdoor shopping bazaars, and the busy Quiapo Church, site of the annual Black Nazarene Festival: every January 9, this antiquated sculpture of a dark-skinned Christ is paraded through the streets of the city before throngs of the faithful.

Shopping & Markets

There's a shopping mall on every corner, or so it seems in this shopping-crazed culture. High-end, international retailers mix with local designers in Manila's megamalls, but for more local offerings, look to markets selling Filipiniana, or Filipino-made goods.

Philippines Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Manila Itineraries

Classic Philippines

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,500
See Itinerary

Adventure and Relaxation in Batanes and El Nido

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,100
See Itinerary

Caramoan Peninsula Explorer: From Manila and Luzon to Donsol and Siargao

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $43,200
See Itinerary

Colors & Cultures of Negros, Philippines

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,700
See Itinerary

Culture and Diving in the Philippine Islands

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,200
See Itinerary

From the Relaxing Philippines to Fast-Paced Hong Kong

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,300
See Itinerary

Heritage and Islands of the Philippines

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,400
See Itinerary

Island-Hopping in the Central Philippines

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,100
See Itinerary

Manila, Boracay & Pamalican: Cities & Beaches of the Philippines

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,580
See Itinerary

Pristine Palawan

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,000
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Fairmont Makati

Manila, Philippines

Manila’s Fairmont Makati is located at the heart of the Philippines’ premier art and business district of Makati, which ranks among the world’s busiest centers of commerce and culture. Although directly connected to Manila, Makati is typically considered a highly modernized, cosmopolitan city of its own thanks to its dense population, as well as its ample concentration of multinational and local businesses. Fairmont Makati has cemented a place among the capital’s finest five-star hotels thanks to its classy amenities and top-flight hospitality team. In terms of dining, the hotel’s unique offerings promise to satisfy the gastronomic desires of even the most discerning guests. And what’s more, the hotel is located within walking distance of some of Manila’s most sought-after attractions, including the Zuellig Building, 6750, Ayala Museum, the Glorietta Shopping Complex, and Greenbelt – one of the country’s most fashionable shopping malls. The sprawling metropolis of Manila beckons with a little bit of something for everyone, from culturally immersive explorations into the city’s music and art scenes to day trips adventuring among the country’s 7,100 islands. Whatever the journey, Fairmont Makati welcomes guests with a safe haven of five-star luxury and relaxation amid the urban landscape of the capital city.
Preferred Hotel

Makati Shangri-La

Manila, Philippines

Located in the heart of Manila’s business and commercial district, Makati Shangri-La is a luxury hotel moments from the capital’s best shops, bars, and restaurants. The hotel’s 699 rooms have a classic feel, with wood-paneled walls, an alcove ceiling, and a muted color palette. Soothing touches like a Zen waterfall on every floor creates a feeling of serenity that’s hard to come by in the bustling area surrounding the hotel. Leisure amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and tennis courts. There is no business center, but broadband Internet access and a fax machine is available in every room. The highlight of the hotel is its restaurants, which are popular even with the locals. Of note is the dim sum and Cantonese fine dining at Shang Palace, and Sunday brunch at Circles’ extensive international buffet. Fine dining Japanese and two sophisticated lounges round out the dining scene. Shangri-La Manila is a 30-minute drive from the Manila International Airport.

Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Manila

Manila, Philippines

Strategically placed on the corners of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila is close to premier shopping facilities and within easy access of Manila's numerous attractions. The hotel is a nine kilometers drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and just six kilometers from Manila's domestic airport. Elegantly furnished in classic style, the hotel's 351 rooms and suites provide modern, technologically advanced conveniences, including complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. The Gallery Club Lounge is available 24 hours a day, providing live musical entertainment and all-day refreshments and nibbles, including a breakfast buffet, The Peninsula Afternoon Tea, gourmet canapés and an open bar with a curated selection of spirits and sommelier-selected wines. The thoughtfully-designed private lounge is enhanced with custom-designed tables and soft furnishings arranged in an intimate lounge setting. Continental and Pan-Asian cuisine is served at The Peninsula's many restaurants, including Old Manila and Spices, which are two of the top restaurants in the city. Salon de Ning, the hotel's quirky lounge, features musical entertainment on most evenings.

Multi-Country Specialists

Philippines Goes Well With

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