Manila, Philippines

We recently spent some time exploring this vibrant city, and we have to say, it is a mix of chaotic energy, rich history, and incredible food that left me wanting more. From navigating the traffic to discovering hidden gems, Manila has a lot to offer if you know where to look. We stayed for about a month, hitting up some iconic spots and indulging in local eats. In this guide, we will cover everything from getting there to where to stay, what to do, and where to grab affordable bites. Whether you are a first-timer or a repeat visitor, we hope this helps you plan your trip.

Arrival in Manila

Landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can be overwhelming, especially with the crowds and heat. Be prepared with to wait and bring a small fan with you to cool you off if you have a long line.

Once you are through, getting into the city center is straightforward but depends on your budget and patience. The airport is about 10-15 kilometers from areas like Makati or Intramuros, and traffic can turn a 30-minute ride into an hour. The cheapest option is the public bus or the airport shuttle, like the UBE Express, which costs around 150-300 PHP (about $3-6) and drops you at key spots like Robinsons Place or Taft Avenue. You can also hop on the LRT or MRT train after a short walk or jeepney ride from the terminal, but it is not ideal with heavy luggage.

For convenience, we recommend Grab, the local ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. Fares to the city center range from 300-600 PHP ($6-12), and it is reliable. Taxis are available too, but stick to the yellow metered ones to avoid scams; expect 200-400 PHP ($4-8). If you prefer a hassle-free start, like us, book a private pickup in advance. GetYourGuide has excellent airport transfer services, like their Manila International Airport Private Transfer, where a driver tracks your flight and meets you with AC comfort for about $30-50 for up to three people. It is perfect for groups or if you arrive late at night. Klook has similar options, such as their Ninoy Aquino International Airport Transfers, covering zones in Metro Manila. Pro tip: Download the apps before landing and have local currency or a card ready.

American Branded Hotels in Manila

When it comes to staying in Manila, we lean toward familiar American brands for comfort and rewards perks. We focused on IHG, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton, as they have solid options across the city. These hotels are great for business travelers or anyone wanting reliable amenities like pools, gyms, and breakfast buffs. Points redemptions can make them affordable, especially with promotions.

Starting with IHG, their top picks include the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, both in Ortigas Center, a business hub with malls nearby. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, and it was fantastic: spacious rooms, excellent service, and easy access to shopping at Robinsons Galleria. Expect points outlays around 10,000 to 15,000 per night for standard rooms. To cut costs, consider buying IHG points during sales (during the 100% sale) they go for about .5 cents each, so 20,000 points might cost $100. If you have the IHG Premier Card, you get a fourth night free on points stays, which saved us big time on longer trips like this one.

For Hyatt, the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a standout luxury option with stunning views and top-notch dining. We stayed here to explore 2 areas of the city and loved the modern vibe, infinity pool, and proximity to trendy spots. The Hyatt Regency Manila in City of Dreams is another gem, especially if you are into entertainment complexes. Points-wise, these run 9,000-15,000 per night, making them a steal for the quality. No special card needed for perks, but World of Hyatt members get solid value.

Marriott has strong contenders like the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, near the airport with casino access, and the Sheraton Manila Hotel. These are upscale with great lounges and event spaces. Points redemptions are typically 40,000-50,000 per night. A huge plus is the fifth night free on points bookings, no card required, which is ideal for extended stays.

Hilton’s flagship is the Hilton Manila at Newport World Resorts, offering modern rooms and easy mall access. It is perfect for a relaxed vibe. Expect 40,000-60,000 points per night. Like Marriott, Hilton gives a fifth night free on points redemptions without needing a card.

Overall, these brands deliver consistency, and using points kept my costs down. BGC and Makati areas are my favorites for location.

Non-American Branded Hotels in Manila

If you want to mix it up with international flair beyond American chains, Manila has plenty of top non-American brands. These often bring unique cultural touches and luxury at competitive prices.

The Peninsula Manila in Makati is a classic, known for its elegant Filipino hospitality and iconic lobby. It is five-star all the way with a spa and fine dining. Shangri-La hotels, like the Makati Shangri-La or Edsa Shangri-La, offer Asian-inspired luxury with beautiful gardens and pools. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila by the bay provides French elegance with sea views and a massive breakfast spread. Okada Manila is a resort-style stunner with casinos and fountains, perfect for entertainment seekers. Other notables include New Coast Hotel Manila for modern vibes and Makati Diamond Residences for serviced apartments. These spots often have rates starting at $150-300 per night, blending local charm with global standards.

Highly Rated VRBO Properties in Manila

For a more homey feel, we checked out VRBO options, and there are some highly rated properties worth considering. If you prefer space over hotel perks, these can be great. Here are a few top ones we found:

• Sea Residences – Cozy and central, perfect for couples.
• Azure Paris Hilton Beach Resort and Residences– Spacious with modern amenities, ideal for families.
• Cozy One Bedroom Near Airport – Budget-friendly with pool access.
• San Lorenzo Place Makati– High ratings for cleanliness and views.

Top 5 Things to Do in Manila

Manila is packed with history, culture, and day trips. Here are our top five must-dos, based on what I experienced. We included tours from GetYourGuide and Klook for easy booking.

1. Explore Intramuros: This walled city is Manila’s historic heart, with Spanish colonial vibes. Wander Fort Santiago and churches. I joined a guided tour for stories. Book the Manila: Intramuros, Chinatown, and Old Manila Half-Day Tour on GetYourGuide for about $30.
2. Visit Rizal Park and Museums: Relax in this green oasis and honor national hero Jose Rizal. Nearby, check the National Museum. It is free entry most days. For a deeper dive, Klook has a Manila City Tour covering this.

3.Stroll Manila Bay and Sunset Walk: Catch the famous sunset along the baywalk. It is lively with street food. Pair it with a From Manila: Tagaytay Countryside Wonders Half-Day Tour on GetYourGuide for volcano views nearby.

4. Discover Chinatown (Binondo): The world’s oldest Chinatown has amazing food streets. Try dim sum and markets. Klook’s Binondo Food Tour is fun and filling.

5. Day Trip to Taal Volcano: Just outside Manila, hike or boat to this active volcano. It is breathtaking. Book via GetYourGuide’s From Manila: Taal Volcano and Lake Boat Sightseeing Tour or Klook’s Tagaytay Day Tour.

These kept me busy and gave a real taste of Manila’s soul.

Restaurants: Affordable Eats in Manila

Food is a highlight in Manila, and we focused on affordable spots under $10-15 per person. Here are 5-7 with our reviews, including places we visited. We made sure to include at least two for local Filipino cuisine.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen: You know Rob likes pizza so we grabbed pizza here, and it was spot-on Italian with fresh ingredients and reasonable prices. The margherita was cheesy and flavorful, not too heavy. Great for casual dinners; around 500 PHP ($10) for a pie.

Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings: We devoured wings here, and they were the best we have had in Manila: juicy, saucy, and big portions. Try the classic buffalo; sides like fries complete it. Super affordable at 300-400 PHP ($6-8) for a dozen.

Manam Comfort Filipino: For local flavors, this spot modernizes classics like adobo and kare-kare. I loved the crispy sisig: tangy, crunchy pork perfection. Cozy vibe, meals around 400 PHP ($8).

Mesa Filipino Moderne: Another local gem with dishes like lechon kawali and sinigang. The portions are generous, and flavors are authentic yet elevated. I tried the lumpiang ubod: fresh and light. Budget-friendly at 350-500 PHP ($7-10) per dish.

Hawker Chan: This Michelin-starred spot offers cheap Singaporean chicken rice with soy-glazed goodness. Simple, satisfying, and under 200 PHP ($4). Great for quick bites.

Ying Ying Teahouse: Dim sum heaven in Binondo, with steamed buns and congee. Affordable Chinese-Filipino fusion; try the siomai. Around 300 PHP ($6) for a filling meal.

Eng Bee Tin: Famous for hopia pastries, but they have savory options too. Sweet and savory snacks under 100 PHP ($2). Perfect for on-the-go local treats.

These spots kept my wallet happy and tummy full. Manila’s food scene is diverse, so explore street vendors too, but stick to busy ones for safety.

Wrapping up, Manila surprised me with its warmth and variety. From historic sites to flavorful meals, it is a city that rewards the adventurous. If you have tips or questions, drop them below. Safe travels!