🇵🇭 Philippines · Manila

Manila: what to see, where to stay, 2026 tips

A megacity of 14 million and the gateway to the Philippines, Manila blends the walled Spanish town of Intramuros, the world's oldest Chinatown and legendary sunsets over the bay. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.

📍 See 📅 When to go 🗺️ Itinerary

Manila at a glance

Population

14 M (metro)

Airport

NAIA (MNL)

Ideal stay

2 to 3 days

Budget / day

€30-130

Flight Paris

~15h (1 stop)

Time diff

+6h / +7h

Current climate

Best season

Photo : Naomi Lomotan / Unsplash

In brief

Manila in brief

1

A stopover, not a destination

Manila is above all the arrival hub to the islands. Count 2 days for the essentials before heading to Palawan or Cebu.
2

Intramuros holds the history

Tour the old Spanish town on foot or by horse-drawn calesa. Fort Santiago, San Agustin and the cathedral in half a day.
3

Plan around the traffic

Manila's traffic is legendary. Allow plenty of time between two points and favor the LRT or MRT during rush hour.
4

Binondo for street food

The world's oldest Chinatown is best tasted: siopao, lumpia, hopia. A food trip to do on an empty stomach.
5

The bay at sunset

Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay offer one of Asia's finest urban sunsets. Aim for around 5:30pm.

Must-see

What to see in Manila?

★ #1 📍

Intramuros (walled city)

The 16th-century Spanish city ringed by walls. The historic heart of Manila.

⏱ Half-day 💰 Free (streets) Must-see

★ #2 📍

Fort Santiago

Stone citadel where José Rizal spent his final hours. Gardens and museum.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 75 ₱ History

★ #3 📍

San Agustin Church (UNESCO)

The country's oldest stone church, UNESCO-listed. Trompe-l'oeil ceiling.

⏱ 1 h 💰 200 ₱ (museum) UNESCO

★ #4 📍

Manila Cathedral

Romanesque-Byzantine basilica rebuilt eight times. Notable facade and pipe organ.

⏱ 30 min 💰 Free Religious

★ #5 📍

Rizal Park (Luneta)

Large urban park and memorial to the national hero. Best in late afternoon.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free Stroll

★ #6 📍

Binondo (Chinatown)

The world's oldest Chinatown (1594). Chinese-Filipino street food paradise.

⏱ Half-day 💰 €3-10/meal Food trip

★ #7 📍

Manila Bay & Roxas Boulevard

The waterfront and its mythical sunset. A walk along the bay.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free At sunset

★ #8 📍

National Museum

Three free museums: fine arts, anthropology, natural history. Luna's Spoliarium.

⏱ 2-3 h 💰 Free Culture

★ #9 📍

Malacañang Palace

Presidential residence on the Pasig River. Museum visitable by reservation.

⏱ 1-2 h 💰 Free (res.) By reservation

★ #10 📍

Quiapo Market

Bustling working-class market around the Black Nazarene church. Authentic.

⏱ 1 h 💰 Free Local

Choose your district

Where to stay in Manila?

Makati

Modern, safe business district. Malls, restaurants, nightlife. From €35/night.

★ Recommended

Bonifacio Global City

The newest, planned district. Wide sidewalks, art galleries, cafes. From €45/night.

Premium

Ermita / Malate

Near the bay and Intramuros. Convenient for sightseeing, cheaper. From €20/night.

Central

Pasay

Near NAIA airport and the Mall of Asia. Ideal before an early flight. From €30/night.

Near airport

Getting around

Getting around Manila

🚗

Grab (ride-hailing)

The go-to app in Manila. Price set in advance, air-conditioned, safe. Expect waits at rush hour.

🚝

LRT & MRT

Elevated trains that bypass traffic. Basic but unbeatable during rush hour.

🚙

Jeepney

The iconic, colorful local bus, dirt cheap. Fixed routes, a guaranteed experience.

🛺

Tricycle

Motorcycle with sidecar for short hops. Negotiate the price before getting on.

Climate & crowds

When to visit Manila?

Ideal Fair Avoid

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cool season

Dec to Feb · 24-31°C, dry and clear · Ideal, the best time to visit

Hot season

March to May · 33-38°C, very hot · Fair, carry water and take AC breaks

Monsoon

June to Nov · Rains and typhoons · Avoid, risk of urban flooding

How much

Manila budget (per day)

Backpacker

€30

per day

🏨 Dorm: €9
🍜 Carinderia: €6
🚝 LRT + jeepney: €2
🎫 1 museum

Recommended

Comfort

€75

per day

🏨 3-4★ hotel: €40
🍽️ Mixed restos: €18
🚗 Grab: €10
🎫 Guided tours

Premium

€180

per day

🏨 5★ Makati/BGC: €130
🍽️ Fine dining: €35
🚗 Private driver
🎫 Private tours

Our tested itinerary

Manila in 2 days

Day-by-day program.

Day 1, Intramuros & the bay

9am Fort Santiago and Intramuros walls
11am San Agustin Church (UNESCO)
12:30pm Lunch within Intramuros
3pm Manila Cathedral then Rizal Park
5:30pm Sunset over Manila Bay

Day 2, Binondo & culture

9am National Museum (free)
12pm Food trip in Binondo (Chinatown)
3pm Quiapo Market
6pm Evening in Makati or BGC
9pm Dinner and rooftop bar

Detailed itinerary →

Around

Tours from Manila

📍

Tagaytay

2h away · Taal Volcano and lake

📍

Corregidor

1h30 (ferry) · War-memorial island

📍

El Nido

1h15 flight · Palawan lagoons

FAQ

Manila FAQ

How many days to visit Manila? +

Two days are enough for the essentials: Intramuros, Binondo, Rizal Park, the National Museum and a sunset over the bay. Manila mainly serves as an arrival point before heading to the islands.

What's the best neighborhood to stay in Manila? +

Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for comfort and safety. Ermita or Malate to stay near Intramuros and save money. Pasay if you have an early flight from NAIA airport.

Is Manila dangerous? +

The tourist areas (Makati, BGC, Intramuros by day) are safe. Stay alert at night, avoid visible jewelry and empty streets. Use Grab rather than hailing a taxi in the street.

How to get around despite the traffic? +

Favor the LRT and MRT during rush hour, they bypass the traffic. Otherwise Grab for comfort. Always allow plenty of time between appointments, Manila's traffic is unpredictable.

Do you need a visa for the Philippines? +

Not for French nationals on a tourist stay under 30 days. See our Philippines visa guide.