Hello to Manila, the jammed capital city of the Philippines! From its remarkable heritage, dynamic culture, and delectable cuisines, Manila is a kaleidoscope of old world allure and modern excitement. This is a day-to-day guide on a three-day trip to Manila itself and then followed by a bonus picture of a day trip to a neighboring area. Let’s dive in!
But before we kick-start our Manila itinerary, don’t forget to read about important things to know about the Philippines if you are traveling for the first time. I have mentioned those 13 things in my Cebu blog.
Where to Stay in Manila?
1. Makati:
Also, known as Financial District of Manila, Makati is a place where you can have anything from upscale to budgetic hotels. It stands for a complete neighborhood with shopping, dining, and nightlife activities.
2. Bonifacio Global City (BGC):
Today we also name this place “luxury district” because of its positive characteristics: social life and relaxed lifestyle. BGC is home to luxury hotels such as Shangri-La at the Fort and Grand Hyatt Manila, and also has some casual hotels and apartment style serviced accommodations for business travelers and tourists.
3. Intramuros:
For a taste of Manila’s history, it might be wise to stay within the walls of Intramuros. Boutique hotels such as The Bayleaf Intramuros provide a beautiful combination of features from the colonial era and modern facilities, tourists can easily walk to historical sites and cultural attractions.
4. Malate and Ermita:
This is the best area which is the best option for the budget-conscious and the younger generation travelers thanks to well equipped hostels and cheaper dorms. In this respect, they also allow the connection to the bay city, the center of nightlife, and historic spots as Rizal park.
5. Pasay:
Along Manila’s international airport, one can easily go to Pasay to be a convenient option for both travelers in transit or those attending events at SM Mall of Asia Arena or the Phil International Convention Center. In the same way, Conrad Manila and Microtel by Wyndham Mall of Asia are known for their business and leisure facilities.
A Perfect3 Days manila Itinerary:
Day 1: Historical Manila
Morning: A good way to begin your day is by taking a trip to Intramuros, the walled city in Manila with a rich historical background. Tour around the pavement and beautiful edifice which exudes Spanish colonial sculpture. Don’t skip the landmarks like Fort Santiago – a fortress in the walls (Intramuros) where many historical events took place.
Afternoon: Take a visit to Rizal Park which is named after a Philippine national hero; Don José Rizal. Walk slowly among the park’s natural greenness, fountains, and monuments which will then offer you some relaxation. Take a time out and go for a visit at Rizal Monument which is a token of appreciation for Philippines’ struggle to regain independence.
Evening: In the afternoon, go on an evening walk alongside Manila Baywalk as the Sun sets down. Take a look at the city from Manila Bay with the sun sinking down below the horizon. Later on, feast on some quality seafood served by the nearby restaurants and enjoy the ebb of the wind as well as the wonderful view.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Why not begin your day with a tour of the National Museum of the Philippines? Get to know its collection of artifacts, art-pieces and a national history through which you will be able to gain understanding of the diversity in culture.
Afternoon: It’s time for Quiapo and Binondo streets, the vivid ones and adventurous ones. They stand as the cultural melting pots and eating places.
Therefore, let’s go there! Get involved with Quiapo Church, where the celebrated Black Nazarene is bestowed, and languid through the city nooks of Binondo, the oldest Chinatown ever created.
The chance should not be missed to dip in the magnificent culinary presentations of Chinese-Filipino delicacies like dumplings and noodles in one of the many eateries in Binondo.
Evening: Finish the day with a visit to Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, which will leave your heart content. A must-do is to attend the cultural performance at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo or take a look at the contemporary art exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
Day 3: Modern Manila
Morning: What better way to start your day but to voyeur BGC (Bonifacio Global City), Manila’s highly active business and lifestyle avenue. Admire the terribly cityscape with the new vertically skyscrapers, shop for thing gifted in one of the many designer boutiques and take a moment to relax in one of the many parks and green spaces.
Afternoon: Go to Makati, the central business district of Manila that is famous for its many shopping malls, restaurants and nightspots, among others. Find out the natural heaven of the busy city by visiting the very center of it called Ayala Triangle Gardens, and do some food tasting at Salcedo Market where you can try a myriad of local and international dishes.
Evening: Try out Poblacion, the hip neighborhood, known for its sophisticated bars, fashionable cafes and restaurants, which are located here during your time in Manila. Have cocktails at the rooftop bars, go dancing at night clubs or just enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of this multi-culti district.
A Bonus Day Trip To Tagaytay – A journey of Scenic Beauty and Culinary delights
Move from the busy streets from the Capital Manila to Tagaytay, the charming city located on the majestic Tagaytay Ridge which offers spectacular views of the Taal Volcano and the tranquil crater lake. Tagaytay, a mere two hours drive away from the capital, is the go-to place for nature lovers, culinary natives and adrenaline junkies.
Morning: Journey to Tagaytay
Leaving Manila early is a great way to take maximum advantage out of your day trip to Tagaytay. Be it by hiring a private coach for your travel, or hiring an official tour guide, the journey to Tagaytay has scenic views of verdant landscapes and rolling hills , albeit momentarily granting you a glimpse of what is yet to come in terms of natural beauty.
Mid-Morning: Tagaytay Ridge and Taal Volcano Viewing
Our first stop is without a doubt the magnificent Tagaytay Ridge, the main royal road in this lovely city, and here you will be spellbound by the superb views of the Taal Volcano and the lake around it. Relax and unwind as you take a beautiful walk along the ridge and experience the sexy fresh mountain air. Take photos of the gorgeous landscapes as all will surely be captured in postcards.
If you want to have a closer encounter with Taal Volcano, you can try one of these options: You can superimpose on a boat on Taal Lake or go hiking to the volcano’s crater rim. There, you will have the chance to admire the spectacular thing in its full glory and experience the amazing event: the steam coming out of its crater—truly a breathtaking thing for.
Once the appetite is built from exploring nature wonders of Tagaytay, let a tummy enjoy a sumptuous lunch at one of the city’s restaurants literally offers view of Taal volcano.
Afternoon: Exploring Tagaytay’s Attractions
Tagaytay is indeed abundant in attractions due to the cool climate it has and because of its picturesque sceneries. Drop by the Picnic Grove, one of the favorite spot ideal for picnicking, zip-lining, and horseback riding in a green area.
On the contrary, you may try yourself in art and culture at the ladder of the Puzzle Mansion where the world’s largest collection of jigsaw puzzles is situated- an unusual and outstanding stop for puzzle fans of all ages.
Late Afternoon: Shopping and Souvenir Hunting
After winding up your day trip to Tagaytay, you should do a small retail therapy by checking the local markets and souvenir shops for a variety of handmade crafts, fresh produce and one of a kind souvenirs for that you can keep as remembrances of your visit.
Before you depart, don’t forget to visit Tagaytay’s pineapple wine factory or bake shop for the city’s famous coconut pie as keep sakes of delightful duo of flavor and smell combination.
Evening: Sunset and farewell to Tagaytay
With the day coming to an end, try going to a cozy place at Tagaytay Ridge and view the beautiful sunset giving polished orange and reddish hues against the horizon, which would be a perfect finish to your day excursion. Let this day’s memories and the beauty you have witnessed be the highlight of your trip as you bid farewell to Tagaytay and set your sights on the next destination – Manila, taking the very serenity and nature of this destination with you.
With this neat Manila itinerary that takes you around the best of what the city and its surroundings can offer in just three days, then you’re ready to go. From history where the most ancient landmarks come from to culture where you can immerse in the best every experience to modern life where the most up to date delights come from, Manila offers a captivating journey for all the travelers. Let’s begin with the iconic city of the Philippines: get ready to make lifetime memories in the pulsating heart of the country!
FAQs related to Manila Itinerary:
How many days should I spend in Manila?
It varies according to your tastes and preferences, but usually you need 2-3 days, enough to see the key places, feel the city in its entirety, so to say.
What is the best time to visit Manila?
The date to be visited is during cooler weather of December through February. This period is more comfortable for travel. Though, do not forget to carry your umbrellas for those rare rainy days of showers.
How do I get around Manila?
Manila has different means of transportation such as taxis as well as taxis, Grab (ride-hailing service), jeepneys, and trains (LRT and MRT). Grab is a handy mean of transport for tourists but try to avoid the city center traffic in particular at the peak hours of the day.
Are there any day trip from Manila worth taking?
Tagaytay: Take a trip to the Taal Volcano and watch the weather cool as you cherish the beautiful scenery. This opens up new avenues, enabling us to analyze historical events in greater depth and unveil hidden relationships between disparate topics.
Pagsanjan Falls: Go on a boat ride to explore beautiful sceneries to the falls, but you need to arrange pickup in advance.
Corregidor Island: Visit World War II ruins and life marks left by the War.
What are some cultural Etiquette I should be aware of in Manila?
1. Politeness is the key to show respect, using ‘po’ or ‘opo’ (for the elderly) is a form of greeting among locals in the area.
2. Bear in mind the fact you should take off your shoes once you are inside someone’s home or a place of worship.
3. Rather than pointing with the index finger use the whole hand for gesturing.
4. In the traditional manner of eating with hands, one’s right hand should be used only, for this reason the left hand is considered to be unclean.
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