Complete Manila Travel Guide: Everything You Should Know!
So many people are skipping Manila when coming to the Philippines. They think that it is boring or unsafe, but the reality is completely different!
The city is safer than so many other big cities in the world And it has tons of amazing things to offer as well! From great restaurants to great hotels and history and of course the amazing people in this country!
And honestly after having such a long time in the city, it is really one of my favorite cities in the world.
In this post I will share with you my top things to do in Manila and everything else you should know about the city!
Where To Stay In Manila
Makati: Great For Shopping & Nightlife
Makati is one of the greatest parts of Metro Manila, Makati is very well located and has most of the things the city has to offer within a reach. most of the tourists enjoy staying in Makati for the great nightlife in Poblacion Makati, the great restaurants and the malls.
Recommended Hotels in Makati
Pasay: Good For The Big Luxury Hotels & Casinos
Pasay is located in the western part of Manila and it is close to the airport and to the Manila bay. Pasay is a great area for those who like the huge casino hotels like Okada, Solaire and other more luxerios hotels.
This area is also close to the Ninoy Aquino International Airportand the biggest mall in the PhilippinesSM Mall of Asia.
Recommended Hotels in Pasay
Bonifacio Global City (BGC): Clean and Modern
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area in Taguig city is one of the newest areas of metro Manila, this area is well located in the center of metro Manila not too far from Makati.
BGC is great for those who want a clean and modern stay with new hotels, good restaurants and great nightlife with many bars and clubs as well.
Recommended Hotels in BGC
Top Things To Do in Manila
Visit Intramuros
The Intramuros is the walled city of Manila and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s home to many historical sites, including the beautiful Fort Santiago, the amazing Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church from the 16th century and more, you can walk around this area and have a great coffee and watch the sunset in the fort or at one of the viewpoints on the river.
Visit Chinatown
The Chinatown of Manila (Binondo) is located not far from Intramuros and it is a few minutes walk, Manila Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in the world! (From 1594)
You can walk around the area, eat some great Chinese food, you can buy fruits and Vegetables and even clothes for the cheapest prices in town!
The Okada Casino
Go to The Okada Casino in Manila, this is probably one of the most beautiful casino hotels you will see in your life! as someone that been to some amazing ones around the world this is defiantly one of my favorites. Night out at the Okada will be an amazing experience for everyone even if you’re not into casinos just for the luxurious building, the luxury shops, many restaurants and more!
Sunset at Manila Bay
Sunset at the Manila bay is one of my favorite things to do in the city, go for a sunset walk at the Manila bay promenade, have a sunset drink or food in of of the many restaurants/ food stalls around.
Enjoying The Amazing Nightlife Of Makati
One of my favorite spots to hang out in Manila is around Poblacion Makati, which is one of the greatest areas for nightlife in Manila
It’s the heart of Makati which has many bars, clubs and restaurants open 24/7!
Restaurants and Bars in Manila
My Favorite Restaurants In Manila
Firefly Roofdeck Restaurant is an amazing spot for a sunset drink or a night drink and a great dinner, their food is good as well for a fair price considering the location.
North Park Noodles this is a great simple and affordable Chinese – Filipino restaurant chain (they have a few in Manila), great for noodles, soups and others for good prices.
Crosta Pizzeria is an amazing little New York style pizzeria located in Makati, they have some really good options you can choose from, mostly recommended to take out or take a delivery since usually there is no space to sit.
Hummus Elijah this is a great middle eastern restaurant in the heart of Poblacion Makati and it is open 24 hours! their hummus and falafel are amazing!
Mister Kabab West Avenue (Quezon City) this is probably the best middle eastern and central Asian restaurant in the city! if you are finding yourself in Quezon City, do not miss this place, great kebab and rice options.
1919 Grand Cafe (Binondo, Chinatown) the Grand Cafe is a nice cafe and restaurant in Chinatown, great for coffee, desserts and food.
Sweet Ecstasy is a small hamburger restaurant that has a really nice selection of burgers, located in Makati.
My Favorite Bars In Manila
H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant this is a nice dance bar in Makati, great for drinks and cocktails and even some snacks with affordable prices, H&J is very popular for both locals and tourists and it gets very busy on weekends.
Cafe Cubana is a fun bar that is open vey late at night everyday and even more in weekends, Cubana is decorated in a Cuban style and i really like it for the live music everyday and great drinks!
Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen bar is a nice bar with more sophisticated ambience, good cocktails and DJ in weekends.
Shopping in Manila
Chinatown: Great For Souvenirs & Fruits and Vegetables
After spending more than a month in Manila, you understand that the difference between buying fruits and vegetables in the supermarket or in the market could be sometimes 2-4 times!
Yes, in some supermarkets you pay a few times more compare to the local markets, i guess people are willing to pay for convenience a lot more. I have checked a few markets in Manila and from my experience the cheapest one for fruits and vegetables was the street market in Chinatown (Binondo area) close to the Carriedo LRT Station (the train).
Venice Grand Canal Mall
The Venice Grand Canal Mall is a semi-outdoor mall designed like the “grand canal” in Venice, with a real water canal in the middle and even some Gondolas! this mall is great for some shopping or a dinner or even just for a drink and a nice walk around. The mall is located in the north part of Taguig city, in a new area that named Mckinley Hill.
Check My Other Posts About The Philippines
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Best Things To Do In Manila and Everything You Should Know
