Metro Manila

Overview

Manila is the country's main gateway and its most densely layered city. The historic core of Intramuros preserves a walled Spanish colonial town of churches, fortifications, and cobbled streets, while the surrounding metropolis holds national museums, old trading quarters such as Binondo, and modern districts built for shopping and dining. Many travelers treat Manila as a first stop or a layover, but the old city and its museums deserve a full day of their own.

Standout experiences

• 01 Intramuros and Fort Santiago

  The walled city's churches, gates, and the riverside fort that anchors Philippine colonial history.

• 02 National Museum complex

  Art, natural history, and anthropology collections gathered beside Rizal Park in the city's museum district.

• 03 Binondo and Chinese heritage

  One of the world's oldest Chinatowns, best explored on foot through its markets and food streets.

• 04 Rizal Park

  A large central park of monuments, gardens, and open space between the old city and the bayfront.

• 05 Day trips outside the city

  Rizal's art museums, waterfalls, and river valleys for travelers who want nature near the capital.

Getting there

The main gateway is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Pasay and Paranaque, about 8 km south of the city center. No train reaches the terminals, so travelers continue by road using Grab, metered or coupon taxis, or UBE Express point-to-point buses. A UBE Express loop also links the airport with the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for onward provincial buses.

When to go

Manila has a Type I climate with a dry season from November to April and rain the rest of the year. December to February is the coolest stretch, while March to May is the hot dry season. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain from June to October, with July and August the wettest, and typhoons are most likely from July to October.