Manila-5-day-itinerary

Manila 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Intramuros Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
  • Check-in: Hotel H2O or similar, a convenient hotel with modern amenities
  • Lunch: Try the famous Filipino dish, Adobo, at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Fort Santiago, a Spanish-era fort and former prison of national hero Jose Rizal
    • Walk along the walls of Intramuros, the oldest district in Manila
    • Explore San Agustin Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bayleaf Restaurant, known for its modern Filipino cuisine

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum, featuring exhibits on Philippine history and culture
    • Stop by the nearby Manila City Hall, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture
  • Lunch: Eat at Via Mare, a popular restaurant serving Filipino comfort food
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the vibrant streets of Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown
    • Visit the Seng Guan Temple, a historic Chinese temple
  • Evening: Watch a performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

Day 3: History and Shopping

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a former US military base turned business district
    • Stop by the Mind Museum, an interactive science museum
  • Lunch: Dine at Mercato Centrale, a popular food market in BGC
  • Afternoon:
    • Shop for souvenirs and local goods at Greenhills Shopping Center
    • Visit the Ayala Museum, featuring exhibits on Philippine history and art
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at People’s Palace, a restaurant serving modern Filipino cuisine

Day 4: Day Trip to Tagaytay

  • Early Morning: Take a day trip to Tagaytay ( approx. 2 hours away from Manila)
  • Breakfast: Eat at Leslie’s Restaurant, known for its bulalo (beef shank stew) and scenic views of Taal Lake
  • Morning:
    • Visit the Sky Ranch, an amusement park with stunning views of Taal Volcano
    • Take a trek around Taal Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
  • Lunch: Dine at Josephine’s Restaurant, serving Filipino cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Caleruega Church, a beautiful example of modern architecture
    • Explore the town proper and buy souvenirs

Day 5: Malacañang Palace and Pasay

  • Morning: Visit the Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines (book in advance)
  • Lunch: Eat at Kamayan Restaurant, a popular spot for Filipino cuisine
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Star City amusement park
    • Visit the Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the largest shopping malls in the country

Things to Know

  • Best time to visit Manila is from December to May when the weather is dry and sunny.
  • Be prepared for heavy traffic in Metro Manila, especially during rush hour.
  • Haggle when buying souvenirs or trying street food.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available at airports, hotels, and streets. Use reputable taxi companies like White Metered Taxis or GrabTaxis.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Grab are widely used in Metro Manila.
  • Jeepney: A colorful, affordable way to get around the city ( Flag down a jeepney on the street).

Tips

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Try local transportation options like tricycles or pedicabs for short distances.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites.

Other Things of Interest

  • Rizal Park: A beautiful park dedicated to national hero Jose Rizal
  • Manila Ocean Park: An aquarium featuring a variety of marine life
  • Greenhills Shopping Center: A popular shopping destination with affordable prices