Manila Philippines 6 Day Itinerary

Manila, Philippines 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Intramuros

  • Morning: Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and take a taxi or GrabCar to your hotel.
  • Hotel Suggestion: Stay at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, a historic walled city within Manila.
  • Breakfast: Try Filipino breakfast dishes like adobo, sinangag, and fried eggs at Café Adriatico.
  • Intramuros Tour:
    • Visit Fort Santiago, a 16th-century Spanish fort that served as a prison for Filipino revolutionaries.
    • Walk along the Manila Cathedral, a stunning Roman Catholic church built in 1581.
    • Explore the historic walls and gates of Intramuros.
  • Lunch: Head to Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant for traditional Filipino dishes like lechon kawali and sinigang.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the National Museum, which showcases Philippine history, art, and culture.
    • Take a stroll along the Manila Baywalk, offering stunning views of the bay.
  • Dinner: Enjoy modern Filipino cuisine at Toyo Eatery.

Day 2: Museums and Markets

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Ayala Museum, featuring exhibits on Philippine history, art, and culture.
    • Explore the Greenhills Shopping Center, a popular market for souvenirs and local goods.
  • Lunch: Try Filipino-Chinese cuisine at Wai Ying Fast Food.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum), an interactive museum designed for kids.
    • Explore the bustling streets of Divisoria, a popular market for affordable goods.
  • Dinner: Enjoy street food at Tondo Night Market.

Day 3: Tagaytay and Taal Volcano

  • Morning:
    • Take an early morning bus or private car to Tagaytay (around 2-3 hours).
    • Visit Sky Ranch, offering stunning views of Taal Volcano.
  • Lunch: Try local dishes like bulalo and tawilis at Leslie’s.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a guided tour of Taal Volcano, an active volcano with a picturesque crater lake.
    • Visit the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church, a historic church built in 1754.
  • Dinner: Enjoy Filipino cuisine at Josephine’s Restaurant.

Day 4: Makati and Bonifacio Global City

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Ayala Triangle Gardens, a beautiful park in the heart of Makati.
    • Explore the trendy shops and restaurants at Greenbelt 3.
  • Lunch: Try international cuisine at Greenbelt 3.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a modern business district with sleek skyscrapers.
    • Explore the Mind Museum, featuring interactive exhibits on science and technology.
  • Dinner: Enjoy fine dining at Vieux Chalet.

Day 5: Pasay and Manila Ocean Park

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), a premier arts institution in the country.
    • Explore the Manila Ocean Park, an aquarium featuring marine life from around the world.
  • Lunch: Try seafood dishes at Makan Makan.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Mall of Asia (MOA), a large shopping mall with entertainment options.
    • Take a sunset stroll along the MOA Baywalk, offering stunning views of Manila Bay.
  • Dinner: Enjoy international cuisine at Solaire Resort & Casino.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Departure: Take a taxi or GrabCar back to NAIA for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Manila is a bustling city with heavy traffic, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historical sites and churches.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 4-7 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available at airports, hotels, and major tourist areas. Make sure to use the meter or agree on a fixed fare.
  • GrabCar: A popular ride-hailing app in Manila.
  • Jeepneys: Colorful public transportation vehicles that can be hailed on streets.
  • Walking: Be mindful of pedestrian safety and infrastructure challenges.

Tips

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when exploring outdoors.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Be prepared for walking and exploring historic sites.
  • Bring sunscreen and umbrellas: Protect yourself from the sun and rain.
  • Learn some Filipino phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning basic phrases like “Salamat” (thank you) and “Oo” (yes).

Other Things of Interest

  • Festivals and Events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals like the Manila FAM Tour or the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
  • Nightlife: Explore the bars and clubs in areas like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Malate.
  • Day Trips: Consider visiting nearby destinations like Corregidor Island, Laguna, or Batangas.