Manila
What you need to know before you go
Manila has a certain ‘rough diamond’ quality about it. The Filipino capital can seem chaotic, with an eclectic mix of buildings that range from Spanish colonial styles to ultra-modern skyscrapers. The city is actually a conglomeration of 12 cities and 5 municipalities, together forming Metro Manila, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
The most Americanised of all Southeast Asian cities is a dynamic, charming and hugely cosmopolitan place, often visited by business and island-bound travellers. It’s a city of contrasts – gleaming shopping malls stand proudly next to slums, while street food vendors ply their wares outside 5-star hotels. Manila is an eyeopener and a showcase for the integration of the old and the new.
What to see & do in Manila
Featured stories & fun stuff16 Best Things to Do in Manila
The best things to do in Manila showcase the unique image of this vibrant city. A mix of Spanish colonial remains and modern buildings, the city was founded by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century, then conquered by the USA at the end of the 19th century, then occupied by the Japanese during World War II. Manila...
Where & what to eat in Manila
Manila’s dining scene has something to please everyone – being a cosmopolitan city, it is possible to eat pretty much anything in Manila. Food is an integral part of the Filipino culture. Featuring a mixture of European and Asian food, particularly Malay, Spanish and Chinese, there is definitely some good food to be had in the metropolis. There are clusters of restaurants and bars in San Juan's Greenhills and Mandaluyong City's... Read more
10 Best Restaurants in Manila
The best restaurants in Manila keep with the cosmopolitan feel of this city, which blends a myriad of influences from all around the world, both in its history and its cuisine. Filipino food itself has already been shaped by aboriginal...10 Best Filipino Restaurants in Manila
Our list of the best Filipino restaurants in Manila will certainly please all those who fancy discovering the myriad of flavours inherent in Filipino cuisine. Saying that this cuisine is hearty is an understatement. Blending native, Asian, Spanish, and North...
Where to shop & what to buy in Manila
13 Best Places to Go Shopping in Manila
Our list of the best places to go shopping in Manila introduces the most exciting malls, markets, and stores available in the capital city of the Philippines. Regarding shopping options, Manila is on par with most of the Asian capital cities such as Bangkok or Singapore – ultra-modern shopping malls are the top shopping venues here, closely followed by street...
Where to go & what to do at night in Manila
Nightlife in Manila is really vibrant and lively. Filipinos personify the ‘life and soul of the party’ notion, and much like their Spanish counterparts, their ability to sing and dance is an inherent characteristic. Combined with a great sense of humour, you’ll be treated to some great partying while in Manila. Karaoke, as in most Asian countries, is a national sport and mercilessly encouraged by locals, so have a backup... Read more
14 Best Nightlife Experiences in Manila
The best nightlife experiences in Manila showcase the city's love for music and fun. The capital city of the Philippines is a huge metropolis that hosts venues for just about every type of night owl, from lively nightclubs for dancers...5 Best Nightclubs in Manila
Our list of best nightclubs in Manila is dedicated to EDM (Electronic Dance Music) aficionados who take advantage of the excellent selection of clubs to lose themselves on the dancefloor as soon as they hear the beat of their favourite...