About Manila
Metropolitan Manila, commonly shortened to Metro Manila and formally the National Capital Region, is the capital region and largest metropolitan area of the Philippines. It encompasses an area of 636.00 km2 (245.56 sq mi) and the region has a population of 14,001,751 as of 2024, making it the second most populous region in the country after Calabarzon. Metro Manila is the 7th most populous metropolitan area in Asia and the 8th most populous urban area in the world. With Manila Bay to its west and the Laguna de Bay to its east, Metro Manila lies between the Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions. Metro Manila is made up of sixteen highly urbanized cities: Manila—the capital city—Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, along with one independent municipality, Pateros.
Cheap flights to Manila
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $794 from Vancouver, travelling 30 Dec – 21 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- YTO Toronto to Manila25 Jan – 30 Jan · MNL from$964
- YEG Edmonton to Manila21 Jan – 11 Feb · MNL from$899
- YVR Vancouver to Manila30 Dec – 21 Jan · MNL from$794
- YQT Thunder Bay to Manila1 Feb – 31 Jul · MNL from$1,843
- YWG Winnipeg to Manila4 Jan – 4 Feb · MNL from$1,351
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Philippine Airlines, Air Canada, Emirates.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to ManilaPlaces to visit in Manila
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Intramuros
Historic · 2 mi from centreThe walled Spanish colonial city at the heart of Manila, with churches, plazas and old houses. Explore by bicycle or horse carriage, and walk part of the walls for views.
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Fort Santiago
Historic · 2 mi from centreA Spanish-era citadel inside Intramuros where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution. Follow the brass footsteps set into the ground that mark his final walk to execution.
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San Agustin Church
Religious · 2 mi from centreThe oldest stone church in the Philippines, with a painted ceiling and an adjoining museum. Visit the museum for colonial religious art, and dress modestly.
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Rizal Park
Park · 1 mi from centreA large urban park next to Intramuros with gardens, fountains and the Rizal Monument. Watch the changing of the guard at the monument, and visit early or late to avoid heat.
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National Museum of Fine Arts
Museum · 1 mi from centreA free art museum housed in the former legislative building, home to Spoliarium by Juan Luna. Combine it with the nearby museums of anthropology and natural history.
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Manila Cathedral
Religious · 2 mi from centreThe main Catholic church of Manila, rebuilt several times after earthquakes and war. It is in Intramuros, so visit as part of a walking tour of the old city.
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Binondo
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreThe oldest Chinatown in the world, known for its markets, temples and street food. Join a food walk to try local snacks, and visit Binondo Church.
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Manila Ocean Park
Entertainment · 2 mi from centreAn aquarium and marine park behind Rizal Park with an underwater tunnel and sea lion shows. It is good for families, so check show times before you go.
Things to do in Manila by type
27 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Art & culture 12 experiences A Private Walk Through Time: The Manila Heritage Trail -
City tours 7 experiences Discover Binondo's Chinatown by Walking and Tasting – Half-Day Tour -
Tour & activities 4 experiences Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Manila -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Mt. Pinatubo trek -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Countryside Getaway (Formerly Villa Escodero)
- Over 6 hours 8
- 3-6 hours 5
- Couples 12
- Senior 11
- Youth 11
- Families 11
- Adult only 1
- Private 5
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in Manila
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 27 available.
Explore Old Manila
From $118 per adult
Mt. Pinatubo trek
From $351 per adult
Charms of Angono
From $297 per adult
Riding the Rapids Tour
From $319 per adult
Manila city tour
From $98 per adult
Dinner and traditional Philippine show
From $121 per adult
Manila Highlights Tour
From $110 per adult
Flavors of Manila Tour
From $136 per adult
Countryside Getaway (Formerly Villa Escodero)
From $305 per adult
Manila - The Local Way
From $120 per adult
Tagaytay Ridge Tour
From $203 per adult
Villa Escudero
From $273 per adult
Where to stay in Manila
Popular hotels in Manila.
Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
From $122 per night
Bayview Park Hotel Manila
From $38 per night
Savoy Hotel Manila near Airpt NAIA Terminal 3 MNL
From $68 per night
Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams
From $187 per night
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel Quezon City
From $68 per night
The Alpha Suites
From $90 per night
HOTEL LUCKY CHINATOWN
From $49 per night
Makati Palace
From $34 per night
Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel Makati
From $57 per night
Kabayan Hotel Pasay
From $35 per night
Kingsford Hotel Manila Bay
From $49 per night
Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
From $52 per night
Best time to visit Manila
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Manila is June to March, when average daytime highs are around 85–91°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Manila weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 91° 81° 57%
- Thu 22 Oct 92° 82° 60%
- Fri 23 Oct 91° 83° 35%
- Sat 24 Oct 90° 82° 27%
- Sun 25 Oct 91° 80° 53%
- Mon 26 Oct 91° 80° 92%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)1 US dollar ≈ ₱63.0
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +63
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/ManilaUTC+8
Upcoming public holidays in Philippines
- All Saints' Day Eve
- All Saints' DayAraw ng mga Santo
- Bonifacio DayAraw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of MaryKapistahan ng Immaculada Concepcion
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas DayAraw ng Pasko
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Manila
These are the airports closest to central Manila. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport5 mi (9 km) from the city centre
- SGL Danilo Atienza Air Base10 mi (15 km) from the city centre
Getting around Manila
Public transportation is the best way to get around Metro Manila, however the quality and frequency tends to be poor compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. Google Maps or Sakay.ph are handy for route options, but Google Maps does not have schedules for jeepneys. Driving is not for the faint of heart.
Fares
Beep is a prepaid smart card used to pay for the LRT, MRT, and some buses. The cards can also be used to pay at Lawson and Uncle John's convenience stores, Binalot restaurants and Robinsons MovieWorld cinemas. Consider buying the card if you are planning to use public transport extensively during your stay.
By train
Metro Manila's three metro lines are the fastest way to get around the city, capable of zipping through the city's perennially congested streets.
By bus
City buses are operated by a multitude of private franchised operators, providing a cheap but slower way of exploring the metro.
Manila travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Manila?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Manila is June to March, when average daytime highs are around 85–91°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.
What is the weather like in Manila?
April is usually the warmest month in Manila, with average highs of 96°F (36°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 77°F (25°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 496 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Manila?
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (9 km) from the centre of Manila. Other nearby airports include Danilo Atienza Air Base (SGL, 10 mi).
How much are flights to Manila?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Manila in the last 30 days was $794 from Vancouver, travelling 30 Dec – 21 Jan. December is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $794.
What currency is used in Manila?
Manila uses the Philippine peso (PHP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₱63.0.
What time zone is Manila in?
Manila uses the Asia/Manila time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Manila?
Public transportation is the best way to get around Metro Manila, however the quality and frequency tends to be poor compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. Google Maps or Sakay.ph are handy for route options, but Google Maps does not have schedules for jeepneys. Driving is not for the faint of heart.
What are the best places to visit in Manila?
Top sights in Manila include Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Rizal Park. The walled Spanish colonial city at the heart of Manila, with churches, plazas and old houses. Explore by bicycle or horse carriage, and walk part of the walls for views.
What are the top things to do in Manila?
Popular experiences you can book in Manila include Explore Old Manila, Mt. Pinatubo trek and Charms of Angono. Destina Holidays offers 27 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Manila?
The most popular types of experiences in Manila are art & culture (12), city tours (7), tour & activities (4) and outdoor activities & adventure (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Manila?
Popular areas for hotels in Manila include Manila, Pasay and Quezon City. Well-reviewed options include Belmont Hotel Manila near NAIA Terminal 3 MNL and Bayview Park Hotel Manila.
