Itineraries for Your Trip to Manila
1 Day in Manila for First Timers
Brash, big, and bustling, most travelers rush through Manila, the Philippines capital, in search of ultra-Instagrammable islands such as Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao, just like I did when I first visited the city. But on my second visit, I decided to slow down the pace and peek beneath the surface of this oft-overlooked mega-metropolis—and boy, was I glad I did.
Once you’ve adapted to sensory overload, Manila offers a cultural treasure trove of art galleries, restaurants, ornate cemeteries, museums, and live entertainment that makes sitting in its notorious traffic jams well worth it. Plus, the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. If you’ve just got one day in Manila, here’s how to make the most of it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Intramuros, where you’ll find the highest concentration of historical highlights.
Manila’s climate is hot and wet, so wear light layers and always carry an umbrella and waterproof poncho.
Start your exploration of Manila in Intramuros Walled City, a historical district rich with heritage architecture. Explore on foot on a walking tour or zip among sights on a traditional bike made of bamboo. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to cover highlights such as San Agustin Church and Museum, part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 16th-century Fort Santiago, one of the city’s most important historical sites.
This afternoon, swap the city bustle for bucolic beauty on an express trip to Tagaytay, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt of volcanoes. Here, you can admire the acid-green crater lake at the Taal Volcano, one of the most active in the Philippines. Another quick option for discovering nearby nature is on a trip to Hidden Valley Springs, natural pools nestled in a lush tropical forest.
Night Get acquainted with Manila’s vibrant culinary scene on a street food tour that introduces you to classic Filipino dishes such as lumpia (crispy spring rolls), grilled pork skewers, adobo (a sweet and sour stew that’s the country’s national dish), and cassava cake. Then, experience a traditional Filipino cultural show that explores the diverse archipelago’s rich cultural heritage through live music, singing, and dancing.
