Manila 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Vibrant City of Manila

This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Manila’s history, culture, and culinary scene. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and pace!

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Z Hostel, Lub d Philippines Makati
  • Mid-Range: The Bayleaf Intramuros, Hotel H2O
  • Luxury: Shangri-La at the Fort, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Transportation:

  • Jeepney: Iconic and affordable, but can be crowded.
  • Taxi/Grab: Convenient, but traffic can be heavy. Negotiate fares with taxis beforehand or use Grab app for transparent pricing.
  • Train (LRT & MRT): Efficient and cheap for getting around the city.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English are widely spoken.
  • Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.
  • Bargaining: Common in markets and smaller shops.

Day 1: Immerse yourself in History

  • Morning: Explore Intramuros, Manila’s walled city. Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Casa Manila Museum.
  • Lunch: Enjoy Filipino cuisine at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant inside Intramuros.
  • Afternoon: Take a kalesa ride (horse-drawn carriage) through the historic streets.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset over Manila Bay from Rizal Park.

Day 2: Art, Culture & Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum Complex (National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History).
  • Lunch: Sample delicious street food at Binondo Chinatown, the world’s oldest Chinatown. Try dumplings, noodles, and dim sum.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs and local crafts in Divisoria Market.
  • Evening: Catch a live music performance or enjoy dinner at Poblacion, known for its trendy bars and restaurants.

Day 3: Day Trip to Tagaytay

  • Morning: Take a bus to Tagaytay, a mountain resort town with stunning views of Taal Volcano.
  • Afternoon: Visit Picnic Grove for panoramic vistas and fun activities like horseback riding. Hike to the crater of Taal Volcano (optional).
  • Lunch/Dinner: Enjoy fresh seafood at Sonya’s Garden, known for its beautiful setting and organic farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 4: Museums & Modern Manila

  • Morning: Discover contemporary Filipino art at the Ayala Museum.
  • Lunch: Indulge in a luxurious buffet lunch at Spiral at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
  • Afternoon: Explore Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a modern business district with skyscrapers, parks, and shopping malls.

Day 5: Relaxation & Nature

  • Morning: Visit the Manila Ocean Park for marine life encounters and aquatic shows.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch with a view at The Aristocrat Restaurant overlooking Manila Bay.
  • Afternoon: Unwind at Rizal Park, take a leisurely stroll, or rent a bike.

Day 6: Souvenirs & Departure

  • Morning: Shop for last-minute souvenirs at SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in the world.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at your hotel or explore nearby restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Other Interesting Things to Do:

  • Attend a basketball game at Araneta Coliseum, the “Mecca of Philippine Basketball.”
  • Visit the San Sebastian Church, an impressive Gothic Revival church made entirely of steel.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Makati City.

Enjoy your Manila adventure!