Manila 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Manila Itinerary: A Taste of History, Culture & Adventure

This itinerary offers a mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and modern entertainment to give you a well-rounded experience of Manila. It’s just a suggestion - feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: History & Heritage

  • Morning: Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila.

    • Things to know: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest and most historic district in Manila, showcasing Spanish colonial architecture and history.
    • Activities: Visit Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, San Agustin Church, and wander through the cobblestone streets. Consider a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s rich history.

  • Afternoon:

    • Where to go: Intramuros continues your exploration into the afternoon with:

      • History: Explore the historical significance of Fort Santiago (Fort Santiago), where Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution. Visit the Rizal Shrine within the fort for a deeper understanding of his story and legacy.

    • Things to do:

      • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride (kalesa) through the historic streets of Intramuros, visiting landmarks like the Manila Cathedral, the San Agustin Church, and the Fort Santiago.
      • Enjoy a delicious Filipino meal at one of the many restaurants in Manila.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum Complex (National Museum of the Philippines)

    • Things to know: This complex houses three museums: the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the history and art of the Philippines.

  • Afternoon:

    • Immerse yourself in the arts:
      • Explore the vibrant street art scene in Poblacion, a popular district for its creative murals and bohemian vibe.
      • Wander through the historic walled city (Intramuros) and visit the Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and the San Agustin Church.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Filipino meal at a “Kamayan restaurant” like Romulo Cafe or Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant for a fun and cultural dining experience.

Day 3: Culture & History

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the history of the Philippines at the National Museum of Anthropology.
  • Afternoon: Experience the local life and explore the walled city of Intramuros, visiting historical landmarks like the Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
    • Explore: Visit the nearby Ayala Museum for a comprehensive overview of Filipino history and art through its impressive collection.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Ilustrado Restaurant, known for its elegant setting and fine dining experience with a Filipino twist.

Day 4: Culture & Food

  • Morning: Visit the Rizal Park, a sprawling green space perfect for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or biking.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of Manila.

    • Where to eat: Try Binondo Chinatown, renowned for its diverse and authentic Chinese cuisine.

  • Evening: Indulge in a traditional Filipino feast at Wai Ying Fast Food in Binondo, enjoying their unique dishes while learning about the history of the Chinese influence on the area.

Day 5: Culture & History (continued)

  • Morning: Explore the National Museum Complex, including the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Museum of Natural History.
  • Things to do: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Philippines.

Day 5: Shopping & Entertainment

  • Visit: Greenbelt Mall or Ayala Center Cebu for a mix of high-end and local brands, entertainment, and dining.

Day 6: Nature & Culture

  • Explore: Enjoy the beauty of nature at the Manila Ocean Park, a popular marine theme park offering underwater experiences and aquariums.
  • Experience: Witness traditional Filipino dance performances, learn about marine life, and even swim with sharks or fish in a large aquarium!

Day 7: Food & Culture (continued)

  • Where to eat: Indulge in the culinary diversity of Manila before leaving.

    • Try:

Food:

  • Dampa sa Manila: Choose your own fresh seafood and have it cooked to your liking.

  • Market Market! This is a great place for souvenirs with a Filipino flair.

  • Explore the Intramuros area: Enjoy the historical ambiance of the walled city, visit museums like the San Agustin Museum or the National Archives, and experience the unique culture and history they offer.

  • Things to know:

    • The Manila Baywalk is a scenic promenade along Manila Bay.

  • Enjoy: A delicious meal at one of the many seafood restaurants near the bay.

Food & Accommodation:

  • Where to eat: Try the “Eat Street” food stalls in Bonifacio Global City for diverse culinary options, from Filipino classics to international cuisine.

  • Day 7:

    • Enjoy: A traditional Filipino meal at a restaurant with a “Kamayan” feast.
    • Experience: For a more modern vibe, explore the vibrant food scene in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown.

  • Things to do:

  • Things to see: Immerse yourself in history and culture by visiting the historic churches and temples of Intram intramuros:

  • Explore: Enjoy the historical ambiance while strolling through the charming streets, but be sure to keep your belongings safe and secure at all times.

  • Try: The local delicacies are a must-try! From traditional Filipino food to international cuisines with a local twist, Binondo has something for everyone.

  • Culture & History:

  • Explore:

Travel Tips:

  • Transportation:

    • Transportation: Manila has a variety of transportation options, including jeepneys (public transport), buses, taxis, and the LRT/MRT train system.

  • Things to consider:

    • Public Transportation:
      • Jeepneys are the most iconic (and affordable) form of transport in Manila. They are small, colorful buses that are ubiquitous throughout the city.

  • Taxis:

    • The “jeepney” is a unique mode of transportation in the Philippines. These vehicles are modified military jeeps and are a fun, albeit sometimes crowded, way to experience the city.

  • Things to see:

  • Transportation:

For a Taste of Local Culture:

  • Visit: Explore the bustling streets of Manila’s Intramuros, the historic walled city. Immerse yourself in the culture and history of this fascinating destination by visiting its many museums, historical landmarks, and churches.

  • Enjoy:

    • Local Markets: Enjoy a unique experience at one of Manila’s vibrant markets.
    • Food Tours: Experience the culinary delights of Manila on a guided food tour.

Things to do:

  • Visit: Explore the diverse and bustling neighborhoods of Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, for a taste of Filipino life.

  • Enjoy:

  • Transportation:

  • Tips:

    • Use the jeepney system for cheap and efficient travel within the city.
    • Be prepared for crowds and traffic, it’s part of the experience!

  • Experience:

Things to do in Manila:

  • Visit: Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, wander through its cobblestone streets, and admire its Spanish colonial architecture.

Food:

  • Enjoy:

  • Local Cuisine: Immerse yourself in Filipino cuisine with a visit to Dampa, a unique seafood market where you can choose your own fresh catch and have it cooked on the spot.

  • Try:

  • Street Food: Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying the diverse street food offerings in Manila’s markets, from traditional dishes like “Sinigang” (a sour soup) to desserts like “Halo-halo” (a shaved ice dessert).

Transportation:

  • Try:

Things to know:

  • Local Markets:

    • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings.

  • Tip:

  • Carry: A small bag or purse for valuables, and be prepared to haggle!

Enjoy:

  • Shopping: This is the part where you’ll need to learn how to get the best deals from street vendors.

Taxis:

  • The best way to experience local Filipino cuisine is by trying it all! Be sure to explore the “taxi” options in Manila, such as jeepneys (public transportation), tricycles (motorized bikes), and even habal-habals (motorcycle taxis) for a unique taste of the city’s transportation system.
  • Tip: Have your destination clearly written down or programmed into your phone, as communication can be challenging.

Transportation:

  • Local Markets:

Jeepneys:

  • These are public utility vehicles that are a beloved part of the Philippines’ cultural landscape and are a great way to experience local transportation.

  • Try:

  • Choosing fresh seafood from the market is a fun tradition.

  • Enjoy: The unique Filipino culture and food scene while you watch out for “pickpockets” and don’t carry too much cash!

  • Try:

    • Experiences:
      • Enjoy the variety of food options at the local markets, from fresh seafood to delicious street snacks.

For a fun activity:

  • Try “riding the jeepney”. These iconic vehicles are a unique and vibrant part of Manila’s transportation scene.

  • Transportation:

Planning your trip:

  • Consider visiting during the dry season (November - May) for less rain and more sunshine.
  • Research:
  • Learn: How to use the local public transport system, which can be a unique experience in itself.

Enjoying Manila’s Culture:

  • Explore the vibrant street food scene in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and culture.
  • Visit: Intramuros for a cultural experience.

Enjoy: Local festivals and celebrations like the Manila Fiesta, which features colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious Filipino food.