Manila Philippines 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Manila Itinerary: A Mix of History, Culture & Fun

This itinerary offers a balanced experience of Manila’s historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant entertainment scene. You can adjust it based on your interests and the amount of time you want to spend at each location.

Day 1: Historical Immersion

  • Morning: Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. Visit Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church.

  • Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour of Intramiros’s cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Consider hiring a “kalesa” (horse-drawn carriage) for a more traditional experience.

  • Things to eat: Enjoy Filipino cuisine at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes and historical ambiance.

  • Transportation:

    • Intramuros: Explore on foot, by kalesa (traditional horse-drawn carriage), or bamboo bike rental.
    • Getting there: A Kalesa tour can be a fun way to see the sights, but they’re available within Intramuros and not for transportation outside the walled city. For transport between destinations, consider using taxis (Grab is popular), jeepneys (iconic public transportation experience), or walking tours.

Things to know:

  • Manila: The capital of the Philippines, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling nightlife.

  • Intramuros:

    • Known as the “Walled City”
    • Explore historical landmarks like Fort Santiago (historic fort with a museum), San Agustin Church (oldest church in the Philippines), and Manila Cathedral (a historic cathedral with beautiful architecture).

  • Manila Food Scene: Taxis are readily available, but be prepared for traffic.

Day 2: Spanish Colonial History

  • Morning: Visit Fort Santiago to learn about its history as a Spanish fort and prison during the colonial era. Explore the dungeons and see where national hero Jose Rizal was held before his execution.

  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of Intramuros, visiting museums like Casa Manila (a 19th-century mansion) or the Baluarte de San Diego (historic bastion with exhibits on the history of the Philippines). Enjoy a traditional “halo-halo” dessert at a local eatery.

  • Day 3: Cultural Exploration

  • Experience: Visit the National Museum Complex which includes the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History. Explore the exhibits, learn about Filipino art and culture, and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

  • Food: Try traditional Filipino dishes at a “carinderia” (local eatery) like “adobo” or “sinigang”.

Things to know:

  • Museums: The National Museum Complex houses a variety of artifacts and artworks showcasing the Philippines’ rich history and culture.

  • National Museum of Anthropology: Explore the fascinating history and diversity of the Filipino people through exhibits on indigenous art, traditions, and artifacts.

  • Transportation: Spend time learning about the “jeepney” culture – these iconic vehicles are a must-experience for any visitor to Manila.

Things to do:

  • Visit the National Museum Complex (National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History)
  • Explore the historical sites within Intramuros like Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church & Museum
  • Take a walking tour through the historic streets of Manila.

Transportation:

  • Jeepney routes: Research the “jeepney” routes within Manila before you visit, as they can be confusing for first-timers. These routes are often colorfully decorated and have unique names and numbers.

Things to do:

  • Explore National Museum Complex:
    • Day 1: Take a leisurely walk through the National Museum of Fine Arts, the “National Museum of the Philippines” (a museum showcasing the country’s art and history), and the “Museo de Intramuros” (a museum focused on the history of Intramuros).

Food:

  • Immerse yourself in the local food scene by trying dishes like “adobo”, a savory dish of meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.

Day 4: Exploring Modern Manila

  • Visit: Explore modern Manila and its vibrant city life.
  • Walk through: Stroll through Rizal Park (Luneta Park), a large park with historical monuments and museums, and enjoy the fresh air.

Food:

  • Try “Binondo Chinatown” for a taste of authentic Chinese-Filipino cuisine.

Day 5: A Day at the Mall

  • Experience: Explore SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in Asia.
  • Enjoy: Enjoy a Kalesa ride through the Manila Bay area, a popular tourist spot.

Things to do:

  • Shopping and dining: Spend time browsing the shops and enjoying the variety of restaurants and entertainment options at the mall.
  • Relaxing: Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park and explore the historical monuments within the complex.
  • Transportation: Grab (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber) is a great option for getting around the city.

Day 6: History & Culture Day

  • Intramuros: Explore the Philippines’ rich history, museums, and churches in the historic district of Intramuros.

  • Food:

Enjoy a variety of Filipino and international cuisines.

Things to know:

  • Bring your camera: There are plenty of photo opportunities at the park and museum.

  • Manila’s food scene is diverse: You can find everything from Filipino classics to international fare like Korean BBQ, Italian pizza, and even local “kubo” (hut) restaurants serving traditional dishes.

  • Public transportation in Manila: Be prepared for traffic! Taxis are a convenient way to get around, but they can be slow due to heavy congestion.

Jeepneys: These iconic jeepneys are a fun and unique way to experience public transportation in Manila.

  • Budget-friendly: A great option for exploring the city on a budget.
  • Transportation: You’ll need to pay attention to the “jeepney” routes (they have specific numbers and destinations)

Things to do:

  • Explore Fort Santiago: This historical site offers a glimpse into the Spanish colonial past of the Philippines.

  • Experience local culture: Be sure to try Filipino street food! You’ll find many unique and delicious dishes at affordable prices, like “kwek kwek” (deep-fried balls of assorted ingredients) or “tapsilog” (tapang usa, a traditional breakfast dish).

Things to consider when planning your trip:

  • Weather: Manila has a tropical climate. The rainy season is from June to November, and the dry season is from December to May.

  • Transportation: Public transportation in Manila can be challenging. It’s best to plan for extra time when using it.

  • Culture & Customs:

Learn about the “jeepney” culture and its unique history and system of operation.

Things to know:

  • Safety: While traveling, remember to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

  • Respect: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Be mindful of noise levels in public places.

  • Cultural experiences:

National Museum Complex (Philippines)

  • Food:

Filipino cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors from the Philippines, Spain, China, and other influences. Enjoy traditional dishes like “adobo” (meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices), a “kalesa” ride (a fun and unique way to see the city).

Things to know:

  • Respectful of the environment:

Enjoy the experience responsibly: avoid littering, be mindful of noise levels, and follow local guidelines for preserving the historical sites.

Enjoy a variety of “kalesas” (jeepneys)

  • Intramuros:

Explore the historic streets of Manila and enjoy the traditional Filipino food scene.

  • Transportation: Walk, ride a jeepney, or use public transportation to travel around.

  • Respect local customs: Learn about the “jeepney” culture and its significance in Philippine history.

Things to do:

  • Jeepney rides: Understand the cultural context of “k