Where To Stay: Manila, Philippines
Manila is one of Southeast Asia's most misunderstood cities — chaotic on the surface, but endlessly rewarding for travellers willing to dig deeper. From colonial heritage districts to rooftop bars overlooking Manila Bay, the Philippine capital packs more personality per square mile than almost anywhere else in the region.
Overview
Metro Manila is a sprawling megacity of over 13 million people, made up of 16 distinct cities and municipalities. For visitors, the action is largely concentrated in a handful of key districts, each with its own character and appeal. Makati is the polished financial hub, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) offers a clean, modern experience, Intramuros holds the city's colonial soul, and Malate delivers a grittier, more bohemian energy.
Why visit Manila? Beyond being a natural gateway to the rest of the Philippines, the city offers world-class food, surprisingly rich history, genuinely warm locals, and an urban energy that is entirely its own. It is also one of the more affordable major cities in Asia, making it easy to eat and sleep well without breaking the bank.
Essential Information
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). USD 1 is roughly PHP 56–58.
- Language: Filipino and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the city.
- Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (PST), UTC+8.
- Weather: Manila is hot and humid year-round. The dry season runs from November to April, making it the best time to visit. The wet season (June to October) brings heavy rain and occasional typhoons.
- Visa: Many nationalities, including US, UK, Australian, and EU passport holders, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Safety: Exercise standard urban precautions. Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night and use reputable transport apps like Grab rather than hailing random taxis.
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Traffic in Manila is notoriously bad. Build extra time into any journey, especially during rush hour (7–9am and 5–8pm). The Grab app is your best friend for affordable, reliable rides. MRT and LRT trains are cheap and fast but can be extremely crowded.
- Cash vs card: Carry cash for markets, street food, and smaller restaurants. ATMs are plentiful in malls and hotels.
- Eating on a budget: A full meal at a local turo-turo (point-point cafeteria) costs as little as USD 2–3. Street food like fish balls and isaw (grilled intestines) are even cheaper.
- SIM cards: Grab a local SIM from Globe or Smart at the airport arrivals hall for around USD 3–5. Data is cheap and connectivity is generally good.
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving PHP 50–100 at restaurants is standard practice.
Getting There
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main international gateway and serves flights from across Asia, the Middle East, North America, and beyond. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia all operate major routes into MNL, with international connections from hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai, and Los Angeles.
From Europe or North America, most travellers will connect through a major Asian hub. Singapore Changi, Hong Kong International, and Narita in Tokyo are the most common transfer points. Flight time from Los Angeles is roughly 15–17 hours direct; from London, expect around 14–16 hours via a connecting flight.
From the airport, a Grab taxi to Makati or BGC will cost around USD 8–12 and takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Avoid unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal.
Accommodation Options
Budget (under USD 30/night): The Malate and Ermita neighbourhoods offer the most affordable guesthouses and hostels in the city. Z Hostel in BGC is a well-regarded option for backpackers, combining a social rooftop atmosphere with clean, comfortable dorms and private rooms from around USD 15–25 per night.
Mid-range (USD 50–120/night): Makati is the sweet spot for mid-range travellers. Hotels like Citadines Salcedo Makati and Acacia Hotel Manila offer comfortable rooms, swimming pools, and great locations at reasonable prices. Expect to pay USD 60–100 per night for solid three to four-star quality.
Luxury (USD 150+/night): For a truly indulgent stay, BGC and the Bay Area deliver. The Shangri-La at the Fort offers exceptional service and stunning city views from around USD 200 per night. For something more historic, the Manila Hotel in Intramuros is a storied grande dame with bay views and old-world charm, starting around USD 150 per night.
Ready to Explore Manila?
Plan your trip to Manila
Whether you're chasing street food adventures in Binondo, sunset cocktails along Manila Bay, or simply using the city as a launchpad to the islands beyond, Manila rewards curious travellers in ways few other cities can. Start planning your trip today — search flights to MNL, lock in your accommodation early during peak season, and get ready to fall for a city that never quite lets you go.