21 Best Things to Do in Manila for First-Time Visitors
Planning a trip to the Philippines? Most travelers see Manila as just a stopover before heading to the islands, but there are plenty of things to do in Manila, and the capital IS worth exploring. This city buzzes with creativity, flavors, and nightlife, all set against a backdrop of history and heritage.
I was born and raised here, so I know Manila beyond the airport. Technically, the capital is Metro Manila (a region of 16 cities), but most people simply call it “Manila.” If you’re landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), this is your first stop in the country.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Manila for first-time visitors, from art and culture to food, day trips, shopping, and more. Plus, you’ll get a sample 3-day itinerary to help you plan your stay.
Let’s get started!
⏳ Short on time?
Here are my recommended travel planning resources for your trip to Manila!
🛌 Hotels & Accommodation: Agoda & Booking.com
– Budget: Z Hostel
– Mid-range: Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel
– Luxury: Conrad Manila
🏞️ Tours & Activities: Klook, GetYourGuide & Viator
👣 Recommended Experiences:
– Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros
– Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings
– Private Tagaytay Highlands and Taal Volcano Tour
– Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Guided Day Trip
– Mt. Pinatubo Hiking Day Tour from Manila
🗺️ Getting around: Google Maps, Grab
👣 Top Things to do in Manila for First-Timers
There are so many things to do in Manila. It’s rich in culture, history, and flavors. I’d be honest, even if I’ve lived here my entire life, I still find that it can be chaotic at times! But I’d also say that it’s part of the charm. 🙂
So, if it’s your first time, I understand that it can be overwhelming. To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of top things to do in Manila that I organized according to interest.
🎨 Art, Culture & Heritage
For first-time visitors, exploring Manila’s history and creative soul is one of the best ways to experience the city up close. Here are some of the top things to do in Manila if you’re drawn to art, culture, and heritage.
1. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Intramuros and soak in Manila’s colonial charm.
Start with Intramuros, Manila’s famous walled city. Stroll its cobblestone streets and discover Spanish-era churches, museums, and fortresses.
Tour Fort Santiago, where our national hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned, and learn about his and the country’s fight for independence. Admire the stained-glass windows of Manila Cathedral. Visit the San Agustin Church & Museum, a UNESCO site with baroque interiors. And, explore the Casa Manila Museum for a glimpse of colonial life.
I’ve toured Intramuros many times, first as a student, then later with balikbayan relatives. And each visit reminded me how much history lives in these walls.
Even when I go on trips abroad, I make it a point to go on a historical tour to learn more about the country’s past. It helps me understand more about the culture of the country I’m visiting. So, if it’s your first time in the Philippines and Manila, I recommend going on a historical walking tour of the Walled City or joining a historical bamboo bike tour to explore Intramuros.
💡 PRO TIP: After exploring Intramuros, go on a food crawl in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. It’s a perfect way to end your day with dim sum, dumplings, and classic Filipino-Chinese dishes.
2. See Juan Luna’s Spoliarium at the National Museum Complex.
Composed of the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium, you can easily spend a day at the National Museum Complex.
More recently, I accompanied friends who were visiting from the US and explored the National Museum of Fine Arts. While I had visited the National Museum many times when I was a kid, it was a beautiful experience exploring it again as an adult.
Upon entering the National Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll find the famous Spoliarium by Juan Luna. Aside from this famous painting, you’ll also get to see other masterpieces from other renowned Filipino artists.
💡 PRO TIP: If you want to learn more about Philippine indigenous crafts and culture, I also invite you to check out the National Museum of Anthropology section.
My friends and I visited it one random weekend to see some of the beautiful weaves of our indigenous communities. As I had visited a couple of tribes in Kalinga, South Cotabato, and Bohol, to witness Philippine indigenous art and culture a few years before that, she knew I’d appreciate the exhibit in the National Museum of Anthropology.
3. Enjoy a ballet, opera, or theater show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
If you want a dose of Manila’s high culture, head to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) along Roxas Boulevard. This iconic institution is home to the country’s finest performances, from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to world-class ballets, operas, and contemporary theater. I’ve watched a few performances here and they were all superb!
💡 PRO TIP: Check the official CCP schedule before your visit. If you’re short on time, you can also just drop by the complex to see art exhibits or enjoy the sunset view over Manila Bay right outside.
4. Stroll or bike around BGC to explore vibrant street art.
I usually don’t like walking around Manila, but doing it in BGC, even during the daytime when the heat of the sun is at its peak, is not so bad. I just love how it feels like an open-air art gallery!
All around its streets and alleys, you’ll find massive murals and street art installations by local and multinational artists, turning every corner into an IG-worthy spot.
💡 PRO TIP: Up for a mural-hopping adventure? Download a BGC art map online to help you plan it out.
5. Immerse in contemporary art at Pinto Art Museum in nearby Antipolo.
Set on a hillside with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, Pinto Art Museum features contemporary Filipino art across open galleries, courtyards, and lush gardens.
I’ve visited the Pinto Art Museum a couple of times and have truly loved both experiences. There’s just something so inspiring about being surrounded by art and nature at the same time.
📝 If your trip is in February, attend the annual Art Fair Philippines in Makati.
Art Fair Philippines brings together galleries, collectors, and artists from the Philippines and beyond. And with my group of friends who love being surrounded by artsy things, we’ve literally spent hours soaking ourselves in different forms of contemporary art.
It’s such a beautiful experience seeing paintings, sculptures, digital art, and installations all in one dynamic space. So, if you want to experience Manila’s thriving art scene in just a few hours, make sure to include this in your Manila itinerary.
💡 PRO TIP: Tickets can sell out fast, so book early online.
🍸 City Vibes: Sunsets & Manila Nightlife
If you love sunsets and nightlife, Manila won’t disappoint. From rooftop bars to karaoke, here’s where to experience the city after dark.
6. Watch the iconic Manila Bay sunset from Roxas Boulevard.
Few things are as classic in Manila as watching the sunset over Manila Bay.
Head to Roxas Boulevard, Baywalk, or a seaside cafe, and watch the sky transform into shades of gold, pink, and purple. It’s a peaceful moment amid the city’s buzz, and one of the best free experiences in town.
This is one of my top things to do in Manila, especially back in the day when we could have dinner and drinks by the bay, together with other tourists, while enjoying live bands and comedy acts for entertainment. While it’s not as lively and thriving as it used to be, it’s still one of the best places to catch a sunset in Manila.
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re already at Roxas Boulevard, go visit Seascape Village and find a hidden gem, Lian Oriental Spa. I recommend trying out their Signature Warm Bamboo Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Mandarin Orange Foot Scrub.
7. Experience Rooftop Bars & Nightlife in Makati & BGC.
Manila comes alive after dark, and the metro’s rooftop bars and stylish clubs in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati are the places to be. Sip cocktails with skyline views, dance at trendy clubs, or enjoy late-night dining at upscale lounges.
If you want a more laid-back vibe, head to Poblacion in Makati. Known for its speakeasies, karaoke bars, and hole-in-the-wall eateries, Poblacion is eclectic, colorful, and the perfect place to bar-hop and meet locals, expats, and fellow travelers.
8. Chill with bohemian bars and art hubs at Cubao Expo.
A creative pocket in Quezon City, Cubao Expo is lined with bohemian bars, indie art hubs, and vintage shops. During the day, browse through quirky stores; by night, it transforms into a chill hangout for artists, musicians, and free spirits.
My friends and I have spent memorable nights here enjoying interesting conversations over a bottle of beer.
🥘 Foodie Things to Do in Manila
For first-time visitors, trying Manila’s food scene is an absolute must. It’s the tastiest way to understand local life and culture! Whether it’s traditional Filipino dishes, Chinatown eats, or bustling markets, here’s where to indulge.
9. Go on a food crawl in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown.
Dubbed as the world’s oldest Chinatown, it’s an interesting experience going on a food trip in Binondo. You can definitely do it on your own and taste dumplings at Dong Bei, hopia at Eng Bee Tin, and lumpia and pancit from one of the many local eateries (we’ve done this a couple of times before, and it was fun!)
But if it’s your first time in Manila and you would like to learn more about the local culinary scene, I recommend going on a highly-rated guided Binondo food tour. It’s also a great way to discover hole-in-the-wall spots you’d likely miss on your own!
💡 PRO TIP: Got more time? Wander over to nearby Escolta Street to admire stunning art deco and neoclassical buildings, where the old-world charm meets Manila’s modern, creative energy.
10. Sample classic Filipino dishes at local eateries.
No Manila trip is complete without tasting Filipino comfort food.
Be sure to try adobo (soy-braised meat), sinigang (sour tamarind soup), and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert). Many local restaurants and carinderias serve these staples, each with its own twist.
💡 PRO TIP: For first-timers, I invite you to check out Aristocrat, Locavore Kitchen x Drinks, Mesa Filipino Moderne, Kanin Club, and Manam!
💡 PRO TIP: Want to try our street food instead? Check out this highly-rated introduction to Philippine street food tour from a local.
11. Explore foodie hubs along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.
If you love food crawls, try Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, packed with affordable restaurants, quirky cafes, and hidden gems, making it popular with students, young professionals, and food lovers.
I went to the University of the Philippines Diliman and, back when I was still a student, we frequented Maginhawa Street if we wanted to celebrate a bit. So, whenever I go back and dine at any of my favorite restaurants, it gives me a bit of nostalgia and makes me remember the good ol’ days.
💡 PRO TIP: They have tons of good restaurants, but if you get a chance to visit Maginhawa, I invite you to check out my favorites: Friuli Trattoria, Rodic’s Diner (order their tapsilog!), and Van Gogh is Bipolar (highly recommended, but it is at its “rebirthing” stage, so make sure to check first if they’re open to accept guests before heading there)!
💡 PRO TIP: Since you’re already nearby, why not include taking a walk or biking around UP Diliman in your itinerary? It’s one of the city’s greenest escapes, loved by locals for its open spaces, tree-lined paths, iconic landmarks, and laid-back vibe.
🚗 Day Trips from Manila
One of the best things about Manila is how close it is to unforgettable destinations. In just a couple of hours, you can enjoy cool weather in Tagaytay, trek to a volcanic crater, or wander through a restored Spanish heritage village. For first-time visitors, taking a day trip adds variety to your stay and shows you just how diverse the Philippines can be.
12. Take a day trip to Tagaytay for stunning views of Taal Volcano.
Escape Manila’s heat with a trip to Tagaytay, where you can enjoy cool weather, panoramic views of Taal Volcano, and steaming bowls of bulalo (beef marrow stew). It’s a quick getaway that’s always a local favorite.
💡 PRO TIP: Go early on weekends to avoid traffic and long restaurant waits.
13. Explore restored Spanish-era houses at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.
About 3 hours from Manila, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an open-air museum where centuries-old Spanish-Filipino houses have been carefully restored by the sea. Visitors can join guided heritage tours, ride a calesa (horse-drawn carriage), or stay overnight in boutique-style accommodations. It’s like stepping back into colonial Philippines.
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re short on time, day tours from Manila are available. But if you have more time, why not stay overnight so you can enjoy cultural shows and the riverside ambiance after day-trippers leave?
14. Trek Mt. Pinatubo and marvel at its turquoise crater lake.
Just a few hours from Manila, Mt. Pinatubo offers one of the most breathtaking adventures near the capital.
You’ll start your Mt. Pinatubo adventure with a thrilling 4×4 jeep ride across volcanic landscapes. Then you’ll trek through lahar canyons until you reach the turquoise crater lake at the summit. It’s a full-day excursion that rewards you with unforgettable views.
15. Tour WWII Ruins and Memorials at Corregidor Island in Cavite.
At the mouth of Manila Bay lies Corregidor Island, a strategic WWII site filled with ruins, tunnels, war memorials, and powerful stories of resilience.
Take a boat ride to the island and explore the ruins of barracks, old batteries, underground tunnels, and war memorials while learning about the island’s dramatic history. The island is also scenic, with panoramic views of the bay and forests filled with wildlife. Guided tours of Corregidor Island bring history to life in this open-air museum.
🛍️ Shopping Experiences in Manila
From bargain hunting to luxury malls, shopping in Manila is an experience in itself. Here are the best spots for every kind of shopper.
16. Bargain shop at Greenhills.
Known as a shopping mecca, Greenhills Shopping Center is the best place to bargain hunt for pearls, gadgets, clothes, and accessories. A mix of bazaars and permanent stalls makes it a favorite for deal-seekers, like me! This is my go-to for shopping for bargain clothes.
💡 PRO TIP: Haggle politely. Vendors expect it, and prices usually go down.
Also, if you’re visiting in November or December, then you’re in for a treat! Prices of products go down (compared to regular months), so you can get more value for your buck. From experience, it can get super crowded, so I recommend scheduling your visit before lunchtime!
17. Hunt for bargains in Divisoria.
For budget-friendly shopping, nothing beats Divisoria Market, where you can buy wholesale souvenirs, textiles, fashion, and party supplies at unbeatable prices. It’s chaotic but a true Manila experience.
💡 PRO TIP: Wear comfortable shoes and keep an eye on your belongings. It gets crowded!
18. Buy Filipino Souvenirs at Kultura.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, easy-to-pack, and distinctly Filipino pasalubong, check out Kultura (in major malls), where you’ll find handwoven textiles, local crafts, jewelry, and native snacks. These shops curate the best of Filipino artistry and tradition.
👪 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Manila
Traveling with kids? Manila has plenty of family-friendly spots that mix learning, play, and entertainment.
19. Visit Manila Ocean Park to see aquariums, sea lions, and penguins.
Walk through giant aquariums, watch sea lion shows, and meet penguins at Manila Ocean Park, a favorite for families and marine-life lovers. This ocean-themed park combines entertainment and education with its wide variety of interactive attractions.
💡 PRO TIP: Got more time? Discover wildlife at the nearby Philippine Biodome or immerse in a multi-sensory experience of nature-inspired digital art at the Digital National Art Museum. Book combo passes online to save on ticket bundles.
20. Try hands-on science experiments at The Mind Museum in BGC.
I’ve visited The Mind Museum a couple of times and had so much fun! At The Mind Museum, kids and adults alike can try interactive science experiments, immersive exhibits, and fun learning displays that make science hands-on and exciting. It’s one of the best family-friendly museums in Manila.
💡 PRO TIP: If you’re the type to geek out, I recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to explore The Mind Museum. It’s bigger than it looks!
21. Take quirky photos at Art in Island.
At Art in Island, visitors can pose with 3D art murals that look like they’re part of the painting. I’ve tried this a couple of times with friends, and it was so much fun!
🛏️ Where to Stay in Manila
Manila has stays for every budget, whether you’re looking for something simple, comfortable, or indulgent. Here are my top picks for budget, mid-range, and luxury stays to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Luxury Option
Conrad Manila is a 5-star hotel in Manila. I’ve stayed here with friends and truly enjoyed my experience. They have an in-house spa (which I highly recommend), bar, restaurant, fitness center, and pool with a view. Guests (like me!) love staying here because of its fantastic service. If you are watching a concert in the MOA arena, this is also a convenient option for your accommodation.
Mid-Range Option
Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel is a highly-rated hotel in Quezon City. Guests love staying here because of its proximity to shops and variety of restaurants, friendly staff, and excellent service. A perfect choice for those watching concerts at Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater (both are just less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel).
Budget Option
Z Hostel is a great choice for those looking for budget stays. Located at the heart of Makati, guests love staying here because of its impressive service, comfortable rooms, and rooftop bar. If part of your itinerary is to visit pubs in Poblacion, this is a good option.
🗓️ Sample 3-Day Manila Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
To help you kickstart your trip planning, here’s a 3-day Manila itinerary that gives first-time visitors a taste of the best the capital has to offer.
Day 1: Modern Manila
Start your trip with a mix of art, culture, and city life.
- Morning (BGC): Begin in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Stroll past colorful street murals, stop for third-wave coffee, and take in the polished vibe of Manila’s financial district.
- Late Morning to Early Afternoon (Art & Culture): Drive to Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo (about 2 hours from BGC). Its contemporary galleries, open gardens, and hilltop views make it a refreshing contrast to the city’s buzz. Or, if you want to stay in Makati, visit the Ayala Museum, featuring pre-colonial gold artifacts, dioramas of Philippine history, and rotating modern art exhibits.
- Sunset (Skyline Views): Head back to Makati or BGC and catch the sunset from a rooftop bar, with great skyline views and a cocktail in hand.
- Dinner (Modern Filipino): Treat yourself to modern Filipino fine dining at Toyo Eatery (Asia’s 50 Best) or the creative Asian flavors of Your Local in Makati.
- Evening Drinks (Nightlife): End the night in Poblacion, Makati. Hop between speakeasies and laid-back bars where Manila’s creative crowd hangs out.
Day 2: Classic Manila Sights
Discover the heritage and flavors of Old Manila.
- Morning (Intramuros): Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city. Walk cobblestone streets, visit Fort Santiago, and admire the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church. For a unique experience, book ahead for a Bambike Tour (bamboo bike tour) to cover more ground in a fun, eco-friendly way.
- Lunch (Binondo): Head to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for a mini food crawl. Dumplings at Dong Bei, hand-pulled noodles, and hopia pastries at Eng Bee Tin are crowd favorites.
- Afternoon (Museums): Visit the National Museum Complex. See Juan Luna’s Spoliarium at the Museum of Fine Arts. Or explore the Museum of Anthropology for insight into the Philippines’ rich cultural history.
- Late Afternoon (Sunset): Make your way to Roxas Boulevard for the iconic Manila Bay sunset (best enjoyed from a seaside promenade or cafe).
- Dinner (Filipino Classics):
- Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – dine inside Intramuros with colonial charm and a nightly cultural show. Reservations are recommended as it often books up with groups.
- Seaside Dampa – choose your seafood fresh and have it cooked to your liking.
- Barrio Fiesta – festive Filipino meals with kare-kare and crispy pata.
- The Aristocrat – a heritage restaurant serving nostalgic Filipino fare since the 1930s.
- Evening (Relaxation): End your day with a soothing, warm bamboo massage at Lian Oriental Spa in Pasay, perfect after walking and sightseeing.
Day 3: Day Trip to Tagaytay
Take a refreshing break from the city.
- Morning (7 AM Departure): Drive or book a private tour to Tagaytay (about 2 hours from Manila, but can be longer depending on which part of the metro you’re staying in). Head straight to People’s Park in the Sky or a viewpoint cafe for sweeping views of Taal Volcano.
- Late Morning / Early Lunch: Enjoy a serene garden-to-table buffet at Sonya’s Garden, where fresh greens, homemade bread, and pasta are served in a lush setting.
- Afternoon (Local Stops): Visit Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm, a family-run bee farm with natural honey-based products and a small garden trail. Afterwards, relax with coffee or hot chocolate at Bag of Beans or Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe, both overlooking Taal Lake.
- Early Dinner: Try bulalo (beef marrow stew), Tagaytay’s signature dish. Balay Dako or Josephine’s are top choices, with hearty servings and panoramic lake views.
- Evening (Return to Manila): Drive back before dark (traffic builds up along Aguinaldo Highway). If you arrive early, stop for a light snack or meal along the highway before continuing back to the city.
📝 Quick Manila Travel Guide & Helpful Tips
- Where to stay: Makati for nightlife & dining, BGC for modern and walkable vibes, Ermita/Malate for budget stays.
- Getting around: Use Grab for convenience. Traffic is heavy, so plan extra time. Jeepneys/LRT are cheap but tricky for newcomers.
- Best time to visit: Dec–Feb (cooler), Mar–May (hot & summer), Jun–Oct (rainy season).
- Money tips: Currency: PHP. Cash is handy for small shops; cards are accepted in malls/hotels. ATMs are everywhere.
- Internet & SIM: Grab a Globe or Smart SIM at the airport, or rent a pocket WiFi.
- Safety basics: Stay in well-lit areas at night, keep an eye on belongings, and use Grab instead of street taxis.
- Local eats: Don’t miss adobo, sinigang, halo-halo, and of course, Jollibee fried chicken.
💭 FAQs: Things to Do in Manila
Is there anything worth seeing in Manila?
Yes! Manila offers an interesting mix of history, culture, and modern city life. From Intramuros’ colonial streets to Binondo’s food scene and BGC’s contemporary art, the city has plenty of worthwhile stops for travelers.
Where to avoid in Manila?
Avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, especially in parts of Ermita, Quiapo, and certain backstreets. Stick to safer districts like Makati, BGC, and Intramuros for a more comfortable experience.
What is Manila best known for?
What to do with 3 days in Manila?
In three days, you can balance history, food, and modern sights. Spend a day in Intramuros and Binondo, another in Makati/BGC for art and nightlife, and a third on a side trip to Tagaytay or Pinto Art Museum for a change of pace.
💌 The Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Manila
That’s it! Thank you for reading up to this point. I hope my post about things to do in Manila has helped you plan your trip to the Philippines.
I get that my hometown is not everyone’s cup of tea. But I truly believe that it has something to offer for every kind of traveler. And, with a little planning, your first trip to Manila can be a memorable mix of culture, adventure, and local experiences.
If you need help in planning your trip, please feel free to get in touch! I offer paid customized itinerary planning, and I’d love to help you make your trip to the Philippines a memorable one.
In the meantime, enjoy planning your trip to the Philippines!
