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Planning a trip to Manila? You’re in the right place!
The capital of the Philippines is often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Manila is a city of contrasts; centuries-old Spanish walls sit beside buzzing food markets, sleek skyscrapers tower over colorful jeepneys, and the sound of church bells competes with karaoke from the nearest bar.
We were amazed at how every corner had its own personality. One moment you’re learning history in Intramuros, the next you’re eating sizzling street food or planning a day trip to a volcano. Manila is chaotic, charming, and completely unforgettable.
Your Manila journey starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Manila was this street food tour! We zipped through lively neighborhoods by tricycle, tasting sizzling skewers and sweet pastries. It was authentic, delicious, and full of character!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Manila
- 1. Step back in time with a sightseeing tour of old and new Manila
- 2. Savor the flavors of Manila on a street food tour
- 3. Escape the city on a full-day sightseeing trip to Tagaytay
- 4. Take in stunning views on a visit to an active volcano
- 5. Step into the rich history of the Philippines
- 6. Visit a historic coconut plantation
- 7. Discover one of the Philippines’ most famous waterfalls
- 8. Go island hopping
- 9. Celebrate Filipino culture with dance and delicious food
- 10. Set out on a snorkel safari
- Where to Stay in Manila
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Manila
1. Step back in time with a sightseeing tour of old and new Manila
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore both modern Makati and historic Old Manila, visit the American Cemetery and War Memorial, walk through Intramuros, step inside the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, and tour the historic Fort Santiago
- Inclusions: Professional local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s no better way to get your bearings in Manila than with this half-day city tour. In just four hours, you’ll experience both the sleek modern side of Makati and the history-filled streets of Old Manila, all while learning the stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it’s an easy and stress-free way to dive straight into the capital’s character.
Led by an experienced local guide, this tour brings Manila’s complex history and culture vividly to life. Travelers begin in Makati, cruising past gleaming skyscrapers and tree-lined boulevards before stopping at the American Cemetery and Memorial—a serene tribute that offers a quiet moment amid the city bustle.
Next, the tour steps back in time inside Intramuros, the old walled city. You’ll visit the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO-listed landmark famed for its Baroque details, followed by Fort Santiago, where stories of Spanish rule and national hero José Rizal echo through the centuries-old stone walls.
The route offers a seamless mix of old and new—busy streets, historic ruins, and even a scenic stretch along Roxas Boulevard’s waterfront. It’s a well-rounded introduction to Manila that captures the city’s contrasts and character in just a few hours.
This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of planning!
Check availability for your Manila sightseeing tour here!
2. Savor the flavors of Manila on a street food tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 3 pm
- Highlights: Hop on a tricycle and explore a local neighborhood with a foodie guide, taste Filipino street food staples like steamed dumplings, grilled skewers, and savory fried snacks, sip refreshing beverages, and finish with a sweet local treat
- Inclusions: Local guide, beverages and snacks, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 380+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Manila’s food scene is bold, colorful, and sometimes a little surprising, which is exactly why this street food tour is the best way to dive in. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll get to taste the dishes that locals actually eat, not just the ones you find in restaurants, and experience a slice of everyday life in the city.
Our guide, Nel, was such a joy to explore with. She took us straight into the heart of a lively neighborhood, where we hopped into a tricycle (such a fun way to travel!) before starting our food adventure. From steaming dumplings to skewers sizzling on the grill, every stop had something new to try.
We also got our hands on deep-fried snacks we’d never seen before and finished things off with chewy brigadeiro-style pastries that hit the sweet spot perfectly. Ice-cold beer and local juices kept us refreshed in between bites, and Nel made sure to explain the stories behind each dish, which we think made the food taste even better!
What stood out most was how relaxed and genuine it felt. This wasn’t about fancy plating or tourist traps—it was about pulling up a plastic chair, tucking into something delicious, and soaking up the atmosphere around you.
It’s easy to see why this experience earns so many five-star reviews—by the end, you’ll be full, happy, and armed with a new list of go-to snacks for the rest of your trip.
Join this Manila street food tour and taste the city like a local!
3. Escape the city on a full-day sightseeing trip to Tagaytay
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Take a day trip to the highland city of Tagaytay, ride a colorful jeepney up to the People’s Park in the Sky for sweeping views, stroll through Paco Park cemetery, visit the grand Manila Cathedral
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 320+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes you just need a break from Manila’s buzz, and this day tour of Tagaytay is the perfect escape. Nestled high in the mountains, this little city has cooler air, laid-back vibes, and views that go on forever. It’s one of those spots where you can breathe a little deeper and slow the pace without missing out on amazing sights.
The adventure kicks off with a ride in a colorful jeepney up to the People’s Park in the Sky—half the fun is simply getting there. At the top, you can take in sweeping valley views and capture those “wow” moments that are hard to forget. Back in Manila, the day takes a historical turn with a stroll through the peaceful Paco Park (hard to believe it was once a cemetery) and a visit to the grand Manila Cathedral.
The tour wraps up with time to explore the Baluarte de San Diego, where centuries-old stone walls meet leafy gardens and history feels alive at every turn.
What makes this experience stand out is the mix of cool mountain air, a dash of adventure, and a dose of culture all rolled into one. It’s a full day that feels both exciting and refreshing, with plenty of stories—and photos—to bring back home.
Check availability for your Tagaytay sightseeing trip here!
4. Take in stunning views on a visit to an active volcano
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Travel to Tagaytay and Agoncilio for sweeping views of Taal Volcano, ride a traditional bangka boat across the lake for a closer look, explore the surrounding countryside, and enjoy a local market stop in Talisay
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 110+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Seeing Taal Volcano up close is one of those Manila experiences that really sticks with you. It’s not every day you get to look across a lake and spot a volcano sitting right in the middle of it. The whole setting on this incredible day trip feels dramatic, peaceful, and fascinating—all at once!
After leaving Manila behind, the tour takes you up to Tagaytay, where the cool air and sweeping views are the perfect start to the day. From there, you’ll hop into a traditional bangka boat and skim across the water toward the volcano.
Being out on the lake with the volcano right in front of us was a total pinch-me moment. Along the way, our guide shared stories about the area’s eruptions and how the surrounding towns have grown around this mighty landmark.
We also loved the stop in Talisay, where we wandered through a mini market filled with local produce and snacks. It was a nice balance to the dramatic landscapes, everyday life unfolding against the backdrop of something so powerful and timeless.
This tour is ideal if you want to mix scenic countryside, fresh air, and a bit of adventure all in one go. And we aren’t the only ones who loved it—check out more than a HUNDRED five-star reviews here to see why travelers say this was a major highlight of their trip!
Book your Taal Volcano day trip and see this natural wonder up close!
5. Step into the rich history of the Philippines
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Visit historic landmarks like San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago, step inside Casa Manila to see what life looked like in the 19th century, learn about the Spanish Galleon Trade at the San Agustin Museum
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bottled water, all entrance fees
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 70+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
History really comes alive when you’re walking the streets with someone who knows the stories behind them. This small-group tour is a crash course in Philippine history, taking you through the most important landmarks of Manila, from grand churches to solemn memorials, all with a guide who makes it feel more like a conversation than a lecture.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour begins at the San Agustin Church—the oldest stone church in the country and the only one to survive the bombings of World War II. Next door, the San Agustin Museum offers fascinating insights into the Spanish Galleon Trade and how it helped shape the Philippines’ place in global history.
At Casa Manila, you can step inside a recreated 19th-century home that captures the elegance of the Spanish colonial era—you can almost imagine the sound of clinking glasses echoing through the dining room.
The tour also includes thoughtful stops like the Memorare Manila Monument, which honors the innocent lives lost during World War II, and a quick visit to the Manila Cathedral before finishing at Fort Santiago, where stories of José Rizal and the country’s fight for independence come full circle.
This tour is short and sweet, but it covers a lot. With only ten people max, it’s personal, engaging, and a great way to get a solid sense of the Philippines’ complex past.
Join this Manila history tour with FREE cancellation and step back in time!
6. Visit a historic coconut plantation
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Spend the day at Villa Escudero, a historic coconut plantation, ride a buffalo-drawn cart through the grounds, visit the family museum with artifacts spanning pre-history to WWII, and enjoy a buffet lunch at bamboo tables set at the foot of the Labasin Falls
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, local lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
A short drive from Manila, Villa Escudero is where history, culture, and adventure collide at a former coconut plantation turned lively countryside escape. Joining this day tour lets you dive straight into the fun—no planning, no stress, just a full day of culture, history, and a few surprises along the way.
The adventure kicks off with a charming ride on a buffalo-drawn cart, complete with live music from locals serenading along the way. Then it’s on to the family museum, which is surprisingly impressive, packed with artifacts that span from pre-history to World War II. It’s a fascinating look into the Philippines’ layered past before the day takes a more lighthearted turn.
But the real highlight? Lunch at the Labasin Falls restaurant. Tables are set right at the foot of the waterfall, so you sit with your feet in cool rushing water while tucking into a hearty buffet of local dishes. It’s playful, refreshing, and kind of magical all at once. You can even lean back against the waterfall for a natural post-lunch massage!
The whole experience feels delightfully unique, part cultural trip, part countryside escape. Villa Escudero is ideal for anyone who wants a mix of history and relaxation, plus a meal you’ll definitely never forget.
Check the details and book your Villa Escudero day trip here!
7. Discover one of the Philippines’ most famous waterfalls
- Duration: 6 to 9 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Take a countryside drive to Pagsanjan Falls, ride a native canoe upstream through lush scenery, float on a bamboo raft under the falls into Devil’s Cave, and enjoy an authentic Filipino lunch included in the day
- Inclusions: Professional guide, round-trip transport, lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Fancy trading Manila’s buzz for a real jungle adventure? After a drive through the countryside, on this full-day jungle adventure, you can have just that, visiting one of the Philippines’ most famous waterfalls!
After pickup and a drive from your hotel back in Manila, you’ll hop into a traditional native canoe where skilled boatmen will paddle (and sometimes push!) you upstream through narrow gorges surrounded by jungle. It’s the kind of ride where every bend in the river reveals something new.
The highlight, of course, is Pagsanjan Falls. You get to ride a bamboo raft right under the cascading water and into Devil’s Cave, a misty little hideaway that feels straight out of an adventure movie.
Lunch is included too, which is the perfect way to refuel after all that paddling and excitement. The day strikes a perfect balance between high-energy moments and peaceful stretches to soak in the natural beauty around you.
If you’re looking for a memorable day trip out of Manila with a touch of adrenaline and a lot of scenery, Pagsanjan Falls is hard to beat!
Check price and details for your Pagsanjan Falls tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Go island hopping
- Duration: Full day
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Spend the day in Calatagan on a floating bamboo cottage, snorkel in waters full of marine life, relax at “Little Boracay” sandbar, spot starfish at Starfish Island, and enjoy a tasty lunch on board; plus, take in scenic views of Tagaytay, Taal Lake, and Taal Volcano along the way
- Inclusions: Local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Manila’s energy is exciting, but sometimes you just want a day that’s all about sun, sea, and slowing down. That’s where this island-hopping trip to Calatagan comes in. Just a few hours away, it’s a spot where you can snorkel in clear waters, hang out on sandbars, and spend the day drifting along the coast in a floating bamboo cottage.
The highlight has to be climbing aboard a floating bamboo cottage, which doubles as your base for the day. It’s basically like having your own moving island: you can swim straight off it, tuck into a tasty onboard lunch, or just stretch out and relax while drifting along the coast.
From there, we explored three different spots: the sandbar known as “Little Boracay”, a snorkeling area rich with marine life, and Starfish Island, where we spotted (you guessed it) starfish scattered across the shallow water.
We loved how easy this trip felt. The shallow, calm waters are great for kids, but there’s still plenty to keep adults entertained, whether that’s snorkeling or simply lounging on the bamboo raft with a cold drink in hand.
This day out is all about slowing down, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying the laid-back beach life that makes the Philippines so special.
Book your Calatagan island-hopping adventure here!
9. Celebrate Filipino culture with dance and delicious food
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a buffet dinner of Filipino specialties like adobo, sisig, and sinigang, watch traditional folk dances performed in colorful costumes, experience cultural traditions from different regions of the Philippines, and even join in for a dance at the end of the evening
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, buffet dinner and drinks
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
An evening of Filipino food and folk dance is one of the most fun ways to experience the country’s culture all in one go! This dinner show combines hearty local dishes with lively performances that celebrate traditions from across the Philippines, and yes, you’ll even get the chance to dance along by the end of the night.
Things kick off with a buffet dinner that feels like stepping into a traditional barrio fiesta. We loaded our plates with classics like sinigang (a tangy tamarind stew), adobo (meat simmered in soy and garlic), and sizzling sisig, all washed down with a cold drink. It’s hearty, flavorful food that instantly makes you feel part of the celebration.
Once everyone’s full, the show begins. Dancers in vibrant costumes take the stage with mesmerizing performances, from the graceful singkil to the fast-paced tinikling, where bamboo poles clap to the rhythm, to the glowing pandanggo sa ilaw with dancers balancing candles. Each dance represents a different region and tradition, so you get a whirlwind tour of the country’s diverse heritage without leaving your seat.
The evening wraps up with guests being invited to join the performers on the dance floor, a fun and lighthearted way to end the night. It’s entertaining, authentic, and a memorable introduction to Filipino hospitality.
Book your Manila dinner and dance experience here!
10. Set out on a snorkel safari
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Time: 6:30 am
- Highlights: Travel to Anilao in Batangas, board an outrigger boat to explore the coastline, make multiple snorkeling stops in rich coral reefs, and discover the area’s incredible marine life with all gear provided
- Inclusions: Local guide, snorkeling equipment, air-conditioned transport
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When you think of the Philippines, crystal-clear water and jaw-dropping reefs probably come to mind, and this Anilao snorkel safari is exactly that! Just a couple of hours from Manila, Anilao is famous for its marine life, and spending the day here feels like stepping into another world.
The crew makes everything smooth and fun from the very start. After the scenic drive down, guests board an outrigger boat that serves as their base for the day. From there, it’s all about the water—multiple snorkeling stops, each one revealing something different beneath the surface.
Snorkelers drift above colorful coral gardens while schools of tropical fish dart past, and in some spots, the water is so clear it feels like swimming in an aquarium. Knowledgeable guides point out hidden marine life and ensure there’s plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.
The mix of boat rides, swims, and laid-back breaks on deck keeps the day adventurous without ever feeling rushed. With all the gear provided and a small group size, it feels more like a fun day out on the water with friends than a typical tour.
This is the kind of trip that leaves you sun-kissed, salty-haired, and grinning from ear to ear!
Book your Anilao snorkel safari and dive into adventure!
Related Read: Planning to explore the city in just a few days? Check out our 3-Day Manila Itinerary here for a step-by-step guide to seeing the best of the capital!
Where to Stay in Manila
Now that you know the best things to do in Manila, the next step is choosing where to stay. We’ve narrowed it down to three excellent options—whether you’re after luxury, mid-range comfort, or a budget-friendly base with great amenities. Hotels in this area are popular and tend to book up quickly, so if you spot availability for your travel dates, be sure to grab it while you still can!
Luxury – $$$
Discovery Primea is a top choice for luxury in Manila, featuring an outdoor infinity pool with stunning skyline views. Spacious, stylish suites feature thoughtful touches like coffee machines, bathrobes, and bathrooms featuring both a tub and a shower. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, while on-site restaurants and a lively bar serve everything from local flavors to international favorites.
Rooms average $200–250 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Somerset Central Salcedo Makati offers bright, modern rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and plenty of space, making city stays both practical and cozy. Facilities include a fitness center, year-round outdoor pool, kids’ pool, and an on-site restaurant serving local and Southeast Asian specialties. Guests can also relax at the bar, and free parking adds extra convenience. A well-rounded choice for families, business travelers, or anyone wanting comfort in Manila.
Rooms average $140 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
Coro Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly option in Makati that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Rooms are modern, clean, and equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, and other essentials. Extra perks set it apart at this price point, including a rooftop pool with city views, a spa, a fitness room, and a pool bar. Plus, its location near Power Plant, Greenbelt, and Glorietta malls makes it a convenient base for exploring Manila.
Rooms average $100 USD per night. Find the latest rates and availability on Booking.com!
For even more great choices, take a look at all of Manila’s hotels listed on Booking.com here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Manila is a city full of surprises. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or a quick escape from the city, the capital of the Philippines promises an experience that’s as vibrant as it is unforgettable. We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Manila, filled with great food, unique tours, and moments you’ll remember long after you leave.
And if you’re exploring more of the Philippines, don’t stop here—check out our other Philippines travel guides for firsthand tips, detailed itineraries, and hidden-gem experiences across the islands. For more inspiration, here are a few of our favorite guides we think you’ll love:
5 Best Things to do in Bohol, Philippines
5 Best Things to do in El Nido, Philippines
How to Spend THREE DAYS in El Nido, Philippines: The Best 3-Day Itinerary