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Heading to Manila for a short getaway? We’ve got the perfect guide.
This Philippine capital is big, busy, and full of contrasts. Historic churches sit beside gleaming skyscrapers, while street food stalls thrive just steps from upscale malls. With so much going on, it can feel tricky to fit in everything you want to see.
But don’t worry—we’ve explored Manila countless times and know exactly what’s worth hitting (and what you can skip). This three-day guide blends history, food, culture, and even a day trip out of the city, so you can enjoy the best of Manila without the stress. Buckle up, and let’s dive into three days of adventure!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity was this Tagaytay and Manila sightseeing tour! This tour seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the highlands with city sights as you explore Manila with a local guide.
Itinerary Overview
Getting around Manila may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually easier than it looks. For short trips, Grab is the most reliable option—it works like Uber and saves the hassle of haggling, while taxis can be hit or miss. The good news is that most tours in this itinerary include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you won’t have to worry much about logistics.
Just keep in mind that Manila traffic is notoriously unpredictable, so always allow a little extra time when heading to activities. Once you’re in a neighborhood, exploring on foot is straightforward, with plenty of shops, cafés, and landmarks close together.
Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect on this three-day Manila itinerary:
Day 1: Kick things off with a half-day city tour covering Makati, Intramuros, and Manila’s key landmarks, followed by a light lunch at Boudica Café Bar. In the afternoon, dive into a street food tour that doubles as dinner, then finish with either a Manila Bay sunset or rooftop drinks in Intramuros.
Day 2: Escape the city with your choice of two full-day tours—Tagaytay’s highlands for mountain views and cultural stops, or Taal Volcano for a closer look at one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural wonders. Return to Manila for dinner at Gerry’s SM Manila and end with a sunset stroll through Rizal Park.
Day 3: Start with a buffet breakfast at Café Ilang-Ilang, then spend the morning exploring Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. Refuel with Taiwanese dumplings for lunch before choosing between the National Museum Complex or a river cruise on the Pasig River. Cap your Manila adventure with a cultural dinner show featuring Filipino food and traditional folk dances.
Day 1
Morning – Discover the sights of Manila on a walking tour
Landing in a city as large and lively as Manila can feel overwhelming—traffic, sprawling neighborhoods, and history tucked into corners you’d never find on your own. That’s why starting with this guided city tour is the best way to ease into the capital.
We recommend booking the 8:30 am to 12:30 pm time slot, which includes hotel pickup and makes the whole experience stress-free. Just grab breakfast at or near your hotel, then sit back as you’re taken straight to Manila’s highlights.
The tour begins in Makati, where you’ll cruise past gleaming skyscrapers and tree-lined boulevards before stopping at the American Cemetery and Memorial. This peaceful site offers both reflection and sweeping city views.
From there, you’ll head into Intramuros, the old walled city that feels like stepping back in time. Highlights include the intricate San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Fort Santiago, where the stories of Spanish colonial rule and José Rizal come vividly to life.
One of our favorite parts of this tour is the contrast. You’ll see modern business districts alongside centuries-old ruins, stroll bustling boulevards, and even catch a glimpse of the waterfront along Roxas Boulevard.
It’s the perfect introduction to Manila, giving you both context and confidence for the days ahead. And you don’t just have to take our word for it—check out HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here to see why this is one of the city’s top-rated tours!
Check availability for your Manila sightseeing tour here!
Lunch/Early Afternoon – SM Megamall Fashion Hall
After a busy morning exploring Manila, this is the perfect time for a light bite and/or retail therapy before your afternoon food tour. The best spot for this is the SM Megamall Fashion Hall, a modern mall full of over 100 global retail stores, and many food options to choose from.
If you’re in the mood for a sit-down restaurant, we recommend Boudica Café Bar, a chic spot inside SM Megamall Fashion Hall. The menu has plenty of easy options—think fresh sandwiches, small plates, or even just a drink if you’d rather save room for later. It’s a stylish yet relaxed place to recharge after walking through the city’s historic streets.
Or if you’d rather grab something quick, visit the Mega Food Hall, located on the 5th floor. They have a variety of cuisines and food stalls, so you are guaranteed to find something to satisfy your cravings.
After a light lunch, you can check out some of the shops before heading to the next tour meeting point at 3 pm. It is about a 15-minute walk or a quick 5-minute taxi from the mall, so make sure you give yourself a little time to get there without rushing!
Afternoon/Dinner – Savor the flavors of Manila on a street food tour
One of the trickiest parts of exploring Manila is knowing where to start with food—there are stalls and vendors everywhere, but not all are equal. That’s why booking this street food tour is such a smart move.
Running from about 3 pm to 6 pm, it doubles as your dinner for the evening, so definitely come hungry. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll skip the guesswork and head straight to the dishes Filipinos actually eat, from savory skewers to sweet pastries you’d likely never discover on your own.
Your guide will take you into a lively neighborhood, where you’ll even hop on a tricycle, a fun and very local way to get around, before starting the tastings. Expect everything from steaming dumplings and flame-grilled skewers to deep-fried snacks that are crunchy, surprising, and addictively good.
Between bites, you’ll cool off with ice-cold brew or refreshing local juices, while your guide explains the stories and traditions behind each dish.
The best part is the atmosphere—casual, unpolished, and incredibly genuine. You’ll pull up a plastic chair, dig in alongside locals, and soak up the everyday rhythm of the neighborhood. By the time the tour wraps up, you’ll be comfortably full and armed with a mental checklist of snacks to hunt down for the rest of your trip!
Join this Manila street food tour and taste the city like a local!
Evening – Soak up Manila after dark
With the food tour wrapping up by 6 pm, that leaves plenty of time to enjoy your evening! For one of Manila’s most iconic views, head over to Roxas Boulevard to see the sunset over Manila Bay. Sunsets here are famous for warm colors, and it’s also a great spot for people-watching, especially around Baywalk, where locals gather in the evenings.
If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, head to the Bayleaf Sky Deck in Intramuros. The rooftop setting is perfect for a drink with sweeping views of the skyline, and if you take a short stroll around Intramuros after dark, you’ll see the historic streets in a whole new light compared to the daytime tour.
Day 2
After a full day in the city yesterday, today is your chance to escape the urban energy and see a different side of the Philippines. We’ve lined up two fantastic full-day tours to choose from. Both start early at 7:30 am with hotel pickup, so grab breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
If you’d like a mix of mountain scenery and cultural stops back in Manila, then Tagaytay’s highlands are a great choice. The cooler air, sweeping views, and blend of natural and historic sights make this day feel both refreshing and full of variety.
But if you’re more drawn to dramatic landscapes and natural wonders, then a trip to Taal Volcano is tough to beat. From lake crossings to learning about volcanic history, this option leans more toward geology and adventure while still keeping things comfortable.
Full day option 1: Explore Tagaytay’s incredible highlands
Sometimes you just need a break from Manila’s buzz, and Tagaytay is the perfect escape. Perched in the highlands, this little city offers cooler air, a slower pace, and some of the most breathtaking views in the region. Running for 8 to 10 hours (7:30 am to 5:30 pm), this full-day tour takes you out of Manila and into the mountains, with a day packed with sights and experiences included.
The day begins with hotel pickup and a scenic drive out of Manila before climbing aboard a colorful jeepney up to People’s Park in the Sky. From the mountaintop, you’ll be treated to sweeping valley views that are hard to forget. You’ll also stop at Tagaytay Point, where the panoramic sight of Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake makes for an unforgettable photo op.
After soaking up the highland scenery, you’ll return to Manila for the afternoon. Stops include the peaceful Paco Park, once a cemetery and now a quiet garden retreat, the grand Manila Cathedral with its striking Neo-Romanesque design, and the historic Baluarte de San Diego inside Intramuros, where leafy gardens mingle with centuries-old stone walls and remnants of Spanish fortifications.
Lunch is included along the way, but since the tour leaves early, be sure to eat breakfast at your hotel beforehand. This option is perfect if you’re after a balanced mix of nature, cooler weather, and historical charm—an all-rounder that feels both exciting and restorative. It’s no wonder this tour has so many glowing five-star reviews!
Check availability for your Tagaytay sightseeing trip here!
Full day option 2: See an active volcano up close
If you’ve ever wanted to see an active volcano up close, this small-group tour to Taal Volcano delivers, with its unique setting right in the middle of a vast lake—one of the most dramatic landscapes near Manila.
Lasting 6 to 8 hours (7:30 am to 3:30 pm), the tour takes you out of the city and into the countryside, with a scenic drive to Tagaytay followed by a boat ride across Taal Lake for front-row views of the volcano. It’s a little shorter than the highlands tour, but every bit as rewarding.
The morning begins with a drive out to Tagaytay and Agoncilio, towns known for their cool breezes and spectacular lake views. From there, you’ll board a traditional bangka boat to cross Taal Lake, with the volcano island directly ahead. Being on the water with such a powerful landmark in front of you is a true “pinch-me” experience.
Along the way, your guide will share stories about the volcano’s eruptions and the resilience of nearby communities. There’s also a stop in Talisay, where you can wander a small local market filled with fresh produce and snacks—a charming contrast to the dramatic landscapes.
Since lunch and hotel transportation are included, it makes it easy to just focus on the experience. With its emphasis on nature, geology, and a touch of adventure, this tour is a great fit for travelers who want to see one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural wonders without too much physical strain.
Book your Taal Volcano day trip here and see this natural wonder up close!
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.
Afternoon – Rest up at your hotel
If you decided to do option two, you’ll be back in Manila by around 3:30 pm, giving you a little extra downtime compared to the first tour option that gets back around 5:30 pm. After a full day of exploring, this is the perfect chance to freshen up, recharge, and relax at your hotel before heading out for dinner. Use the time to sort through your photos, enjoy a quiet coffee, or simply put your feet up—you’ve earned the break!
Dinner – Gerry’s SM Manila
For dinner tonight, head to Gerry’s SM Manila, a casual Filipino dining chain that’s hugely popular with locals. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and family-style—don’t be surprised to see big groups sharing platters and laughing over cold beers. The menu is full of Filipino comfort food classics like sizzling sisig, crispy pata, grilled seafood, and garlic rice, so it’s a great chance to sample everyday dishes in a lively setting.
Located inside the SM City Manila mall, it’s a lively yet convenient spot to wind down over dinner. The mall setting also makes it easy to browse a few shops or simply enjoy some people-watching before stepping back outside for an evening stroll.
Evening – Stroll through Rizal Park at sunset
After dinner, take a short 9-minute walk from SM City Manila to Rizal Park, one of the city’s most beloved open spaces. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day, with wide paths, leafy areas, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.
As the sun sets, you might catch an open-air music or dance performance, which adds a festive touch to the evening. The park is also a popular gathering place for local families and couples, giving it a lively yet laid-back feel that’s ideal for a gentle stroll. It’s a calming way to wrap up your day before heading back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 3
Breakfast – Cafe Ilang-Ilang
You can always start the day with breakfast at your hotel, but if you’d like to treat yourself to something a little special, head to Café Ilang-Ilang. Known for having one of the best breakfast spreads in Manila, this buffet offers an impressive mix of international favorites and local Filipino dishes, making it a great way to fuel up before a full day of sightseeing.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, giving you a touch of luxury in a convenient central location. With service running from 6 am to 10 am, you can take your time and arrive when it suits your morning pace. Whether you want to linger over coffee and pastries or sample a bit of everything, Café Ilang-Ilang is a memorable way to start your final day in Manila.
Morning – Explore the world’s oldest Chinatown
After breakfast, grab a quick 7-minute taxi to Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown. Founded in 1594, it’s officially the oldest Chinatown in the world, and today it’s a lively mix of temples, markets, and food stalls that highlight centuries of Chinese-Filipino heritage. Two hours here is plenty to soak up the atmosphere and hit some of the highlights.
Start at the Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz), a Baroque-style landmark that has been at the center of the community for centuries. From there, wander along Ongpin Street, the beating heart of the district, where you’ll pass gold jewelry shops, herbal medicine stores, and traditional bakeries. Don’t miss a stop at Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, famous for hopia (mung bean pastries) and tikoy (sticky rice cake)—perfect for a mid-morning snack or a souvenir to take home.
If you’d like a quieter moment, step inside the Seng Guan Temple, a serene Buddhist temple filled with intricate carvings and calming interiors. For those who want to extend their walk, nearby Escolta Street is a fascinating detour. It was once Manila’s commercial hub, and today its heritage buildings and quirky cafés make for a photogenic stroll.
Exploring Binondo is the perfect way to dive into Manila’s layered history and enjoy a neighborhood where the city’s past and present come together.
Lunch – Tasty Dumplings
After exploring the sights of Binondo, it’s time to sit down for lunch, and Tasty Dumplings is a neighborhood staple that locals swear by. This no-frills eatery has built a reputation for serving some of the best Taiwanese-style dumplings in Manila, and the portions are generous enough to keep you fueled for the rest of the day.
The menu is simple but satisfying, with their signature fried pork dumplings being the clear standout—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seriously addictive. Pair them with noodles or rice if you’re especially hungry, but even a plate of dumplings on their own makes for a filling meal. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, it’s an easy and reliable stop that fits perfectly into your Chinatown adventure.
Afternoon – Your choice!
For your final afternoon in Manila before the evening dinner show, you’ll want to make the most of your remaining hours in the city. This is a good time to balance out the morning’s busy explorations with something a little more relaxed, whether that’s diving deeper into Filipino history and culture or simply enjoying the city from a new perspective.
To help you choose, here are two of our favorite options:
Explore the National Museum Complex
Head back to Rizal Park, where the National Museum Complex is home to three popular museums: the Fine Arts Museum, the Anthropology Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Each one is free to enter, air-conditioned, and well-curated, making them easy to explore in just an hour or two. Whether you’re admiring Filipino art, diving into cultural heritage, or learning about the country’s incredible biodiversity, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the Philippines.
Go for a river cruise on the Pasig River
If you’d rather do something more laid-back, hop on the Pasig River Ferry Service, which runs right through the heart of Manila. You can board at the Escolta River Ferry and cruise past historic bridges, colonial warehouses, and modern skyscrapers—all from the comfort of your seat. Rides between stops take about 20–40 minutes, or you can stay on for a longer round trip. Watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks gives you a unique and authentic perspective of the city, and the best part is, the ferry is completely free!
Dinner/Evening – End your trip with a cultural dinner show
For your final night in Manila, cap things off with an evening that combines two of the Philippines’ best highlights: food and folk dance. This cultural dinner show starts at 5:30 pm and wraps up around 8:30 pm—just the right length for your final evening. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, all you need to do is show up hungry and ready to enjoy the show.
The night begins with a buffet dinner that feels like joining a traditional barrio fiesta. Expect a spread of Filipino classics like sinigang (a tangy tamarind stew), adobo (a savory soy-and-garlic braised meat dish), and sizzling sisig, alongside plenty of sides and drinks. It’s hearty, flavorful food that instantly makes you feel part of the celebration.
After dinner, the entertainment begins. Performers in colorful costumes bring the stage to life with dances from across the Philippines—graceful singkil, fast-paced tinikling with clapping bamboo poles, and the candle-lit pandanggo sa ilaw, among others. Each dance offers a glimpse into the country’s rich regional traditions, giving you a cultural “tour” without ever leaving your seat.
The evening wraps up with guests being invited to join the performers on the dance floor, a fun, lighthearted way to end your trip. Dates for this show can vary, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot and avoid missing out on one of Manila’s most memorable cultural experiences.
Book your Manila dinner and dance experience here!
Where to Stay in Manila
With your Manila itinerary all set, 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!
Related Read: Need help choosing a hotel? See our guide on where to stay in Manila, which explains the best areas and our recommended hotels!
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!
Three days in Manila is the perfect amount of time, if you ask us! While the city can be a bit overwhelming, it’s full of history, amazing food, and a lovely blend of old and new. This itinerary serves as a guide to our favorite things we did, but it is flexible to add your own travel style to it!
Before you go, check out all of our Philippines blogs! We love helping fellow travelers plan an unforgettable trip and have tons of resources to guide you. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!
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