Manila 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical Manila

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast at Antonio’s in Tagaytay (a short drive from Manila). If time is limited, grab breakfast at any local eatery nearby your accommodation.
    • Head to Intramuros, the historic walled city and the heart of Old Manila.
      • Visit Fort Santiago for a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich history. Don’t miss Rizal Shrine, dedicated to the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
      • Explore San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Café Adriatico or Ilustrado for Filipino dishes with a contemporary twist.
    • Visit Plaza San Luis Complex, home to Casa Manila, Bahay Tsinoy (Chinese museum), and the San Agustin Museum.
    • Take a walk along Muralla Street and admire the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Palengke Pateros, a food market offering a variety of Filipino street food.
    • End your day with a cultural show at Sip and Sonnet, featuring traditional Filipino music and dance performances.

Transportation: Taxis, Grab (South East Asia’s answer to Uber), or jeepneys (traditional Philippine public transportation) are convenient options within the city.

Day 2: Modern Manila and Shopping

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with breakfast at Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina for a taste of Filipino-Mexican fusion cuisine.
    • Visit Rizal Park and the National Museum Complex, home to several national museums showcasing Philippine art, history, and anthropology.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Greenhills Shopping Center or Ayala Malls The 30th, both offering a wide variety of dining options.
    • Spend the afternoon shopping at Greenhills Shopping Center for local brands, Divisoria for bargain finds, or Ayala Malls for international brands.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Locavore Manila, a restaurant focusing on Filipino cuisine using indigenous ingredients.
    • Explore Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and its vibrant nightlife, or visit Makati Avenue for bars and clubs.

Transportation: Taxis, Grab, and the MRT (Manila Metro Rail Transit) are options for getting around the city. BGC is also pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.

Day 3: Nature and Leisure

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with breakfast at Poblacion Food Park in Makati or The Alley at Karrivin Plaza.
    • Take a trip to Taal Volcano, the world’s smallest active volcano, accessible via a short boat ride from Talisay or Tagaytay.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at a local eatery in Tagaytay, known for its cool climate and beautiful views of Taal Volcano. Sarabia’s Resto or Mushroom Burger Steakhouse are popular choices.
    • Visit the Taal Heritage Village to learn about the history and culture of Batangas province.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Manila and have dinner at The Old Manila Restaurant, offering traditional Filipino dishes in a colonial setting.
    • Wind down your trip with a stroll along Seaside Boulevard in Mall of Asia, or enjoy the night view of the city from Skydrive by The Bistro Group.

Things to know:

  • Traffic can be heavy in Manila, so allow extra time for travel.
  • The Philippines uses Philippine Peso (PHP) as currency. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  • English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among the younger generation.
  • Filipinos are known for their hospitality, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or recommendations.