Manila 4 Day Itinerary

Four-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Manila, Philippines

Day 1: Explore Historic Manila

Places to Go:

  1. Intramuros - Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum, Rizal Shrine, Casa Manila, Baluarte de San Diego
  2. Malacañang Palace (Outside visit only) - Official residence of the President of the Philippines
  3. Manila Cathedral - A stunning Roman Catholic basilica
  4. Quiapo Church - Famous for its miraculous Black Nazarene and bustling marketplace
  5. Binondo (Chinatown) - Visit the centuries-old Chinese temples, explore the food scene, and shop for souvenirs

Activities:

  1. Join the mass at Manila Cathedral or Quiapo Church
  2. Try street food in Binondo
  3. Attend the Sandugo Festival in Intramuros during August (if timing allows)
  4. Visit the Black Nazarene on a Feast day (January 9, January 30, March 30, May 31, June 30, August 31, October 31, and December 31)

Where to Eat:

  1. La Lola Spanish Tapas Bar - Binondo (Try the Paella Valenciana and Chicken Adobo Flautas)
  2. Dong Bei Dumplings - Binondo (For delicious Chinese-style dumplings)
  3. Ihawan sa Rizal Park - Rizal Park (Street food stalls offering Filipino favorites like isaw, barbeque, and kwek-kwek)
  4. Litson’s Bacolod Chicken Inasal - Various locations (Taste the famous Filipino grilled chicken)

Where to Stay:

  1. Makati Shangri-La Manila - Luxury hotel with an outdoor pool, spa, and several dining options
  2. The Bayleaf Intramuros - Located within Fort Santiago, offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant
  3. Red Planet Manila ATC Klein - Budget-friendly hotel with modern amenities and easy access to public transportation

Things to Know:

  1. Traffic in Manila can be heavy, so allow extra time for travel
  2. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations
  3. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, making communication easy for tourists
  4. Cash (Philippine Peso) is preferred over credit cards in most places, although major establishments do accept cards
  5. Tipping is appreciated but not expected in restaurants; a 10% tip is customary
  6. Jeepneys and tricycles are popular modes of transportation; Grab and Uber are also available
  7. Manila’s peak season runs from November to May, so book accommodation well in advance during these months
  8. The Philippine peso can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and money changers in the city
  9. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or religious sites
  10. Respect local culture and avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics

Day 2: Modern Manila & Shopping

Places to Go:

  1. Ayala Triangle Gardens - Relax in the urban park, visit Ayala Museum, or dine at nearby restaurants
  2. Greenhills Shopping Center - Large marketplace for clothes, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices
  3. Mall of Asia (MOA) - One of the largest malls in Southeast Asia with various shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  4. Bonifacio Global City (BGC) - Explore high-end restaurants, bars, and art galleries
  5. Rizal Park - Largest urban park in Asia with several monuments and the National Museum Complex

Activities:

  1. Attend a live performance at the Kia Theater or Tanghalang Pilipino
  2. Stroll along the Ayala Avenue Skyway for city views
  3. Visit the National Museum to learn about Philippine history and culture
  4. Explore the Art in Island 3D Museum (BGC) or The Mind Museum (Taguig City)
  5. Watch a sunset over Manila Bay from Rizal Park

Where to Eat:

  1. Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao - Greenhills Shopping Center (Try the Xiao Long Bao and Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles)
  2. Mesa Filipino Moderne - MOA (Enjoy modern takes on traditional Filipino dishes)
  3. The Goose Station - BGC (Taste their famous Roast Goose with Rice)
  4. Pochero sa Ugu Bigyan - BGC (Authentic Tagalog cuisine in a cozy, homey setting)
  5. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine - Ayala Triangle Gardens (Experience Filipino fusion dishes and a beautiful al fresco dining experience)

Tips:

  1. Haggle for the best prices at Greenhills Shopping Center
  2. Try to visit MOA on weekdays to avoid crowds
  3. Check out the local events calendar before your trip for performances or exhibitions that might interest you
  4. Bring comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking
  5. Make sure to have cash on hand for smaller establishments and street food vendors
  6. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in most malls, restaurants, and cafes
  7. If you’re looking to explore more of Manila’s nightlife, areas like Poblacion (Makati City) and Kapitolyo (Pasig City) are worth checking out
  8. For a unique shopping experience, visit the local tiangge markets in Binondo or Divisoria
  9. If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to Tagaytay for beautiful views of Taal Volcano and fresh strawberries
  10. Don’t forget to try popular Filipino desserts like halo-halo, leche flan, and ube halaya during your stay