Manila 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Intramuros

  • Morning: Check-in at Hotel Jen Manila or similar centrally located hotels. Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafes like Sarah G’s Boneless Bangus House.

  • Afternoon: Visit Fort Santiago, a Spanish-era citadel within Intramuros, the walled city of Manila. Learn about its history and the Filipino national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

  • Evening: Explore San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, and enjoy a cultural show at Bayanihan: Philippine National Folk Arts Theatre. Dine at Ilustrado for a taste of Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.

Things to know: Intramuros is walkable but it’s also easily explorable by tricycles (locally known as “trisikads”). Remember to haggle for prices.

Day 2: Rizal Park and Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum Complex to learn about Philippine history, art, and anthropology. The admission is free every first Sunday of the month.

  • Afternoon: Head to Luneta Park, the country’s first public park, where you can find the Rizal Monument. Have lunch at Kuwadro or nearby food parks like Makansutra.

  • Evening: Explore Malate and Ermita districts, known for their vibrant nightlife. Try street food along M.H. del Pilar Street and have dinner at a local bar or restaurant like Bar Pochero or Silangan Garden Café.

Things to know: The metro trains (LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3) are the most convenient way to get around these areas. Remember to watch your belongings.

Day 3: Mall of Asia and Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit the SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia. Spend time shopping, dining, or enjoying activities like movie watching, ice skating, or visiting the Oceanarium.

  • Afternoon: Head to Harbor Square for a meal at Racks Ribs and Wings. Take a stroll along Seaside Boulevard and enjoy the sea view.

  • Evening: Visit Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, particularly the Titanic Diner if you’re a fan of the movie. Have dinner at Gourmet Gyudohood for Korean BBQ or at Mesa Filipino Moderne.

Things to know: The best way to reach Mall of Asia is via taxi, Grab (local ride-hailing service), or jeepneys (locally known as “jeeps”). Remember to negotiate prices for taxis and Grab rides.

Day 4: Green Spaces and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Quezon Memorial Circle and spend time at any of its parks. Have breakfast at a nearby café like Circle Canteen.

  • Afternoon: Head to Quiapo Church and the nearby Divisoria Market for shopping. Try local delicacies like balut (duck egg) or halo-halo (a popular Filipino dessert) in Quiapo’s street food stalls.

  • Evening: Explore Greenhills Shopping Center for more shopping and dining options. Try out Greens Cafe for international cuisine.

Things to know: Divisoria is a maze of streets filled with shops, so it’s best to have a map or ask for directions. Remember to bargain for prices.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Philippine Art Gallery in Greenhills Shopping Center.

  • Afternoon: Head back to your hotel, check out, and prepare for departure. If time allows, visit Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, for a taste of Chinese Filipino culture and food. Try dishes like siopao (buns) at Dong Bei or lauriat (a set menu) at Hukad.

  • Evening: Departure. Safe travels!