Entertainment Quality: 3 / 5
Manila in Prices & Facts
$4.5 $4.53
Quick Lunch for One
$0.5 $0.54
Public Transport Ride
Use keyboard arrows to navigate through photos
View More High-Quality Photos:
Getting Around
Taxi
Manila's taxis are available 24/7, with fares starting at ₱40, and it’s best to use the Grab app for cashless payments to avoid scams. Always check if the taxi meter is running from the start, as some drivers may try to negotiate a higher fixed fare.
On Foot
In Manila, walking is a free way to explore neighborhoods like Intramuros and Binondo, but be cautious of heavy traffic and plan your routes around sidewalks that can be uneven or poorly maintained. For a safer stroll, venture out early in the morning when streets are less crowded and visibility is better.
Manila Airports
Ninoy Aquino International / MNL
46 minutes
average time to city center
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
« Manila didn't appeal to many of my acquaintances... Well, not for them. But I absolutely loved it! This city is so diverse! I could wander through it endlessly! For instance, you walk by these terrifying one- or two-story shanty houses, and then suddenly you come across this charming little place that has a quirky retro vibe! I’d call it a charming blend of the old and the new. 😊 »
« I liked the capital. It's very contrasting. By the way, in the Philippines, it's hard to find a nasal spray at the pharmacy, but you can buy whiskey or rum. »
« Yesterday in Manila. The "maximum program" has been completed. My impressions are mixed. Everything somewhat charming in the city was built by the Spanish in the 16th to 19th centuries. Other than that, it’s not particularly dirty or unpleasant, but it definitely feels somewhat disorganized. The number of beggars is striking; I haven't seen anything like this in Asia before. There's a sharp divide in living standards: from upscale neighborhoods to slums just behind the fences... Yet everyone always smiles. And often, it’s the children living in truly harsh conditions... Perhaps the smile and optimism are the only things that unite these people, and I guess it's one of the few things I'll take away from Manila... 😊 »
« Manila had a hold on me. But in reality, it’s chaos in all its glory - nothing makes sense, and sometimes it’s a bit daunting. »
« Manila is a strange city, the worst place I've ever seen. But oh, how I long to return… by the way, the Philippine flag can change its colors depending on the military situation in the country. »
« Manila! This is the capital of the Philippines and it's really not my kind of city. I stayed in a lovely hotel: small rooms, but very clean; terrible coffee, but a delicious breakfast! I liked the people! Friendly, beautiful, and always smiling ☺️ I couldn't figure out the pricing... water is expensive, but beer is cheap. »
« Manila. It's just, friends, a total mess! How do they live here? In this heat, dirt, and chaos? Among a million cars that radiate insane warmth? I was scared here today! And there's another reason - I was afraid I’d be taken to the circus, you know, to be shown off instead of a monkey. Constant stares, from head to toe, laughter, smiles, and the blatant "where are you from?" made me question the sanity of these people! We were advised to see Manila from the windows of a taxi. Maybe I shouldn't have ignored that? But we did visit an interesting restaurant with a friend where you take any products (vegetables, meat, fish) at the entrance and grill them on a built-in skillet at the table! It’s fun, but I can cook for myself at home too! 😊 »
« First impressions of Manila? Awesome 👌🏼 I’m not one to get bothered by the smells and little quirks that make up the essence of Asian cities. Sure, at times it doesn’t smell great. Yes, today we walked through a cockroach-infested area, but we were having a blast 😄 The key is how you approach the world around you and the unfamiliar spaces. This is how people live here. But as travelers, we explore new horizons and should be ready for anything, so I don’t mind that the beautiful skyscrapers, green parks, and charming cafes aren’t all that Manila has to offer (though you can find some of that in certain neighborhoods). If you’re looking for luxury, book prestigious hotels in popular spots 😉 We’ll keep navigating through jeepneys, smiling back at the help on the street (everyone is super friendly here), and, just like the first time, marveling at the locals’ requests to take photos with them. Because we’re white. Wow. But this is temporary - soon it’s beach time ☀️ »
« Philippines. Manila, oh Manila! 😅 Many travelers have their own lists of favorite places. I have three lists: 1. No need to visit again 2. Cute little spot 3. Worth returning to and staying a while. Manila ended up in the first list. »
« I was drawn to Manila 😊 The city didn't quite do it for us – it's extremely dirty, poverty is evident, and the slums are everywhere. The areas that are supposedly the center and look decent are okay, but they don't impress me. »
« The first impression of Manila is that it's a tough place with tricksters at every corner. A taxi driver gives change of 120 instead of 200 pesos. A SIM card that should cost 40 is priced at 150. Everyone smiles right in your face. You find yourself smiling back while dealing with these clever ones. That's pretty much what I'm up to here! 😅 »
