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Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a city of fascinating differences and a gateway to the country’s most memorable experiences. With a mix of historic landmarks, local markets, modern districts and coastal attractions, the city offers travellers a glimpse into Filipino culture and everyday life. Flights to Manila connect the city with major destinations worldwide, giving passengers the flexibility to compare airlines, fares and schedules before booking. Whether you are travelling to see family, start an island adventure or attend business meetings, selecting the right Manila flight can help make your journey smoother from the beginning.
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Makati
Makati is Metro Manila's primary business and financial district — a dense grid of skyscrapers, international hotels, and upmarket malls. Ayala Avenue is the main commercial artery, lined with corporate towers and some of the city's best restaurants and rooftop bars. The Legazpi and Salcedo weekend markets draw locals and visitors alike. Makati is also the most straightforward base for first-time visitors: well-served by Grab, close to BGC, and home to a large selection of hotels at every price point.
Bonifacio Global City
BGC sits just south of Makati and feels like a different city — wide pedestrian-friendly avenues, public art installations, craft coffee shops, and a thriving dining scene. The area was built on former military land and has grown rapidly over the past decade into Metro Manila's most walkable district. Highlights include the Mind Museum, Mercato Centrale weekend night market, and the BGC Arts Center. It's a popular choice for longer stays and for travellers who want a calmer, more organised environment than central Manila.
Intramuros — The Historic Walled City
Intramuros is the beating heart of Manila's colonial past — a 16th-century walled city built by Spanish conquistadors on the southern bank of the Pasig River. Within its walls sit Fort Santiago, the UNESCO-listed San Agustín Church (the oldest stone church in the Philippines), Casa Manila museum, and a network of cobbled lanes and heritage buildings. The best way to explore is on foot or by kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). Entry to most of the walled city is free; individual attractions charge a small entrance fee.
Malate & Ermita
Malate and Ermita, stretching along the southern shore of Manila Bay, make up the city's traditional tourist belt. The area is home to Rizal Park — Manila's largest green space — along with a cluster of mid-range hotels, seafood restaurants, and the famous Manila Bay sunset strip. It's a more affordable base than Makati, with easy access to Intramuros and the bay waterfront.
Quezon City
Quezon City is technically a separate city within Metro Manila and is the largest by population. It's the cultural and arts hub of the capital — home to the University of the Philippines campus at Diliman, the Quezon Memorial Circle, the Araneta Coliseum, and a sprawling independent restaurant and bar scene centred on Maginhawa Street and the Scout area. Most visitors don't base themselves here, but a day trip for food and local culture is well worth it.
Binondo — The World's Oldest Chinatown
Just north of Intramuros, Binondo holds the title of the oldest Chinatown in the world — established in 1594. The district is best experienced as a food trail: siopao, hopia, lumpia, and wonton noodle soup spill out from century-old shops onto narrow streets. The Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz) anchors the neighbourhood and is well worth a visit alongside the eating.
Dry Season: November to April
This is Manila's most comfortable and popular travel window. Skies are mostly clear, humidity is more manageable, and temperatures sit between 24°C and 34°C. January and February are the coolest months. Christmas and New Year bring a festive atmosphere but also peak crowds and prices. Pack light cotton clothing, sun protection, and a light layer for heavily air-conditioned malls and restaurants.
Wet Season: May to October
Rain arrives from May and builds through the summer months. Downpours are typically short and intense rather than all-day affairs — mornings are often clear before afternoon storms roll in. Temperatures remain high (27°C–35°C) and humidity increases. Fares and hotel rates drop noticeably in this period. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket; quick-dry fabrics are useful.
Typhoon Season: July to October
The Philippines sits in one of the world's most active typhoon corridors. While Manila itself is less exposed than the central and eastern islands, severe storms can disrupt flights, close airports, and cause flooding in low-lying areas. Check typhoon tracking services (PAGASA is the official Philippine weather authority) before and during travel in this window. Travel insurance that covers typhoon disruption is strongly recommended if travelling between July and October.
Jeepney
Jeepneys are the iconic passenger vehicles of the Philippines — originally converted from US military jeeps and now built domestically in vibrant, customised designs. They run fixed routes throughout Metro Manila at very low fares (typically PHP 12–20 for short journeys). Route maps can be confusing for first-time visitors, but apps like Sakay.ph help decode the system. Modern e-jeepneys are increasingly common following government modernisation programmes.
MRT and LRT (Metro Rail)
Metro Manila's rail network covers key corridors: the MRT-3 runs along EDSA (the main north-south highway) from North Avenue to Taft Avenue in Pasay, passing through Ortigas and Makati. The LRT-1 and LRT-2 lines cover the city's older western and eastern corridors. Trains are inexpensive and avoid road traffic entirely, but carriages can be very crowded during rush hours. Stored value cards (Beep cards) are available at stations.
Grab
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app across South-East Asia and the most practical option for Manila visitors wanting comfortable, metered, cashless travel. The app works reliably throughout Metro Manila. Grab also offers GrabFood and GrabExpress services. Always book from inside the terminal or a designated pick-up point at MNL airport.
Taxis
Yellow metered taxis operate throughout the city. Use the airport's official yellow taxi queue rather than touts. For city travel, Grab is generally easier and more transparent on pricing.
Ferry Connections to Nearby Islands
Manila's ferry terminals — primarily Batangas Port (accessible by bus from Manila's Buendia terminal) — provide connections to Puerto Galera on Mindoro, the Romblon islands, and longer-haul routes toward the Visayas. Ferry travel from Manila is more common for regional island-hopping than for reaching Palawan or Cebu, which are faster by domestic flight from MNL or Clark (CRK).
UK passport holders can visit the Philippines without a visa for short stays of up to 30 days, provided they meet the country’s entry requirements. Travellers should have a valid UK passport, proof of onward or return travel, and meet the necessary immigration conditions before arrival.
Key entry requirements for UK visitors include:
Extending Your Stay in the Philippines
If you wish to stay longer, the initial 30-day visa-free period may be extended through the Philippines Bureau of Immigration. Extensions are subject to approval and applicable fees, with longer stays available depending on current immigration rules.
Note: Visa and entry requirements can change, so UK travellers should check the latest guidance from official Philippine immigration authorities before booking their flight.
San Agustin
Visit the oldest stone church in the Philippines, a UNESCO-listed baroque masterpiece built in 1607 and one of only four surviving Baroque churches across the Philippine archipelago.
Ocean Park
Enjoy marine exhibits and family-friendly attractions at Manila's oceanarium complex on Roxas Boulevard, including a shark encounter tunnel and a penguin habitat.
Intramuros Walk
Wander through Spanish-era streets, forts, and churches inside the historic 16th-century walled city — the original heart of colonial Manila.
Rizal Park
Relax in the city's largest green space on the edge of Manila Bay and visit the monument of national hero José Rizal, whose execution by the Spanish in 1896 helped spark the Philippine revolution.
Bay Sunset
Watch the famous golden sunset along the Manila Bay waterfront — one of the city's most celebrated daily spectacles, best viewed from the CCP Complex promenade or Roxas Boulevard.
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