Let’s Go! Travel Tips To Manila, Philippines

Globetrotter
10 Apr 2023 - 4 min read

If you've never been to Manila, you must visit the capital of the Philippines at least once in a lifetime. Manila has become a popular destination for many reasons.

First, this capital city of the Philippines has a rich history and culture, with a mix of Spanish, Japanese, and American influences. As you are traveling around the city, many important sites can be found in Manila, such as Intramuros.

Second, the food is absolutely delicious! Some local dishes include lechon–roasted suckling pig and sisig–a dish made with pork and chicken livers with sour and spicy dressing.

Apart from that, Manila is also a great place for those who want to experience the nightlife in the Philippines. Manila offers natural attractions like Taal Mountain and Corregidor Island as well.

This article will teach you the ins and outs of getting around, the best time to visit, and the greatest restaurants to eat at. When thinking of the Philippines, most people think of Manila as the country’s capital.

The Meaning Behind ‘Manila’

The Manila Cathedral

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The word "Manila" has two meanings. First, Manila can refer to the capital city of the Philippines. Manila City has 16 districts such as Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, and Quiapo.

Second, Manila can refer to the whole Metro Manila area. Metro Manila and surrounding cities are officially called the National Capital Region or NCR. Greater Manila comprises cities like Makati, Quezon City, Parañaque, Pasay, and Taguig.

"Manila" refers to the City of Manila and the greater Manila metropolitan area, including Metro Manila and other major Philippine cities.

When is the Best Time to Visit Manila?

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The weather in Manila is pleasant throughout the year. The weather in Manila is pleasant throughout the year. Unlike other parts of the Philippines, Manila has lots to do, even during the rainy season.

Visit Manila during the driest months to fully enjoy all it offers, especially outdoor attractions. Read on to learn the best times to visit Manila, the climate, and the weather.

1. Holiday Season (September–December)

Visit Manila in the fall (September, October, November, and December) to experience the city’s spectacular lights and Christmas decorations. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, these months are suitable. Holiday traffic can be more chaotic than usual. Many people do their holiday shopping at nearby malls.

2. Dry Season (January-April)

January through April are the driest in Manila, so if you want to perform many outdoor activities, this is the time to visit. Although rain can occur in Manila at any time of year, the chances of it falling are lowest from January to April. If you plan on walking while in Manila, remember to bring water, hats, and an umbrella.

It gets quite hot in Manila during the dry season. Remember that April and May are often the hottest in Manila, with average daily high temperatures above 33°C. Be sure to carry a water bottle outside in Manila during these months to stay hydrated. Make sure you also check the weather prediction for your vacation days.

What to Do in Manila

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First-time visitors may focus on Manila’s historical sites. Prioritize museum and cuisine tours in Manila to enjoy history, food, culture, shopping, and nightlife. Here are exciting activities in Manila.

1. Exploring Intramuros

The old city center of Manila, called Intramuros, was the heart of the government and politics in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. What is interesting about Intramuros is that it is the only part of Manila where visitors can still see buildings from the Spanish colonial period.

Explore Intramuros's ancient sites and landmarks on a bike tour with a local guide. You can take a bike excursion to the Plaza Luis, a commercial and cultural complex comprising five residences. Going to Puerta Del Parian, you’ll see the Japanese cannons and the stunning Puerta Real Gardens.

2. Museum-Hopping

Visiting the museum in Manila is a great way to learn about Philippine history and culture. A wide range of art, cultural, and historical artifacts are on display in the National Museum of the Philippines.

Multiple museums share one building in either Rizal Park or Luneta Park in Manila, Philippines, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Natural History, and the Planetarium. The Rizal Monument, dedicated to the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal, may be found nearby.

What to Eat in Manila

lechon, Roasted pork meat

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Filipino food may not be as famous as other Asian cuisines, but it's worth discovering. It's easy to find and make traditional Filipino dishes. Besides the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo) and lechon, this country of over 7,000 islands with a diverse heritage of different cultures and flavors has so much more to offer.

1. Binondo

The Manila neighborhood of Binondo is rich in culture and history. Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, first opened its doors to the public in 1594. Binondo, like other Chinatowns, is full of bustling alleys lined with mom-and-pop shops, traditional bakeries, inexpensive streetside diners, and family-style buffet Chinese restaurants.

Fill your tummy with various foods, such as dumplings, pork chop noodles, oyster cake, xiao long bao, stir-fried tofu, lumpia, kampong, and Winter Melon tea on a Binondo tour.

2. Aling Lucing

The popular Filipino dish Sisig is said to have come from Aling Lucing's town. The proprietor, Lucia Cunanan, presented a dish of boiling and sliced pig ears and cheekbones flavored with vinegar, calamansi juice, minced onions, and chicken liver on hot plates.

Lucia Cunanan, who created the famous dish, was killed by her husband in 2008 at 80 over money problems.

Manila is worth visiting if you want to vacation in the Philippines. There are lots of fun places and spots that welcome visitors. You can make great travel memories by reserving flights, hotels, tours, and attractions on Traveloka!

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