Manila 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Manila’s History and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - Start the day at Intramuros, Manila’s oldest district. Take a guided tour (PHP 800-1000) or walk around on your own to explore the historic streets, walls, and churches.
  • 10:30 AM - Visit Fort Santiago (PHP 75 admission fee), a former Spanish military prison that held national hero Jose Rizal during his imprisonment. The fort is now a museum showcasing Manila’s history.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - Grab lunch at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant in Intramuros serving traditional dishes like adobo and sinigang (PHP 200-300 per meal).
  • 2:30 PM - Head to Chinatown for some shopping and exploration. You can find unique souvenirs, try local snacks, and take photos with the colorful street art.
  • 4:00 PM - Visit the Manila Cathedral, a stunning Catholic church built in 1958.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - Enjoy dinner at Bayle Bar, a rooftop restaurant with great views of the city (PHP 500-800 per meal).
  • 9:30 PM - End the night with a drink at 51 , a trendy bar with live music and a cozy atmosphere.

Where to Stay

  • Malacanang Inn is a budget-friendly option located near Intramuros. Prices start from PHP 1,500 per night.
  • Bayview Park Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of Roxas Boulevard. Prices start from PHP 2,000 per night.

Transportation

  • Jeepney (PHP 20-50) or Tricycle (PHP 30-70) are affordable ways to get around Manila.
  • Uber and Grab are widely available in the city.

Tips and Essentials

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. PHP 20-50 per person is sufficient.
  • Bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors to get a fair price.
  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or attending cultural events.

More Places to Visit

  • National Museum of the Philippines: A great place to learn about the country’s history and culture (PHP 75 admission fee).
  • Manila Ocean Park: A popular aquarium featuring marine life from around the world (PHP 425 admission fee).

Day 2: Explore Manila’s Shopping and Entertainment Scene

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - Visit Greenhills Mall, a shopping paradise with affordable prices and a wide range of products.
  • 11:30 AM - Head to Divisoria Market for some local shopping and trying out street food.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - Grab lunch at Max’s Restaurant, a Filipino institution serving traditional dishes like fried chicken and sisig (PHP 200-300 per meal).
  • 2:30 PM - Visit SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the country. You can find everything from affordable clothing to high-end electronics.

Evening

  • **7:00 PM - Enjoy dinner at The Bistro Group’s , a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and great views (PHP 500-800 per meal).
  • 9:30 PM - End the night with a drink at The Roof Deck, a rooftop bar with live music and stunning city views.

Where to Stay

  • SM Mall of Asia Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located near the mall. Prices start from PHP 2,000 per night.
  • Park Inn by Radisson Manila Bay provides great views of Manila Bay and is within walking distance of Roxas Boulevard. Prices start from PHP 2,500 per night.

Transportation

  • Jeepney (PHP 20-50) or Tricycle (PHP 30-70) are affordable ways to get around Manila.
  • Uber and Grab are widely available in the city.

Tips and Essentials

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. PHP 20-50 per person is sufficient.
  • Bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors to get a fair price.
  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or attending cultural events.

More Places to Visit

  • Intramuros Bike Tour: A fun and eco-friendly way to explore Manila’s historic district (PHP 800-1000 per person).
  • Manila Ocean Park: A popular aquarium featuring marine life from around the world (PHP 425 admission fee).

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, shopping, and entertainment that will give you a well-rounded experience of Manila. Enjoy your trip!