Manila-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Historical Manila

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Tambai, a Filipino cafe serving traditional dishes.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic streets and buildings, including:
    • Fort Santiago (entry fee: PHP 75 / USD 1.50)
    • San Agustin Church (free entry)
    • Casa Manila Museum (entry fee: PHP 150 / USD 3)

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Barrio Fiesta, a Filipino restaurant serving traditional dishes like adobo and sinigang.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, which features a collection of Philippine art from the pre-Hispanic era to the present.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Mind Museum’s Cafe, which serves Filipino fusion cuisine with a twist.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a stroll around the Bonifacio Global City, a trendy area with upscale restaurants, bars, and shops.

Where to Stay

Transportation

  • Take a jeepney or taxi from the airport to your hotel.
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Angkas for local transportation.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for traffic congestion in Manila.
  • Try to avoid visiting during rush hour (7-9 am, 4-8 pm).
  • Learn some basic Filipino phrases like “salamat” (thank you) and “opo” (yes).

Day 2: Cultural Manila

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Filipino breakfast at The Breakfast Nook.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Quiapo Church, one of the oldest churches in Manila, and explore its surrounding streets.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Jollibee’s flagship store, a fast-food chain that serves Filipino-style burgers.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (entry fee: PHP 100 / USD 2).

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at El Chupacabra, a Mexican restaurant with Filipino twists.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a walk around the Ermita area, known for its nightlife and street food.

Where to Stay

Transportation

  • Take a jeepney or taxi from the airport to your hotel.
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Angkas for local transportation.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist spots.
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (10 am - 2 pm).
  • Learn some basic Filipino phrases like “opo” (yes) and “gusto ko” (I like).

Day 3: Modern Manila

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Bonifacio High Street, an upscale shopping and dining area.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at It’s Your Story, I’ll Be Yours, a Filipino restaurant with unique dishes.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Rizal Park, a large urban park with various attractions.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Artisan’s Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant serving modern Filipino cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a walk around the Greenhills Shopping Center, a popular area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Where to Stay

Transportation

  • Take a jeepney or taxi from the airport to your hotel.
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Angkas for local transportation.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Be prepared for traffic congestion in Manila.
  • Try to avoid visiting during rush hour (7-9 am, 4-8 pm).
  • Learn some basic Filipino phrases like “salamat” (thank you) and “opo” (yes).