Manila 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Manila’s History and Culture

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day at Café Adriatico in Malate, a cozy café serving Filipino breakfast favorites like tapsilog (cured beef, garlic fried rice, and tomato) and champorado (chocolate rice porridge).
  • 9:00 AM - Intramuros Tour: Visit the historic walled city of Intramuros, where you can take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. Stop by Fort Santiago, a 16th-century Spanish fort that once held Filipino revolutionaries.
  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Head to Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, which serves traditional Filipino cuisine in a colonial-style setting. Try their adobo (meat or seafood stew) and sinigang (sour soup).
  • 2:00 PM - National Museum of the Philippines: Visit the national museum complex, which houses several museums showcasing the country’s history, art, and culture.
  • 6:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Filipino dinner at Bistro Remedios in Intramuros. Try their grilled pork ribs and crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg).
  • 8:00 PM - Nightlife: Explore the nightlife scene at Poblacion, known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Day 2: Manila’s Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Grab breakfast at a local bakery or café near your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM - Divisoria Market: Visit Divisoria, one of the oldest and most bustling markets in Manila. Browse through stalls selling everything from souvenirs to clothing to electronics.
  • 1:00 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at a nearby eatery serving Filipino street food.
  • 2:30 PM - Greenhills Shopping Center: Head to Greenhills, one of the largest shopping malls in Manila. Shop for discounted items or try your luck at the indoor market selling souvenirs and local goods.
  • 6:00 PM - Dinner: Dine at a restaurant serving Filipino-Chinese cuisine, such as Dimsum Break in Robinsons Ermita.

Day 3: Manila’s Modern Attractions

  • 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a café near the Ayala Museum.
  • 10:00 AM - National Museum of Fine Arts: Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases an impressive collection of Philippine and international art.
  • 12:30 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant serving modern Filipino cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM - Bonifacio Global City: Explore Bonifacio Global City, a hip and modern district in the heart of Manila. Visit the Globe Telecom Tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • 6:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant like The Test Kitchen in Bonifacio Global City.

Day 4: Last Day in Manila

  • 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  • 10:00 AM - Manila Ocean Park: Visit the Manila Ocean Park, which offers stunning views of Manila Bay and a chance to see marine animals like sharks and stingrays.
  • 12:30 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at a nearby eatery serving Filipino seafood cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM - Check-out: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport or other destinations.

Things to Know

  • Manila is known for its chaotic traffic, so plan ahead and leave early for your destinations.
  • Be prepared for crowded streets and markets, especially in Divisoria and Intramuros.
  • Try to learn a few Filipino phrases like “salamat” (thank you) and “opo” (yes).
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Manila is by taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
  • You can also take jeepneys or buses, but be prepared for a more challenging experience.
  • Walking is not recommended due to the city’s chaotic traffic and crowded streets.

Tips

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Try to avoid eating at street stalls during peak hours to avoid food poisoning.
  • Don’t forget to haggle when shopping at markets or from street vendors!
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Other Interests

  • Visit the Manila Zoo, which is home to over 600 animals from around the world.
  • Take a sunset cruise in Manila Bay for stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Explore the historic neighborhood of San Juan, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife.