Manila-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Makati

Morning

  • Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to your hotel in Makati
  • Check-in at The Peninsula Manila (5-star hotel) or Fraser Place Manila (4-star serviced residence)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Makati Poblacion area, known for its trendy bars and restaurants
  • Stop by the Greenbelt Mall, a upscale shopping center with various dining options

Evening

  • Head to the Glorietta 3 Food Court for dinner and try some Filipino cuisine like adobo or sinigang
  • Explore the night market at The Fort Strip

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for heavy traffic in Manila, especially during rush hour
  • Try to avoid eating on the streets due to food safety concerns
  • Always have a bottle of water with you

Transportation:

  • Taxi: approximately PHP 100-200 (USD 2-4) from NAIA to Makati
  • Ride-hailing service: approximately PHP 50-150 (USD 1-3) from NAIA to Makati

Day 2: Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Morning

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to Intramuros, the walled city of Manila
  • Visit Fort Santiago, a historical fort that served as a prison for Filipino revolutionaries during the Spanish colonial period
  • Explore the nearby Plaza San Luis and its surrounding streets

Lunch

  • Try some street food at the Intramuros Food Market
  • Head to the Bayleaf Restaurant for a taste of modern Filipino cuisine

Afternoon

  • Visit the San Agustin Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines
  • Explore the Manila Cathedral, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at the Barrio Fiesta Restaurant for a taste of traditional Filipino cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Paco Park

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (usually 11am-3pm)
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the iconic Manila Cathedral

Transportation:

  • Taxi: approximately PHP 100-200 (USD 2-4) from Makati to Intramuros
  • Ride-hailing service: approximately PHP 50-150 (USD 1-3) from Makati to Intramuros

Day 3: National Museum and Rizal Park

Morning

  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the National Museum of Fine Arts, located in the Rizal Park complex
  • Visit the nearby Rizal Monument, a iconic landmark dedicated to the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal

Lunch

  • Try some street food at the Rizal Park Food Carts
  • Head to the Jollibee restaurant for a taste of Filipino fast food

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, which showcases the history and culture of the Philippines
  • Explore the nearby Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines (note: guided tours may be available, but reservations are required)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at the Gelato Ube restaurant for a taste of modern Filipino cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Ayala Triangle

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (usually 11am-3pm)
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the iconic Rizal Monument

Transportation:

  • Taxi: approximately PHP 100-200 (USD 2-4) from Intramuros to National Museum and Rizal Park
  • Ride-hailing service: approximately PHP 50-150 (USD 1-3) from Intramuros to National Museum and Rizal Park

Day 4: Tagaytay

Morning

  • Take a bus or van ride from Manila to Tagaytay, a city located on the shores of Taal Lake
  • Check-in at The Lake Hotel Tagaytay (3-star hotel) or Taal Vista Lodge (2-star hotel)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Sky Ranch Tagaytay, an amusement park with stunning views of Taal Lake and Volcano
  • Explore the nearby People’s Park in the Sky, a popular spot for taking photos

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at the Josephine’s Restaurant for a taste of Filipino cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Tagaytay Ridge

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures in Tagaytay, especially during the evening and early morning hours
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (usually 11am-3pm)
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the stunning views of Taal Lake and Volcano

Transportation:

  • Bus or van ride from Manila to Tagaytay: approximately PHP 100-200 (USD 2-4) per person
  • Taxi or ride-hailing service from Manila to Tagaytay: approximately PHP 500-1000 (USD 10-20) per car

Day 5: Las Piñas and Pampanga

Morning

  • Take a bus or van ride from Manila to Las Piñas, a city located in the southern part of Metro Manila
  • Visit the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, a historic church known for its unique bamboo organ

Lunch

  • Try some street food at the Las Piñas Food Market
  • Head to the Barrio Fiesta Restaurant for a taste of traditional Filipino cuisine

Afternoon

  • Take a bus or van ride from Las Piñas to Pampanga, a province located about 2 hours away from Manila
  • Visit the Betis River, a popular spot for boat rides and water activities

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at the Liliw Restaurant for a taste of modern Filipino cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Pampanga River

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots
  • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (usually 11am-3pm)
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the stunning views of Pampanga

Transportation:

  • Bus or van ride from Manila to Las Piñas: approximately PHP 100-200 (USD 2-4) per person
  • Taxi or ride-hailing service from Manila to Las Piñas: approximately PHP 500-1000 (USD 10-20) per car
  • Bus or van ride from Las Piñas to Pampanga: approximately PHP 150-300 (USD 3-6) per person

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Check-out of your hotel and head back to the airport for your departure flight
  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or snacks at the NAIA Terminal

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the airport, especially during peak hours (usually 11am-3pm)
  • Try to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time
  • Don’t forget to tip your hotel staff, taxi drivers, or other service providers

Note: The itinerary above is just a sample and can be adjusted based on individual preferences and interests. Additionally, prices may vary depending on the season, location, and other factors.