Manila Philippines 7 Day Itinerary

Manila Travel Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
  • Take a jeepney or taxi to your hotel. Be prepared for the traffic as it can be heavy in the mornings.

Afternoon

  • Visit Intramuros, the walled city of Manila. It’s a historic district with beautiful architecture and offers a glimpse into the country’s Spanish colonial past.
    • Must-see attractions:
      • Fort Santiago
      • San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
      • Casa Manila Museum

Evening

  • For dinner, try Bayleaf, a restaurant serving modern Filipino cuisine. Be sure to book ahead as it can get quite crowded.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in the Roxas Boulevard area for easy access to Intramuros and other major attractions.

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Sites

Morning

  • Visit the National Museum Complex, which includes the National Art Gallery and the National Museum of Fine Arts. This is a great place to learn about Filipino culture through art.

Afternoon

  • Head over to Baluarte de San Andres (also known as Manila Cathedral), an important historical site that was built on the grounds of the old fortification.

Evening

  • Try eating at Barbecue Brothers, a popular spot for Filipino barbecue. It’s always filled with people, so be prepared to wait or consider taking out.

Day 3: Green Spaces

Morning

  • Spend time at the Rizal Park (Luneta), one of Manila’s largest green spaces and a place of historical significance. It’s also great for some exercise.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Mind Museum, the first science museum in the Philippines. It’s located within the Bonifacio Global City area and has interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages.

Day 4: Shopping and Dining

Morning

  • Go shopping at Greenhills Shopping Center. This is a great place to buy souvenirs or some local snacks.

Afternoon

  • Head over to Sisig at Barbara’s, known for their sisig, a popular Filipino dish made with minced pork and served as an appetizer.

Day 5: Adventure

Morning

  • Visit the Manila Ocean Park, which has marine life displays and interactive experiences. It’s also a great place to learn about ocean conservation.

Afternoon

  • Go on a tour of the city’s nightlife at Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area.

Day 6: More Historical Sites

Morning

  • Visit the Casa Manila Museum, which showcases what life would have been like in the Spanish colonial era.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Malacañang Palace grounds. Be sure to check if there are any tours available as it is a working palace.

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or grab a snack before heading back to the airport.

Transportation:

  • Jeepneys: These are colorfully decorated buses that run along specific routes and can be a fun way to experience local culture.
  • Taxis: Available everywhere, but it’s best to use reputable taxi companies like Grab or Uber for safety.
  • Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT): Manila has an extensive rail network. The MRT is the more modern of the two.

Things to Know:

  • Always have your hotel contact information handy, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
  • Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours or in popular areas.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash, use credit cards instead.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting historical sites.

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Filipino phrases like “Salamat” (thank you) and “Mabuti” (good).
  • Consider purchasing a SIM card with a good mobile internet connection to navigate the city.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

This itinerary provides a mix of history, culture, and fun activities that can be enjoyed by tourists visiting Manila.