Manila Magic: A Week of Culture, Cuisine & Discovery

Welcome to Manila! This vibrant city is a tapestry of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, Manila offers a plethora of experiences to make your trip unforgettable.​

 

Day 1: Embrace the Past in Intramuros

Begin your journey in Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. Explore Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel that once served as a defense fortress. Visit the Manila Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Don't miss Casa Manila, a museum showcasing colonial-era Filipino life. For a unique experience, consider a bamboo bike tour through Intramuros.​

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Breakfast: Ilustrado Restaurant – Enjoy traditional Filipino breakfast in a colonial setting.

Lunch: Barbara's Heritage Restaurant – Savor authentic Filipino dishes with cultural performances.

Dinner: Ristorante Delle Mitre – A quaint spot offering Filipino and international cuisine.

Drinks: Sky Deck View Bar – Sip cocktails while overlooking the Manila skyline.​
 

Fun Fact: Intramuros, meaning "within the walls," was the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period.​

 

Day 2: Art and Culture Exploration

Dive into Manila's rich art scene at the National Museum Complex. The National Museum of Fine Arts houses works by renowned Filipino artists. Stroll through Rizal Park, a historical urban park dedicated to the country's national hero, Dr. José Rizal.​

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Breakfast: Cafe Adriatico – A favorite for its Spanish-Filipino breakfast offerings.

Lunch: Ilustrado Restaurant – Known for its fusion of Spanish and Filipino cuisines.

Dinner: The Aristocrat Restaurant – A staple in Manila's dining scene since 1936 .

Drinks: The Bayleaf Sky Deck – Offers panoramic views of the city.​

 

Fun Fact: The National Museum Complex is free to the public, promoting accessibility to art and culture.​

 

Day 3: Culinary Delights and Cooking Classes

Embark on a Manila Food Tour, sampling local street foods like balut and isaw . In the afternoon, join a Filipino cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes and gain insights into Filipino culinary traditions .​

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Breakfast: Wildflour Cafe + Bakery – Known for its artisanal bread and pastries.

Lunch: Manam Comfort Filipino – Offers a modern twist on classic Filipino dishes.

Dinner: Mesa Filipino Moderne – A contemporary take on Filipino cuisine.

Drinks: Bank Bar – A hidden speakeasy offering craft cocktails.​
 

Fun Fact: Filipino cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences.​

 

Day 4: Adventure and Nature

Take a day trip to Subic Bay for the Tree Top Adventure, where you can experience zip-lining and canopy walks amidst lush forests. Alternatively, explore the La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City for a nature escape within the city.​

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Breakfast: The Breakfast Table – Offers a variety of Filipino breakfast options.

Lunch: Xtremely Xpresso Cafe – A popular spot in Subic for hearty meals.

Dinner: Harbor View Restaurant – Dine by the bay with seafood specialties.

Drinks: The Penthouse 8747 – A rooftop bar with a 1920s vibe.​
 

Fun Fact: Subic Bay was once a U.S. naval base and is now a hub for eco-tourism and adventure activities.​

 

Day 5: Shopping and Modern Manila

Explore Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a modern district known for its shopping, dining, and art installations. Visit SM Aura Premier and Uptown Mall for retail therapy. Don't miss the Mind Museum, an interactive science museum perfect for families.​

 

Breakfast: Toby's Estate – A favorite for specialty coffee and breakfast.

Lunch: Gallery by Chele – Offers innovative Filipino cuisine.

Dinner: Sarsa Kitchen + Bar – Known for its Negrense dishes.

Drinks: The Back Room – A hidden bar with a speakeasy ambiance.​
 

Fun Fact: BGC was transformed from a military base into a bustling commercial and residential district in the late 1990s.​

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Day 6: Relaxation and Wellness

Indulge in a day of relaxation at I’M Onsen Spa, the largest urban spa in the Philippines, offering Japanese-inspired treatments. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along Manila Bay, providing picturesque views of the city skyline.​

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Breakfast: The Wholesome Table – Focuses on organic and sustainable dishes.

Lunch: Cafe Mary Grace – Known for its comfort food and pastries.
Dinner: Enjoy a serene dinner aboard the Manila Bay Dinner Cruise, which typically includes a Filipino buffet and live music as the sun dips below the horizon.
Drinks: After the cruise, unwind at Spiral Bar at Sofitel, famed for its extensive wine and cocktail selection.

 

Fun Fact: Manila Bay sunsets are considered among the most beautiful in the world, and many locals gather along the baywalk to watch the sky blaze in hues of orange and pink.

 

Day 7: Hidden Gems and Farewell Feels

Spend your final day exploring Manila’s lesser-known treasures. Begin at Paco Park, a circular park and former cemetery that is now a peaceful oasis. Visit San Sebastian Basilica, the only all-steel church in Asia, with Gothic revival architecture imported from Belgium. Then, head to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for a food crawl filled with savory dumplings, hopia, and noodle dishes at local favorites like Dong Bei Dumplings and New Po-Heng Lumpia House.

 

Breakfast: Commune Café + Bar – A cozy Makati café popular for third-wave coffee and Filipino breakfasts.

Lunch: Binondo food crawl (as above).

Dinner: Blackbird at the Nielson Tower – A romantic and stylish restaurant in a former airport tower.

Drinks: Run Rabbit Run, a stylish, award-winning cocktail bar tucked in Poblacion.
 

Fun Fact: The steel parts of San Sebastian Basilica were manufactured in Belgium and shipped to Manila in the late 1800s—assembled piece by piece like a giant Meccano set!

 

Essential Travel Info for First-Time Visitors to Manila

Visa: Citizens of many countries (including the US, EU, ASEAN nations, and Australia) can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check with your local embassy before traveling.
 

Footwear: Lightweight, breathable shoes or sandals with good grip are ideal for Manila’s mix of historical cobblestones and urban pavement.
 

Health Precautions: Bring insect repellent (dengue is a concern), and stay up to date with routine vaccines.
 

Water Safety: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in upscale restaurants is generally safe.
 

Mobile Apps: Download Grab (like Uber), Klook, and Google Maps for smooth navigation and bookings.
 

Cultural Etiquette: A smile and polite demeanor go far. Avoid confrontations and dress modestly in religious or

traditional areas.
 

Language: English and Filipino (Tagalog) are widely spoken. Locals appreciate a few Filipino phrases like Salamat (thank you).
 

Public Behavior: Filipinos are generally friendly and conservative—public displays of affection should be subtle.
 

Transportation: Use Grab for ease and safety. Jeepneys and tricycles are fun for short rides but can be confusing for tourists.
 

Health and Safety: Manila is safe in most areas, but watch your belongings in crowded places.
 

Emergency Numbers: Police – 117, Medical – 911
 

Money: Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in malls and hotels; cash is preferred elsewhere.
 

Best Time to Visit: December to February – cooler, drier months with plenty of festivals.
 

Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (GMT+8)