Manila Moments: A One-Week Travel Guide!
- Jes Bellamy
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
From walking through the Spanish-era streets of Intramuros to watching the sunset along Manila Bay, April brings a vibrant atmosphere filled with festivals, local markets, and outdoor dining. The city feels alive with music, street food, and nonstop activity, making it an exciting destination for travelers looking to experience the fast-paced heart of the Philippines before the summer crowds peak. Most people, when visiting the Philippines, visit the islands, which, yes, you should still do, but if you're wondering what to do in Manila for a week or so, this blog is the right place for you!
When To Go
While they say the best times to visit are between December and March, I found that April still provided warm, sunny days and little rainfall before the rainy season begins, making it the perfect time to explore the city’s historic landmarks, waterfront views, and buzzing food scene. Just remember that the Philippines is a very hot and humid country, so plan accordingly and pack light.
Best Things To Do in Manila
During my trip, I spent most of my time hanging out with family who moved there from the States, which allowed me not only to view Manila from a tourist's perspective but also to learn from the locals and expats. Some of my top recommendations are:
Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros and walk through centuries of Spanish colonial history.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum; it's a great way to stay cool indoors.
Watch the sunset along Manila Bay, one of the most famous sunset spots in the Philippines.
Visit Rizal Park to learn about Philippine history and enjoy a peaceful break from the busy city streets.
Tour Fort Santiago for incredible architecture, gardens, and historical exhibits.
Spend a day shopping, dining, and café-hopping in the modern districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Check out the Filling Station for food and a blast from the past.
Go to Market Market to shop your little heart out.
Try local Filipino dishes like adobo, sisig, halo-halo, and fresh seafood from street vendors and local restaurants.
Visit San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Venice Grand Canal Mall for an Italian-themed adventure
Take a ride on a colorful jeepney for a classic Manila experience and a glimpse into local daily life.
Take a trip to Taal Volcano and ride a boat for beautiful views.
Explore the nightlife scene with rooftop bars, live music venues, and late-night food spots across the city.
Visit local markets and malls, such as SM Mall of Asia, Asia's largest mall, for shopping, entertainment, and waterfront views.
My Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel from Lax to Manila
Day 2 - Walk around and eat in the BGC district
Day 3 - Visit the Mall of Asia and Intramuros (AKA The Walled City)
Day 4- Visit Chinatown, museums, and Intramuros
Day 5- Taal Volcano, and walk around BGC malls
Day 6 - Visit High Street
Day 7- BGC and High Street, head home from Manila
What to Eat
Food in Manila is one of my highlights of visiting the city, offering a mix of bold Filipino flavors, international influences, and nonstop street food culture. From sizzling plates of sisig and savory chicken adobo to sweet treats like halo-halo and freshly baked ensaymada, every meal feels like part of the experience. Manila’s food scene ranges from affordable local eateries and bustling night markets to trendy cafés and upscale rooftop restaurants with skyline views.
Notable mentions (meaning I still dream of eating at these places again 😅)
L.A Chicks for amazing hot chicken
Key Coffee for breakfast
Mamou for delicious steaks
Choi Garden Express for ramen I still dream of
Breakfast at Antonio's (near Taal Volcano)
Attic (speakeasy)
Local home cooking (Nothing beats local cooking!)
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging in Manila is very flexible, offering accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels with skyline views in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), stylish boutique stays in Makati, or budget-friendly hostels close to the city's top attractions, you'll find plenty of great options. Staying in BGC puts you within walking distance of incredible restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and parks, while choosing a hotel near Intramuros makes it easy to explore Manila's rich history and iconic Spanish colonial landmarks.
My number one recommendation is to pick a spot in the area you plan to be in the most, because traffic can get very heavy. I stayed in the BGC area and absolutely loved it. It's clean, modern, with plenty of shops and places to eat, and we felt safe the whole time. No matter your travel style or budget, Manila has a neighborhood and place to stay that will make your visit both comfortable and convenient.
Getting around Manila can feel overwhelming at first, but the city offers a variety of transportation options that make exploring affordable and convenient. Jeepneys, the colorful and iconic public vehicles of the Philippines, are one of the most popular ways to travel short distances and experience local culture firsthand. For longer trips, the MRT and LRT train systems help travelers avoid some of the city’s heavy traffic, while ride-hailing apps like Grab provide a more comfortable and reliable way to move between neighborhoods. Taxis, buses, and tricycles are also widely available throughout the city. Because traffic in Manila can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour, it's essential to plan extra travel time when visiting attractions or heading to the airport.
Weather
Weather in Manila is typically hot, humid, and tropical throughout most of the year, making it a destination where light clothing and hydration are essential. Temperatures usually stay warm, with sunny mornings often giving way to afternoon humidity and occasional rain showers, especially during the wetter months. Even when rain does arrive, it tends to pass quickly. Overall, they say the best time to visit to avoid rain is from December to March.
Spending a week in Manila is an experience filled with culture, energy, history, and unforgettable food. Manila may feel fast-paced and chaotic at times, but that energy is part of what makes it so memorable. Whether you come for the food, the history, or simply to experience everyday life in the Philippines, a week in Manila offers a chance to discover a city full of warmth, resilience, and nonstop adventure!
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