Shangri-La at the Fort
Luxury hotel living in a well-connected CBD location
City Guide
Manila
What visitors (and most locals) commonly mean when they say “Manila” is really a 620km² megalopolis made up of no less than 16 different cities – among which, confusingly, is the city of Manila itself. The traveller is met with a dizzying array of choices – one may go from the fast-paced modernity of Taguig to the historic, romantic atmosphere of Old Manila within the same day, or compare the creative vibe of Quezon City with that of Makati.
When to go:
Except during the monsoon season (typically June to October), there are many different things to do at all times of the year. The summer months (March to May) are popular for travellers who fly in through Metro Manila on their way to one of the country’s countless beaches. The cool, dry period between November and February is underrated, while the Philippines’ famously long Christmas season starts as early as September all the way through the beginning of January. The accompanying lights are a sight to behold.
How to get around:
Metro Manila is known for its unpredictable traffic and confusing streets, so a car hire or ride-sharing service would be best. Thankfully, these options are relatively inexpensive in the Philippines.
Where To Stay In Manila
Rizal Park Hotel
Opened in 2017, Rizal Park Hotel is housed in an opulent building dating back to 1911
The Henry
Boutique appeal meets pre-war grandeur at this city oasis
I’M Hotel
A vibrant five-star hotel in the exciting Poblacion neighbourhood
The Peninsula Manila
A notable five-star hotel with a prime location in Manila's CBD
Where To Eat In Manila
Pepita’s Kitchen
An indulgent private dining experience that puts lechon at the forefront
Toyo Eatery
Sit down for an elevated take on everyday Filipino classics
Grace Park
Hearty, modern dining with an emphasis on seasonal produce
Sentro 1771
Savour contemporary takes on Filipino classics like pork adobo and kare-kare
Terry’s Bistro
A sharp bistro highlighting Spanish-Filipino fusion
Where To Drink In Manila
Kartel Rooftop Bar
A breezy rooftop bar in the trendy Poblacion district with sky-high views
OTO
A lively cocktail bar with an extended food menu and live DJ sets
The Curator
Award-winning bar with a menu featuring both classic and contemporary cocktails
Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
A wildly unique cocktail experience featuring exotic ingredients and deconstructed classics
Bar Pintxos
Tapas-style bites with a curated wine selection
Where To Shop In Manila
SM Mall of Asia
This sprawling mega mall, once the largest in Asia, still draws thousands of shoppers
Greenbelt
Visit this city centre mall and take a stroll in the gardens after a spot of shopping
Jewelmer Joaillerie
A luxury jeweler specialising in farmed pearls from Palawan
S.C. Vizcarra
A Manila-grown brand offering exquisite handcrafted bags and accessories
Filip + Inna
Gorgeous threads made made by indigenous communities from across the Philippines