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Things to do in Manila

Our most recommended things to do in Manila

Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

1. Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

Come along for a tour of Manila’s past and present. The tour starts right in the heart of the country’s financial center - the City of Makati. First stop is Nielsen’s Tower along Ayala Boulevard. Drive through Forbes Park, an exclusive residential enclave fittingly dubbed Millionaire’s Row on your way to our first stop – The American Cemetery and Memorial - reputed to be the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental United States. Then proceed to the old city of Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past), passing through Luneta Park (also called Rizal Park in memory of the country’s national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadores. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Then we wrap the tour up with a visit to Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that watched over the entrance to Manila’s Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."

Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros

2. Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros

Get on your bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical district of Manila. Start your tour by picking the best bambike that fits you. Start your tour with the guide by riding to Plaza San Luis, a complex inside Intramuros where you can find a Japanese cannon used in World War II. Spend time listening to your guide's explanation about Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. You will then be directed to the Aduana Building, Manila Cathedral and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of Spanish colonial times of Manila. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after the tour!

From Manila: Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour

3. From Manila: Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour

About an hour and a half drive south of Metro Manila lies the picturesque City of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,200 feet above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano - a lake within a volcano. This awe-inspiring vista is best savored atop the Palace in the Sky - resthouse of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Explore Tagaytay’s freshest produce with a farm tour. See how vegetables, herbs, and coffee beans are grown and harvested. Savor this awe-inspiring vista from atop the Palace in the Sky, the abandoned “rest house” of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, where you can find breathtaking views of the lake and volcano. Enter the Museo Orlina Art Museum and take the chance to view an extensive collection of glass sculptures by renowned glass sculptor, Ramon Orlina. The tour includes lunch in one of the local restaurants where you can enjoy sumptuous Philippine cuisine and delicacies popular to the region. Time permitting, you will have a short visit of Talisay at the Pasalubong Center, showcasing the process of preparing Freshly Baked Buco Pie.

Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

4. Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

The tour starts with a drive up to the picturesque City of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,250 feet above sea level, the city offers panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano, the "lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano". This view is best savored from atop the Palace in the Sky, rest house of late President Ferdinand Marcos. Enjoy a brief lunch stop at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine and delicacies in an atmosphere designed for panoramic views. Then we start our drive back down to Metro Manila. First stop is the American War Memorial & Cemetery, the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S. Have a glimpse of Makati’s hustle and bustle as you drive through on your way to the capital city - Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past) passing through Rizal Park (named in memory of the country’s national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadors. Travel through old cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. The tours wraps up at Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that once watched over the entrance to Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."

Manila: Cycling and Walking Food Tour

5. Manila: Cycling and Walking Food Tour

Who are the Filipinos? Learn and understand the locals while walking, eating, and biking across Manila, the Philippines' metropolis. Once known as the "Pearl of the Orient", this city is rapidly changing. Visit Quiapo Market and Binondo’s Chinatown and see how the new emerges between the old, in all areas of life. As it’s architecture, Manila's street food is a showcase of the city’s different visitors throughout history. That history is best visible at the old city of Intramuros. Biking through the small streets might feel like traveling back in time. This area suffered heavy damage during World War Two, but the Filipinos' hospitality and smile remains one that cannot be destroyed. Itinerary: 07:30 - Depart from from Abraham Hostel - https://goo.gl/maps/uZtkBrw3DszHgvBU7 08:35 - Depart from Pasig River Ferry Station 09:30 - Arrive in Quiapo Market 10:30 - Start of Binondo Chinatown Walking Tour 12:00 - Ride a tricycle to Intramuros 12:30 - Start of Intramuros Bamboo Bike Tour 14:00 - End of Intramuros Tour. Snacks and Rest 14:30 - Departure to Abraham Hostel via AC Van NB: All times are approximate

From Manila: Taal Volcano and Lake Boat Sightseeing Tour

6. From Manila: Taal Volcano and Lake Boat Sightseeing Tour

Take a tour of the famous Taal Volcano on a boat ride around Taal Lake. Enjoy pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Manila, learn about the history of the volcano, including the devastating 2020 eruption, and admire the impressive natural beauty of the area. Start with a pickup from your hotel before driving to the Taal Volcano ridge in Tagaytay City. Hear about the 2020 eruption which emitted ashes reaching all the way to Manila, and during which 150,000 people had to flee. Since this event, Taal is considered the country's most active complex volcano. See the steaming volcano up close from your boat, and take in dramatic views of Taal Lake and Volcano Island from the ridges of Tagaytay City before going back to your hotel.

From Manila: Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour

7. From Manila: Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour

Following pickup from your hotel in Manila, head straight to the Taal Volcano ridge in Tagaytay City for the Taal Volcano eruption sightseeing tour. Taal Volcano suddenly erupted at 2:36 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2020, forcing all to flee from the island. For the next 24 hours, ashes coming from the crater traveled all the way to Metro Manila and nearby areas as 150,000 people fled from their homes. Taal Volcano is now considered the most active volcano complex after this eruption. See the devastation firsthand and take in dramatic views of Taal Lake and the steaming Volcano Island from the ridges of Tagaytay City. Visit the front view at the ridge, in the center where the Taal Volcano steams. Enjoy an optional boat ride around the island volcano. Set off on another drive over to the Pagsanjan Falls. From there, your driver will assist you in getting to the paddle raft, which will be manned by two local guides. Experience a multiple-rapid adventure as you continue toward the falls. Swim to the cave that lies within the magnificent Pagsanjan Falls, feeling refreshed by the cold water. Pagsanjan Falls Rapids is weather dependent and if not passable during heavy rains, an alternative of Vertical Trekking to the Main Falls is provided. Enjoy lunch at your own expense at the oldest restaurant in town.

Manila: Mount Pinatubo 14-Km Hiking Trip with Aeta Village

8. Manila: Mount Pinatubo 14-Km Hiking Trip with Aeta Village

See the so-called Beautiful Disaster as popularized by a local Filipino film on a guided hiking trip from Manila to Mount Pinatubo. Experience the area’s natural scenery and wildlife on a 4x4 ride and 14-km trek. Admire the Pinatubo Crater and visit an Aeta tribe village. Located in the north of Metro Manila, the active volcano of Mt. Pinatubo is famous for two reasons: its hypnotizing beauty and its disastrous eruption in 1991 that was felt worldwide as the mudflow wiped out the locals’ livelihood. Start your thrilling 14-km trail with a scenic 4x4 ride to the hike’s starting point. Be prepared to cross tiny rivers under the warmth of the sun on a challenging but beautiful trek to the mountain. On the way back from the Pinatubo Crater, stop by an Aeta tribe village on the way back from the Pinatubo Crater. Since the Aetas were established as one of the first indigenous communities to travel to the Philippines, Mount Pinatubo has served as their haven for thousands of years. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse in their culture and way of life.

Manila: Philippines/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

9. Manila: Philippines/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIMs and finding mobile network operator stores with our e-SIM service. After purchase, you'll receive a QR code that you can scan on your compatible device to install the e-SIM wherever and whenever you need it. Choose from a range of data volumes, validity periods, and coverage options in different countries to stay connected with ease. Most iPhone models beyond XS support e-SIM, and follow our instructions in the photo session to check compatibility for other devices. Share the QR code via AirDrop or scan it to another device. Install the e-SIM by connecting to WiFi or a network, and remember to turn on roaming for the e-SIM. If you have trouble connecting to the network, consult our self-troubleshooting guide. If you have a connected trip in Asia, just simply select the 22 Asian countries option, which covers: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, South Korea If your data is used-up? Simple, just buy another e-SIM to top-up. APN (Access Point Name): iboots Local Network:Globe

Manila: Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros

10. Manila: Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros

Get on a bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all the major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical center of Manila. Discover local sites like Fort Santiago, Plaza de Roma, and Puerta del Parian.  Start your tour by picking the best bambike for you and put on your helmet before you hit the streets. Follow your guide from Casa Manila, a museum focused on the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Ride to the Japanese Cannon and learn about the city's World War II history. Listen as your guide explains Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. Continue to the Aduana Building, the Manila Cathedral, and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of colonial Manila. Finally, stop at the Bayleaf Hotel Skydeck to watch the sunset before returning to the meeting point at around 6:30 PM. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after your tour.

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What people are saying about Manila

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 441 reviews

Our guide Steven provided us very good and interesting overview of the history of Manila and Philippines. I really enjoyed this experience and I think it is the best way to get to know Manila’s history and to see historical part of it if you are staying in the city only for couple of nights, like it was in my case.

Steven was great at summarizing the fairly dark history of Manila and Intramuros. The bike ride was easy and are constantly safe. Highly recommend this tour if you want a fun way to explore the city.

Our tour guide, Rolando (RJ) was awesome. The other folks on the tour were also awesome. Learned a lot about my birthplace and also have a good list of places I want to try for food.

Our guide Steven told us a lot about the history of the Philippines an Manila and answered all the questions with patience. It was a great tour and I'd definitely do it again! :)

It was awesome!!! They pick us up from our hotel, great driver n tour guide.