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: 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour

3. From Manila: 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour

Time to go on an adventure and explore the aesthetic creations in Sagada & Banaue Rice Terraces! Sagada, a fifth-class municipality in the Mountain Province, as of 2015 had only 11,000 inhabitants. The life of this small community is pretty calm and simple but it features an all-year-round cool climate that is far colder than Baguio, which draws domestic travelers. Aside from that, it has a lot to offer travelers, history fans, and adventurers alike. Travel using public transportation from Manila to Cordillera Region located approximately 400km North of Manila. The journey begins in Sagada, a town in the Mountain Province known for its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, imposing caves, and intriguing hanging coffins. Feel the ambiance of Sagada at night with its simplicity and peace, fantastic selection of restaurants, local craft brews, and you shouldn’t miss the renowned Sagada Coffee. Sagada claims itself to be a walking town as a result of the residents’ desire to stay away from many vehicles. Visit Sumaguing Cave, also referred to as the “Big Cave” due to its huge cave chambers, and get a taste of the renowned Igorot tribes’ culture and traditions. From the Mountain Province, we’ll take a private vehicle to Ifugao Province, home to the famous rice terraces – part of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that are still being preserved and used by the locals for farming. Today, the province draws thousands of tourists because of its rich culture and traditions. You will get to experience the best of the Ifugao rice terraces over the course of the following two days, as well as the chance to witness a sunset and awaken to a vista of the Batad Rice Terraces. Our first day in Ifugao included a four-hour journey to the Tappiya Falls and the Batad Rice Terraces, as well as a few stops to visit both traditional and modern Ifugao homes in Batad Village. On our second day, we make a three-hour climb to Bangaan Terraces, where there was an adorable tiny community with preserved Ifugao homes. According to legend, if the terraces were put end to end, they would encompass half of the world. The Ifugaos’ dedication to working hard to make a living is evident in the rice terraces. After lunch at Bangaan Village, we will drive 45 minutes on a privately hired jeepney to the town of Banaue, where we will have the option to shower and rest, before we get on the public bus back to Manila and voilà, it’s the tour of your life that you don’t want to miss out!

From Manila: Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour

4. 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.

Intramuros Walking day tour

5. Intramuros Walking day tour

The Intramuros tour is a historical walking tour around the famous fort built by the Spanish. The tour will focus on the greatest and darkest moments during the long history of Intramuros, with details of what transpired within the walls of Intramuros during the Battle of Manila and beyond... We can enjoy learning something about this historical place within a 700-year era. And this will be great to understand what Manila has become today and where the Philippines has come from. And your chance to walk around the allies inside Intramuros. The second place we will visit is San Agustin church, and the only church left among seven churches of Intramuros built beyond 1571. The third place we will visit is Casa Manila, a replica of a Spanish colonial mansion. Don't forget to wear comfortable attire (inside the church wear something modest and comfortable) and no problem with photos; l'm the one who will take the shots during our tour. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or further details. Don't miss out, and see you soon!

Manila: Philippines/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

6. 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

From Manila: Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley

7. From Manila: Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley

Located 78 kilometers south of Metro Manila lies Hidden Valley Resorts whose bewitching natural vegetation flourishes in a 110 acre crater 300 feet deep, believed to have been formed by a violent volcanic upheaval thousands of years ago. Located between two mountains, Mts. Makiling and Banahaw - these two mountains have been for many years a major staple for local myths and folklores, the place boasts of an impressive collection of rare orchids and other exotic flora. Several naturally heated volcanic water pools are available for those who want to take a refreshing dip so bring your swim suit!

Manila: Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros

8. 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.

Manila: Cycling and Walking Food Tour

9. 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: 08:30 – Depart from Abraham Hostel - https://goo.gl/maps/uZtkBrw3DszHgvBU7 09:20 – Depart from Pasig River Ferry Station 10:00 – Arrive in Quiapo Market 11:30 – Binondo Chinatown Walking Tour 14:00 – Ride a jeepney to Intramuros 14:30 – Start of Intramuros Bamboo Bike Tour 16:00 – Snacks and Rest 16:30 – Back to Abraham Hostel via AC Private Vehicle NB: All times are approximate

From Manila: Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour

10. 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.

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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.