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explore Manila Guides
Find Hotel in Manila (2026): By District + Price
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First Time in Manila: Complete Guide 2026
Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can buy a prepaid SIM from Globe or Smart at kiosks in arrival halls. A 7-day data plan with 10GB costs aroundβ¦ π± SIM Cards and Connectivity
Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can buy a prepaid SIM from Globe or Smart at kiosks in arrival halls. A 7-day data plan with 10GB costs around PHP 500, and you'll need your passport for registration. Free Wi-Fi is available in most malls and cafes, but a local SIM ensures reliable navigation.
π° Currency and Money Tips
The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available in malls and banks, though they charge a withdrawal fee of around PHP 250. For the best exchange rates, bring US dollars or euros and exchange at malls like SM Mall of Asia or Robinsons Place, avoiding airport counters. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is king at street stalls and markets.
π Getting Around Manila
Manila's traffic is notorious, so plan your trips using the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 train lines, which cost PHP 20 to PHP 30 per ride. For shorter distances, use the Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber) for reliable car rides; avoid hailing taxis on the street. Jeepneys are a cheap and iconic option at PHP 13 per ride, but they can be confusing for first-timers.
π Must-See in 3-5 Days
Start with Intramuros, the historic walled city, where you can visit Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church (entrance PHP 75 each). Spend an afternoon at the National Museum of Fine Arts (free on Sundays) and then explore the vibrant Binondo district for authentic Chinese food. For modern Manila, head to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for its street art and upscale dining, or catch sunset at Manila Baywalk.
π Food You Must Try
Don't leave without tasting adobo (braised meat in soy sauce and vinegar) and sinigang (sour tamarind soup). For a quick meal, try Jollibee's Chickenjoy or a bowl of halo-halo at Razon's of Guagua in SM Megamall. Street food like fish balls and isaw (chicken intestines) are cheap at PHP 10-20 per stick, but stick to busy stalls for freshness.
π Cultural Tips for Visitors
Filipinos are generally warm and respectful, so a simple 'po' and 'opo' when addressing elders shows politeness. When entering homes or some churches, remove your shoes. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; leave 10% at sit-down restaurants or round up your fare for drivers. Avoid pointing with your finger; use your lips or a nod instead.
ποΈ Shopping and Souvenirs
For souvenirs, head to Kultura Filipino at SM Makati or the stalls in Greenhills Shopping Center, where you can haggle for pearls and handicrafts. Divisoria Market offers wholesale prices on everything from clothes to toys, but beware of pickpockets. For a modern mall experience, SM Mall of Asia has a wide range of stores and an ice skating rink.
π Safety and Nightlife
Manila is generally safe for tourists, but avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas after dark, especially in Ermita and Malate. For nightlife, Poblacion in Makati has a lively bar scene with craft beer and live music, while BGC offers upscale clubs like Valkyrie. Always keep your belongings secure and use Grab for late-night transport.
fwiw i think the guide's spot on about staying away from airport money changers. i made that mistake my first time and lost like 2k php on a bad rate. if you're landing late and need cash quick, the BPI atm near arrivals in NAIA Terminal 3 usually works even with foreign cards, but try to hit up a mall the next day for better rates
also imo the grab thing cant be overstated. i tried hailing a taxi once near Luneta and the guy quoted me 500 for a 5 min ride. grab is usually 150-200 for the same distance. just make sure u have the app downloaded before u land cuz the airport wifi can be spotty
for food id add chowking if u want a quick halo-halo fix, their regular size is like 80 php and its decent. but honestly the best halo-halo ive had is at Razon's, so the guide's right on that one
one thing i'd add is to grab the beep card for the train lines at any station ticket booth, it's like 20 php for the card then u just load it up. saves u from lining up for single journey tickets every time, especially during rush hour when the queues at LRT-1 stations like EDSA can take 15 minutes
also for the baywalk sunset, skip the main area near the US embassy, it gets crowded and sometimes sketchy after dark. go to the stretch near CCP Complex instead, there's a nice open promenade where locals jog and the view of the sun setting over the bay is just as good without the hassle
This is a solid guide. One thing I'd add is to download the Sakay.ph app for navigating the train lines and jeepneys. It tells you the best route and which jeepney signs to look for, which saved me a lot of confusion when I first moved here. Also, for Binondo, skip the touristy restaurants on the main street and head to Dong Bei Dumplings on Yuchengco Street for their pork and chive dumplings, they're about PHP 40 for a dozen and worth the walk.
Manila cafe tourist prices 2026: what's the real rate?
Around 80 to 120 pesos, coffee and rice meal.
yeah that range tracks, though a plain kopi can be as low as 40 to 50 sa mga karinderya
40 to 50 sounds about right for brewed, instant is even less.
instant usually 20 to 30 tbh
brewed at 50 seems high for a karinderya tbh