3 days in Manila

Day by day

1. Day 1: Intramuros and Fort Santiago

   Intramuros, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, then Manila Bay sunset in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Intramuros

      The walled city founded by the Spanish in 1571 was the seat of colonial government for more than three centuries.

   2. Late morning

      Fort Santiago

      Visit late afternoon for cooler air and river views from the ramparts.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Adobo

      Filipino restaurants and carinderias (canteens) everywhere, served with rice.

   4. Afternoon

      San Agustin Church

      Completed in 1607, San Agustin is the oldest stone church still standing in the Philippines and one of four Baroque churches inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   5. Evening

      Manila Bay sunset

      Clear evenings in the dry season, roughly December to April, give the best colours.

2. Day 2: National Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Anthropology

   National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology and National Museum of Natural History, then Poblacion, Makati in the evening.

   1. Morning

      National Museum of Fine Arts

      Entry is free; bring an ID and leave large bags at the entrance.

   2. Late morning

      National Museum of Anthropology

      Across the plaza from the Fine Arts museum, this museum traces the Philippines' pre-colonial cultures, with the Manunggul burial jar, textiles from many ethnic groups and finds from the San Diego, a Spanish galleon sunk in 1600.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sinigang

      Filipino restaurants and home-style canteens.

   4. Afternoon

      National Museum of Natural History

      A favourite with children; weekends are busy, so go on a weekday morning.

   5. Evening

      Poblacion, Makati

      Cocktail bars, craft beer, rooftop terraces and street food around P. Burgos and Kalayaan Avenue.

3. Day 3: Manila Cathedral and Casa Manila

   Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila and Rizal Park (Luneta), then Bonifacio Global City in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Manila Cathedral

      The seat of the Archdiocese of Manila has been rebuilt several times after fires, earthquakes and war; the present Romanesque Revival building dates from 1958.

   2. Late morning

      Casa Manila

      Combine it with San Agustin across the street; the courtyard café is a good rest stop.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Lechon

      Lechon specialists and Filipino restaurants; whole pigs are ordered for parties.

   4. Afternoon

      Rizal Park (Luneta)

      The large urban park beside Manila Bay is centred on the Rizal Monument, guarded by ceremonial sentries, near the spot where José Rizal was executed.

   5. Evening

      Bonifacio Global City

      Upscale bars, clubs and restaurants around High Street and Uptown.

Before you go

If it rains

• Swap in The Mind Museum (Bonifacio Global City (BGC)): Book a time slot online for weekends and school holidays.
• Swap in Manila Ocean Park (Ermita and Malate): Combine it with Rizal Park and the Natural History museum for a full family day.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Makati (Legazpi and Salcedo Villages) keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Poblacion, Makati ($$) suits nightlife, budget, solo travellers and food lovers. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 13–15 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.3 hours in January to 13 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Manila
• 2 days in Manila

Questions travellers ask