Holiday in Manila
City in the Philippines — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇭
Country
Philippines
Type
City
Best time to travel
December to May — Dry season. January/February is the most pleasant. June-November is typhoon season.
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Flight from Frankfurt to Manila (MNL) with Emirates, Qatar, or Cathay, approximately 12-15 hours with a layover.
Deals for Manila:
What makes Manila special as a destination?
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a city of extreme contrasts and overflowing energy: Historical Spanish colonial architecture in Intramuros stands next to glittering skyscrapers in Makati, and the chaotic hustle and bustle of street markets gives way just a few kilometers away to well-maintained shopping malls of impressive size. The megacity with over 13 million inhabitants is loud, hectic, and irresistibly vibrant. Intramuros, the walled old town from the Spanish colonial period, houses the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 16th century, and Fort Santiago on the Pasig River. Rizal Park, named after the national hero Jose Rizal, offers a green breather in the city center. The National Museum of Fine Arts showcases Philippine art from the colonial period to the present and has free admission. Manila's street food scene is an adventure: Adobo, Lechon (roast pig), Halo-Halo (ice dessert), and Balut (fertilized duck egg) are part of the culinary identity. The nightlife in Poblacion, Makati's up-and-coming party district, pulses into the early morning hours. Manila is the ideal starting point for the Philippine dream beaches of Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao. December to May offers dry season with pleasant temperatures.
What are the top highlights in Manila?
The top highlights in Manila include Intramuros, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, Makati & BGC, Manila Ocean Park.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Intramuros
The walled Spanish old town with Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO), and bamboo bike tours.
Rizal Park
Spacious park in honor of the national hero — featuring the Rizal Monument, gardens, and the National Museum.
San Agustin Church
Oldest stone church in the Philippines (1607) — UNESCO World Heritage site with baroque facade and trompe-l'œil ceiling.
Makati & BGC
The modern business and nightlife district — rooftop bars, street art, and the best restaurant scene.
Manila Ocean Park
Aquarium and amusement park at Manila Bay — especially a highlight for families.
Hotels in Manila
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Manila
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Manila?
The best time to visit Manila is December to May — Dry season. January/February is the most pleasant. June-November is typhoon season.. 28-35°C, rainy season June-November In winter: 25-32°C, dry December-May
Recommended travel time
December to May — Dry season. January/February is the most pleasant. June-November is typhoon season.
Summer
28-35°C, rainy season June-November
Winter
25-32°C, dry December-May
How much does a holiday in Manila cost?
Budget travellers: 20-35 €/day, mid-range: /day, luxury: 100-250 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-35 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
100-250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Manila?
Flight from Frankfurt to Manila (MNL) with Emirates, Qatar, or Cathay, approximately 12-15 hours with a layover.
Book a package holiday to Manila
Compare thousands of package holidays to Manila and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Manila?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Use Grab: The Grab app (like Uber) is the safest and most convenient way to get around Manila.
Plan for traffic: Manila's traffic is notoriously bad — avoid EDSA during rush hour, allow 2-3 hours buffer for transfers.
Plan island hopping: Domestic flights with Cebu Pacific are cheap — Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay from €20 one-way.
Street Food: Balut (fertilized egg) is the boldest test. Isaw (grilled skewers) and Banana Cue are safe options.
What should you eat in Manila?
Typical specialities in Manila: Adobo — The unofficial national dish: Chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic — every family has its recipe., Lechon — Roast pig on a spit with crispy skin — the festive dish of the Philippines., Sinigang — Sour soup with tamarind, pork, and vegetables — Filipinos' favorite comfort food., Halo-Halo — Shaved ice with beans, fruits, ube ice cream, leche flan, and milk — the Philippine dessert experience., Lumpia — Philippine spring rolls — fresh or fried, with meat or vegetables, always perfect..
These specialties you must try!
