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Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and one of Asia’s most important global cities. It is the most densely populated city in the world which means it has a bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Plus, its ancient roots and diverse population mean that there’s plenty of fascinating history and culture to discover.
If you’re planning a visit to Manila, you might be wondering which part of the city to stay in, given its sheer size. Metro Manila is an enormous metropolitan area that consists of sixteen urbanized cities, of which the City of Manila is just one.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places in Metro Manila for tourists to stay in, and highlight some popular hotels to help you book the perfect accommodation.
Makati for First-Time Visits
Photo Credit: Kim David
Highlights: Greenbelt Mall, Glorietta Shopping Mall, Ayala Museum, Yuchengo Museum, Washington Sycip Park
The city of Makati is Metro Manila’s business district and it’s an incredibly affluent area packed with high-quality restaurants, stores, and bars. There are lots of great attractions to explore here, many of which are centered around shopping. Head to the scenic Greenbelt Mall, which is surrounded by greenery, to shop, dine, and relax. Visit the Ayala Museum to learn about Filipino history and culture, or the Yuchengo Museum to see modern and historic fine art.
There are lots of hotels to choose from in Makati, many of which are set within impressive highrise buildings in the city center. Given the affluence of this area, it’s one of the most expensive parts of the city to stay in, but it offers the convenience of many sights lying within walking distance. Plus, public transport links are excellent when you want to venture further afield.
Bonifacio Global City for Luxury
Photo Credit: ARTYOORAN
Highlights: Venice Grand Canal Mall, Bonifacio High Street, The Mind Museum, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Bonifacio Global City, also known as BGC and Fort Bonifacio, is Metro Manila’s major financial hub. It’s a part of the city of Taguig, which lies directly southeast of Makati. Much like Makati, there is a lot of wealth in BGC, so if you want a luxurious stay in Manila, this is the best place to be. Not only are there plenty of luxurious hotels to choose from, but you can also expect deluxe restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
During the day, there are plenty of shopping centers, art galleries, and boutiques to explore. Bonifacio High Street and Venice Grand Canal Mall are particular highlights. Don’t miss The Mind Museum if you’re visiting with curious kids. Swing by the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, which is a tranquil cemetery dedicated to U.S. soldiers who were killed in WWII.
Where to Stay in Bonifacio Global City
These are some of the best hotels in Bonifacio Global City:
- Holiday Inn is a 5-star hotel that is directly connected to the Glorietta Shopping Mall at the heart of Ayala Center. It has an outdoor pool and sky bar on its roof deck, an all-day restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk for total convenience.
- Millennium Heritage Hotel Manila is a chic hotel with traditional, elegant decor. Rooms and suites are equipped with free WiFi, minibars, and cable TV, and there’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a gym, and a sauna to enjoy. Free parking and breakfast are included.
- Shangri-La The Fort is a plush 5-star hotel with a mix of rooms and suites available. It has a large fitness center with an indoor pool, gym, sports courts, and spa, and there are six restaurants to choose from. The property also boasts a nightclub and a shopping mall.
Quezon City for Great Food and Nightlife
Photo Credit: MDV Edwards
Highlights: Maginhawa Street, Quezon Memorial Circle, Liwasang Aurora Dancing Fountain, Santo Domingo Church, Eastwood Mall, La Mesa Ecopark
Quezon City lies northeast of the City of Manila and was once the capital of the Philippines. It’s a huge area with a trendy atmosphere that makes it a hub for foodies and night owls. Maginhawa Street is one of the most famous places in the Philippines for street food because it’s lined with stalls and shops serving delicious Filipino and international dishes at affordable prices.
You’ll find some excellent cultural and historic attractions in Quezon City. Be sure to visit Quezon Memorial Circle, which has an impressive dancing fountain and is surrounded by popular sights such as the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and the Presidential Car Museum. For a break from the bustling city, head north to the lush La Mesa Ecopark which is a beautiful place for a peaceful walk.
Malate for Manila Bay Views
Photo Credit: MDV Edwards
Highlights: Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Malate Church, nightlife
Malate is the waterfront area of Manila City Center, and it’s one of the best places in the city to get incredible views across Manila Bay — particularly from the Baywalk promenade at sunset. There are excellent bars, restaurants, and clubs in Malate with much of the nightlife centering around Del Pilar Street.
Despite its lively nightlife, there’s no shortage of cultural attractions in Malate. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is a great spot for creatives. Fans of history will appreciate a visit to Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church (also known simply as Malate Church) which dates back to the 16th century and has stunning Baroque architecture.
Ermita for Museums
Photo Credit: Kim David
Highlights: National museums, Rizal Park, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Bay Beach
Ermita is the neighborhood just north of Malate, and it’s considered the cultural hub of the city of Manila because it’s home to many excellent museums. You’ll find the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium here, all set within or just outside the beautiful Rizal Park.
Ermita is also home to Manila Ocean Park, which is an educational aquatic theme park with interactive experiences that are great for kids. If you want a couple of hours of relaxation after all that sightseeing, you can head down to Manila Bay Beach to lounge on the sand.
Where to Stay in Ermita
Red Planet Manila Bay is a popular place to stay in Ermita. It’s an affordable 3-star hotel with modern rooms that include free WiFi, flatscreen TVs, safes, minifridges, and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms also have fantastic views of Manila Bay.
Intramuros for Families
Photo Credit: Keitma
Highlights: Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church
Intramuros, which lies just north of Ermita, is Manila’s historic center. It’s surrounded by walls built in the 16th century by Spanish occupiers and crowned by Fort Santiago, which dates back to the 15th century. Manila Cathedral is another key landmark, this time with Romanesque architecture. Not far from there is the 16th-century San Agustin Church which has impressive vaulted ceilings and detailed frescoes.
There’s much to learn about Manila’s history in Intramuros, and the area is also surrounded by pretty green space, which gives it a safe, family-friendly vibe. This area makes a great base for family trips but the historic architecture and old-world charm also make it a romantic destination for a couples getaway.
Where to Stay in Intramuros
Check in at one of these popular Intramuros hotels:
- The Manila Hotel is a luxury hotel with a 5-star rating. Its indulgent rooms feature high-quality mattresses for total comfort, and there’s a spa, a gym, an outdoor pool with a bar, and multiple onsite restaurants to choose from.
- Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel is an upscale hotel with cool, modern rooms and suites that include free WiFi, minibars, cable TVs, and safes. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and parking, and there are more food and drink options in the in-house coffee shop, pizzeria, and open-air rooftop bar and restaurant that regularly hosts live music.
Poblacion for Budget Travelers
Highlights: Dive bars, live music venues, nightclubs, The Social on Ebro
Poblacion is a trendy area in the northern part of Makati that borders the Pasig River. It was once the city’s red light district but has since become a hip area where dive bars, live music venues, and bustling nightclubs converge to offer a fun night out. There are also many fantastic eateries here serving classic Filipino dishes, particularly at the trendy Social on Ebro street food park.
If you’re backpacking or traveling on a tight budget, Poblacion is the best place in Manila to stay. There are lots of cheap hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals here, but you still have relatively easy access to the city center and good transport links to other areas.
Where to Stay in Poblacion
City Garden Grand Hotel is a very good budget hotel in Poblacion. Its straightforward rooms have city views, TVs, minifridges, and free WiFi. There’s a cocktail bar on the rooftop terrace, a swimming pool with a hot tub, a gym, a spa, and a buffet restaurant where complimentary breakfast is served daily.
Binondo for History
Photo Credit: Walter Eric Sy
Highlights: Chinatown Museum, Binondo Church, Seng Guan Temple, Kuang Kong Temple, Divisoria Mall
Binondo is one of the oldest Chinatown districts in the world, having been founded in 1594. At the time, it was not just Chinese immigrants that settled in Binodo. Spaniards, Japanese, and Americans also made the neighborhood home which is why there’s a rich variety of historic buildings here. Head to the Chinatown Museum to learn more about the district’s unique history.
There are lots of interesting attractions to explore in Binondo. The Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, also known as Binondo Church, is a striking landmark that dates back to the 16th century. The Buddhist Seng Guan Temple and the Taoist Kuang Kong Temple are two other popular places of worship well worth visiting. Head to Escolta Street and Ongpin Street to do some luxury shopping or seek out bargains at the Divisoria Mall.
Ortigas for Shopping
Highlights: SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Galleria Mall, Pioneer Center, The Podium
Ortigas is the business district of Pasig City. It’s known as the mall capital of the Philippines because it packs a huge range of shopping malls into a small area. One of the biggest is the SM Megamall which contains hundreds of clothing stores, a large food court, a multiplex cinema, and several art galleries. The Shangri-La Plaza is another shopping highlight thanks to its attractive atrium.
There are some good hotels in Ortigas, some of which are very luxurious. Although the area is some distance from the sights of Manila city center, it has excellent public transport links so you shouldn’t have trouble getting around.
Pasay & Manila Airport for Short Stays
Photo Credit: ARTYOORAN
Highlights: SM Mall of Asia, Star City, Dessert Museum
Pasay City is home to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, so it’s a great base for those who will only be visiting for a short time. There are some cool attractions to explore while you’re at it. SM Mall of Asia is great for a spot of retail therapy. If you like quirky attractions, visit the Dessert Museum where you’ll be able to taste a variety of delicious sweet treats. There’s even more fun to be had at Star City amusement park which has rides to suit all ages, including the Philippines’ tallest Ferris wheel.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Pasay with options to suit a range of budgets. Traveling into the city center doesn’t take long, thanks to good public transport connections to the airport.
Where to Stay in Pasay
Here’s where to stay in Pasay and the Manila Airport area:
- City of Dreams Manila Luxury Resort & Casino is a 15-acre resort complex with multiple hotels, gourmet restaurants, boutique stores, and entertainment venues onsite. Spa and salon services are available, and there’s a handy airport shuttle available for an extra fee.
- RedDoorz near NAIA Terminal 1 is an unfussy hotel that lies half a mile away from the airport. Its air-conditioned hotel rooms include televisions, desks, wet bars, and minifridges.
Book Your Manila Vacation
Manila is a sprawling metropolis with a host of fantastic neighborhoods to explore. Now you’ve learned about some of the best places to stay you can get started booking the perfect trip to the bustling Filipino capital.
