Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Known for its Spiral Buffet—itself, a food destination in the city of Manila—Sofitel Manila delivers an additional arsenal of luxury pleasures to its guests. A
Manila
Metro Manila is the country’s economic, political, and cultural capital. And it’s chaotic in the x way possible. From the colorful, roaring jeepneys to the dancing traffic enforcers, to the karaoke machines blasting 80s ballads in the streets, everywhere you go is teeming with life.
Metro Manila is one of Asia’s premier regions composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality, with major central business districts in the capital Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Parañaque, Pasay, Muntinlupa and Taguig City with its Bonifacio Global City dubbed the Metro’s lifestyle hub.
Blending charming Spanish colonial architecture, world-class museums and galleries and the world’s oldest Chinatown with some of the biggest and best shopping malls on Earth. The vibrant bay side Filipino capital Manila is also a foodie paradise that was much revered by celebrity chef, author and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain.
Best Time to Go to Manila
Manila is a great destination, all-year-round. Unlike island destinations in the Philippines, you can still do activities here during the rainy season.
But if you want to experience Manila including its outdoor attractions fully, take note of the months with the sunniest days. Read on to find out when are the best seasons to go to Manila, what’s the climate and weather like, and what to wear:
Holiday Season | September to December
The best months to go to Manila is during the -ber months of September, October, November, and December when the city is full of festive lights and Christmas decorations. It is also cooler during these months, which is great if you’re planning to do a lot of walking around. However, traffic can get worse than usual during the Christmas season. It is also during this time when a lot of people flock the malls for their holiday shopping.
Dry Season | January to April
If you have a lot of outdoor destinations included in your Manila itinerary, it’s best to explore during the dry months of January to April. While there are rainfalls throughout the year in Manila, January to April has the least chances of rain. Make sure to bring water bottles, caps, and an umbrella with you if you’re planning to do a lot of walking in Manila.
Climate and Weather
During the dry season, the temperature in Manila is warm. Take note that the hottest months in Manila, are typically from April to May, with an average daily high temperature above 33°C.
If you plan to visit during these months, always bring a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated while exploring Manila. Additionally, make sure to check for weather updates and the forecast on the days of your trip.
Hotels
The Peninsula Manila Hotel
Part of Hong Kong’s famed chain of Peninsula Hotels, the Peninsula Manila was built in 1976 and was then the first Peninsula property opened outside the territories
Diamond Hotel Manila
Staying at the Diamond Hotel Manila will let you have the best view of the magical Manila Bay sunset. Located in the part of Roxas
Raffles Hotel Makati
A marvel of modern architecture towering 30-storeys high over the Makati skyline, Raffles Hotel embodies the Raffles brand made famous globally by its original property
Dusit Thani Manila
A picture of an oasis in the middle of Makati, one of the premier financial districts in the Philippines, Dusit Thani remains a classic favorite that has adapted
Attractions
Corregidor Island Tour
Experience this historical Island located in the entrance of Manila Bay, this island served as a stronghold in the Philippine-Japanese War Era. It is the
Binondo
Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is one of the most visited towns in the Philippine capital city of Manila for a cultural and gastronomic experience.
Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral has survived earthquakes and conquests for more than 400 years now! The Basilica was originally built in 1571 but has evolved, and
National Museum
It is one of the top places to visit in Manila for kids. The Filipinos are incredibly proud of their history and heritage, and you can
Manila Ocean Park
One of the best places to visit in Manila is the Manila Ocean Park. The park has so many attractions that even a day at
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is one of the first places to visit Metro Manila. The fort was completed in 1593 and is located in the ancient walled
Filipino Cuisine
One of the best things to do for first-time travelers in Manila is to enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine and culture by patronizing dining establishments that offer a cultural experience. Manila is a foodie haven.
There’s no one cuisine that best represents it as a whole since the region is such a melting pot of multicultural lifestyles. Thanks to its diverse community, you can find cuisine from various areas of the Philippines. Here are our top picks of Manila restaurants.
Food
Pamana Restaurant
Pamana Restaurant offers a collection of heirloom recipes dating as far back as 100 years. Their dishes are cooked through techniques handed down through generations, making
Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico
Finally, the number one on the list is a quaint heritage house that has served food and bore witness to countless weddings, baptisms, and other
Café Adriatico
We can’t list down the best Filipino restaurants in Manila without including Caé Adriatico, a beloved landmark for over 40 years at the Remedios Circle in
Romulo Café
Romulo Café is the namesake of Carlos P. Romulo, a prominent Filipino journalist and diplomat who won a Pulitzer Prize for Peace in 1941. This beloved
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
Another Filipino restaurant in Manila worth noting is Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, nestled right within the walls of Intramuros. Old-world charm awaits you at Barbara’s with its