Manila is a high-energy city where centuries-old Spanish ruins stand in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers. It is a blend of indigenous cultures and global influence, making it a unique gateway to the Philippines. Whether you are stopping over on your way to the islands or exploring other countries, one day in Manila is the perfect amount of time to explore the capital of the Philippines. This capital city has some amazing places to eat, many historical sites, and an infinite number of shopping malls to explore.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
Table of Contents
History of Manila
Manila has a long history. Prior to the Spanish arrival, the area was a thriving Islamic settlement and a vital trade hub for Asian merchants. In 1571, the Spanish seized the settlement and established the “Walled City” of Intramuros. It became the capital of the Spanish East Indies. For over 300 years, Manila was the center of trade that linked Asia to the Americas and Europe. During that time, the city became a unique blend of Latino and Asian culture.
In 1898, the United States took control after the Spanish-American War. During this time, they introduced more urban planning, the English language, and neoclassical architecture. The city’s darkest chapter occurred during World War II and the Battle of Manila, when the city was left in ruins. Today, Manila is a sprawling, high-energy city that reflects different periods of survival.
When to Spend One Day in Manila
The best time to spend one day in Manila is during the dry season from January to April. During this time, temperatures are the coolest, and you will avoid the heavy rains. Note that if you visit during the Holy Week of Easter, many of the places may be closed. Visiting during December-January is also the most expensive due to the Holiday season.
How to Get to Manila
Manila has one major airport: Manila International Airport. There are not many direct flights here from the United States, so you may want to pair this trip with a stopover in another country like Taiwan. Philippine Airlines flies from several places in the Western United States. Delta is also starting a route from Los Angeles. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
Transportation in Manila
There are not a ton of public transportation options to get around Manila, but Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) is an easy-to-use and affordable option to get around the city. Make sure to download it before you leave.
Alternatively, you can catch a “Jeepney,” which is a local mode of transportation and serves fixed routes. This is a bit harder to figure out, but it can be a fun experience.
From the airport, it is very easy to catch a Grab, or you can opt to hire a private driver to meet you at the airport.
Where to Stay in Manila
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Manila here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. There are many amazing places to stay in Manila. We opted to stay at the Grand Hyatt Manila, which is in a great location, and I would stay here again. It is the tallest building in the Philippines. If you are looking for something closer to the Mall of Asia and the airport, check out the Hyatt Regency Manila or the Conrad Manila.
What to do During One Day in Manila
There are enough things to do to keep you busy for one day in Manila. To start off, getting acclimated to the city, you may want to take an old Manila walking tour or an Intramuros and Chinatown tour.
Day 1
Fort Santiago
Start your one day in Manila with a visit to Fort Santiago. This historical citadel served as a military headquarters for Spanish, British, American, and Japanese forces throughout Manila’s history. It is most famous as the site where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. Throughout the fort are several exhibits detailing this history. It costs about $1.25 to get in.
Manila Cathedral
Next, head to the Manila Cathedral, which is the seat of the Archbishop of Manila and the main Cathedral of the Philippines. Inside, make sure to take in the glass windows and massive pipe organ.
San Agustin Church
The San Augustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its painted ceilings and also has a museum attached to it.
National Museum of Fine Arts
To wrap up the morning, head to the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in the former Legislative Building. This museum is several floors high and contains works from many Filipino artists. The highlight of the exhibition is Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium.”
Lunch at Manam
Manam is one of the best places to experience modern Filipino cuisine and, therefore, the best stop for lunch during your one day in Manila. They have classic, traditional recipes and modern reinterpretations. Make sure to get their House Crispy Sisig and the Sinigang na Beef Short Ribs and Watermelon. They also have many delicious smoothies and milkshakes to pair with your meal.
Visit the Malls
This afternoon, head to one of the many malls in Manila. Malls in Manila are more than just shopping centers: They are massive air-conditioned hubs where locals go to eat, play, and escape the heat. The SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest malls in the world, which features a bayside amusement park, a rooftop garden, and a skating rink.
Other popular malls in Manila include the Ayla Center, Glorietta, and the Venice Grand Canal Mall. You cannot go wrong with whichever one you choose to visit during your one day in Manila.
Dinner at Lusso or Lampara
To finish your one day in Manila, grab dinner at one of the delicious Michelin-recommended restaurants in Manila. Lusso is an Italian/Filipino fusion with many delicious Italian dishes with a Filipino twist. Lampara is in a trendy, artsy neighborhood and offers creative Filipino bistro dishes with traditional flavors. Make sure to order the rice cakes.
Drinks at The Attic or The Spirits Library
After dinner, grab drinks at one of the many bars in Manila. I recommend The Attic or The Spirits Library. The Attic is a small speakeasy tucked away next to a 7-11 inside a Soju Express. Each cocktail is unique and has its own story. The Spirits Library is a good option for those who want to try various types of liquor.
More Than One Day in Manila
If you have more than one day in Manila, plan on visiting a few more of the numerous malls. Additionally, you can check out the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History. You may also want to go on a food tour, visit the night markets, check out Chinatown, and the Manila Golden Mosque. Also, if you are looking for another quick place to eat, Jollibee is always a good option for quick-service Filipino food.
Final Tips for One Day in Manila
One day in Manila is the perfect stop when heading to or from some of the tropical islands of the Philippines. It also pairs well with a trip to Taipei, Seoul, Beijing, or Japan. It could also be a good stop on the way to Bali or other places in Southeast Asia.
