Places to Visit in Manila for Couples
The Philippines is an island nation located in the western pacific and famous for beautiful beaches and delicious fruit variety. This makes it one of the top places to visit for couples. The region boasts one of the world’s longest combined coastlines due to the nation’s seven thousand tropical islands from pristine beaches and marvelous natural wonders to Interesting historic sites and beautiful coral reefs. The Philippines packs many exciting places to visit in Manila for couples and solo travelers as well. Manila is not only famous for its historical landmarks but also regarded as the best shopping destination in Asia.
Here in this Manila Travel Guide, we’ll show you the incredible places to visit in Manila for couples.
About Manila
Manila or Maynila in Filipino is the capital city and second-largest city of the Philippines and it derives its name from Nila planet. Manila is located at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. The city is composed of 16-districts Binondo, Ermita, Malate, Paco, Port Area, San Miguel, and others.
From a historical perspective, Manila was the site with the bloodiest battle of the Pacific theatre of World War II over 100,000 civilians killed. It was the second most devastated city during World War II after Warsaw. But, today Manila is a busy, modern, and cosmopolitan city with lots of commercial cities.
Manila is regarded as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia having major shopping malls, departmental stores, and several supermarkets. Filipino people have a love of conversation and openness and this binds them all together.
Let me tell you one thing, if you’re scheduling a visit to Manila, then it won’t be easy as most of the roads are congested. But, its decorated jeepneys are of significant importance as these are major tourist attractions. These are the way people move around the city. These buses are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. These types of buses have become a widespread symbol of the philippine culture and art, making them a must-see when in Manila.
Manila Population
City of Manila located inside the Metro Manila, which is also known as the National Capital Region (NCR). As of the recent stats, Manila consists of around 12 million people. The larger urban area has a population estimated at 21 million. Manila population density is increasing toward numbers that could cause overpopulation, the growth rate year over year is at a rate of around 1.3%.
Currency
The currency used in Manila is the Philippine Peso. This allows for the best exchange rate to be done while in the country and going to a local bank so that you’re able to get the best rates for the cheapest amount of money. Although this would allow for the Manila currency to USD to be around 48.50 PHP to 1 USD.
Places to Visit in Manila for Couples – Things to Do in Manila
Following are some of the places to visit in Manila for couples and for solo travelers.
Nightlife Poblacion
Poblacion is one of the hippest districts in the city and regarded as the cultural and entertainment heart of the city due to endless tourist attractions spots. This revitalized old downtown area of Makati is also famous for the backpacker crowd and it is filled with many hostels, artsy boutique establishments. It is among the best place to visit in Manila for couples and as you can experience the true essence of its beauty after sunset. As for sunset, it transforms into a vibrant club where you can do a pub crawl tour along with your partner and therefore, the best romantic place in manila.
Food Trip in Binondo
Binondo, which was established in 1594 and one of the oldest Chinatowns in the whole world is another best place to visit in Manila for couples. This vibrant and historic place is filled with traditional bakeries, family-style Chinese restaurants, and streetside eateries.
Get ready to try pork chop noodles, oyster cake, Wintermelon Tealumpia, and kampong on your food trip to Binondo. One thing is sure you’ll be amazed at the variety of eateries in one place. This is what you should experience for your unforgettable journey to Manila.
Intramuros Manila
Intramuros has core importance for Manila due to its rich historical background and it is also known as the walled city within the city. It is probably the best historical place to visit in Manila and the main reason why Intramuros attracts the tourist from all over the world, as it is the only district with Spanish-era architecture.
For more fun, you can join a bike tour with a guide to explore amazing statues, monuments, and other different historical landmarks. If you do not want to get on the bike tour, then you can also choose another option is to get on a horse-drawn carriage to see the highlights of Intramuros.
San Agustin Church
Begun at the end of the 16th century, this spectacular building is a UNESCO site and the oldest stone-built church in the Philippines.
San Agustin Museum
The monastery attached to the church was wrecked during World War II but was rebuilt in the 1970s and its former refectory, sacristy, crypt, halls, and library now hold a museum. The museum is open daily from 8 am to noon and reopens after an hour right through to 6 o’clock in the evening. This is a very strict policy on photography so don’t even try. Much of this ancient city was destroyed by the war, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the legacy of this region.
Ayala Museum
In Makati, there’s a museum about the Philippines’ art, ethnology, and archaeology in the large, air-conditioned former stock exchange building. This six-storey structure house ethnographic and archaeological exhibits on Filipino culture and art.
Manila Baywalk
The waterside promenade on Manila Bay is special in the evening when you can watch the sun go down. This is a genial little area, with live music street performances, and food vendors. The baywalk stretches from the US embassy near Rizal park up to the cultural center of the Philippines and is two kilometers long. You can also find street artist showing off their talents during the nighttime hours. If you’re lucky you can find mimes and acrobats practicing their routines.
Chinatown
It deserves your time for the Kuang Kong and Seng Guan Buddhist temples, and the herbal stores and vendors along Ongpin and Carvajal streets.
Fort Santiago
Built in 1593, the Military base for the Spanish was in the northwest corner of the Intramuros, close to the Cathedral. These are the most historical sites that you will find in Manila. The fort was named after Saint James (Santiago in Spanish.) he was the patron saint of Spain.
Manila Cathedral
It was also founded in 1571, Manila Cathedral has suffered fires, earthquakes and the imposing monument on Plaza de Roma today is actually the 8th rebuild.
Rizal Park
At the southern limit of Intramuros is a Rizal park and plaza integral to Philippine history, you should also visit this amazingly designed park.
National Museum of Fine Arts
On the east side of Rizal Park, this museum has paintings and sculptures by the most prominent Filipino artists in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Casa Manila & Paco Park
The Barrio San Luis in Intramuros has a huge museum that shines a light on the Spanish colonial period in Manila.
Another stop on the Jose Rizal Trial, the very Solemn Paco Park was where the national hero was first interred after his execution in 1896.
Bahay Tsinoy
Across three floors you’ll learn about the early exchanges and the first arrivals in the 9th century, and the difficult, itinerant lifestyle many Chinese endured in the colonial times.
Quiapo Church
It is made of dark wood and was crafted in Mexico, ending up in Manila in 1606. Chinese Cemetery another attraction that fills you in on Filipino culture, and was the site of many executions in Japanese occupation during World War II.
Pasay Seafood Market
This is a heaving market near the Mall of Asia, set along tight aisles where stalls are piled with shrimp,
Okada Hotel/Casino
Okada is a hotel, casino, and shopping mall, there is everything in one complex. It is not a pretty famous tourist attraction spot but it is worth visiting. The best thing about this tourist spot is the world’s biggest color dancing fountain. This huge fountain is full of colors, amazing speakers and water is flying everywhere that will give you an insane experience.
Traveling around Manila
By Car Booking App
If you do not have many weeks and want to avoid the hassle of public transportation then getting around the city with a car booking app is an ideal option. However, it is a bit expensive compared to Jeepneys and other transportation modes but it ensures your comfort and safety.
By Car Rental
There are many pick-up points in Manila city including the different terminals of the airport from where you can avail rental car services. If this is going to be your very first driving experience in Manila, then be patient while driving and always use Google maps for navigation. You can check for the best rates on car rentals here.
By Taxi/Cabs
The good thing is you can find taxis/cabs everywhere from the airport to supermarkets. In the Philippines, taxi scams are common therefore you have to be sharp enough to avoid any scam. For instance, you can be fooled by a driver with a self-created fare list. Similarly, always look at whether the driver is using the meter during the ride or not. The one and simple solution to staying away from these unwelcoming headaches are to use any of the official taxis.
By Bus
If you’re on a budget and not pressed from time, then you can avail free shuttle bus service. Normally, every bus comes to a terminal after 15-minutes but during the peak hours or due to a load of traffic, you might have to wait.
Public Transportation
This bustling metropolis can be overwhelming for first-time visitors since there are several modes of public transportation. The widely used and fastest way through which you can explore the city is monorails. Basically, there are three monorails Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT1), and Light Rail Transit 2(LRT2) which are operating across the city.
Motorcycle Booking App
If you’re in a hurry then booking a ride over online services can help you in reaching your destination earlier. Similarly, if you’re a solo-adventurer who wants to explore the city closely then choosing a motorcycle would be an ideal choice for sure.
Tricycle
Similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuk, you’ll find motorized tricycles all around the city. Since roads of some areas are congested and have loads of traffic, therefore public utility vehicles are an important part of transportation.
Jeepneys
Jeepneys which are originally the US-made Military Jeeps, are among the most famous form of transportation across the Philippines. This mode of transportation has a special place in Filipino art and culture as these jeeps are left-over from World War II.
These jeeps differ in size, and they can accommodate around 20 adult passengers and it offers an enjoyable experience while traveling these opened-air vehicles. There are many stations located everywhere across the city and you can get a ride on a vehicle according to your route.
Useful Tips – Manila Travel Guide
Manila, can be an overcrowded space due to the masses of tourists therefore it can be hard to remember all of the essential aspects of the Manila travel guide. Therefore, we’ve narrow down all of the important aspects
Language
Philippines locals are friendly and you may start the conversation by hello/hi. As for the language, their major language is Filipino but they can understand English so communication wouldn’t be an issue for you.
Safety Tips
Even if you’re traveling to the safest place in the world, still you’ll have to follow the safety guidelines to avoid any mishap. Always watch out for pickpocket and snatchers, particularly in the crowded spaces of the city such as Binondo, and Makati Avenue. Similarly, if you’re going for a late-night walk then keep your valuables safe and make sure that your bags are close to you. Avoid taking unimportant gadgets, or belongings while traveling, and try keeping them in your hotel room.
What to pack
Make sure you’ve enough light clothing for a visit, and always keep an umbrella or raincoat in your backpack. Having a small handbag is a good choice while sightseeing as it can keep your mobile phones, camera, and wallet safe and organize. Make sure to check out the other post about must-have travel accessories
What to Eat and Drink in Manila
Your visit to the Philippines is incomplete without tasting the traditional Filipino cuisine. Since Manila is a foodie haven therefore you can have a feast every day with new and delicious meals. Manila is a diverse community so you can find traditional cuisine from various areas of the city.
Thanks to the multicultural nature of Manila, you can easily explore top-class European, Chinese, and Indian eateries in Manila city. Tourists can also enjoy their favorite meals from any affordable option as well, but a high-quality meal will cost you around ₱500.
Don’t forget to visit these below-mentioned restaurants on your tour to Manila.
Locavore
Locavore is originally famous for serving traditional Filipino cuisine with a unique blend of a modern take. It has many branches that spread all over the country. lechon oyster sisig, Kare-Kare wings, and sizzling sinigang are among of its bestselling and iconic dishes, that you must try for once.
Islas Pinas
Islas Pinas, situated in Double Dragon Plaza near Mall of Asia who brings Filipino cuisine for the tourist. Basically, they are famous for showcasing regional specialties, local homemade dishes, and all of the street food in one place.
Barbara’s Restaurant
It is more than a restaurant as it entertains the visitors with live entertainment, music, and traditional folk dance performances. Enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as Palitaw (rice cake), Lechon (roasted pig), Kare-Kare (peanut sauce-based stew) in a beautifully restored 18th-century building that reflects the true meaning of architecture. Live music and dance performance will make it an even more fascinating experience for you.
Jollibee
Everyone loves eating from the fast-food chain and there are several affordable chains are spread all over the country, and one of them is Jollibee. Two of their must-taste dishes are Filipino-style spaghetti and ChickenJoy. While having this meal, don’t forget to try their infamous Coca-Cola soda.
Café Juanita
Café Juanita is probably one of the most famous and among the best places to visit in Manila for couples. The entire area is colorfully designed and it serves Filipino dishes with its unique taste. With spectacular decorations, awesome dishes, I bet you wouldn’t regret spending your time here. Their best-selling dishes are Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelet), Sisig (mixed pork), Dinuguan (pork blood stew), and the world knew Adobo.
Ultimate tips of Travelling cheap
- Unlike many other cities from around the world, tipping is not mandatory in Manila. You can leave the restaurant without tipping, or pay 10% of the total bill if you’ve enjoyed their services.
- Manila weather can create difficulties for the visitors therefore make sure to bring light, and breathable clothes in your luggage. Similarly, if you want to go to Churches then wearing modest clothes would be perfect.
- During the rush hours or heavy rains, heading for fun outside wouldn’t be a good choice. In such conditions, you should wait until the rush on road suppresses.
- Avoid rushing outside during the peak hours and especially the rains, as fairs of local are likely to rise up. Similarly, hiring online taxi services will also cost you additional fares.
- Take care of your health, and if you’re diabetic or a patient of any other disease then always keep your medication in a handbag or backpack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Manila safe for tourists?
Yes, Manila is a safe place to plan your travel journey, but similar to other cities, you must avoid visiting shady areas of Manila. People of Manila are poor but the ratio of violent crimes is not much higher, the only unpleasant situation you can face is pickpocketing or snatching. Therefore, we advised you not to carry expensive items while getting around the city especially during walking.
You also have to be careful and keep an open eye on your surroundings to avoid any unpleasant situation. Make sure you have the contact no of local police in your mobile phones or diary.
When is the best time to visit manila?
Neither pickpocketing nor snatching will be a major concern, rather the most troublesome thing would be heat. December to February are the most ideal time period throughout the year because the temperature is moderate and locals usually celebrate holidays. Summer in Manila can be hot and humid prolong from March to May.
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