For many travellers, Manila is best known as the gateway to the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands across the archipelago, it’s the natural entry point for those heading onwards to the country’s famous beach escapes or cultural hotspots.
However, just because it’s a gateway doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have its own charm or attractions to present a compelling case as a stopover or a short-stay destination in its own right, offering a mix of history, culture, shopping and nightlife that can be packaged into one or two days.
Why Manila works as a stopover
Positioning Manila as a short-stay option makes sense for clients en route to destinations like Palawan, Boracay or Cebu. Its location as the main international gateway, combined with a mix of cultural depth, modern lifestyle and high-quality accommodation, means itineraries can easily include one or two nights in the capital.
Be aware that it can take anywhere from 15 – 90 minutes to get to the city from the airport due to Manilla’s infamous traffic! Highly recommended to get a Grab or other local Taxi service.
Step back in time at Intramuros
Modern Manila is defined by bustling streets and glittering skyscrapers, but the city’s Spanish colonial past is preserved within the walled city of Intramuros (meaning inside the walls). Covering just under a square kilometre, this enclave offers some of the capital’s most striking heritage attractions. Highlights include the baroque Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago and Casa Manila, a museum recreating colonial-era life. Travellers can dive deeper into the local story at Destileria Limtuaco Museum, dedicated to the country’s oldest distillery, or join a guided walking or bike tour to navigate Intramuros’ cobblestone streets. A heritage buffet lunch at Barbara’s, featuring Filipino and Spanish-inspired cuisine, rounds out the experience. Top tip, take a bamboo bike tour these bikes are made locally by an NGO that aims to provide local employment and education so your footprint will be light.
Shopping and rooftop cocktails
Manila is synonymous with shopping, boasting some of the world’s largest malls. For a more refined take, the Greenbelt Ayala Mall in Makati stands out. Spread across 12 hectares with landscaped gardens and koi ponds, it offers an indoor-outdoor experience blending luxury boutiques, global fashion brands and dining options. For agents, this adds appeal for travellers looking to mix leisure with retail therapy during a stopover.
With its skyline of high-rise towers, Manila is home to a growing rooftop bar scene that doubles as a showcase of the city from above. The Bayleaf Skydeck is a favourite, offering views across Intramuros in one direction and Manila Bay in the other. Alternatives such as The Nest, Ugly Duck Tapas & Rooftop Lounge, Firefly Roof deck Restaurant or The Penthouse 8747 in Makati each deliver their own stylish take on sundowners.
Food and boutique stays in Makati
For travellers staying overnight, Makati is the standout choice. Known for its lively street food markets, innovative dining and boutique hotels, the district captures Manila’s creative side. Dining highlights include Metiz, serving French-inspired Filipino cuisine, or Helm, where diners can indulge in an eight-course tasting menu. For cocktails and jazz, Fat Cat offers a memorable evening.
Accommodation options range from the sleek Picasso Serviced Apartments to the opulent New World Makati Hotel. I’M Hotel adds extra flair with its Japanese onsen and rooftop infinity pool, a rare indulgence in the heart of the city.
Smooth onward connections
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the country’s main hub, offering extensive domestic links for island-hopping itineraries. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines provide high-frequency flights to key destinations.
