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Manila

Manila is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon. As a highly urbanized city with a rich history dating back to 1571, it blends Spanish colonial heritage with modern Asian dynamism.

Photo: Bahnfrend (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,780,148 (city, 2015)
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP)
Language
English, Filipino
Timezone
PST (UTC+8)
Local time now
16:33:08

Hotels in Manila

Manila offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travellers and budgets. From historic properties in Intramuros such as The Bayleaf Intramuros and White Knight Hotel Intramuros to other choices like YMCA and City State Hotel, you'll find suitable places to stay in the Philippine capital. See all hotels →

The Bayleaf Intramuros
183 m from centre
YMCA
287 m from centre
Residencia 729
398 m from centre

Airports in Manila

Manila is served by several airports that connect the Philippine capital to destinations worldwide. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary hub, while Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point Airport, and Plaridel Airport also serve the region. See all airports →

Ninoy Aquino International Airport
9.5 km from centre
Danilo Atienza Air Base
13.0 km from centre
Sangley Point Airport
13.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Manila

Manila offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Providers including Manila Rent a Car, Avis Rent-a-Car, Orix Car Rental, ABC Car Rental, and Anis operate in the city to meet various transportation requirements. See all car hire →

Manila Rent a Car
3.6 km from centre
Anis
4.5 km from centre
Orix Car Rental
4.7 km from centre
ABC Car Rental
6.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Manila

Manila offers visitors a rich blend of history and culture. From historic landmarks like the Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao and Manila City Hall Clock Tower to meaningful sites such as Memorare - Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, the city provides numerous ways to explore its heritage and vibrant character. See all things to do →

Memorare - Andres Bonifacio
96 m from centre
Memorare
101 m from centre
Emilio Jacinto
136 m from centre
Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao
136 m from centre
Manila City Hall Clock Tower
144 m from centre
Gusali ng Lunsod ng Maynila
158 m from centre

Restaurants in Manila

Manila offers a vibrant dining scene with restaurants catering to every taste. From establishments like Savor & Kribs and Bistro Ibarra to Korean dining at Samgyeop Masarap and Japanese cuisine at Sukiya Gyudon & Curry, the city's food landscape reflects both local and international influences. See all restaurants →

Savor & Kribs
203 m from centre
Samgyeop Masarap
205 m from centre
All 4 U
209 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Manila

Manila offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Notable pools in the city include Pope Pius Pool, Mr. Jimmy Go Ching Kim and Mrs. Ancheta Go Swimming Pool, UST Swimming Pool, Central Seminary Pool, and R-Square Swimming Pool (Lower Amenities). See all swimming pools →

Pope Pius Pool
1.2 km from centre
Mr. Jimmy Go Ching Kim and Mrs. Ancheta Go Swimming Pool
2.1 km from centre
UST Swimming Pool
2.1 km from centre

Spas in Manila

Manila offers a variety of spa destinations where visitors can unwind and rejuvenate. Popular options like Wensha Spa and Lotus Spa provide therapeutic treatments and wellness experiences in the heart of the city. See all spas →

Wensha Spa
4.2 km from centre
Lotus Spa
5.9 km from centre

Nightlife in Manila

Manila's nightlife offers diverse entertainment options for every taste, from karaoke venues like Katniss KTV to bars such as Careless Whisper and Che'lu Bar. Whether you're looking for a casual night out or high-energy clubbing at spots like ZZYZX and Clubbers Guide, the city provides plenty of ways to enjoy the evening. See all nightlife →

Careless Whisper
1.3 km from centre
Katniss ktv
2.1 km from centre
Che'lu Bar
2.1 km from centre

Bars in Manila

Manila offers a vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from rooftop establishments to unique themed bars. Whether you're looking for panoramic city views or distinctive atmospheres, bars like Sky Deck View Bar, Bamboo Intramuros, Bataka Bar, Batala Bar, and Hyde provide diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike. See all bars →

Sky Deck View Bar
184 m from centre
Bamboo Intramuros
550 m from centre
Bataka Bar
557 m from centre

Cafes in Manila

Manila offers a vibrant cafe culture with options ranging from international chains like Starbucks to local favorites such as Cioccolata, Happy Lemon, and CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for coffee or a refreshing beverage, Bigbrew Central and other cafes throughout the city provide welcoming spaces to relax and socialize. See all cafes →

Cioccolata
177 m from centre
Starbucks
coffee_shop · 203 m from centre
Happy Lemon
217 m from centre

Shopping in Manila

Manila offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and retail outlets. Major destinations include SM City Manila, The SM Store, SM Clearance Outlet, Isetann Cinerama Carriedo, and Manila City Plaza, providing everything from fashion to household goods. See all shopping →

The SM Store
307 m from centre
SM City Manila
315 m from centre
SM Clearance Outlet
913 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Manila

Manila offers several green spaces where visitors can experience nature within the urban landscape. Parks and gardens such as Victoria Park, Mehan Garden, Hidden Garden, ASEAN Garden, and Arroceros Forest Park provide peaceful retreats for those seeking to connect with the city's natural environment. See all nature & wildlife →

Victoria Park
112 m from centre
Mehan Garden
219 m from centre
Hidden Garden
338 m from centre
ASEAN Garden
380 m from centre
Arroceros Forest Park
Ermita · 460 m from centre
Plazuela Madre Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes
497 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Manila experiences a tropical climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The city has a wet season and a dry season, with weather patterns typical of the Philippine archipelago.

Interesting Facts About Manila — Weird & Wonderful

  • Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities, with 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer.
  • The city was founded on June 24, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.
  • Each of Manila's 896 barangays has its own festivities guided by patron saints.
  • The Feast of the Black Nazarene procession draws millions of Catholic followers every January 9.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Manila

June 24
Araw ng Maynila
Celebrates the city's founding on June 24, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. Commemorated under the patronage of John the Baptist and declared as a special, non-working holiday through presidential proclamations.
January 9
Feast of the Black Nazarene (Traslacíon)
A major religious procession held every January 9 that draws millions of Catholic followers.
third Sunday of January
Feast of Santo Niño
Held in the Tondo and Pandacan areas on the third Sunday of January.
May 12
Feast of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados de Manila
Celebrates Our Lady of the Abandoned, the patron saint of Santa Ana, held every May 12.
Flores de Mayo
A religious festivity held in Manila honoring the Virgin Mary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manila

What is the population of Manila?

According to the 2024 census, Manila has a population of 1,902,590 people, making it the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines.

What language is spoken in Manila?

Filipino and English are widely spoken in Manila, as they are the official languages of the Philippines.

What is the currency used in Manila?

The Philippine Peso is the currency used in Manila and throughout the Philippines.

What is Manila's religious significance?

Most of Manila's residents are Roman Catholic, so most festivals are religious in nature, including the famous Feast of the Black Nazarene and Araw ng Maynila celebrations.

When was Manila founded?

Manila was founded on June 24, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.

Is Manila densely populated?

Yes, Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper, with over 44,000 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Map of Manila

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