Home / Philippines / Manila
Flag of Philippines Capital of Philippines

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 one of the world's most densely populated cities, it is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and religious tradition.

Quick facts

Population
1,902,590 (city, 2024)
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP)
Language
English, Filipino
Timezone
PST (UTC+8)
Local time now
19:50:09

Hotels in Manila

Manila offers a range of accommodation options for visitors exploring the capital of the Philippines. From hotels in the historic Intramuros district like The Bayleaf Intramuros and White Knight Hotel Intramuros to other properties including YMCA and City State Hotel, there are choices to suit different preferences and budgets. 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 providing both domestic and international flight connections. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary gateway for travelers, while Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point Airport, and Plaridel Airport offer additional aviation facilities serving 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 rental options for visitors and residents alike. Major providers operating in the city include Manila Rent a Car, Avis Rent-a-Car, Orix Car Rental, ABC Car Rental, and Anis, giving you flexibility in choosing a vehicle that suits your travel needs. 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, with notable landmarks such as the Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao, Manila City Hall Clock Tower, and the Memorare monuments dedicated to Filipino heroes. Whether you're exploring colonial-era fortifications or discovering significant cultural sites, the capital city provides diverse experiences for travelers. 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
137 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 diverse dining scene with restaurants catering to various tastes and cuisines. From establishments like Savor & Kribs and Samgyeop Masarap to Bistro Ibarra and Sukiya Gyudon & Curry, visitors and locals can explore a wide range of culinary experiences throughout the city. 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 options 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 facilities where visitors can unwind and experience wellness treatments. Establishments such as Wensha Spa and Lotus Spa provide options for relaxation in 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 mood, from karaoke venues like Katniss KTV to cocktail bars such as Che'lu Bar and Careless Whisper. Whether you're looking for dancing at clubs like ZZYZX and Clubbers Guide or a relaxed evening out, the city has plenty to explore after dark. 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's bar scene offers diverse venues for every taste, from rooftop bars with city views to casual neighbourhood spots. Whether you're looking for Sky Deck View Bar, Bamboo Intramuros, Bataka Bar, Batala Bar, Hyde, or other local favourites, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy an evening out in the Philippines' vibrant capital. 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 diverse cafe scene with both international chains and local favorites. Whether you're looking for specialty coffee at Bigbrew Central, fresh tea drinks at CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, or international options like Starbucks and Cioccolata, the city has plenty of places to relax and refuel. 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 numerous retail destinations. Major shopping venues including SM City Manila, The SM Store, SM Clearance Outlet, Isetann Cinerama Carriedo, and Manila City Plaza provide everything from everyday essentials to specialty 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 natural retreats where visitors can escape the urban landscape and experience the city's flora and fauna. From the lush Arroceros Forest Park to the carefully curated gardens like Mehan Garden and Hidden Garden, these green spaces provide peaceful sanctuaries for nature lovers exploring the capital. 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 distinct wet and dry seasons. The city is warm and humid year-round, with the dry season offering more comfortable conditions for exploration.

Interesting Facts About Manila — Weird & Wonderful

  • Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper, with 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer.
  • The city was founded on June 24, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.
  • Araw ng Maynila celebrates the city's founding and has been annually commemorated as a special, non-working holiday since 1962.
  • Each of the city's 896 barangays has its own festivities guided by their own patron saints.
  • The Feast of the Black Nazarene procession draws millions of Catholic followers each January.

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.
January 9
Feast of the Black Nazarene (Traslacíon)
A religious procession held every January 9 that draws millions of Catholic followers.
third Sunday of January
Feast of Santo Niño in Tondo and Pandacan
A religious festivity held in the Tondo and Pandacan areas on the third Sunday of January.
May 12
Feast of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados de Manila
Honors Our Lady of the Abandoned, the patron saint of Santa Ana, held every May 12.
Flores de Mayo
A religious festivity celebrated in Manila.

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 second-most populous city in the Philippines.

What is Manila's location?

Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

What language is spoken in Manila?

Filipino and English are the primary languages spoken in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

What is the timezone in Manila?

Manila operates on Asia/Manila timezone.

Is Manila densely populated?

Yes, Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper, with approximately 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer.

What religion do most Manila residents practice?

Most of Manila's residents are Roman Catholic, which is reflected in the city's many religious festivals and celebrations.

Map of Manila

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors