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Best Things to do in Manila (2026)

Many of the best experiences in Manila involve walking and eating. A food crawl along Ongpin Street in Binondo, the historic Chinatown across the river from Intramuros, is the classic choice, with Binondo Church and the bakery Eng Bee Tin along the way. A few streets east, Escolta preserves a row of early 20th-century buildings, including the Art Deco First United Building, which makes a good extension to the walk.

In the walled city, following the walls of Intramuros past restored gates and the Baluarte de San Diego gives a different view of the old town from the usual church visits. Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda show the intensity of popular devotion in Manila, especially on Fridays, and are best combined with Binondo. On Saturday mornings, the Salcedo market in Makati gathers regional Filipino food, international dishes and local produce in a leafy park. Most of these activities are free or inexpensive. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds, wear comfortable shoes and carry small cash for snacks and market stalls.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Manila

  1. Binondo Chinatown Food Crawl Food walk and historic district, BinondoEat your way along Ongpin Street in Binondo, founded in 1594 and often described as the world's oldest Chinatown, with dim sum, tea houses and a basilica on the way.
  2. Walk the Walls of Intramuros Heritage walk, IntramurosFollow the Spanish-era walls around Manila's 64-hectare walled city, passing restored gates, bastions and the ace-of-spades Baluarte de San Diego.
  3. Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda Shrine and street market, QuiapoHome of the revered Jesus Nazareno image, Quiapo Church and the busy square in front of it offer an intense look at Manila's popular faith and street trade.