Manila trip planner

The capital of the Philippines and the "Pearl of the Orient," Manila truly resembles a gem: rough on the outside, but glittering within. The massive, vibrant, cosmopolitan city teems with traffic, people, and buildings piling on top of each other. In one trip to Manila, you'll see fantastic, gleaming skyscrapers just blocks away from shantytowns, scores of Catholic churches, neoclassical buildings, and other remnants of 300 years of Spanish colonial rule and subsequent American colonialism. But the Manila of today is just as much about its up-and-coming music and contemporary art gallery scene. The city serves as a jumping-off point to explore the various islands of the Philippines, but don't miss the best attractions in Manila itself, including lush public parks, national museums, and an aggregation of the best Filipino food from every part of the country. Plan your trip to Manila and other Philippines destinations using our handy Philippines holiday planner.