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Manila

Manila, officially the City of 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 proper, Manila is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and commerce.

Quick facts

Population
1,902,590 (city, 2024)
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP)
Language
English, Filipino
Timezone
PST (UTC+8)
Local time now
03:07:21

Hotels in Manila

Manila offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from heritage properties like The Bayleaf Intramuros and White Knight Hotel Intramuros to accessible choices such as YMCA and City State Hotel. Whether you're exploring the historic Intramuros district or staying elsewhere in the city, you'll find accommodation to suit different needs 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 facilitating domestic and international air travel. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary gateway, while additional facilities including Danilo Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point Airport, and Plaridel Airport provide additional aviation services to 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 looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. Popular providers including Manila Rent a Car, Avis Rent-a-Car, Orix Car Rental, ABC Car Rental, and Anis are available to meet your rental 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 mix of historical and cultural attractions to explore. From iconic landmarks like the Manila City Hall Clock Tower and Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao to memorials honoring national heroes such as Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, the city's attractions reflect its vibrant past and present. 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. Whether you're looking for Korean BBQ at Samgyeop Masarap, Japanese gyudon at Sukiya, or local Filipino fare at Bistro Ibarra, the city has plenty of options to explore. 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 pools for residents and visitors looking to swim and enjoy water activities. Notable facilities 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 range of spa facilities where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Whether you're looking for traditional treatments or modern wellness services, establishments like 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 a diverse array of entertainment venues where locals and visitors can experience the city's energetic after-dark culture. From intimate karaoke bars like Katniss KTV to established nightspots such as Careless Whisper and Che'lu Bar, there's a venue to suit every mood and preference. 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 establishments ranging from rooftop venues to historic district hotspots. Whether you're looking for Sky Deck View Bar, Bamboo Intramuros, Bataka Bar, Batala Bar, or Hyde, the city has venues to suit various tastes and atmospheres. 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 where you can find everything from international coffee chains like Starbucks to local favorites such as Cioccolata and Bigbrew Central. Whether you're looking for specialty coffee, fresh tea, or casual refreshments, cafes like CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice and Happy Lemon provide popular options throughout the city. 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, from large shopping malls like SM City Manila and The SM Store to specialized retail outlets such as SM Clearance Outlet. Visitors can explore a range of shopping destinations including Isetann Cinerama Carriedo and Manila City Plaza for both local and international brands. 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 parks and gardens where visitors can experience nature within the urban landscape. Notable green spaces include Victoria Park, Mehan Garden, Hidden Garden, ASEAN Garden, and Arroceros Forest Park. 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 enjoys warm weather year-round, with the dry season offering pleasant conditions for exploring, while the wet season brings higher humidity and frequent rainfall.

Interesting Facts About Manila — Weird & Wonderful

  • Manila was founded on June 24, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.
  • With 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer, Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper.
  • The city is home to 896 barangays, each with their own patron saints and local festivities.
  • The Feast of the Black Nazarene procession draws millions of Catholic followers to Manila 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 annually 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 to Manila.
third Sunday of January
Feast of Santo Niño
Religious festivities held in Tondo and Pandacan 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 official name of Manila?

The official name is the City of Manila. It is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City.

What is Manila's population?

According to the 2024 census, Manila has a population of 1,902,590 people within the city proper.

What timezone is Manila in?

Manila operates in the Asia/Manila timezone.

What is the predominant religion in Manila?

Most of the city's residents are Roman Catholic, and most festivals celebrated in Manila are religious in nature.

Where is Manila located?

Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon and is classified as a highly urbanized city.

Why is Manila so densely populated?

Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper, with 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer, making it a major urban center in Southeast Asia.

Map of Manila

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