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

Quick facts

Population
1,780,148 (city, 2015)
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP)
Language
English, Filipino
Timezone
PST (UTC+8)
Local time now
05:01:30

Hotels in Manila

Manila offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from well-established properties like The Bayleaf Intramuros and White Knight Hotel Intramuros to other accommodations such as Residencia 729 and City State Hotel. Whether you're exploring the historic Intramuros district or other areas of the city, you'll find suitable lodging choices to suit your travel needs. 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 Philippines capital to destinations worldwide. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary hub for international and domestic flights, 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 services to suit your travel needs. Whether you're looking to explore the city or venture beyond, options like Manila Rent a Car, Avis Rent-a-Car, Orix Car Rental, ABC Car Rental, and Anis provide vehicles for short and long-term hire. 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 a rich blend of historical and cultural attractions for visitors to explore. From the iconic Manila City Hall Clock Tower to historic sites like Baluarte de San Francisco de Dilao and memorials honoring Filipino heroes, the city provides plenty of opportunities to discover its 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
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 and budget. Whether you're craving Korean cuisine at Samgyeop Masarap, Filipino fare at Bistro Ibarra, or Japanese specialties at Sukiya Gyudon & Curry, the city's restaurant landscape reflects its multicultural character. 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 facilities for residents and visitors. Popular 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), each serving different areas of the city. 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 experiences for travelers seeking relaxation and wellness. Venues like Wensha Spa and Lotus Spa provide traditional and contemporary treatments 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 offers a diverse nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to lively clubs. Experience the city's after-dark energy at establishments like Careless Whisper, Che'lu Bar, Katniss ktv, Clubbers Guide, and ZZYZX. 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 diverse bar scene with venues ranging from rooftop spots like Sky Deck View Bar to historic bars in Intramuros such as Bamboo Intramuros. Whether you're looking for casual drinks or vibrant nightlife, establishments like Bataka Bar, Batala Bar, and Hyde provide options across the city. 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 café culture with options ranging from international chains to local favorites. Whether you're looking for specialty coffee at Bigbrew Central, bubble tea at Happy Lemon or CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, or premium chocolate at Cioccolata, the city's cafes cater to every taste and preference. 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. Visitors can explore SM City Manila, The SM Store, and other shopping venues throughout the city. 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. From Victoria Park and Mehan Garden to the verdant Arroceros Forest Park, these green spaces provide respite and opportunities 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 weather year-round. The city has a distinct wet and dry season, with tropical conditions dominating throughout the year.

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, celebrating the city's founding, was first proclaimed in June 1962 and is held annually under the patronage of John the Baptist.
  • The Feast of the Black Nazarene (Traslacíon) procession held on January 9 draws millions of Catholic followers to Manila.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Manila

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Manila

What is the capital of the Philippines?

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

What language is spoken in Manila?

Filipino and English are widely spoken in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

Where is Manila located?

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

What is Manila's population?

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

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 highly urbanized city.

What is the main religion in Manila?

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

Map of Manila

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