Manila Travel Guide - Activities

Eating and drinking: Manila has a lot of fine restaurants with a laid-back atmosphere, a refreshing change from the boisterous bars and clubs that the city is famous for. Many of these bars can be found within the same vicinity meaning that you don’t have to spend all evening travelling around the city in pursuit of a quiet bar.

Many restaurants are located inside shopping centres, so it is not uncommon to sit down for a nice meal after hours of shopping. Coffee shops and bars are favoured by the younger crowds, while couples prefer romantic dinner dates at luxurious restaurants.

Certain areas do tend to get crowded and noisy especially during the weekends, but they are all generally clean and safe. The districts of Quiapo and Divisoria are known for selling the cheapest goods around, although also notorious for packed crowds and pickpockets.

Courses: if you're looking for ways to spend your time, short course are available for holiday makers. Regardless of whether you are interested in science, extreme sports or arts, there’s sure to be something to suit. Fitness buffs might enjoy yoga classes offered in various fitness centres and the creative types can join basic photography workshops offered by PhotoWorld Manila.

Cultural events: Manila's cultural events are mostly religious, built around patron saints and feast days. The town fiestas of Pandacan and Quiapo are the most notable, marked with colourful marching bands, the Buling-buling Festival and the massive Black Nazarene procession.

The Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP) also plays host to year-round plays, musicals, and dances by noted performers within and outside the Philippines.