Located on the edge of Manila Bay and bisected by the snaking Pasig river, Manila is a diverse, busy, absorbing city. The capital city of the Philippines has been a major trading hub for centuries and still has one of the busiest ports in Asia. The city seamlessly fuses old and new — huge shopping malls and towering high-rise apartments sit alongside centuries-old churches and monuments. People also come here to soak up the nightlife and delve into the country’s history at its many museums.

The old historic, walled centre of the city, Intramuros, features Spanish-era architecture, while Binondo is a hotspot for Chinese culture with restaurants and food stands offering mouthwatering dishes at every turn. Karaoke is a popular pastime in Manila, and you won’t go far before spotting a venue where you can sing the night away. The districts of Makati and Fort Bonifacio are known for dining and nightlife, and the sprawling Rizal Park is home to the National Planetarium and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Manila’s main airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), which is around half an hour from the city centre. There is no direct train service from the international terminal into the city, but there are buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services available. You will also find an interchange around 20 minutes from the airport where you can hop on either the MRT metro or LRT light rail system, depending on the location of your Manila holiday rental. A fun way to get around is hiring one of the city’s iconic jeepneys, which are small buses often painted in bright colours and adorned with decorations.

Manila has a tropical climate, which means there are two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The best time to visit is usually during the dry season, which runs from December until May. With consistently warm temperatures and low rainfall, this is the ideal time of year for exploring Manila’s colourful streets while dining outdoors and visiting its many monuments and churches. The dry season is also the best time to visit if you plan on venturing out to one of the Philippines’ famous beaches. In January, the Feast of the Black Nazarene draws crowds to the city’s Quiapo district. This religious celebration sees worshippers gather in the plaza outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene for a procession centred on a sacred statue of Jesus Christ.

The wet season, which runs from June until November, is typically very humid. The city can also be prone to flooding and cyclones at this time of year. That said, it can also be a good time to make the most of the city’s vast shopping malls and indoor entertainment offerings.

Intramuros

Known as the “walled city,” Intramuros is Manila’s historic district and was the seat of government when the country was ruled by Spain. You’ll find well-preserved Spanish-era architecture, paved roads, and several historic monuments and sculptures here, including Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and Plaza de Roma and Casa Manila.

Binondo

Manila is known for its street food, and one of the best places to sample it is Binondo — a vibrant suburb full of hole-in-the-wall eateries, shops, restaurants, and bakeries. Binondo is believed to be the world’s first Chinatown, home to a large Chinese community and culinary delights including dumplings, oyster cake, lumpia, and kiampong.

Rizal Park

This vast, green space is located in the heart of the city. Occupying over 140 acres, Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. It’s a popular spot for picnics, walking, and exercising and is also home to spectacular fountains and ornamental gardens, open-air concert halls, and even an observatory, alongside some of the country’s most significant museums.