Where to Stay
We've picked out hotels near the airport for convenience, keeping you close to the shuttle pickup and making the trip to the wedding easy. The pickup point isn't confirmed yet, but it will most likely be at one of these hotels.
Things to Do
Our favorite ways to spend a day in the city, from history and heritage to shopping and sunsets.
Intramuros
The stone heart of old Manila: Spanish-era walls, cobblestone streets, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church. Wander on foot or hop on a bamboo kalesa (horse carriage) and step back a few centuries. Our top pick if you only do one thing.
Binondo
Founded in 1594, Binondo is a feast for the senses and a paradise for eaters: hole-in-the-wall dumpling houses, hopia bakeries, and sizzling street food down every lane. Come hungry and get pleasantly lost.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
BGC is Manila’s modern, walkable side, packed with great restaurants, cafés, shopping, public art, and nightlife. Perfect for anyone looking to experience the city’s modern vibe rather than its historic sights.
Baywalk
The classic Manila Bay sunset stroll. Time it for golden hour, grab something cold, and watch the sky do its thing over the water, one of the city's simple, timeless pleasures.
SM Mall of Asia
One of the largest malls in the world, right on the bay. Shopping, an IMAX, an indoor ice rink, a seaside promenade, and endless food, plus a giant ferris wheel for sunset views. Easy air-conditioned refuge on a hot day.
Greenbelt (Ayala Malls)
The stylish, garden-woven heart of Makati. Greenbelt 3 and 5 bring together designer shops, cinemas, a lush central chapel and koi ponds, and some of the city's best dining and nightlife. Polished and very walkable.
Okada Manila
A dazzling integrated resort near the bay: home to the enormous choreographed Fountain, luxe shopping, and a huge range of restaurants. Worth a visit in the evening just to see the Fountain light show.
Where to Eat
We leaned into Filipino cuisine here, the food we most want you to try while you're home with us. A few of these have more than one branch, so we've noted the locations closest to the sights above. (We skipped the malls and hotels since you'll find plenty of great options right where you're staying.)
Manam at the Triangle
The flagship of a beloved local favorite, serving Filipino comfort food in both "Classic" and "Twist" versions: order the same dish two ways. Don't miss the watermelon sinigang and the crispy sisig. Small/medium/large portions make it perfect for sharing family-style.
Toyo Eatery
Chef Jordy Navarra's acclaimed, Michelin-starred love letter to Filipino cooking: a tasting-menu journey through local ingredients and heritage dishes (including a famous salad built from all the vegetables in an old Filipino folk song). A special-occasion splurge; reserve well ahead.
Romulo Café
Warm, homey Filipino cooking rooted in the family recipes of the Romulo family. Think tita's-kitchen classics done beautifully: a lovely, comforting introduction to the cuisine.
The Aristocrat Restaurant
A true Manila institution, famous for its chicken barbecue with java rice and banana ketchup. Comfort food with decades of history behind it.
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Set in a grand old house inside the walls of Intramuros, Barbara's pairs classic Filipino fare with an old-world colonial ambiance (and, on some evenings, cultural dance performances). A fitting stop while exploring the historic quarter.
Lydia's Lechon
A Manila byword for lechon (whole roasted pig with crackling, glass-shattering skin), served since 1965. Rich, indulgent, and quintessentially celebratory Filipino food.