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Picture of Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Travel Guide for
Manila

Philippines

Tropical, wet and dry seasons

Introduction

Manila, the bustling heart of Metro Manila, is a vibrant mix of old and new nestled along the shores of Manila Bay. As the country’s business and cultural hub, the city boasts colonial landmarks like Intramuros alongside modern skyscrapers and busy shopping centers. November brings pleasant, cooler weather—ideal for navigating business meetings and enjoying the city's lively atmosphere.

Manila’s rich history, diverse culinary scene, and warm hospitality make it a rewarding destination. After your meetings, stroll through Makati’s business district or unwind at rooftop bars with bay views. Affordable hotels, co-working spaces, and easy transport ensure you stay productive and comfortable during your visit.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleBusiness

Dates26-30 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

family activities

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Picture of Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Key Facts

Location

National Capital Region

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

14,576,000

Language

Filipino, English

Electricity

220V, 60Hz, Type A/B/C

Time zone

UTCPHT (UTC+8)

Country code

+63

Internet access

Widely available, 4G/5G, moderate cost

Climate

Tropical, wet and dry seasons

See More Philippines Facts

Language:

Filipino

  • hello

    kumusta (koo-moos-ta)
  • goodbye

    paalam (pa-a-lam)
  • yes

    oo (o-o)
  • no

    hindi (hin-dee)
  • how much

    magkano ito? (mag-ka-no ee-to)
  • please

    pakiusap (pa-kee-oo-sap)
  • thank you

    salamat (sa-la-mat)
  • excuse me

    paumanhin (pa-oo-man-hin)

Map

Logistics

Manila is easily reached by air, with Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) serving as the main international gateway. Most business travelers fly directly to NAIA, which handles flights from across Asia, the Middle East, and other world regions. Affordable taxis, airport buses, and ride-hailing apps are available for transfers to central Manila.

For domestic travel, buses and roll-on/roll-off ferries connect Manila to major cities and islands in the Philippines, while trains run on a limited Luzon network. During late November, Manila’s weather is generally dry, making travel smooth. However, allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hours, and consider booking transport in advance due to possible post-holiday congestion.

Weather

Manila has a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round, high humidity, and two main seasons: dry (December to May) and wet (June to November). Expect average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, with the hottest months from March to May.

From November 26 to November 30, Manila is transitioning into the dry season. The weather is generally more pleasant, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and cooler nights—ideal for family outings and city explorations. While typhoons are less common, occasional rain showers or lingering storms may still occur, so checking local forecasts is wise.

Food & Drink

Manila’s local cuisine features hearty favorites like adobo (marinated chicken or pork), sinigang (sour soup), and crispy lechon (roast pig). For drinks, try fresh buko juice (young coconut) or local craft beers. Enjoy meals at Manam for modern Filipino dishes, Mesa for group dining, or Sentro 1771 for an upscale experience.

Business travelers looking for a casual atmosphere can unwind at Café Adriatico in Malate, or sip cocktails at The Curator in Legazpi Village. Tipping is appreciated, with 5-10% customary if service charge isn’t included. Vegetarian and halal options are available but may be limited at traditional restaurants.

Be aware of peak dining times—reservations are helpful for dinner. Many venues offer Wi-Fi, making them ideal for business lunches or informal meetings.

A picture of Adobo

Adobo

Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made with meat (often pork or chicken) that is marinated in vinegar,...

A picture of Sinigang

Sinigang

Sinigang is a sour soup characterized by its distinct tangy flavor, often coming from tamarind, tomatoes, or calamansi,...

A picture of Lechon

Lechon

Lechon is a popular Filipino dish consisting of a whole roasted pig, known for its crispy skin and...

A picture of Pancit

Pancit

Pancit refers to a variety of Filipino noodle dishes, such as Pancit Canton and Pancit Palabok, which are...

A picture of Halo-Halo

Halo-Halo

Halo-Halo is a popular Filipino dessert that features a mix of sweetened fruits, beans, jellies, and shaved ice,...

Accommodation

For a business trip to Manila, top neighborhoods like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are excellent choices, offering modern hotels such as Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Seda BGC, and The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. These areas are safe, centrally located, and near major business centers, shopping, and dining options.

Booking hotels via Hotels.com is convenient and often features exclusive deals and reward points. For a comfortable stay on a business traveler’s budget, consider Citadines Salcedo Makati or Hotel Jen Manila by Shangri-La. As late November can be busy due to local events and conventions, it’s wise to book early for the best rates and availability.

Itinerary

Settle into Manila while balancing your business agenda with family bonding, exploring the city's vibrant atmosphere and rich local culture.

Family Stroll at Rizal Park

Begin your Manila journey with a leisurely family walk at Rizal Park. Kids can enjoy open spaces and gardens while adults appreciate the historical monuments. It’s a relaxing way to get oriented and enjoy local culture as a family.

 Shared Cruise Shore Excursion of Manila Old and New City Tour

Shared Cruise Shore Excursion of Manila Old and New City Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in Manila’s past and present as you travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle through the City of Makati and on to Old Manila. Step back in time as you stroll through ancient ruins in historic Intramuros, where you’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. From your expert and friendly local guide, hear about the Philippines’ interesting Spanish colonial period, as well as its modern-day culture.

3.9 (8 reviews)

From $110 USD

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Experiences

Culture Week in the Philippines
learning

Culture Week in the Philippines

Minimum 1 week

Philippines

$550/week

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Teaching English in the Philippines
teaching

Teaching English in the Philippines

Minimum 1 week

Philippines

$370/week

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Kindergarten Teaching in the Philippines
teaching

Kindergarten Teaching in the Philippines

Minimum 1 week

Philippines

$370/week

Learn More
Volunteer Construction in the Philippines
volunteering

Volunteer Construction in the Philippines

Minimum 1 week

Philippines

$430/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.8 (328 reviews)
Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

this tour is all you need to see the colorful city of Manila and the nature city of tagaytay. this sight seeing-focused trip will cover a lot of ground perfect for people who has only a short stay in manila but still want to see what it has to offer. on a good day in tagaytay you will also see the taal volcano * free pick up/drop off from your hotel in Makati, Taguig, Ermita (Manila), Malate(Manila), and Pasay. additional charges will incur outside these areas

From $105 USD

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4.7 (64 reviews)
Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros

Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the walled city of Intramuros and experience this heritage city by night. We will take you to Intramuros and its surrounding areas which are all beautifully lit up and very much enjoyed during the night. The lights give these attractions a different perspective of the city. *** free pick up/drop off from your hotel in Makati, Taguig, Ermita (Manila), Malate(Manila),and Pasay. additional charges will incur outside these areas

From $75 USD

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4.4 (27 reviews)
Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila

Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy an evening of dance and musical entertainment in Manila, giving you a firsthand look at the interesting traditions and folk culture of the Philippines. Dine on a scrumptious spread of exotic Filipino dishes and, at the end of the night, join in on the cultural dances you just watched!

From $120 USD

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4.9 (16 reviews)
From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide

From Manila: Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Lake Tour w/ Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Taal Volcano on a Scenic Boat Tour Around Taal Lake Embark on an unforgettable journey to Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines' most iconic and active volcanoes. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off from Manila, and learn about Taal’s history, including the dramatic 2020 eruption that sent ash plumes as far as Manila, forcing over 150,000 people to evacuate. Your adventure begins with a drive to Tagaytay City, where you’ll stop at Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 665 meters above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views of Taal Volcano rising majestically from the lake, and capture the perfect photo with your driver’s help. At Taal Lake, take a small-group boat ride (max of 5 people plus local guide for safety) with a local guide who will point out significant sites on Volcano Island. Get up close to the steaming volcano, learn about its ongoing activity (currently under Alert Level 1), and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape before returning to your hotel.

From $125 USD

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4.1 (77 reviews)
Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano

Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Begin the day with a drive to the picturesque city of Tagaytay, a popular tourist destination because of its cool climate and picturesque scenery. It is located on a ridge 2,250 feet above sea level, which offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano, known for being the smallest active volcano in the world. The tour includes a stop for a brief lunch in one of the local restaurants where you can enjoy sumptuous Philippine cuisine and delicacies popular to the region. After that, prepare for the trip back to Metro Manila. Our sightseeing tour of Manila starts with a visit to the American Cemetery and Memorial. The cemetery site or the resting place of our soldiers who lost their lives during the WWII, covers 152 acres. This contains the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel killed during World War II, a total of 17,191 and 36,286 missing in action who are recorded upon the walls of the memorial.

From $160 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour from Manila

Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour from Manila

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

See with your own eyes the Philippines’ “Beautiful Disaster” as popularized by a local film. Located in the north of Metro Manila is the ever-active and famous volcano, Mount Pinatubo.

From $107 USD

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5.0 (12 reviews)
A private Historical Intramuros & highlights in Manila

A private Historical Intramuros & highlights in Manila

INSTANT

Experience a private tour of Manila's historical sites, including must-see landmarks such as Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and Intramuros. Spend a full day exploring the walled city, visiting World Heritage site San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and various museums. This customizable private tour allows you to tailor the experience to your interests, including options for early pickup, late pickup, or early drop-off. Book now and simply send us a message with your preferences. NOTE: Free pickup is available from any hotel, port, or airport in Metro Manila.

From $170 USD

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4.9 (28 reviews)
Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home

Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Explore Isi's vegetable garden and pick a few calamansis, before heading into her kitchen for your private class, where she will teach you to prepare Filipino family recipes that have been passed down through generations. After cooking, you will sit down and share the meal you helped prepare at Isi's dining table in her home. Your meal will include dishes such as ensaladang pako (local fern salad in a calamansi and raw honey dressing), grilled shrimp in a cilantro chimichurri (an Isi creation), ginataang kalabasa at sitaw (squash and green beans in a coconut milk stew), mechado (soy marinated beef, cooked in an onion and tomato sauce) or inihaw na baboy (grilled pork chops) followed by homemade calamansi pie for dessert made by her best friend Earnest. This experience is a true glimpse into the Filipino culture and cuisine with a warm and friendly local, in her home in Taguig, Metro Manila.

From $90 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Manila City Intramuros Tour & famous highlights

Manila City Intramuros Tour & famous highlights

INSTANT

Experience a private tour of Manila's historical sites, including must-see landmarks such as Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and Intramuros. Spend a full day exploring the walled city, visiting World Heritage site San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and various museums. This customizable private tour allows you to tailor the experience to your interests, including options for early pickup, late pickup, or early drop-off. Book now and simply send us a message with your preferences. NOTE: Free pickup is available from any hotel, port, or airport in Metro Manila. Dresscode for museums & churches: no sexy shorts & no sleeves are NOT allowed. Museums are closed on MONDAYS.

From $175 USD

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