Things to Do in Metro Manila During a Layover

The Philippines is an excellent travel destination, as the local tourism department puts it “It’s more fun in the Philippines”. There are just so many different things to do and see in the country. Manila, the Philippine capital, is the centre of culture in the country. Where better to explore the Philippines than in its capital. Despite the Philippines’ less than stellar reputation overseas, Manila is quite safe for tourists. If you have time to spare on your way to tropical destinations around the country, do make time to explore Manila. We compiled a list of areas where you can quickly explore during your layover.

 

Manila is a major city. If your layover is quite long, make sure you book yourself a Manila hotel to be close to the airport so you won’t miss your flight. Traffic in Manila is quite notorious so it is important to be prepared. Avoid rush hour which is from 7am to 8pm and always plan your trips in advance.

 

 Manila Bay

The quickest destination from the airport is the Manila Bay area (about a 15 minute ride from the airport without traffic). The area has certainly improved in the past few years. With shopping malls and 5 star hotels in Manila, there are a lot of great things see in the Manila Bay area and, of course, the world famous Manila Bay sunset. From shopping to accommodations, the Manila Bay area is the perfect spot for a quick layover in the capital of the Philippines.

·         Bonifacio Global City

If you want to see a very modern Philippines, do check out Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It is 20 minutes from the airport and it has all the comforts of a modern city. With trendy shops and restaurants, it will give you a very modern experience in Manila. Shops in this area range from affordable to luxury brands, so shopping in this area is not to be missed. There are a lot of up and coming restaurants and cafes in this area so make sure you visit check online reviews of interesting dining establishments you can check out. BGC is a business district so best avoid it during peak hours that range from 7am to 9am and 6pm to 8pm.

·         Makati City

Makati is the reigning central business district in Metro Manila. Most of the best hotels in Manila with a pool are located here. It is also quite near from the airport with a travel time of about 20-30 minutes. There are a lot of great malls in the area with incredible local and foreign restaurants as well as high end shops. It can get quite traffic in this area so if you are limited for time, avoid the area as much as possible.  

·         Tagaytay City

If you have a day or two in the capital, a visit to Tagaytay City is a must. It is about 2-3 hours away from the capital. Despite the country’s warm tropical weather, Tagaytay City is much cooler. You can find charming boutique hotels and restaurants in the area. There are some stunning views of the Taal Volcano too. It is a popular weekend getaway from most locals so try going there on a weekday to avoid the rush.