Discover things to do in Manila.
Manila is a whirlwind of contrasts—historic churches rise next to sleek skyscrapers, while jeepneys weave through neon-lit streets. Filipino warmth is everywhere, from street vendors to upscale lounges. It’s chaotic, colorful, and full of heart.
There’s no reason your trip itinerary can’t be just as memorable as the city itself. We cut through the noise and filtered out the fluff.
These are the top 5 activities travelers genuinely rave about.
Top 5 picks from the Foresyte community.
#5 Island Hop 🏝️
Shared by Arlo Becker – 33 ❤️
“We couldn’t leave the Philippines without getting salty. A quick flight out and we were off the grid — hopping between tiny islands, snorkeling reef gardens, and sipping fresh coconut under palm trees. No agenda. Just wonder.”
#4 Marvels of Manila
Shared by Alexa Meyer – 44 ❤️
“Here’s how it all unfolded in the Marvels of Manila 🇵🇭✨ Manila gave us electricity, emotion, and a taste of something real. In a few short days, it reminded us that joy can be loud… and sometimes, the loudest joy is the one that brings you home to yourself. The skyline glittered. Jeepneys darted through traffic like confetti on wheels. Every street corner smelled like something amazing sizzling on a grill. Manila wasn’t subtle — it was alive, layered, and full of surprises at every turn. We were wide-eyed from the jump.”
#3 Manila Food Tour
Shared by Noah Guthrie – 45 ❤️
“Let’s just say… we came hungry. Street eats, market gems, and hidden alley bites that blew our minds. Balut (yes, we tried it), lumpia so crispy it crackled in our hands, and halo-halo that saved us from the heat. Every stop told a deeper story.”
#2 Explore Chinatown
Shared by Lori King – 144 ❤️
“Binondo — the oldest Chinatown in the world — was a sensory feast. We walked narrow streets, popped into bakeries, slurped hand-pulled noodles, and found temples tucked behind fruit stands. This was culture at its richest — loud, real, unforgettable.”
#1 Active Volcano Hike
Shared by Carter Reynolds – 160 ❤️
“We took a day trip out to Taal, and wow — the contrast between the chaos of the city and the calm of this crater was surreal. We hiked, sweated, and stood at the edge of something ancient and powerful. A little awe. A little smoke. A whole lot of perspective.”
Smarter trip planning starts here.
Finding the right experiences shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Foresyte cuts through the noise to surface the places that matter — fast. Just share your travel vibe, and we’ll guide you to the moments worth remembering.
