Manila travel guide: planning your stay

Getting there and choosing your base

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL): Known as NAIA, about 8 km south of Manila proper in Pasay and Parañaque. Airlines are split across three terminals, so check yours before choosing an airport hotel; the elevated NAIA Expressway links the terminals to the Skyway and the bayside roads.
Clark International Airport (CRK): In Pampanga, about 85 km north of Manila, and a hub for low-cost carriers. A late landing here is often better followed by a night near Clark than by a long road transfer into the city.
Port of Manila: Most ferries, including 2GO's, use the South Harbor beside Ermita and Intramuros, with a few from the North Harbor in Tondo. Ermita and Malate are the nearest bases for an early sailing.

Areas to consider

Ermita and Malate

Suits budget and mid-range stays close to Intramuros, Rizal Park, the National Museum and the bay. Roxas Boulevard carries heavy traffic day and night; a room at the back or on a high floor will be quieter.

Makati

Suits business travel, large malls and the late restaurants and bars of Poblacion. Poblacion's bars keep going into the early hours, so ask which way the room faces if you are staying at a weekend.

Bonifacio Global City (Taguig)

Suits travellers who want a newer, walkable district of offices, shops and restaurants. Getting to the airport is by road only, so ask the hotel how long a transfer usually takes at your departure time.

Pasay and Entertainment City

Suits short stopovers near the airport, the Mall of Asia and the casino resorts by the bay. Confirm the distance to your specific terminal, as the three are spread apart and connected only by road.

When to go

The dry season runs from about November to May, with the hottest weather from March to May. From roughly June to October the south-west monsoon brings heavy rain, flooding in low-lying districts and a risk of typhoons. Over Holy Week and Christmas many residents head to the provinces, and flights and resort rooms outside the capital fill up.

Before choosing a room

A strong typhoon can cut power across the metro for hours or longer. Most larger hotels have a backup generator, but ask before booking a smaller property.
Philippine hotel rates are sometimes shown before VAT and service charge. Compare the full total rather than the headline price.
Manila proper is only one of the region's cities. Check whether a hotel listed as 'Manila' is actually in Pasay, Makati or Quezon City, and how that fits your plans.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on 30 October 2026. Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.