Manila

Why go

Manila is not the easiest first impression, but it can be a rewarding one. It is where many international trips begin, and it explains a lot about the country’s energy, scale and contrasts.

Best for

• First-night arrivals before a domestic flight.
• Food walks, museums and old-city history.
• Travelers who like large cities and do not need every day to be beach-shaped.

Good to know

Traffic can change your plans. Choose accommodation based on the airport, neighborhood and next-day route rather than only on hotel photos.