Things to do in Manila

What to do in Manila through the year

Manila’s most-booked experiences are its zoos & aquariums, followed by museums and attraction passes, with water parks and tours also popular. Demand rises into the summer, peaking around August, then eases off in the early and late months of the year.

Best activities by traveller type

Families will find zoos & aquariums and water parks especially appealing — these categories suit kids and make for easy, daytime outings. Couples will enjoy museums and curated attraction passes for a relaxed, flexible way to explore the city’s highlights. Solo travellers and small groups can get good value from attraction passes and tours that offer a variety of options and the chance to join organised activities.

What travellers from the United States should book ahead

Most things in Manila can be booked within a day or two of travel, so there’s flexibility for short stays; still, the earliest planners typically secure tickets around four days ahead, and that planning pays off in the busiest month of August. If you’re visiting during peak season, locking in popular sites a few days early reduces the risk of sold-out time slots.

How the categories compare on price and who they suit

Museums are the easiest way in, usually the most budget-friendly option, while tours sit at the higher end of the price range. Attraction passes offer the widest spread of prices and so can suit budget-minded travellers through to those after a premium experience; zoos & aquariums and water parks land in the middle, family-friendly and straightforward to book. Overall, choose museums for low-cost entry, attraction passes for flexibility, and tours for a more premium outing.