Manila

Essential Manila: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

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Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

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Essential Manila: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

See Manila’s most iconic landmarks, then go off-course into places most visitors miss, local life, layered stories, and quiet contrasts.

You may expect to hear English when visiting Manchester but there is a distinct Mancunian dialect that can baffle first time visitors!

What makes this experience special

From cathedrals to candle-lit corners, your host reveals how Manila’s icons and everyday rituals shape the city’s soul, always shaped around you.

Key highlights

See iconic Intramuros through lived-in local insight
Pause in secret courtyards or vibrant backstreets
Choose museums, gardens or a bit of both
Explore at your pace with stories tailored to you
Browse creative spaces in Escolta’s art deco revival
Discover spiritual rituals and quiet corners in Quiapo
End with river views where Manila shifts and shines

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

6 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Plaza de Roma, Plaza de Roma, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Plaza de Roma, Plaza de Roma, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

First Steps in Intramuros

Framed by cobblestones and cathedral spires

Essential Manila: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Start where history looms large, but don’t stay on the main road. After pausing at Manila Cathedral, your host might follow the curve of a vine-covered alley or turn with you into a cloister café tucked out of time. The day begins with grandeur, but you set the tone.

Escolta’s Revival & River Views

A new Manila, inside art deco bones

Escolta was once Manila’s commercial heart; today it pulses with indie energy. Art deco buildings hide creative spaces and quiet cafés. Whether you linger over local prints or wander on, your host moves with your pace and the mood of the moment.

Between Stories: Museum or Garden

Indigenous gold or garden silence? You choose.

Step beyond the walls of Intramuros to where local culture breathes: maybe inside the National Museum of Anthropology, rich with textiles and ritual objects, or into Mehan Garden, a reclaimed colonial space where locals now wander among tangled paths and quiet blooms.

Faith, Folklore & Everyday Ritual in Quiapo

Amulets, incense, and layered belief

Quiapo doesn’t slow down, but you might. Here, Catholic icons share space with folk remedies, candles, and quiet rituals passed down through generations. Your host could explain the meanings behind the colored candles, or follow your lead down quieter lanes near Bahay Nakpil.

Optional Pause at Bahay Nakpil

A quiet house with revolutionary echoes

Some guests step inside for a glimpse of Viennese-Filipino design and handwritten histories; others choose the energy of Carriedo’s streets instead. Whether you want stillness or more movement, your host pivots easily.

A Final Cross at Jones Bridge

A golden close with contrast in view

Finish with a slow walk over Jones Bridge, Parisian in design, Manila in soul. As the river glows below, there’s space to reflect on the mix of grace and grit that shaped your day.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Relaxing riverside ride with scenic views

Riverside temple adventure in Asia

Street-side smiles and city buzz in downtown

Evening charm in Chinatown: Capturing Asia’s buzzing energy

Authentic flavors and street eats in a local food haven

New friendships on a neon-lit stroll through Chinatown

Exploring Asia's flower market with vibrant colors in hand

Cultural deep dive at Grand Palace complex

River breeze and good vibes on a Thai ferry ride

Tuk-Tuk Adventures and Smiles

Sharing laughs in the heart of a vibrant market street

Tram Tales & Laughter

Harbour Views & New Perspectives

Urban Treks & Hidden Art

Skyline Stories & Family Smiles

Moments of Serenity Beneath Giants

Street Style & City Vibes

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems experiences in Asia

Louise Aug 2025

Alex was a great guide! Very knowledgeable and flexible. 10/10 recommend!

Rebecca Aug 2025

Daphne was a great guide! She explained concepts and customs along with historical facts to make the four hours fly by. It was a very interesting and educational experience.

Rebecca Aug 2025

Daphne was an amazing guide! She was personable and smiling and genuine.

Franchesca Aug 2025

Benny, our tour guide, was excellent! He met us at the airport early because we arrived ahead of schedule. He made sure we safely boarded all of transport including the high speed trains and double decker buses. We saw so much of Hong Kong in such a short period of time. We even went to a delicious Vegetarian restaurant. I highly recommend this tour and Benny should you have a long layover or if you are staying in the area for a while.

William Aug 2025

Benny was a great host. He was knowledgeable and engaging. He communicated before our tour so he knew what we wanted. He answered all of our questions and taught us a lot about Hong Kong.

Renata Aug 2025

Great Tour!!

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.