Why visit
Manila is the Philippines' dense capital region, with Spanish-era Intramuros, museums, malls, food districts, and bay sunsets. It is hectic, but it explains the country's colonial and modern layers.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Manila is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Philippines. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Manila, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Philippines better matches the trip style.
Manila at a glance
City population
1.8 million
Metro: 14.7 million
Elevation
5 m
16 ft
Time zone
UTC+8
Asia/Manila
Airport
MNL
Ninoy Aquino International
Founded
1571 (Spanish)
Getting around
LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 + jeepneys + buses + Grab
Signature dish
Adobo, sinigang, lechon, halo-halo, pancit
Neighborhoods for travelers
IntramurosMakatiBGC (Bonifacio Global City)Quezon CityBinondo (Chinatown)
Philippines at a glance
Country center
13.0°, 122.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
342,353 km²
132,183 mi²
Country population
117.3 million
343/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Philippine peso (₱)
PHP
Dial
+63
Languages
English, Filipino
Demonym
Filipino
Internet
.ph
UN
Member state
ISO code
PH / PHL
Where in the world
13.0° - 122.0°
Philippines
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Manila is the most densely populated city on earth by area: Manila proper has over 41,000 people per km².
- Intramuros, the old walled city, was built by the Spanish in 1571 and heavily damaged in WWII; Fort Santiago still stands.
- The Pasig River cuts through the metropolis, and the Manila Bay sunset is considered one of the world's most photogenic.
- The Philippines has 7,641 islands at high tide and more at low tide.
- It is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia (80%+ Catholic).
Traveler notes
- Intramuros preserves the old walled city
- Rizal Park anchors national history
- Binondo is often described as the world's oldest Chinatown
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Manila
What currency is used in Manila?
Manila uses the Philippine peso (₱), ISO code PHP.
What languages are spoken in Philippines?
The primary languages are English and Filipino.
What is the international calling code for Philippines?
The calling code is +63.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Manila?
Ninoy Aquino International (IATA: MNL).
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