Why visit
Manila is the capital of Philippines. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
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
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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).
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
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.
What airport serves Manila?
Ninoy Aquino International (IATA: MNL).
Other Asia destinations
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital. 300+ temples, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the hill tribes of Mae Hong Son.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Phi Phi and James Bond island day-trips, Patong's nightlife, quieter Kata and Kamala beaches, and Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Krabi
Krabi is Andaman limestone cliffs. Railay beach accessible only by boat, Ao Nang's base, Hong Islands, and the jungle interior at Khao Phanom Bencha.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed old port town. Lanterns at night, tailor shops by the hundred, An Bang beach 5 km away, and the Mỳ Sơn Cham ruins nearby.
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is the country's economic engine. War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, the Cu Chi Tunnels day-trip, and a relentless food culture.
Bali
Bali is Ubud's rice terraces and yoga, Canggu's surf and expat cafés, Uluwatu's cliff-top temples, and Nusa Penida's dramatic coast. Crowds large; beauty larger.