Understand
Locals and foreigners refer to Metro Manila simply as Manila. Administratively speaking, however, "Manila" is the name of one of the cities that composes the Metro Manila and is the capital of the Philippines. Consisting of 16 cities and 1 municipality in 630 km², the metro is the Philippines' seat of government and national capital region, and the center of the country's culture, arts, commerce, industry, and tourism. Metro Manila likewise serves as the pivot point to other exciting, popular destinations in the Philippines such as Boracay, Cebu City, and Davao City.
Metro Manila is a multi-polar city with major business, shopping and leisure areas scattered across the city, rather than concentrated in a compact Downtown. However, southern Metro Manila containing Makati, Bonifacio Global City and the Entertainment City contains a large share of the city's most upscale areas and wealthiest residents, whereas Manila city proper concentrates much of the city's historical heritage and cultural options.
Metro Manila is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, and further observation can mean Manila further grows into the suburban sprawl in the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and even Batangas, along the expressway corridors composed of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the north, and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx), South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) in the south. This travel guide, however, covers on…
Get around
Public transportation is the best way to get around Metro Manila, however the quality and frequency tends to be poor compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. Google Maps or Sakay.ph are handy for route options, but Google Maps does not have schedules for jeepneys. Driving is not for the faint of heart.
Buy
There are generally two kinds of shopping destinations in Manila: the mall and the tiangge ("chang-ghe").
Eat
thumbnail|250px|The Food Village at Tiendesitas
A tourist or visitor may be amused or perplexed to see Filipinos eating most of the time. Apart from the three major meals of the day, there are snacks in the morning and in the afternoon called merienda which are an integral part of a typical Pinoy's everyday life. Metro Manila's diverse racial community had brought the rise to international cuisine, from just one corner of the street a Filipino would be eating Shawarma (more commonly known as Doner or Kebab for some westerners), another one would be enjoying his kimchee, while others would enjoy their night with sushi, some would desire Indian and Thai curry for their lunch while some would prefer the typical American breakfast in fastfood stores. For Chinese cuisine go to Chinatown where they serve Hokkien dishes; American steakhouses, high class Japanese, Korean, Indian and Thai restaurants that lurk around Makati, Koreantown have cheaper options as does Japantown (Little Tokyo). Usually if you prefer to splurge, Makati is one of the best options. Typical Filipino cuisine and streetfood are found in the streets of Manila which provide the best options, the cost could be US$1-2 per serving or even lower.
Drink
The epicenter of Metro Manila's famous nightlife is the Greenbelt in Makati where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. The Fort, Serendra and Bonifacio High Street are three different clusters that offers high-end restaurants, bars and shops in the nearby city of Taguig. Bohemian Malate and the adjoining Baywalk contain a variety of venues serving a combination of food, comedy, alcohol and live music in Manila. Other nightlife clusters in the Metro are Eastwood, Araneta Center, and Timog all in Quezon City.
The introduction of American hip hop music has had a noticeable effect on Philippine night life, serving as the soundtrack to a high-spirited Manila youth culture. Many nightclubs now rival first-world standards both in terms of luxury and vibrancy.
Additionally, there are numerous venues in which to catch elements of an active Philippine alternative rock community. Some venues, such as saGuijo Cafe in Makatihave risen to some prominence.
Sleep
Check city articles for listings
Due to Metro Manila's horrible traffic, those who came for business are advised to stay in the business district they are visiting or as near as possible. Backpackers tend to favour Malate or Makati's Poblacion as they are both atmospheric areas with cheap food, bars, and accommodation. Those who want to avoid the gritty side of Manila typically stay in more affluent districts such as Makati's Ayala Center or Bonifacio Global City.
Standard hotels range from to , but you can spend more if you want to stay in a luxurious place. Popular hotels such as Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental are found in Manila and Makati while Marriot hotels just opened a branch in Newport City. Hotels include common frills such as laundry service, telephone, and TV. Motels have a bad reputation and perception by Filipinos as they are viewed as meeting places for illicit sex and things, but they are a cheap option. Condominiums, now easily rented even for short stays via websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, are found around financial districts and often near commercial establishments.
Stay safe
Metro Manila has its share of common problems for first-time travellers: opportunistic robbers and pickpockets, corrupt cops and bureaucracy, run-down residential areas and shanty towns, and chaotic traffic. If you are first time travelling into the region (or not used to chaotic conditions in other places), keep your guard up at all times. The metro has its numerous rough areas where you are unlikely to visit.
Stay healthy
Tap water provided by the metro's major water service providers Maynilad and Manila Water is usually safe to drink, but quality varies by place, and locals usually boil them just to be safe.
Air quality in Metro Manila is not as worse, but can deteriorate during the cool season (especially on New Year's Day). Areas around major road intersections (e.g. Cubao, Pasay Rotonda) usually have the worst air quality.
Be also aware of stray dogs, but they are not a problem in financial districts such as Makati CBD and Taguig and can be seen only in residential outskirts and non-commercialized suburbs of Metro Manila.
Respect
thumb|Inside a women-only car of a train on LRT Line 1People in Metro Manila have a reputation for snobbery; Manileño folks call country people promdi (from the English phrase from the [province of]) because of different customs. It is best to behave like a laking Maynila (one brought up in Manila) so you can easily get around.
Public views of affection are tolerated, but making out is far from socially acceptable, even in this liberal region of the Philippines. You can make out in public in Luneta and other major parks of its size, but this is not without risk. Making out in public may offend Filipino sensitivities, and some locals will not hesitate to call 911 and turn you in into the police for scandalous behavior. Holding hands are rather acceptable, even to locals.
Public courtesy goes a long way. You must give a seat to women, students, old people and disabled persons in public transport. Jeepneys, buses, and trains have priority seats reserved for them; trains have a women-only car at the front end, not exclusively for women, but also for elderly and disabled people. You will be told to move into the second car (or the middle of the platform at the station) if you go into the women-only area.
Metro Manila has the most relaxed dress code among all places in the Philippines; wearing shorts or tank tops is in general acceptable, but not without calling unwanted attention depending on place. Churches and government offices follow strict dress codes, where shoulders, arm…
