Where to stay in Manilla First TIme 2024 - 6 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Manila first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Manila first time?
Where to stay in Manila for nightlife?
Where to stay in Manila for one night?
Where to stay in Manila with family?
Where to stay in Manila cheap?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Manila first time
| Name of the area in Manila | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
.... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Makati is one of the most convenient and safest options you have in Manila. This area is modern and home to many skyscrapers, malls and entertainment options. Although it’s an upscale area compared to most other parts of the city, this tourist-friendly area is also home to budget-friendly options. *You can click on the purple link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
2. Bonifacio Global City (BGC) .. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is another modern part of the city that is known for its clean streets and well-planned layout. It’s located a bit further away from the main attractions compared to Makati but is still an excellent choice for tourists. As it’s an upscale area, you can find many trendy bars and restaurants to keep you entertained in the evening. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | Intramuros is the area where you can find the colonial heritage of the city, ideal for those who want to stay close to the parts that showcase Manila’s rich history. It’s a quieter area with a unique charm, perfect for history buffs and those wanting to explore the cultural heritage of the city. Keep in mind that this area comes with fewer modern amenities and less nightlife. |
... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Malate is an area that lies between the historical parts of the city and the modern parts, like Makati. Because of that, you have access to a bit of both, historical sites and nightlife. It’s a popular area among younger travellers as you can find many affordable options here and the area itself is quite laid-back. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Ermita is centrally located for tourist purposes, meaning it is easy to explore major tourist spots. It lies right above Malate and is particularly a good option for budget-conscious travelers. However, those with a somewhat larger budget often opt for the more convenient areas like Makati and BGC as these modern parts come with far more modern amenities, modern restaurants, and unique bars. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Pasay is convenient for those who want to stay close to the airport or enjoy the extensive shopping and entertainment options. It’s an ideal choice for travelers with short layovers or those looking to explore Manila’s entertainment districts. You have great access to the metro that leads you straight to the historical parts, meaning that you can also easily explore Manila’s highlights from here. |
Where to stay in Manila first time
The best areas to stay in Manila first time are Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Intramuros.
For the majority of tourists, Makati is the ideal area as it’s an incredibly convenient and safe option that offers accommodation options in all budget classes.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is also a well-desired area but is more upscale compared to Makati and therefore not in everyone’s budget.
Those who particularly want to explore Manila’s history should stay as close as possible to Intramuros, although this is a much quieter area compared to the modern parts of the city.
You have a few alternatives, though, that are worth considering.
Malate lies between the historical parts of the city and the modern parts of the city, which makes it incredibly convenient to combine a bit of both.
Ermita is a budget-friendly area located near the historical parts.
Pasay is the ideal area for those who stay just shortly in the city and want good access to the airport as well as the (historical) highlights of Manila.
Where to stay in Manila for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Manila first time are Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
When it comes to nightlife in Manila, these two areas are by far the best options.
Makati is home to many nightlife options ranging from upscale bars to casual pubs.
Especially around the Poblacion District, you can find many nightlife venues. The Ayala Center is also a great option for a party.
BGC offers a more upscale experience in the city, with trendy rooftop lounges, bars, and clubs along Bonifacio High Street and around Uptown Mall.
As an alternative, Malate is a decent option for a laid-back and casual night out. It mainly attracts younger travellers.
Where to stay in Manila for one night
The best area to stay in Manila for one night is Pasay.
The reason why Pasay is such a convenient option is that you are located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
From here, you can take the metro straight to the highlights of the city as well as to the airport.
It will save you incredibly much time by doing this.
Another benefit is that you’re staying close to Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, which is home to many entertainment options.
Alternatively, you can stay at either Makati or BGC, which are simply convenient options in the city.
The only downside is getting there, as it takes much longer compared to Pasay.
Where to stay in Manila with family
The best areas to stay in Manila with family are BGC, Makati, and Pasay.
Out of these three areas, BGC is arguably the best option when visiting the city with family.
That’s because it’s such a clean and safe area that lies centrally and comes with many modern amenities.
It’s also an upscale area, meaning that it’s not that suitable for those travelling on a stricter budget.
Makati is a good, modern option too, and this area does offer budget-friendly options.
Just keep in mind that Makati is known for its nightlife scene, so it can get noisy.
Pasay is also a family-friendly option where you can find the Mall of Asia.
This is one of the largest malls in the world and is home to an ice skating rink, an IMAX theater, and many other entertainment venues Manila Ocean Park is located nearby that offers marine life exhibits and shows.
Pasay is located near the airport and has a direct metro line that brings you to the historical parts of the city.
As the historical parts of Manila come with fewer modern amenities and fewer family-friendly activities, we suggest not picking a hotel here.
Where to stay in Manila cheap
The best areas to stay in Manila cheap are Ermita, Malate, and Pasay.
These three areas are located outside the areas that are always in high demand but are still considered centrally.
Ermita is the ideal area for budget-conscious travelers and lies right under Intramuros, the area where you can find the colonial heritage of the city.
Malate is the area between the historical parts and the modern parts of the city and attracts mainly younger travelers. You can find a decent nightlife here that caters to backpackers.
Pasay is the ideal option for families who prefer to stay in a budget-friendly area. You have direct access to one of the largest shopping malls in the world as well as the metro line that takes you to the historical highlights of the city.
1. Makati
Without a doubt, Makati is the most popular area to stay in Manila among tourists.
This part of the city has the reputation for being one of the safest and cleanest areas in Metro Manila.
Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts with great connectivity to the major roads and public transportation.
Although it does not have direct access to the metro line that takes you to the historical parts and its highlights.
In the evening, you have direct access to a vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
Particularly in the Poblacion area, you can find many great bars, trendy clubs, and unique dining options.
Being such a modern part of Manila, expect to find many shopping and entertainment venues too.
Shopping centers like Greenbelt, Glorietta, and the Ayala Center are must-visits for those seeking some retail therapy.
You can also find all the modern amenities for a pleasant stay in the capital of the Philippines.
Lastly, Makati offers a huge range of accommodation options in all budget classes.
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Makati caters to all types of travelers.
But Makati is not perfect.
Traffic congestion is a huge pain in this part of the city.
It will take you about 40 minutes to reach the historical parts of Manila if traffic isn’t at its worst.
Also, this modern part of Manila lacks authenticity, especially when you compare it to areas like Intramuros.
But the benefits of the convenience of this area exceed the negative parts.
For the majority of tourists, the mix of safety, convenience, vibrant lifestyle, and diverse attractions, makes it an excellent choice for first-timers.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is yet another incredibly popular area to stay at and is located near Makati.
The biggest difference between these two areas is that BGC is a more exclusive part of the city, although both are incredibly safe and well-maintained.
With its almost Western-style urban planning, BGC feels like a city within a city.
This simultaneously makes it an area that you can easily explore on foot and discover all sorts of great restaurants, cafes, and bars.
When it comes to nightlife, you won’t be bored in the late hours at BGC, and everything feels more sophisticated than anywhere else in the city.
It’s also an area that’s very family-friendly, making it the top choice among families who travel to Manila.
But one of the downsides is that BGC is also the most expensive part of Manila which we recommend in this article.
If you’re traveling on a budget, other areas closer to the historical parts of the city are more suitable.
Also, BGC lacks authenticity and does not have a direct metro line that takes you to the city highlights (you need a hail an uber, or taxi to reach a metro station).
However, we can’t deny the fact that BGC is an incredibly convenient area where you can have a carefree stay with access to the top amenities the city has to offer.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Intramuros
Intramuros, known as the “Walled City,” is the oldest district in Manila and is steeped in history dating back to the Spanish colonial period.
Walking through this part of Manila feels like you’re going back in time and that experience is something none of the other areas can compete against.
The area is filled with beautifully preserved Spanish-era buildings, churches, and fortifications.
Expect to stumble upon many stunning architectural highlights including landmarks like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church.
It’s the ideal area for sightseeing and taking pictures.
You can find many guided tours, museums, and so-called kalesa (horse-drawn carriages).
The area itself is relatively quiet and peaceful, despite being in the heart of the bustling city.
Compared to the modern parts, Intramuros is the complete opposite and feels incredibly authentic.
That’s also the main reason why people tend to stay in this area or at one of the budget-friendly areas nearby.
Keep in mind that this historical part of Manilla has fewer accommodation options, modern amenities, nightlife scene, and dining scene.
Feeling that you’re going back in time proves that.
Also, as it’s mainly a touristy area, be careful of scams.
But it’s still a very popular area to stay in because many tourists don’t want to stay in an incredibly modern part of the city.
They are seeking authenticity, and that’s exactly what Intramuros offers.
And you have good access to the metro line that takes you straight to the airport.
What else can you wish for as a tourist?
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Malate
Malate is one of the somewhat alternative options we recommend in this article.
There are a few reasons why you should consider staying in this part of Manila.
One of the main reasons is the proximity to Intramuros, the historical epicenter of the city.
The second reason is the budget-friendliness.
Not only do accommodations here come cheap, but you can also find plenty of local eateries where you can dine for a bargain.
Especially when you want to eat like a local, Malate won’t disappoint.
Lastly, Malate is known for its nightlife scene, which is particularly famous among young travelers and locals.
Especially when you’re traveling on a budget and you’re in your twenties, Malate is the place to be.
It mainly attracts backpackers and because of that, Malate is a typical area that comes alive when it gets dark.
What’s not to like about this part of Manila?
It simply lacks modern amenities and is a budget area.
Most tourists tend to stay closer to Makati or GBC as these areas are more convenient in general.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Ermita
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Pasay
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Manila first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.