CITY OF CONTRASTS

Cruise to Manila, Philippines

One of the world's most populous metro areas, Manila is packed to the brim with historic and cultural heritage. Start your day in Intramuros, the oldest part of the city — stroll along the 16th-century walls, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour to see the quaint colonial architecture. See the Baroque style and highly decorated interior or St. Augustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Philippines' oldest stone church. Cruise to Manila and take in the ocean views while you walk down the palm-tree-lined Manila Baywalk, a bustling harborside promenade. Or take a day trip to nearby Mount Taal and take the one-hour hike to the summit of one of the world's smallest active volcanoes.

National Language Filipino, English

Currency Accepted Philippine Peso (PHP)

Things To Do in Manila

A stoned wall entrance to the Intramuros from the Spanish conquest in Manila, Philippines

Walled-In Wonders

The walled city of Intramuros will take you back in time to the Spanish conquest of Manila in the late 16th century. See the Fort Santiago Citadel itself and the treasures within, like the Spanish Colonial San Agustin Church and Bahay Tsinoy Museum, which is dedicated to the Philippines' Chinese immigrant community.

Garden and modern skyscraper in the city center of Manila, Philippines

Modern Manila

Manila isn't just about the past. The vibrant Makati district is pulsating and futuristic. Its tree-lined boulevards are home to modern architectural landmarks like the Ayala Museum and contemporary shopping malls, like Glorietta and the Greenbelt, which are marvels of architecture (and air conditioning) in their own right.

Traditional food in the Philippines with noodles, vegetables, and lime served on the side

Local Cuisine

Whether you opt for outdoor stalls around Intramuros or upscale Makati restaurants such as Sentro 1771 in Makati, make traditional Filipino cuisine your priority. Manila cruises offer you the opportunity to try pancit bihon guisado, fried noodles with soy sauce, citrus and veggies. Tuck into sisig, a crispy pork casserole spiced with chilies and flavored with calamansi, a local citrus fruit.

A bunch of colorful handmade purse made out of Manila hemp sold on the streets in the Philippines

Shopping

If there's one thing Manila's got plenty of, it's shopping. From the shopping malls, to souvenir stalls both inside and outside the walls of Intramuros, you'll be spoiled for choice. Buy "Jeepney" keychains that depict the rural Filipino vehicle for a high kitsch factor, or choose colorful Banig crafts made from traditional Manila hemp grasses for a more rural, traditional souvenir.

Insider's Tips

1 Manila is famous for its traffic, so be conservative with the distance you plan to travel during your stop. If you have less than 3-4 hours here, you shouldn't leave the city center.

2 Carry an umbrella! While the Philippines' rainy season only officially last from May to October, showers can happen at any time of the year and at any time of day.