Manila is a beautiful place with friendly people. It is one among the most budget-friendly destinations in Asia. In Manila, food is delicious, weather is good, and taxi is cheap. We visited Manila a couple of months back along with our kid and here is our itinerary to get the best out of Manila in 4 days.
DAY 1:
A taxi from airport to the city center cost around PHP 250. Beware of the black taxi, they are a big ripoff. Always opt for a metered taxi from the airport.
Art in Island: Art in the island is a 3D art museum, it is similar to tricky eye museum in Singapore but at a much lesser price. It is free from the crowd during weekdays.
Working Hours: 9 AM to 9.30 PM
Plan your visit: You can spend 2 to 2.5 hours here
DAY 2:
Mind Museum: It is an engaging museum with a lot of interactive displays and shows. You can opt for 3 hours ticket if you are in a rush and if you are a science lunatic go for One day pass and you will love it. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Working Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Plan your visit: You can spend 3 to 5 hours here.
Rizal Park: This park comes to life during the weekend. They have free light and music shows on Sundays. The entire park is lit up with a beautiful led decoration during Christmas and new year season. If you are too tired to take a walk around, hop on the train and enjoy the park.
Working Hours: 5 AM to 9 PM
Plan your visit: You can spend 2 hours there.
DAY 3:
SM mall: SM mall manila is one of the largest malls in Manila. It has a lot of delicious restaurants and indoor play area for kids.
Working Hours: 10 to 10
Plan your visit: You can spend 4-5 hours here
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Manila Bay: Manila Bay is near SM mall, grab some snacks along with you and enjoy the enchanting sunset from this place
Working Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM
Plan your visit: You can spend 1 hours here.
Intramuros: This place is filled with Spanish type buildings and churches. It is the place where Spaniards stayed when they ruled the Philippines. If you are not into architecture and stuff you can go ahead and skip it.
DAY 4:
Manila Ocean Park: Manila ocean park is one of the best aquariums that I have visited till date. It is quite crowded during the weekend so plan your visit on a weekday. They have lot of restaurants inside at various price range. Do not miss Fish spa, jellyfish display and birds show. Souvenirs are available here at an affordable price.
Working Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Plan your visit: You can spend 6-8 hours here.
DAY 5:
Back to home town.
Tips:
* It is easy to get a taxi in Manila but before getting into a taxi ask the driver to switch on the meter.
* Unlike what media has portrayed, Manila is a safe place.
* Most of the supermarkets are open until 10.30 and many eat outs are open until midnight.
* You can get high end makeup brands are at a duty-free price here.
