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| Photo credit: Ferdie Balean |
Why This Itinerary Works:
- ✅ Cost-effective: Uses Manila's affordable public transport (average fare: ₱15-₱50 per ride)
- ✅ Time-efficient: Minimizes travel time with strategic route planning
- ✅ Authentic experience: Blends historic sites, modern districts, and local culture
I have crafted a comprehensive 3-day Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tour of Manila, with a special focus on navigating the city's public transport system from your hotel in Makati. This guide is designed to be your trusted companion, providing step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and cultural insights to ensure your adventure is both exciting and seamless.
Here's a suggested 3-day itinerary for Manila in 2025:
Day 1: Historic Manila
- Morning: Intramuros (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church)
- Lunch: Café Adriatico in Malate
- Afternoon: National Museum Complex
- Evening: Manila Bay sunset walk & dinner at Harbor View
- Morning: Bonifacio Global City (BGC) tour
- Lunch: The Grid at Power Plant Mall
- Afternoon: Ayala Museum in Makati
- Evening: Rooftop drinks at The Penthouse 8747
- Morning: Quiapo Church & Divisoria market
- Lunch: Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
- Afternoon: Manila Ocean Park
- Evening: Cultural show at CCP (if available)
- Use Grab for transportation
- Check for new attractions opening in 2025
- Verify museum hours as they may change
- Consider a Pasig River ferry tour if operational
Your Essential Manila Commuting Guide
Before you begin your journey, understanding the local transport landscape is key. Manila's public transit is a vibrant and bustling network. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate like a pro.
The Beep™ Card: Your Transit Passport
The most crucial tool for your commuting adventure is the Beep™ card. It's a reloadable smart card that provides cashless payment for Manila's major train lines (MRT and LRT) and many modern buses, including the BGC Bus (beep.com.ph).
- Where to Buy: You can purchase a Beep™ card at any LRT or MRT station from the teller booths or the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs). The card itself has a one-time issuance fee of around ₱30, and you'll need to add a starting load (moneymax.ph). Cards are also available at BGC Bus terminals and select convenience stores (ltoportal.ph).
- How to Reload: You can top up your card at station TVMs, teller booths, Beep™ loading kiosks, or through digital partners like the Maya app (topgear.com.ph).
- How to Use: Simply tap your card on the designated reader at the train station gates or upon entering a bus. The fare will be deducted automatically. For trains, you must tap out at your destination to exit (ltoportal.ph).
Navigating Peak Hours and Traffic
Manila is known for its traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Morning Rush: Typically from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
- Evening Rush: Typically from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It's advisable to plan your travel outside these windows to avoid the heaviest crowds and longest queues (angkas.com). The train systems are the fastest way to bypass road traffic during these times (parkmagazineny.com).
Safety, Scams, and Etiquette
Your safety is paramount. While millions commute safely every day, it's wise to be cautious.
- Be Vigilant: Keep your belongings secure and in front of you, especially in crowded areas like markets and on public transport. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash (gov.uk).
- Taxi Scams: When using taxis, insist on using the meter. A common scam involves negotiating a high, fixed price instead. Reputable ride-hailing apps like Grab are a great alternative (guidetothephilippines.ph).
- Church Etiquette: When visiting religious sites like Quiapo Church or San Agustin Church, dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
- Emergency Contacts: Save these numbers on your phone. The national emergency hotline is 911 (e911.gov.ph). For tourist-specific concerns, you can contact the Tourist Police. The Philippine National Police (PNP) hotline is 117 or (02) 8722-0650 (ph.usembassy.gov).
Day 1: A Journey Through Historic Manila
Today is about stepping back in time to explore the colonial heart of the Philippines.
Morning: Intramuros (The Walled City)
Destination: Fort Santiago & San Agustin Church Your Route from Makati: The most efficient route involves a combination of the MRT and LRT train lines.
- From Your Hotel to the Train: Take a Grab or a taxi from your hotel to the MRT-3 Ayala Station. This is the most convenient starting point.
- Board the MRT-3: At Ayala Station, take the MRT-3 train Southbound (heading towards Taft Avenue).
- Transfer at Taft Station: Alight at Taft Avenue Station, the last stop. Follow the signs for the covered walkway (the "Taft-EDSA walkway") to connect to the LRT-1 EDSA Station.
- Board the LRT-1: At EDSA Station, take the LRT-1 train Northbound (heading towards Fernando Poe Jr. Station).
- Arrive at Intramuros: Alight at Central Terminal Station. This journey on the LRT-1 takes approximately 15 minutes (rome2rio.com). From the station, the entrance to Intramuros is a 10-15 minute walk. You can also hire a tricycle for a short ride to Fort Santiago or San Agustin Church.
Lunch: Café Adriatico in Malate
Destination: A classic Filipino-Spanish restaurant.
Your Route from Intramuros:
- Exit Intramuros: Walk back towards the area near Manila City Hall or the National Museum.
- Take a Jeepney or Taxi: The easiest way to get to Malate from here is by taking a taxi or Grab (approx. 10-15 minute ride). Alternatively, you can ride a jeepney with a "Mabini" or "Vito Cruz" sign, which will pass through the Malate district. Ask the driver to drop you off near Remedios Circle. Café Adriatico is located nearby.
Afternoon: National Museum Complex
Destination: National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History.
Your Route from Malate:
- Taxi or Grab: The most straightforward option is a short taxi or Grab ride back towards Rizal Park, where the museum complex is located.
- Jeepney/LRT-1: Alternatively, you can take a jeepney heading back towards Taft Avenue and get off near the LRT-1 United Nations (U.N.) Station. The National Museum complex is a 10-minute walk from the station, just across Rizal Park (guidetothephilippines.ph).
Evening: Manila Bay Sunset & Dinner
Destination: A leisurely walk along the bay followed by dinner at Harbor View Restaurant.
Your Route from the National Museum:
- Walk to the Bay: From the museum complex, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk across Rizal Park towards Roxas Boulevard and the Manila Baywalk.
- Find Harbor View: Harbor View Restaurant is located along the bay, near the Manila Ocean Park and the U.S. Embassy. It's an easy walk from the main Baywalk area, offering fantastic sunset views.
- Return to Makati: After dinner, the most convenient and safest option is to book a Grab or hail a reputable taxi directly back to your hotel in Makati.
Day 2: Exploring Modern Manila
Today, you'll experience the sleek, modern side of the metropolis, from the bustling streets of BGC to the upscale malls and museums of Makati.
Morning: Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Tour
Destination: A tour of BGC's street art, modern architecture, and High Street.
Your Route from Makati: The dedicated BGC Bus system is your best bet.
- From Your Hotel to the BGC Bus Terminal: Take a Grab or taxi to the BGC Bus Terminal, located at the McKinley Exchange Corporate Center on EDSA, right next to the MRT-3 Ayala Station (moneymax.ph).
- Choose Your BGC Bus Route: Purchase a Beep™ card or a QR code ticket at the terminal. For a general tour, the North Route is a good option as it stops at key locations like Uptown Mall and The Globe Tower (en.wikipedia.org). Ask the dispatcher for the best route to get to Bonifacio High Street.
- Explore BGC: Alight at a central stop like Bonifacio Stopover or near High Street. BGC is very walkable, so you can easily explore the area's shops, cafes, and public art on foot.
Lunch: The Grid Food Market at Power Plant Mall
Destination: A modern food hall with a wide variety of culinary choices.
Your Route from BGC:
- Return to Ayala: Take the BGC Bus (any route heading to EDSA Ayala) back to the McKinley Exchange terminal.
- Jeepney or Bus to Rockwell: From the Ayala area, you can take a jeepney or bus. Look for jeepneys with a "Guadalupe" sign that pass along Makati Avenue. Ask the driver to drop you off near Rockwell Center.
- Faster Option (Recommended): For convenience, take a Grab or taxi from the BGC Bus terminal directly to Power Plant Mall. The ride is relatively short (10-15 minutes, traffic permitting) (rome2rio.com).
Afternoon: Ayala Museum
Destination: A museum dedicated to Filipino art, history, and culture.
Your Route from Power Plant Mall:
- Taxi or Grab: The most efficient way to get to the Ayala Museum from Rockwell is by taking a taxi or Grab. The journey is short, taking you back into the heart of the Makati Central Business District.
- Location: The Ayala Museum is located at the Greenbelt complex, at the corner of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street (forevervacation.com).
Evening: Rooftop Drinks at The Penthouse 8749
Destination: A rooftop bar with stunning city views.
Your Route from Ayala Museum:
- A Short Walk: The Penthouse 8749 is located on Paseo de Roxas. From the Ayala Museum at Greenbelt, it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk through the well-lit and safe Ayala Center.
- Return to Your Hotel: After drinks, you can easily walk or take a short taxi/Grab ride back to your hotel within Makati.
Day 3: A Dive into Local Culture
Your final day is a deep dive into the vibrant, chaotic, and beautiful culture of Manila, from a historic church and bustling market to marine life and a grand cultural performance.
Morning: Quiapo Church & Divisoria Market
Destination: Experience the fervor of Quiapo and the bargain-hunting paradise of Divisoria.
Your Route from Makati: This journey mirrors your trip to Intramuros, using the train system to bypass traffic.
- From Your Hotel to the Train: Take a Grab or taxi to the MRT-3 Ayala Station.
- MRT-3 to LRT-1 Transfer: Take the MRT-3 Southbound to Taft Avenue Station. Transfer via the walkway to the LRT-1 EDSA Station.
- LRT-1 to Quiapo: Board the LRT-1 Northbound and alight at Carriedo Station. Quiapo Church is a short walk from the station. The journey on the LRT-1 takes about 16 minutes (rome2rio.com).
- From Quiapo to Divisoria: Divisoria Market is a 15-20 minute walk from Quiapo Church. Alternatively, you can take a short jeepney ride. For a more direct train route from Makati to Divisoria, you can take the LRT-1 to Doroteo Jose Station, which is closer to the main market area (rome2rio.com).
Lunch: Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Destination: Enjoy a traditional Filipino lunch in a historic setting.
Your Route from Divisoria/Quiapo:
- Return to Intramuros: Barbara's is located inside Intramuros. The easiest way to get there from the bustling market areas is to take a taxi or Grab for a short 10-15 minute ride.
- LRT-1 Option: Alternatively, from Quiapo (Carriedo Station) or Divisoria (Doroteo Jose Station), you can take the LRT-1 Southbound one or two stops to Central Terminal Station and walk into Intramuros.
Afternoon: Manila Ocean Park
Destination: Discover the marine life of the Philippines and beyond.
Your Route from Intramuros:
- Walk or Tricycle: Manila Ocean Park is located just outside Intramuros, behind the Quirino Grandstand. It's a 15-20 minute walk from Barbara's. You can also hire a pedicab or tricycle for a quick ride.
- From Makati (Direct): If you were coming directly from Makati, you would take the LRT-1 to United Nations (U.N.) Station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk or a short tricycle ride to the park (youtube.com).
Evening: Cultural Show at the CCP Complex
Destination: Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Your Route from Manila Ocean Park:
- Taxi or Grab (Recommended): The most convenient way to get to the CCP Complex from Manila Ocean Park is by taxi or Grab. The ride should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Return to Makati: After the show, book a Grab or take a taxi for a safe and direct trip back to your hotel, concluding your 3-day Manila adventure.
Enjoy your incredible journey through Manila