Things to do in Manila this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Manila this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Manila
Manila Bay Sunset
OutdoorsRoxas Boulevard
World-famous sunset over the bay — promenade with cyclists, joggers, balut vendors.
Rizal Park
OutdoorsErmita
Sprawling national park — Jose Rizal monument, Sunday flag-raising, light & sound show.
Intramuros
CultureManila
Spanish walled city from 1571 — Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, bamboo-bike tours at golden hour.
Binondo Food Crawl
Food & DrinkBinondo (Chinatown)
Oldest Chinatown on Earth — siopao, hopia, kiampong fried rice, ube halaya.
National Museum of Fine Arts
CultureErmita
Free entry to Luna's Spoliarium — the painting that lit Philippine independence.
Poblacion (Makati)
NightlifeMakati
Speakeasies, comfort-food bars, ABV, OTO — Manila's hippest nightlife strip.
Where to eat
ABV Manila
$$Speakeasy / Tapas · Poblacion
Hidden behind a barbershop — cocktails, foie gras sliders, late-night DJs.
Las Flores
$$$Spanish · BGC
Andalusian patio — paella negra, jamón cones, cava brunch on Sundays.
Manam Comfort Filipino
$$Filipino · Greenbelt 2
Crispy sisig, sinigang with watermelon, baked rice — classic and twisted side by side.
Mendokoro Ramenba
$$Ramen · Salcedo Village
Reservation-only Tonkotsu temple — tiny counter, 16 seats, perfect chashu.
Toyo Eatery
$$$$Modern Filipino Tasting · Karrivin Plaza
Asia's 50 Best — Chef Jordy Navarra's nine-course Filipino reinvention, bahay-kubo salad signature.
Live & on stage
Malasimbo Festival (Puerto Galera)
Mindoro (3hr) · Mar 13–15 · World / Electronic
MOR Pinoy Music Awards
Mall of Asia Arena · Aug 16 · OPM / Pop
Sinulog Festival (Cebu)
Cebu (1hr flight) · Jan 18 · Religious Parade / Free
Wanderland Music Festival
Filinvest Tent · Mar 7–8 · Indie / Pop
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Intramuros, Rizal Park, National Museum of Fine Arts. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.