BY ANNE TACHADO

Let’s just say Manila is not the most tourist-friendly layover city. Perhaps this perspective comes from someone who grew up in this city and might hold some biases. However, if you find yourself curious about Manila, this guide will be a great starting point.

Manila can be chaotic, inaccessible, and overwhelming for many; however, if you can look past these challenges, you’ll discover a city of contrasts and rich cultural heritage. Manila offers a vibrant mix of old and new, and of course, who can forget the warm Filipino hospitality? If you have a layover in Manila, here’s how you can make the most of your time:

1. Gallery & Café Hopping in Makati

Feeling artsy? Start your exploration in the neighborhood of Makati. Here, you can visit trendy art enclaves in the metro, such as Comuna and Karrivin Plaza. These collective spaces house some of Manila’s most exciting contemporary art galleries, including 1335MABINI, Silverlens, and Finale Art File. Immerse yourself in the local art scene, where you’ll find works from both established and emerging Filipino artists.

Photo credit: Anne Tachado

Salcedo and Legazpi Villages: After your gallery visit, take a short ride to Salcedo and Legazpi Villages. These areas are known for their leafy streets, weekend markets, and an array of chic cafes. Drop by The Curator, an award-winning cafe by day and cocktail bar by night, for a perfect brew. Odd Cafe is the place to be for a more laid-back vibe, quirky interiors, and plant-based options. Other must-visits are Assembly Hall, Habitual Coffee, and Panco Café, known for their excellent specialty coffee.

2. Thrifting

For those who love the thrill of finding hidden gems, Manila's vintage stores won’t disappoint. In the hidden corners of Salcedo and Legazpi, you’ll find vintage stores offering unique finds—from retro clothing to quirky home décor. Check out It’s Vintage, where you can find a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories.

Escolta: For a deeper dive into Manila’s vintage scene, head over to the many ukay-ukay shops in Escolta. Ukay refers to secondhand or thrift stores in the Philippines where people can buy used clothing, shoes, and other items at affordable prices. This historic street, once the commercial hub of Old Manila, is now home to a thriving community of thrift stores and antique shops.

Hub: Make Lab is a must-visit, a creative space where you can browse stalls selling vintage clothes, art pieces, and handmade crafts. The ambiance here transports you to a different era and navigating the many alleyways of this area makes your shopping experience quite adventurous.

3. Indulge in Filipino Merienda

No visit to Manila is complete without indulging in Filipino merienda—light snacks or meals typically enjoyed in the afternoon. This is a little tradition my dad and I would follow each time he picked me up from the airport.

Head over to Café Adriatico, an institution in the city, located in the bohemian district of Malate. The café serves traditional merienda classics like bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (steamed glutinous rice), and rich, velvety tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate). Pair these with pandesal (Filipino bread roll) or ensaymada (sweet bread topped with cheese), and you’ll have a delightful taste of local cuisine. 

Not to be missed are the delicious and jam-packed Halo-Halo in Bebang’s. Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert made with a colorful mix of shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and leche flan, topped with a scoop of ice cream and drizzled with evaporated milk. Slightly different from a conventional Halo-Halo, their version comes with crushed frozen milk, and the standard halo-halo toppings. 

Photo credit: Anne Tachado

4. Explore the Oldest Chinatown in the World

Binondo: Founded in 1594, Binondo is recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s a place where Filipino and Chinese cultures blend harmoniously, offering a unique cultural and culinary experience. Stroll through Ongpin Street, the heart of Binondo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with Chinese temples, herbal shops, and traditional eateries. Don’t miss the chance to try local delicacies like pancit (noodles), lumpia (spring rolls), and hopia (bean-filled pastries).

5. Bar Hopping in Makati

As night falls, find yourself back in Makati. Here are some of the bars we enjoyed during our short stay:

Fat Cat: This bar offers an intimate, jazzy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The place is known for its City Pop tunes—a genre blending jazz, pop, and funk from the 80s, creating a nostalgic yet lively vibe.

Photo credit: Anne Tachado

Run Rabbit Run: Next, hop over to Run Rabbit Run, a cozy, quirky bar tucked away in Poblacion. The mixologists here craft Filipino-inspired cocktails, often incorporating local ingredients like calamansi and ube. The ambiance is a mix of playful and sophisticated, making it a favorite among both locals and expats.

Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen: Conclude your bar-hopping night at Agimat, a bar that doubles as a sensory experience. Agimat takes inspiration from Filipino folklore, offering cocktails that are both innovative and rooted in local traditions. The bar's interior is an eclectic mix of mysticism and nature, making it one of the most unique spots in Makati

Photo credit: Anne Tachado

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