City · Philippines · Southeast Asia
A sprawling capital of Spanish-era walls, nightlife and onward flights
Photo: なかむーちょ Nakamuhcho / Pexels
Manila is the Philippines' capital and the main international gateway. Hostels cluster in Makati's Poblacion district, the Malate and Ermita tourist belt, and near the airport in Pasay.
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Best for: Nightlife and restaurants
A compact old district of Makati with a dense mix of bars, restaurants and street art, close to the Makati business district. It is busiest in the evening and at weekends, so noise can be an issue. There is no direct rail station in the heart of Poblacion, so many people use ride-hailing apps or taxis for the last stretch.
Best for: Older tourist district near Manila Bay
A long-established tourist belt near Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay, with cafes, bars and shops, and a short ride from Intramuros. LRT-1 stations such as Pedro Gil and United Nations serve the area. Pavements can be uneven, and the area feels very different by day and night, so check the location of any hostel before booking.
Best for: Early flights and short stopovers
Pasay is the city where Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located, and several budget stays are close to its terminals and the Taft Avenue corridor. LRT-1 and MRT-3 meet at the Taft Avenue area, which gives rail access north. It is practical for stopovers rather than for sightseeing, though it is a short ride from Malate.
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Manila sits at the centre of Metro Manila, a conurbation of 16 cities and one municipality, including Makati, Pasay and Quezon City. Most travellers arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and move on within a few days, but the city has plenty to occupy a short stay. Intramuros, the walled Spanish-era district, sits beside Manila Bay and is walkable.
Traffic is heavy, so where you stay matters. Poblacion in Makati has a dense mix of bars and restaurants and is popular for nightlife. Malate and Ermita are older tourist districts near Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay. Pasay has airport-adjacent options that work for early flights. LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 cover part of the metro area, and ride-hailing apps and taxis fill the gaps.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has four terminals, with international flights concentrated in Terminals 1 and 3 and domestic services spread across several. Terminal allocation changes, so check your airline before travelling. Taxis, ride-hailing and buses link the airport to Makati, Malate and the rest of the metro; travel time varies widely with traffic, often an hour or more at rush hour. Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga is an alternative gateway, typically around two to three hours by road from Manila.
The cooler, drier months from around December to February are generally the most comfortable, with the hottest weather from March to May. The wet season typically runs from around June to November, bringing heavy rain and occasional flooding when typhoons pass nearby. PAGASA issues tropical cyclone bulletins; check them if you are travelling between June and November, and allow slack around flights during storms.
Most backpackers choose between Poblacion in Makati, Malate and Ermita near Manila Bay, and Pasay close to the airport. Poblacion suits people who want nightlife and restaurants on the doorstep. Malate and Ermita suit those who want Intramuros and the bay nearby. Pasay is a practical option for early flights. Think about traffic when choosing, because crossing the city can take a long time.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is in Pasay, a short distance from Makati on a map but slow in traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing are the usual options, and there are also airport buses on some routes. Journey times vary widely, from around 30 minutes to well over an hour at rush hour. Agree the method before departure and allow extra time for flights.
Many backpackers use Manila as a gateway and spend one to three days there. That is enough to walk around Intramuros, visit museums, eat in Poblacion or Malate and take in the bay at sunset. If you have longer, you can add day trips by road or ride-hailing, but traffic means each excursion takes time. Plan around your onward flights.
Manila has three rail lines, LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3, which cover parts of the metro. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the common choice for places the rail lines do not serve, such as Poblacion. Jeepneys and buses are cheaper but harder to navigate without local knowledge. Because of traffic, the rail network can be quicker for some journeys, especially at peak times.
Manila is hot and humid all year. The cooler, drier months run from around December to February, while March to May is hotter. The rainy season, typically June to November, brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding, and typhoons can disrupt travel. PAGASA publishes forecasts and cyclone bulletins, so check them if your trip falls in the wet season.
Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.
