Cheap Flights to Manila

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Manila

If you’re planning a holiday anywhere in the Philippines, chances are you’re going to be booking plane tickets to Manila and landing at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Don’t book flights to Manila and simply stop off in the Filipino capital. Before you jet off to your island destination, why not explore the sights and sounds of Manila for a couple of nights?

Book Your Airport Transfers in Advance

Things can be chaotic at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport after your long flights to Manila, so book your shared transfers in advance to save patience (and maybe even some money, too). The ride sharing app Grab is also available, and somewhat cheaper than Uber, but be aware that taking it during rush hour might put a dent in your budget as Manila traffic can be chaotic or grid-locked at times. Taking public transport and metered taxis can be trickier for first-time travellers.

Get a Free SIM Card

Although there is free WiFi at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you’ll still need a local number in order to connect. Free SIM cards are available throughout the airport for tourists, so grab yours to make getting around and staying in touch easy.

Use the Free Airport Shuttle Between Terminals

Visitors can easily get scammed into paying for this service, which the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport offers for free. International flights to Manila land at Terminal 1, with domestic flights taking off at Terminal 2, so you will need to transfer between the two if you are catching a connecting flight. Be sure to check the connection times when booking your plane tickets to Manila, so you can allow enough time to transfer between terminals. If you’re not sure where to find the free terminal shuttle, just ask an airport staff member.

The Best Time to Visit

There are really only two seasons in Manila: wet and dry. The dry months between November and April are the most popular time to visit, so finding cheap flights to Manila at this time may be harder. An airfare to Manila tends to increase for travel during the dry months. Booking your flights to Manila in advance will help you save on the cost of your airfare to Manila, or you could consider travelling out of season, when return flights to Manila are more affordable, although the weather won’t be as favourable.

Landmarks and Monuments You Can’t Miss

The easiest way to explore Manila is as part of an organised tour, which will make finding your way through this maze-like city much easier!

The National Museum

Home to the Philippines’ most important piece of art, the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the National Museum is made up of three buildings: The National Art Gallery, Museum of the Filipino People, and the Planetarium. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The Dessert Museum

This fun attraction pays homage to all things sweet. Located at the Mall of Asia, the museum is made up of eight different rooms, each uniquely themed as a different sugary treat. A tour includes a taste of up to six different desserts, so while this might not be the only reason to book your return flights to Manila right away, it is worth a visit.

Greenhills Shopping Centre

Shop ‘til you drop for bargains of almost every description; clothes, technology, jewellery - you name it.

Top Experiences For Visitors

Book a Cooking Class

The best way to learn about a new culture is through the food and there’s no better way to do just that than with a cooking lesson, hosted by a local cook. Filipino cuisine is a unique and delicious balance between sweet, sour and salty, and learning the basics will give you a good foundation for cooking your favourite Filipino meal from your travels when you’re back home.

Get a Massage

Good massages are easy to come by in Manila - and many won’t break your budget. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the reception for a recommendation of a good local massage therapist or book a treatment through a platform such as Klook, which is popular in the Philippines.

Book a Bike Tour of Intramuros

Known as the Walled City, Intramuros used to be the official City of Manila during Spanish colonisation.You can enjoy a guided tour here, with fascinating facts shared by your guide.

Packing Tips for Those Travelling on Cheap Flights to Manila

No matter if your flights to Manila are booked for the wet season or the dry season, you’re going to need lightweight clothing as it’s hot and humid year-round. It’s worth noting that it can be hard to find feminine hygiene products in the Philippines, so be sure to bring enough with you.