Metro Manila
The City of Contrasts
Metropolitan Manila is the capital region of the Philippines with over 15 million people living and working in this vibrant city. Manila, how most people simply call it, is full of contrasts and nowhere more than here can you feel the development of the country. It is the place where all the world’s embassies are located, the economic center of the country and the place of Malacañang, the residence of the President of the Philippines. It is a must visit for anyone visiting the country, and see the capital itself – the atmosphere, the energy and getting to know one of the biggest cities in the world.
Manila is located south of the island of Luzon. It borders Bulacan in the north, Cavite in the south and Antipolo in the east. As a highly urbanised city you will find all embassies, big banks, universities, many cultural landmarks and of course, all the big malls. SM Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in the world, hosts the world’s biggest Ikea. Greenbelt is beloved by tourists and locals for its beautiful design and well-thoughtout mall experience. In Manila you will find “lots” of food options, from sushi to pizza to filipino delicacies and street foods. While traffic and infrastructure challenges exist, Manila is a dynamic hub full of opportunities. Whether for work, lifestyle, or exploration. Just what you’d expect from one of the biggest cities in the world.
A scenic night time view of Metro Manila’s bustling BGC Taguig. The city has grown within few years from an empty space to Metro Manila’s “place to be.” It boasts the growth of one of Asia’s rising star, welcoming the world with open arms. Nowhere can the progress be seen so much as in this city. But the older cities are reshaping themselves and creating new spaces as well. Every year new buildings and new shops and restaurants pop-up and redraw the scenes of the towns.
The Big City Life
There is no place in Manila that doesn’t have something to you. Wherever you go, you will find something to eat, to drink, to shop, to hang, and even to chat. Filipinos are easy to connect with and if you want to chat a little, getting to know a stranger is just as normal as having breakfast in the morning.
There are 17 municipalities in Metro Manila reaching from Quezon City to Muntinlupa. What to expect? Well, big city life! Each of these areas is special in its own way, but to make it easier to digest, we will write down about the most popular ones. While some might argue that each place is popular in its own way, we will try our best to extend the page in the future and include all of them.
Makati
On the top of our list is Makati. Makati is in the middle of the cake (Metro Manila) and that’s also how it feels. Makati is known as the business district and this is what you can feel the moment you arrive. There are skyscrapers wherever you look at, business people walking around, and cars flowing the streets where the eyes can see. You can feel the busy vibe and that something is happening here. It is special and there is no other place in the Philippines that can give you this feeling like Makati can give you. While BGC is the new and modern city, Makati has more life in the streets, you can feel that this city has been around for much longer. Every corner is alive.
From banks to business and malls, every corner is filled. The main street is called Ayala. The whole street from left to right you will find buildings lined up to each other. In the middle of the street there is a triangle, called the Ayala triangle. A serene place where you can take a deep breath and time runs a bit slower. But despite the calmness, it is home to the former Philippine Stock Exchange. If you pass the triangle until the end of the street you will find a huge mall complex comprising of several malls, all interconnected with each other. They are Glorietta, SM, Landmark and Greenbelt.
If you decide to follow another street of the Ayala triangle, you can go along Makati Avenue and it will go straight to hustle and bustle where things start to open up especially in the evening. Poblacion and the whole area are known as party places. If your intention is to drink and party, then this place won’t let you down. You will feel right at home.
Now, if you take another turn in the Ayala triangle you will go along Paseo de Roxas. While there are many businesses alined this road, the interesting part along Paseode Roxas starts when you explore the side streets of Salcedo and Legazpi. There you can find so many coffee shops and restaurants. And during weekends there are also big street markets such as the Salcedo Community Market in Salcedo. Makati is a great place to start your journey in Metro Manila!
BGC
Tucked in the heart of Taguig, BGC is the Philippines’ most dynamic urban hub—a place where sleek skyscrapers, wide boulevards, and open spaces blend seamlessly. Unlike the historic bustle of Makati, BGC feels fresh, organized, and full of energy, yet still sophisticated.
BGC is known for its clean streets, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and a vibrant mix of businesses, restaurants, and entertainment. The main arteries, like Bonifacio High Street and Burgos Circle, are lined with high-end shops, cozy cafés, and some of the best dining spots in the city. At the center, you’ll find Bonifacio High Street, a lively open-air strip where people gather, shop, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a place where time slows down just enough for you to soak in the atmosphere, whether you’re sipping coffee at a sidewalk café or strolling through the weekend markets.
For those who love the nightlife, BGC doesn’t disappoint. The Fort Strip and nearby streets are packed with bars, clubs, and lounges, offering everything from laid-back rooftop drinks to high-energy dance floors. Yet, despite its modern vibe, BGC also has pockets of green parks like Track 30th and Manila Golf’s open spaces provide a refreshing escape from the urban buzz.
BGC is a lifestyle destination. Whether you’re here for work, leisure, or a night out, BGC delivers an experience that’s uniquely its own—a perfect blend of efficiency and excitement.
Mandaluyong & Pasig
If you’re looking for a mix of city life and local flavor, Mandaluyong and Pasig can deliver you that. These neighboring cities are often overshadowed by Makati and BGC, but they have their own uniqueness and character.
Mandaluyong is a busy commercial hub, home to the iconic Shangri-La Plaza and the sprawling SM Megamall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the country. The streets here are alive with lots of activity. Office workers, shoppers, and food enthusiasts all converge in this compact yet vibrant city. At night, the area around Pioneer Street and Boni Avenue lights up with restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots, offering a more laid-back to Makati’s party scene.
Just a stone’s throw away, Pasig blends urban convenience with a touch of suburban comfort. The Ortigas Center, standing between Pasig and Mandaluyong, is a major business district but Pasig itself offers a quieter, more residential feel. While during the day it is busy, it is quite relaxing in the evening. You’ll find lots of coffee shops, delicious serving restaurants, and a few green spaces. The Asian Development Bank has its headquarter here and right beside it you wil find Podium, a beautiful mall with great shops and very good restaurants, such as Lusso, Las Flores and Wildflour. Definitely worthy! The Kapitolyo neighborhood is another re-imagined place. Packed with trendy eateries and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that locals swear by.
Together, Mandaluyong and Pasig create a dynamic duo where the energy of the city meets the warmth of local communities. Whether you’re here for shopping, dining, or just exploring, it offers a taste of Metro Manila that’s both exciting and authentically Filipino.
Quezon City
Quezon City isn’t just the largest city in Metro Manila, it’s the cultural pulse of the metropolis. Unlike the polished skyscrapers of Makati or BGC, QC (as locals call it) is raw, diverse, and brimming with life. It’s where history, creativity, and urban energy collide.
At its core, Quezon City is a melting pot. The bustling streets of Cubao are a microcosm of the city itself: vintage shops, indie music venues, and food stalls that have been around for decades. It’s a place where artists, students, and families coexist, giving the city its unmistakable vibrancy. Nearby, Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue come alive at night, packed with bars, restaurants, and live music spots that cater to every taste and budget. Meanwhile, Maginhawa Street is a foodie’s paradise, lined with quirky coffee shops, artisanal bakeries, and hole-in-the-wall eateries that define Manila’s evolving culinary scene.
Quezon City is also home to many malls such as Ayala Trinoma, SM North EDSA, and Gateway Mall. Araneta Center is another worthy mention. The coliseum is a place where many international and national artists have held their concerts. And do you remember the boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier called the Thrilla in Manila? It was exactly here! A purely historical place.
Pasay
Pasay is more than just a transit point, it’s a destination in its own right. Packed with history, entertainment, and a distinct coastal vibe that makes it unique.
At the heart of Pasay lies the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, a sprawling hub that’s more than just a shopping center. It is one of the largest malls in the World. Here you can shop, dine, walk, and enjoy breathtaking views of Manila Bay for as long as you want. The mall’s open-air promenade is the perfect place for sunset strolls, while the MOA Arena and the giant Ferris wheel add a touch of excitement and romance to the skyline. Actually, the whole area around MOA is full of entertainment. There are huge casinos like Okada Manila, City of Dreams or Solaire, where entertainment literally never stops.
But Pasay isn’t just only about attractions. The city is steeped in history. Lots of history. It is home to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), landmarks that have hosted some of the country’s most significant events. Nearby, the Manila Film Center and Star City amusement park offer a mix of nostalgia and entertainment, making Pasay a cultural hotspot for Filipinos.
If you love the sea, the coastline along Manila Bay will give you a scenery you might not get elsewhere in the Metropolis. The Baywalk area is a popular spot, especially at sunset when the sky turns golden and the bay glistens. You can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants alined the coast, take a bike ride, or just absorb and enjoy the sea breeze. In Pasay you will discover many things. Simply walk and you will find lots of things.
