If you want to explore Manila, you may think that you should have at least a week to do so. Five days may be enough, but what if you only have two days? Not to worry, though, because you can squeeze in a lot of activities in two days.
What is good about it is that you can mix and match the activities and points of interest if you want to make the most of your visit. But first, you should have your essentials. If you want to make roaming around easy and efficient, you may consider renting a self-drive car to use around Manila, Philippines. You also need a hotel where you can relax after a long day touring the city.
Below are some of the things you can do to maximize your short stay in the historic capital that is Manila.
See the old side of Manila
Many will have already recommended that you visit the old sides and districts of Manila. But if you have limited time, you may consider visiting the top three destinations: Intramuros, Chinatown and Escolta.
Interested in the look and feel of Manila during the Spanish occupation? Intramuros is your place to be. Do you know that the world’s oldest Chinatown is in Manila? You will realize it once you are in Binondo. If you are an artsy type of person who finds beauty and aesthetics in post-colonial architecture, you should not miss Escolta. There are many art collectives and gatherings you can take part in.
Get the nightlife vibe
If you want to unwind after a day of traveling around, many advise that you visit the bars in Malate. There is a strip of bars and entertainment centers along Manila Bay. That means you will get to enjoy a night of beers and sea breeze as you take part in the conversations of your new friends.
The adjacent city of Makati also offers wild choices of bars and clubs to visit. Just go to the Poblacion area to enjoy basking in its colorful neon lights.
Try your luck in the entertainment city
Some vacationers want to dedicate their time to shopping and trying out their luck at casinos. If you are one of them, you may go south of Manila, jump the border, and visit the cities of Pasay and Paranaque.
These cities are homes to entertainment establishments, high-end hotels and casinos. The choices include the following: City of Dreams, Solaire, Resorts World Manila and Okada.
Go south, if you may
The second day of your weekend can be given to your trip down south. There are many places to visit outside Manila, and what is good about them is that they are just an hour away or so.
For one, you can go to Paranaque City’s Aguirre Avenue if you are up for a food adventure. Want to cool down? Visit Tagaytay City.
Visiting the city of Manila is one of the exciting things that you can do. But do not just stick around in Manila. You may consider visiting the surrounding cities too to get a taste of what they can offer. That way, your visit to the National Capital Region will be varied, textured and colorful.
