Where to stay in Manila

See

• University of Santo Tomas
• National Museum of the Philippines
• Bahay Tsinoy
• Museo Pambata
• Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

Do

Tour Manila's historical heart in a historical fashion. Watch out for touts, especially around Rizal Park, and negotiate prices with the cochero to avoid being ripped off. Manila's most populated district, Tondo, can be explored with a guided tour. There are no organized tour agencies, but you can ask many locals who know the life inside this giant slum. Beware of the hassles like gangs and thugs though, but your tour can go well if you don't provoke suspicious men. Manila is just a bit of experiencing the Philippine fiestas, and if you have time to waste, it can help you connect with the diversity of the Philippine's cultural capital.

Eat

Street food is often described as "pantawid gutom" or food to tide over, something to temporarily hush a stomach growl, sold at small food stalls, food stands, or food carts set up in places with high amount of pedestrian traffic. Cheap and rushed, it could be something commuters can chew and swallow, or gulp in seconds while transferring from one route to another, or from station-to-station, with a quick standing stop at a sushi, siomai, barbecue, or hotdog stall. The variety of street food available is tremendous and may reward the truly adventurous traveler.

Drink

A very local drinking experience in Manila meant going to beer gardens or beerhouses as is commonly called. They are scattered mostly around the working districts of Sampaloc, Santa Mesa, Quiapo and even the tourist belt areas of Ermita and Malate. Every city in the metropolis has practically its own adult entertainment strip, block, or district where these establishments can be found. These are heavily sexualized. It's mostly working class men and those working in the military and police establishments who are the clientele with young sexy and provocatively dressed waitresses or euphemistically called GROs (Guest Relations Officers) serving the customers.

Stay safe

Despite a reputation for crimes and congestion, Manila is relatively safe if you follow basic precautions. Touristy areas are well patrolled by police or private security, and most trips are done by public transport. Driving is surely the worse way to get around if you do not know large city driving. Petty crimes are one risk, but you may get around without any hassle if you maintain common sense. Drugs, generally shabu and marijuana, are rife on crowded residential communities, but drug dealers generally hide inside homes while police and anti-drug agents are routinely searching houses for suspected drugs. Theft is common, especially pickpocketing.