With an archipelago made up of over 7,000 rich, beautiful, and culturally diverse islands, years would still not seem long enough to embrace everything the Philippines has to offer. But if two weeks is all you have to spend in the islands of the Philippines, use our guide to seeing and doing the most of the country as possible
Day 1: Manila
Most international flights land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Fair warning: metro Manila is perhaps the busiest place in the country, so don’t be scared by the excessive traffic and urban jungle chaos—it won’t be quite like this anywhere else. Traffic in Manila is bad. Convenient modes of public transport connecting NAIA to the rest of the metro aren’t especially common either, so the best bet is taking an airport taxi to your accommodation. If after checking in, set some time aside for a meal. Filipinos love to eat, and Manila is crawling with fantastic restaurants of every cuisine and flavor—there’s bound to find a culinary gem nearby.
Day 2: Old Manila and Makati
There’s nothing quite like beginning a trip to a foreign place with a dose of culture and history, especially if it comes with a shot of humor, too. Spend the first full day in the country learning about its past—right in the heart of Old Manila, the walled city of Intramuros. Plan ahead and book a walking tour with performance artist and guide Carlos Celdran, whose acclaimed tours consistently enlighten and entertain.
For some art and culture, go to the nearby National Museum of the Philippines, displaying the masterpieces of the country’s best artists. For Filipino history and artifact exhibits, travel just a bit further to the Ayala Museum in the business district of Makati. While here, stroll around Greenbelt Mall and enjoy a nice dinner at one of its many delicious restaurants.
