Traveling to manila is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to manila’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in manila for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, manila can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore manila on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of manila without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to manila
Your journey to manila usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to manila.
How to Find Cheap Flights to manila:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to manila 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to manila and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to manila.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If manila is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near manila can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to manila: $100–$350
- International Flights to manila: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in manila
Lodging in manila ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in manila that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in manila on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting manila on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of manila.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in manila may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in manila at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in manila.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in manila close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in manila: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in manila: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in manila: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around manila on a Budget
Once you’re in manila, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in manila:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like manila have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in manila for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring manila on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of manila, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in manila unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central manila is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass manila: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in manila: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in manila
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to manila—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in manila.
Where and What to Eat in manila on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, manila is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in manila are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in manila and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in manila offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in manila—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in manila:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in manila: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in manila for Less
Even if you’re traveling to manila on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in manila:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in manila offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in manila are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to manila.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in manila.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in manila for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in manila:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in manila
It’s tempting to shop when visiting manila, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in manila:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to manila.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from manila that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in manila’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in manila: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for manila
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to manila | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in manila | $250–$600 |
| Transport in manila | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in manila | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in manila | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in manila | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in manila affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting manila
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in manila.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in manila.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of manila can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like manila have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in manila.
Conclusion: Enjoying manila on a Budget
Visiting manila doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of manila—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, manila can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: manila is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.