Philippines
Manila travel budget: what to plan for
Plan €1266 for 7 nights in Manila, return flight from London included, or €627 travelling cheap. On the ground that works out at €126 per person per day.
Manila - estimate transport, lodging, and meals before you book.
- From
- €43/day
- vs. London
- 52%
- Best month
- Jan
Your trip to Manila
Set the length, the number of travellers and the comfort level: the figures recompute here.
€1,266
per person, flight included
- on the ground
- €882
- flight from London
- €384
- per person per day, on the ground
- €126
InstantTripCost estimate
Full 7-night budget breakdown
Per-person estimate including flights from London, split across the six expense categories.
per person · Comfort
| Category | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | €326 | €384 | €576 |
| Hotel | €42 | €217 | €420 |
| Food | €168 | €378 | €945 |
| Transport | €56 | €126 | €315 |
| Activities | €21 | €98 | €378 |
| Misc | €14 | €63 | €245 |
| 7-night total | €627 | €1266 | €2879 |
Flight from London (annual median).
Unit prices
comfort
Enough to check the total yourself, line by line, at the comfort level you picked.
- €8
- Breakfast
- €15
- Lunch
- €31
- Dinner
- €6
- City ride
- €14
- Site admission
- €126
- A full day
Orders of magnitude derived from our measured ranges, not surveyed venue by venue. Prices vary by neighbourhood and season.
Why go
Why visit Manila
People come to Manila for the atmosphere, food, and heritage, but budget is the least-anticipated dimension of any trip: from €43 to €329 per day depending on travel style, the gap between budget and premium is easy to measure.
A standard 7-night trip averages €882 per person at mid-range comfort, flights from London included. Booking off-season (September) saves up to 41 % on the airfare alone, freeing up budget to upgrade lodging or activities.
Real budget
What a trip to Manila actually costs
Let's break it down. Lodging: a hostel dorm or entry-level hotel runs around €6 per night, a well-rated 3-star around €31, and 4 to 5-star around €60. Food: around €8 a day eating local, €18 mixing canteens and restaurants, €45 if you sit down for dinner every evening.
Local transport: roughly €8 a day on public transit, €18 adding a few taxi rides. Activities: about €18 a day at a normal sightseeing pace, €45 if you stack paid entries and day trips.
On a 5-to-7-day trip, lodging accounts for roughly 35-45 % of total budget, food 15-20 %, flights 20-30 % depending on the booking window, with the remainder split between local transport, activities, and miscellaneous (visa, insurance, tipping, SIM card). A Manila trip that goes over budget is almost always because the hotel is oversized for the rest, rarely because of activities.
Seasonality
When to go and what it costs
Manila dodges the European summer peak, with its busiest window falling instead between January and February when Europeans escape the cold. For an off-peak trip, February combines decent weather and still-reasonable prices.
Money saving
How to cut the Manila budget
Flights to Manila shed up to 41 % of their price in shoulder season. It's the easiest saving to capture: just move the dates. For the hotel, booking 6 to 8 weeks out beats both last-minute and extreme anticipation.
Two more habits round it out. First, stay one or two metro stops away from the center: hotel rates often drop by half for identical comfort. Second, cap paid activities at one per day. A good guided tour or workshop beats four back-to-back tickets every time.
Practical info
Language, currency, and logistics in Manila
Language: Taglish, Filipino, English, English is understood in most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas. Currency: Philippine Peso (₱) - plan €50-100 in cash for the first days and use a fee-free card for the rest.
The three tiers
What a budget traveller, a comfort traveller and a premium traveller typically spend.
Budget
€38
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €6
- Meal
- €8
- Transit / day
- €8
Comfort
€103
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €31
- Meal
- €18
- Transit / day
- €18
Luxury
€240
per day, approx
- Hotel / night
- €60
- Meal
- €45
- Transit / day
- €45
Weather & best time to visit
Average temperatures and conditions by month in Manila.
Best month to visitJanuary
Where to sleep in Manila
The hotels we measured
Accommodation picks by price range.
Girls Dorm and Bedspace in BBB Marulas Valenzuela with Free Wi-Fi
Hostel, decent (7.5/10).
Female Dormitory in BBB Marulas Valenzuela with AC & Wi-Fi Semi-Furnished
Hostel, decent (7.6/10).
Mang Ben Dormitory Pasay
Hostel, standard (4.2/10) from 64 reviews.
Lub d Manila Makati - Central Makati, Near Nightlife
Hotel, well rated (8.2/10) from 1,769 reviews.
Entire unit with balcony at SMDC Field Residences, behind Sucat near NAIA
Hotel, rated excellent (9/10).
Alicia Apartment
Hotel, standard (6.9/10) from 2,584 reviews.
Cairong Inn Condominium TV with Netflix FAME RESIDENCES
Hotel, decent (7.9/10) from 154 reviews.
Coast Residences
Hotel, well rated (8.3/10) from 106 reviews.
Obetskie's Haven Condotel
Hotel, rated excellent (9.2/10) from 82 reviews.
All observed hotels in Manila
24 properties, nightly rate for a 2-night stay arriving 15 October 2026.
| Hotel | Category | Rating | From / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girls Dorm and Bedspace in BBB Marulas Valenzuela with Free Wi-Fi | Budget | ★ 7.5 | €2 |
| Female Dormitory in BBB Marulas Valenzuela with AC & Wi-Fi Semi-Furnished | Budget | ★ 7.6 | €2 |
| Mang Ben Dormitory Pasay | Budget | ★ 4.2 | €3 |
| Rowena's Transient House | Budget | ★ 7.6 | €4 |
| Snoozeph | Budget | ★ 7.8 | €4 |
| CitiHub Shaw Santa Mesa | Budget | ★ 7 | €5 |
| Cheese Hostel Manila | Budget | ★ 8.1 | €6 |
| Stay Malate (Wanderers Guest House) | Budget | ★ 7.6 | €6 |
| Lub d Manila Makati - Central Makati, Near Nightlife | Mid-range | ★ 8.2 | €11 |
| Entire unit with balcony at SMDC Field Residences, behind Sucat near NAIA | Mid-range | ★ 9 | €20 |
| Cairong Inn Condominium TV with Netflix FAME RESIDENCES | Luxury | ★ 7.9 | €20 |
| Coast Residences | Luxury | ★ 8.3 | €21 |
| Alicia Apartment | Mid-range | ★ 6.9 | €24 |
| Regency Grand Suites | Mid-range | ★ 7.9 | €25 |
| Hop Inn Hotel Ermita Manila | Mid-range | ★ 8.2 | €25 |
| Sea Residences Serenity | Mid-range | ★ 7.2 | €26 |
| Sea Residences StaycationAtMOA | Mid-range | ★ 7.6 | €26 |
| Hop Inn Hotel Alabang Manila | Mid-range | ★ 8.1 | €26 |
| Obetskie's Haven Condotel | Luxury | ★ 9.2 | €27 |
| Studio Condo NAIA Airport Terminal 3 Newport City Casino | Luxury | ★ 9.1 | €33 |
| Barefoot Sanctuary | Luxury | ★ 9 | €33 |
| 1BR Condotel - Forbes Town Road near St Lukes BGC Taguig | Luxury | ★ 8.4 | €33 |
| The Mosaic Tower Luxury Boutique Studio,Pool and Gym Fast Wifi | Luxury | ★ 9.7 | €37 |
| ClaySky Staycation S2T1-Cozy & Homey 1BR Apartment near MOA facing Pool with Own Parking with Netflix, HBO Max YouTube Premium & up to 200mbps Wifi | Luxury | ★ 9.6 | €38 |
Things to do in Manila
Recommended activities and tours.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park, Luneta (Filipino: Liwasang Rizal, Luneta), also known as Rizal Park, Luneta Park, or simply Luneta, is a historic urban park located in Ermita, Manila, Philippines. It is one of the largest urban parks in the country, covering an area of 58 hectares (140 acres).
Park
Quezon Memorial Circle
The Quezon Memorial Circle, also known as the Quezon City Circle, is a national park in Quezon City, Philippines, and a prominent landmark situated within a large elliptical roundabout known as Elliptical Road. Serving as the main park of Quezon City, which was the official capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976, the park is renowned for its centerpiece: a 66-meter (217 ft)-tall mausoleum.
Park
Rizal Monument
The Rizal Monument (Filipino: Bantayog ni José Rizal; originally known as Motto Stella, Latin for "guiding star") is a memorial in Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines, built to commemorate the executed Filipino nationalist José Rizal. The monument consists of a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal before an obelisk, set on a stone base in which his remains are interred.
Monument
Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz
Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz or Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz (traditional Chinese: 花園口廣場; simplified Chinese: 花园口广场; pinyin: Huāyuánkǒu Guǎngchǎng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hoe-hn̂g-kháu Kóng-tiûⁿ; lit. 'at the foot/mouth of the garden') is a major public square in Binondo, Manila, bounded by Quintin Paredes Street (formerly Calle Rosario) to the east and Juan Luna Street (formerly Calle Anloague) to the west, parallel to the Estero de Binondo. It is the plaza that fronts the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church), one of the main churches of the City of Manila, and is considered the center of Binondo as a whole.
Square
National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts (Filipino: Pambansang Museo ng Sining), formerly known as the National Art Gallery, is an art museum in Manila, Philippines. Located on Padre Burgos Avenue on the eastern side of Rizal Park, opposite the National Museum of Anthropology, it is owned and operated by the National Museum of the Philippines.
National museum
Ayala Museum
The Ayala Museum is a museum in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is run privately by the Ayala Foundation and houses archaeological, ethnographic, historical, fine arts, numismatics, and ecclesiastical exhibits.
Museum
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History (Filipino: Pambansang Museo ng Likas na Kasaysayan) is the national natural history museum of the Philippines. It is located along Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, Manila.
National museum
Jones Bridge
The William A. Jones Memorial Bridge, commonly known as the Jones Bridge, is an arched girder bridge that spans the Pasig River in Manila, Philippines.
Bridge
Puente Colgante
The Puente Colgante (lit. 'Hanging Bridge'), originally called Puente de Clavería (lit. 'Clavería Bridge'), was a suspension bridge that connected the Manila districts of Quiapo and Ermita across the Pasig River in the Philippines. Designed by Matia, Menchacatorre y Cía. and completed in 1852, it was the first modern wire-cable suspension bridge in Asia and the first toll bridge of its kind in the Philippines.
Bridge
San Ignacio Church
San Ignacio Church is a historic building located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was designed for the Jesuits by Filipino architect Félix Roxas Sr., and the building was completed in 1899.
Church
Places referenced on Wikidata. Admission prices vary by season - check each venue's official site.
Paying less in Manila
What moves the needle
What each decision takes off the €1267 total, strongest lever first.
- − €581
Travel cheap rather than mid-range
Hostel or entry-level hotel, local canteens, public transport. Accommodation is where the gap opens up.
- − €252
Stay five nights instead of seven
Two fewer nights also removes two days of meals, transport and sightseeing.
- − €108
Travel as a pair
The room is shared, nothing else is. Travellers themselves name this as the strongest lever.
Differences computed from our own measurements, for a 7-night mid-range stay, excluding flights.
FAQ
FAQ - Manila
- How much should I budget for a trip to Manila?
- For a 7-day trip to Manila, expect roughly €627 - €2879 per person depending on your travel style, flights included. The budget profile (hostels, local food, public transit) sits at the lower end ; mid-range comfort sits in the middle ; luxury (premium hotel, fine dining) approaches the top.
- When is the best time to visit Manila?
- The best value is in January, with pleasant temperatures and usually cheaper flights than during peak tourist season. This window combines moderate crowds and lower airfare.
- How do I get around in Manila?
- Local transport (metro, bus, taxi) costs an average of €8 - €45 per day depending on your style. Public transit stays the cheapest option ; a day or weekly pass usually pays off after just two rides per day.
- How can I do Manila on a budget?
- For a cheap trip to Manila, target around €43 - €126 per day per person excluding flights: a hostel or budget hotel, meals at local eateries, public transit, and 1-2 free activities per day. Across a week, plan to land below the lower bound of the global range.
- What's the budget for a weekend in Manila?
- For a 3-day / 2-night weekend in Manila, plan around €456 - €763 per person, flights included. Booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead and flying out Thursday evening / back Sunday evening cuts the total by 10-20 % on average.
- Is Manila an expensive or affordable destination?
- At 41 % of our reference index, Manila ranks among the most affordable destinations we track. In practice, a daily budget about 59 % below the average destination we track.
- How many days do you need in Manila?
- Plan 4 days for the essentials. A full week lets you add the surroundings without rushing, for roughly €378 more per person. Beyond ten days the cost grows linearly: each extra night adds about €126, lodging and daily spending included.
- Do you need a car in Manila?
- Our estimates assume public transport, which covers the centre and its near surroundings. Rental, fuel, parking and tolls are not included: if your route leaves the served area, add them as a separate line.
- How much cash should you bring to Manila?
- Bring €50 to €100 for the first days, until you see where cards work. When paying or withdrawing, decline the conversion into your home currency that terminals offer: it applies its own rate, consistently worse than your bank's.
At a glance
Wikidata, Wikipedia and Open-Meteo data
- Population
- 1.9M
- Area
- 25 km²
- Elevation
- 9 m
- Language
- Taglish, Filipino, English
- Currency
- ₱
- Time zone
- Philippine Standard Time
- Founded
- 1571
- Avg. July temp.
- 27°
- Avg. Jan. temp.
- 25°
- Rainy days / year
- 168
inhabitants
Philippine Peso
25° - 29°
23° - 28°
About
Manila in brief
Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 1,902,590 people. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon, it is classified as a highly urbanized city. With 44,935 inhabitants per square kilometer (116,380/sq mi), Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities proper.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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