Do’s & Don’ts in Manila (2025 Edition)

Navigating the City Like a Respectful, Street-Smart Visitor

Welcome to Manila—The Chaos You’ll Learn to Love

Manila is messy, magnetic, and misunderstood. It’s not the Philippines’ chill island life—but it is the country’s heart: loud, beating, and alive. If you’re using it as a gateway to Siargao, Boracay, or Palawan, don’t just breeze through it—learn to move with it.

Here’s your no-BS survival guide to Manila in 2025. Let’s make sure you explore, enjoy, and stay out of trouble.

DO’s in Manila  

Visiting Manila for the first time? This buzzing capital may feel chaotic at first—but with the right mindset, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. From getting around safely to connecting with locals, these essential DO’s will help you enjoy the city like a street-smart, respectful traveler.

1. Do Use Grab, Joyride, or Angkas

Forget flag-down cabs from the street—use apps.

• Grab for cars
• Joyride and Angkas for motorbikes (faster in traffic!)

These platforms are safer, GPS-tracked, and you’ll avoid that awkward “fixed price” scam.

2. Do Keep Your Valuables Close

Manila is buzzing—but so are its pickpockets.

• Use an anti-theft sling bag
• Keep your backpack in front in markets or public transit
• Avoid texting while walking in crowded areas

 Pro Tip: If it’s flashy and valuable, keep it hidden.

3. Do Try Street Food—Smartly

Yes, you should try kwek-kwek (quail eggs), isaw (grilled intestines), balut, and fishballs—but only from clean, busy stalls.
If the grill looks rusty or the oil’s been reused too many times… maybe skip it.

If locals are lining up—it’s probably gold.

4. Do Carry Small Bills and Loose Change

₱1,000 and ₱500 bills are often rejected by small vendors and tricycle drivers.
Carry:

• ₱20
• ₱50
• ₱100

It’ll make buying snacks, jeepney rides, and souvenirs way easier.

5. Do Learn a Few Basic Filipino Words

You don’t have to be fluent—but even just a few words will earn you smiles.
Try:

• “Salamat” – Thank you
• “Magkano?” – How much?
• “Saan ang CR?” – Where’s the bathroom?

Bonus points if you try Taglish. People will love you for it.

6. Do Visit Manila’s Cultural Gems

Manila is more than malls. See its soul:

• Intramuros – Spanish-era walls, forts, and churches
• Rizal Park – Iconic and historic
• National Museum Complex – It’s FREE and underrated
• Binondo – The world’s oldest Chinatown with the best eats

Don’t skip these if you want to feel the city.

DON’Ts in Manila

Manila is full of energy—but it’s not the place to be careless or clueless. To stay safe, avoid culture shocks, and show respect to locals, here are the top things you shouldn’t do while exploring the city. Trust us, knowing these will save you stress (and side-eyes). 

1. Don’t Flash Your Phone, Jewelry, or Cash

Just don’t.

• Keep your phone close to your body
• Don’t pull out wads of cash in public
• Don’t walk while FaceTiming—it makes you a target

Your TikTok can wait. So can your wallet.

2. Don’t Wear Flip-Flops for City Walks

We get it—it’s hot. But Manila streets can be:

• Uneven
• Dusty
• Sometimes muddy or flooded

Wear sturdy sandals, sneakers, or closed shoes if you’re walking a lot.

3. Don’t Underestimate Manila Traffic

Locals joke that Manila runs on “Filipino time”—and traffic is why.

• Rush hours: 7–10 AM and 4–8 PM
• 30 minutes on Google Maps? Expect 1.5 hours.

Always leave early—especially for airport transfers.

4. Don’t Be Loud, Rude, or “Mapapel”

Filipinos value humility, patience, and kindness.

• Don’t yell at staff or drivers
• Don’t cut lines
• Don’t act entitled in markets or public spaces

Respect the vibe and you’ll be treated like family.

5. Don’t Drink Tap Water

Even locals don’t.

• Stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water
• Don’t ask for tap water in restaurants—most don’t serve it anyway

You’ll thank us later.

Bonus Tip: Manila Is Not Just a Stopover

Sure, the beaches are calling—but Manila has heart.
Hidden speakeasies. Underground art shows. Hole-in-the-wall carinderias. Spanish ruins standing beside skyscrapers.

It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s real.
If you give Manila a chance, it might just give you a story worth telling.