/məˈnɪlə/ • The Pearl of the Orient
A dynamic metropolis blending Spanish colonial architecture with futuristic urban skylines.
Population
9.00 Million
Urban density center
Land Area
42.88
Square kilometers
GDP Nominal
$463 Billion
Metropolitan economic output
Global Rank
No. 638
Global city index
Real-time local weather, live currency rates, and airport transit router.
Perfect time to explore the city! Enjoy walking around Manila and discover its local parks, architectural marvels, and scenic avenues.
~20-40 minutes • Around 0 - 1 PHP
Book via official ridesharing mobile applications where available to ensure fair rates!
~30-50 minutes • Around 0 - 0 PHP • Runs frequently
Direct route connects airport terminal to major central stations.
Manila is the historic and bustling capital of the Philippines, acting as the nation's political, cultural, and economic engine.
16M+ Metro
A vibrant melting pot of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and American cultural influences.
Rizal Park
Home to sprawling urban parks like Luneta and the historic walled city of Intramuros.
Top Destination
World-renowned for its hospitality, historic sites, and growing luxury shopping scene.
Makati-BGC
Serves as the nation's premier financial districts, housing top global corporations.
Manila's history is defined by its strategic location and centuries of foreign influence.
Miguel López de Legazpi established Manila as the capital of the Spanish East Indies.
British forces captured the city during the Seven Years' War, holding it for two years.
Following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines was ceded to the United States.
The city suffered near-total destruction during the Allied liberation from Japanese forces.
The Republic of the Philippines officially gained sovereignty, establishing Manila as its capital.
Empirical charts mapping local seasonal variations, long-term urban population growth, and economic sector distribution.
Average temperatures (°C) against average monthly rainfall metrics (mm).
Source: Local meteorology department climatology records.
Historical urban concentration of the metropolitan area.
Source: Official national statistics historical database.
Percentage output breakdown of Manila's massive $463 Billion economy.
Source: City Treasury economic forecast index.
From colonial plazas to high-rise business centers, every district offers a unique experience.
Loading district dossier...
Navigate Manila's iconic monuments, royal historical locations, and prestigious world-class museums directly on our live interactive GIS mapping application.
Hover or tap on any of the map markers to read comprehensive descriptions, travel tips, and transport guidelines.
Historic citadel
National shrine
Explore these essential historic and modern landmarks defining Manila.
The historic walled city offering a glimpse into the Spanish colonial past.
The iconic park dedicated to the national hero, Jose Rizal.
Showcasing the nation's rich heritage and art collections.
The historic Chinatown full of markets and street food.
Modern commercial space with art installations and parks.
The primary seat of the Archbishop of Manila.
Manila is a food lover's paradise, offering a blend of indigenous, Asian, and Western flavors.
Marinated meat braised in soy sauce and vinegar.
Roasted whole pig with crispy skin and tender meat.
A layered shaved ice dessert with fruits and beans.
A sour soup typically made with tamarind base.
Loading live transit database feed...
Plan your expenditures based on your preferred travel standard, and run live bidirectional currency conversions.
Change value in any currency field below to update all other fields synchronously based on realistic exchange coefficients.
Manila vs World Cities
| City | Index Score | Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | 100 | Baseline | ||
| New York | 380 | High | ||
| London | 320 | High | ||
| Paris | 300 | High | ||
| Tokyo | 250 | Medium |
Spread the knowledge! Share this masterclass encyclopedia of Manila with friends or colleagues.
Have questions about visiting, moving, or living in Manila? Ask local experts and fellow travelers.
View All Discussions →No active discussions for MANILA yet.
Be the first to ask a question or leave a tip for fellow travelers!
Expand your travel itinerary and economic comparison benchmarks by diving into our detailed GIS guides for neighboring hubs.