Going to Manila and wondering what to do? No need to worry, there's plenty of things to do in Manila with a local. Join your favorite host and discover the best the city has to offer from an exclusive selection of unique experiences.
Going to Manila and wondering what to do? No need to worry, there's plenty of things to do in Manila with a local. Join your favorite host and discover the best the city has to offer from an exclusive selection of unique experiences.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
More you, less checklist
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
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Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
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Highlights & Hidden Gems of Manila
132 reviews
3 hours | city highlight tours | Manila
Want to see the best of Manila? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Manila!
Tagaytay is a favorite getaway for those seeking a break from Metro Manila and nearby areas. Its cool weather and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Head out of Manilla and discover one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. Join me for a fun and exciting canoe ride and enjoy your gateway to nature!
A whole day tour to the rural villa of Hacienda Escudero that can become on a multiple day tour, if you decide to book a stay on one of the picturesque cottages at the lake.
Ready to taste the best food in Manila? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Manila.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
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Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
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Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
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Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
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Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
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Best Things to do in Manila in 2026 - Withlocals
Travelers love our locals
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
5.0
Super local tour with Joem
"Our family of 5 - grandparents, mom and 2 grown kids spent a fun filled day eating through Binondo and Quiapo with Joem. We learned about the history of migration from all over southeast and Eastern Asia and its influence on the food and culture of the Philippines. He customized the tour so that we could walk throughQuiapo where grandpa spent his early childhood and then to a modern mall in Hinatown so that the kids could experience a really yummy Hal halo. Thank you Joem for a really great day."
"Joemarie was totally flexible. We were half hour late and he stayed a half hour longer and I’m sure would have stayed longer than that had way more things to see. He totally fulfilled the tour we wanted. And if you ever want the food, Tore he’s your guy. Even though we weren’t on the food tour we had the most incredible meals and snacks. He’s a lovely human being. There were only two of us so the price was a bit high"
LonnieAbout local JoemarieManila, February 6, 2026
5.0
A highly memorable afternoon with Greg
"Son and father, touring the Philippines for 3 weeks, had the distinct pleasure to spend 3+ hours with Greg, on a Sunday in late January. Greg shared his great historical knowledge about Manila, the Philippines, and South-East Asia at large, from the 1500's till today. While walking around and inside San Agustin, and then driving both inside and outside the Intramuros, and even through China Town, Greg shared his wealth of historical knowledge with us. Greg goes out of his way to tell that (hi)story while also answering the many questions that this highly interesting history raises. In the end we identified some interesting parallels between us 3 going back to the Covid 19 pandemic. Greg will happily work with you to adapt it to meet your specific interests. I would recommend taking a tour with Greg to anyone!
PS Regarding the price-value rating: this really was a lifetime memory for us, hence the 10/10."
"Juliet took us on a wonderful tour of Manila. She was well versed in the history and culture of the city. She moved at our pace and was very flexible as to what we wanted to see and do. We would highly recommend Juliet!"
"We had a three hour tour with Greg. He was knowledgeable, kind, and provided a thorough tour. I learned so much about the history of the area, local politics, culture. I always love withlocals tours, because we can ask about all of the normal life things of a city. Greg was just a pleasure to spend time with. I highly recommend him and this tour to learn about manila. "
"We had an excellent and very informative Santa Ana tour in Manila. The tour was well-organized and gave us a deeper understanding of the area’s history, culture, and importance within the city. Our guide, Bernadette, was incredibly sweet, knowledgeable, and accommodating throughout the entire experience. She was flexible with the itinerary and even added in all of the sites we specifically wanted to see, which made the tour feel much more special and personalized.
Bernadette also made my family, who tend to be on the shy side..feel very comfortable asking questions and engaging throughout the tour. We truly appreciated the care and effort she put into everything and would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Manila.
Definitely 10 stars for Bernadette and the tour!"
matthewAbout local BernadetteManila, December 31, 2025
5.0
A terrific experience
"I was so pleased and privileged to have spent a morning with Greg. Communications from the outset were helpful and clear. We had a wide-ranging conversation spanning the history, culture, politics and social issues facing the Philippines. As well as being knowledgeable, Greg is a very agreeable and interesting individual to spend a few hours with. He left me with many insights into how Manila and the country functions and the desire to learn more. I would highly recommend Greg as your guide.
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"Our group included experienced world travelers and we all agreed Greg’s tour was one of the very best we experienced. His in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm ensured both long time residents and first time visitors enjoyed seeing the hidden gems of Manila. This is your best choice for an introduction to the city."
"Rodolfo is a great tour guide! He knows every stone in the intramuros district.
Next time, we will go for a street food tour with him."
Jochen and AstridAbout local RodolfoManila, November 21, 2025
5.0
Fascinating journey with Bernadette!
"We had a great time on a walking tour of Manila with Bernadette. We had a great survey of the whole city - from local neighborhoods where tourists seldom set foot to the more popular Chinatown and Intramuros, we saw it all! We traveled by tricycle, jeepney, and by foot. We only had one full day in Manila and this was the perfect way to make the most of it. Thanks, Bernadette! "
ChrisAbout local BernadetteManila, October 28, 2025
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