About
Metro Manila is the capital region of the Philippines, a sprawling urban area made up of 16 cities, with Manila at its heart. It is the country's political, economic, and cultural center, so most visitors who come to the Philippines pass through it at some point, whether to arrive, to do business, or to begin a longer journey across the islands.
What the region offers
Because the region brings together many cities under one name, a visit here is less a single destination than a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Here is what a traveller can expect to find:
- A dense, busy city life, shaped by government offices, commerce, and the daily movement of millions of people.
- Cultural life that reflects the country's role as its capital, with a wide range of cities and districts to explore.
- A base from which to reach other parts of the Philippines, as the region sits at the centre of the country's political and economic activity.
Planning a visit
Metro Manila is large, and distances between its cities can take time to cross, especially at busy hours. It can suit travellers who enjoy urban exploration and who want to see the capital up close. Choosing one or two cities to focus on, rather than trying to cover the whole region, will make the visit more rewarding. Those interested in the country's government, commerce, and culture will find the region especially relevant, since it is where these things are concentrated.
