Are you planning to visit Manila in 2024? Are you looking to book the best tours in Manila?

This post is for you!

I’m Mel, your friendly Filipino-British travel guide, well-versed in all things Manila.

Having spent years exploring the islands and uncovering the capital’s best-kept secrets, you can count on my recommendations to steer you right.

(Related: 10 Authentic Things To Do in Manila | Philippines Travel Guide)

In this post, I’m sharing the best tours to do in Manila in 2024, from the city’s most loved street food tours to the best snorkelling spots and picturesque day trips just a stone’s throw from Manila.

Each tour is booked through reliable platforms, guaranteeing quality experiences as they all hold a 4-star rating and above.

So, let’s dive into the heart of Filipino culture with the best tours in Manila!

Just a heads up – the links I’ve included for the tours are affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. But don’t worry, it won’t cost you a centavo extra. Happy tour booking!

30+ Best Tours in Manila 2024

Best Private Airport Transfers from Manila

Before we jump into the tours, let’s talk about getting you from the airport to your fabulous hotel in Manila, hassle-free. You’ve landed, you’re tired, and all you want is a comfy ride straight to your hotel.

With private airport transfers, this can be a reality. No more haggling with taxi drivers or trying to navigate Manila’s public transport system with heavy luggage.

• Private Manila International Airport Transfer: Skip the stress of public transport: pre-book this private transfer for a hassle-free arrival or departure, complete with a professional driver to navigate Manila’s busy streets.
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: Travel in comfort and style; enjoy a private transfer to or from the airport, with the added perk of a meet and greet service at the arrival hall.
• Airport Transfer to Anywhere in Metro Manila: Settle back and enjoy the ride; this transfer service provides door-to-door transport from the airport to any Metro Manila location, ensuring a smooth start or end to your trip.

OK, now that’s out of the way, let’s get onto Manila’s best tours!

Best Tours In Manila: History, Culture & Food

Best Historical Tours in Manila

If you’re up for diving deep into the fascinating history of Manila, these historical tours are just what you need. They’ll take you back to a time where Spanish, American, and indigenous influences came together to create a vibrant cultural mix. Get ready to explore ancient forts, magnificent churches, lively markets, and more, all while listening to captivating stories about the city’s past.

• Awesome Full-Day Historical Manila Tour With Transfers: Dive into the rich history of Manila with this full-day tour, complete with transfers to keep things smooth; you’ll even get to enjoy a scenic lunch at the Manila Baywalk!
• Manila Old & New: Want to see the best of both worlds? Join this tour to explore both the old historic sights and the modern wonders of Manila.
• Intramuros Walking Day Tour: Get your walking shoes on! This tour will take you through the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, Manila’s oldest district full of history and charm.
• Filipino Historic Walking Tour in Intramuros: Walk with us through history! Get ready to dig deep into Filipino culture and history on this walking tour of Intramuros.
• Historical Manila by Night: Experience the stunning beauty of Manila under the stars; wander through the city’s historical landmarks lit up in a striking and illuminating light show.
• Bataan Death March Memorial Tour: Immerse yourself in a poignant piece of World War II history with this tour, visiting the significant sites of the infamous Bataan Death March.

Best Cycling Tours in Manila

Hop on and get ready to pedal through Manila’s lively streets. These cycling tours are a truly wonderful way to explore the city, combining exercise with sightseeing – plus the bicycles are made from bamboo so it’s a more sustainable experience. Doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual peddler – you’ll get to enjoy a different perspective of Manila’s rich history and landmarks.

• Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: Up for a fantastic way to wrap up your day? Ride a bamboo bike through Old Manila at sunset. It’s a stunning way to take in the sights!
• Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: Want to cycle through history? Jump on a bamboo bike and cruise through the historic city of Intramuros, immersing yourself in its fascinating past.
• Manila Cycling and Walking Food Tour: Fancy exploring Manila’s foodie streets while hopping on a bike? Join this tour for a day of local flavours and fun – get ready for a delicious adventure!

Best Street Food Tours in Manila

Are you a food lover always on the hunt for your next culinary adventure? Well, Manila’s street food scene is a gastronomic goldmine just waiting to be discovered. With a mouthwatering melting pot of flavors at every corner, taking a street food tour can be your ticket to explore the city’s rich food culture. Right, let’s dive straight into the best street food tours in Manila.

• Manila Street Food Tour: Fancy tasting the real soul of Manila? Dive into the city’s chaotic, yet enchanting, food scene with this tour. Get ready to sample a variety of local delicacies, from the classic Adobo to the adventurous Balut.
• Taste and See Authenticity Tour: Looking for the true flavour of Manila? This is your ticket to a genuine taste of the city, covering all the fantastic local foods you’ve got to try.
• Filipino Street Food Dinner: Looking for a tasty evening adventure? Join this foodie dream tour for a night of mouthwatering Filipino street food. Taste the traditional Lechon and wash it all down with a cold local beer.
• Manila Food Experience: For those who believe that food is the best way to understand a culture, this tour is for you! Explore Manila’s vibrant food scene and discover the city’s history through its unique cuisine.
• Following the Footsteps of Anthony Bourdain: Channel your inner foodie and take a culinary journey like Anthony Bourdain; explore diverse local cuisine and witness the colourful food culture of Manila.
• Introduction to Philippine Street Food: Get your taste buds ready for an adventure; dive into the vibrant world of street food at the bustling night markets of Manila.
• Introductory to Philippine Street Food Night Market with Transfers: Get ready for a tantalising adventure for your tastebuds! This tour introduces you to the mouth-watering world of Filipino street food at night markets. And the best part? Transfers are included, so you can feast without stress!
• Manila Chinatown Dimsum Experience: A culinary journey to Manila’s Chinatown awaits; sample an array of delectable dim sum in the heart of the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Best Cooking Tours in Manila

• Learn to Cook in a Local Manila Home: Fancy yourself as a bit of a chef? Join us in a local Manila home and get hands-on with Filipino cuisine. It’s a culinary adventure that’ll leave your taste buds tingling.
• Dinner and Cultural Show: Treat yourself to a lovely evening of delicious food and vibrant local culture. You get to relish an authentic Filipino dinner while enjoying a traditional cultural show. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!
• Hands-on Cooking Lesson in Manila: Roll up your sleeves and get cooking; learn to cook traditional Filipino recipes, such as adobo and sinigang, in an intimate and homely setting. You’ll not only learn to whip up delicious Filipino dishes but also get a peek into Manila’s culinary culture.

Book Authentic Experiences in Manila

• Dinner and Cultural show: More than just a meal, it’s a feast for the senses; indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine while being entertained by a cultural performance.
• Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: Enjoy Filipino cuisine while being captivated by a spectacular cultural dance performance; a perfect blend of gastronomy and heritage.

Best Day Trips from Manila

Best Day-Trip Tours near Manila

• Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Day Trip with Buffet Lunch from Manila: Spend the day at the beautiful Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation; this trip includes a buffet lunch where you can sample local delicacies while enjoying the plantation’s views.
• Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour: How about a mix of fiery volcanos and thundering waterfalls? If that sounds like your cup of tea, this day trip is the one for you.
• Full Day Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: Want to see Manila from a new perspective? Join us for a full day’s journey across Tagaytay Ridge for an unparalleled panoramic view of the city.
• Enchanting Hidden Valley Day Tour: Ready to uncover Manila’s best kept secrets? Then join us in exploring the hidden valleys, where nature’s beauty remains untouched and pure.
• Majestic Pagsanjan Falls: Looking for the perfect backdrop to your travel photo album? This tour takes you to the Majestic Pagsanjan Falls, a sight you don’t want to miss!

Best Nature Tours in Manila

Best Rice Terraces Tour from Manila

• Sagada-Banaue-Batad 5-Day Tour in Small Group (Max 6 Travellers): Get the most out of your time in Manila with this 5-day tour exploring Sagada, Banaue, and Batad; small group size means personalised attention and a more intimate experience.
• Sagada-Banaue-Batad 5-Day Tour in Small Group (Max 6 Travellers): This is your golden ticket to explore Sagada, Banaue, and Batad in five fantastic days! With a small cozy group, it’s your personal journey into the heart of Manila’s majestic landscapes.
• Sagada & Banaue Rice Terraces 4-Day Tour: Get away from the hustle and bustle for a four-day tour in the fresh air of Sagada and Banaue. You’ll be blown away by the beautiful rice terraces and scenic views!

 

Best Hiking Tours from Manila

Fancy a bit of a trek, do you? Brilliant! Manila offers some top-notch hiking tours that’ll get your heart pumping and your spirit soaring. These adventures not only offer a touch of nature, but will lead you to breathtaking vistas and thrilling pathways you’d love to tell your mates about.

So let’s dive into the best hiking tours from Manila – prepare to get a solid dose of the great outdoors, Philippines-style.

• Full Pinatubo Experience: Craving for some daredevil thrills? Then get ready to experience the breath-taking Pinatubo volcano in its full glory.
• Beginner Day Hike from Manila: Mt. Batulao (811 MASL) with Transfers: Looking to escape the city for a bit? Take a beginner-friendly day hike to Mt. Batulao; transport from Manila is included, so no need to stress about logistics!
• Best Taal Volcano Tagaytay Full Day Tour with Transfers: Enjoy the natural wonders of the Taal Volcano and the charm of Tagaytay on this full-day tour, with convenient transfers from Manila.
• Sunrise Hike: Taal Volcano: Early bird catches the worm or in this case, the stunning sunrise view from Taal Volcano. It’s an early start, but trust me, the view is so worth it! Taal Volcano is one of my favourite places to visit in Luzon.
• Amazing Taal Volcano & Hidden Valley One-Day Combo Tour from Manila: Experience the best of Manila’s natural beauty in one day. This combo tour takes you to the impressive Taal Volcano and the tranquil Hidden Valley Springs. And let’s not forget the amazing lunch overlooking the volcano, a total win-win!

Best Nature Tours from Manila

Ready for some greenery? Let’s get those backpacks on and head out into nature, my friends. These tours take you to some of the most stunning landscapes around Manila, where you can breathe in the fresh air, soak in the glorious views and feel the earth under your feet.

The best part? All these nature-filled adventures are just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, let’s get started, shall we? Here are the top natural beauties within reach of the lively city of Manila.

• Pagsanjan Falls from Manila: Witness the spectacle of Pagsanjan Falls on this day trip from Manila; perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure and a lot of natural beauty.
• Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano: Can’t decide on sightseeing or outdoor adventure? Why not both? This tour offers the best of both worlds, with a Manila city tour and a trip to Tagaytay with a Taal Volcano visit all rolled into one!
• Best Taal Volcano Tagaytay Full Day Tour with Transfers: Spend a full day soaking in the natural beauty of Taal Volcano and the cozy charm of Tagaytay. Plus, enjoy the convenience of transfers from Manila. Just sit back, relax, and let the beauty of Manila take you in!

Best Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Trips Near Manila

Ready to swap your city shoes for flippers and dive into the deep blue? Brilliant! Manila is perfectly positioned for some really stunning snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. You’ve got everything from colourful coral reefs to fascinating shipwrecks, and an abundance of marine life that’ll have you rubbing fins with Nemo in no time. So, let’s dive in, shall we? Here’s my pick of the top snorkelling and scuba diving trips near Manila.

• Anilao Snorkel Safari: Dive into a world of colour and wonder! This tour takes you to the vibrant coral reefs of Anilao – Manila’s very own underwater paradise. There’s no better place to snorkel near Manila – trust me. I completed all my PADI scuba diving licenses in Anilao!

Best Tours in Manila 2024: What Will You Choose?

There you have it! I hope this guide to the best tours in Manila was useful.

Whether you love history, natural beauty, or street food, Manila has it all.

Don’t miss the chance to snap photos at Taal Volcano or enjoy Dim Sum in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Have an amazing trip to Manila – and if you’re there for a while, check out my relevant posts below.

Manila and Beyond: Explore the Philippines Like A Pro

10 Authentic Things To Do in Manila | Philippines Travel Guide

5 Best Islands To Visit in The Philippines

15 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting The Philippines Travel Tips

5 Best Weekend Escapes near Manila | Philippines 2024 Travel Guide

12 Epic Things to Do in Boracay Island 2024

What To Bring Island Hopping In The Philippines: What To Wear & Essentials

All Philippines Posts

The post Best Tours in Manila 2024: Authentic Experiences To Enjoy Manila appeared first on illumelation.