Solo Female Travel in Manila

Manila, the bustling metropolis nestled on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, is the vibrant capital of the Philippines renowned for its melting pot of cultures. Exciting and energetic, Manila boasts a unique combination of Spanish colonial architectures and sprawling modern shopping malls. Famed landmarks such as the 16th-century Spanish colonial structure, Fort Santiago, and the World Heritage-listed Baroque churches of San Agustin, exhibit the city's rich history. The city is also known for ornate Chinatown, teeming with traditional shops and markets, and the cosmopolitan district of Makati, brimming with high-end boutiques and upscale restaurants. With its extraordinary blend of the old and new world charm, Manila holds an irresistible allure for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience.

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Safety:Moderate

Manila can be a safe location for solo female travelers provided that precautions are taken. It's always a good idea to stay in well-populated areas, especially at night, use reliable means of transportation, and be wary of pickpockets in crowded places. Still, locals are generally friendly and helpful and as long as basic safety rules are applied, solo traveling can be rewarding in Manila.

Transport:Moderate

Manila can be quite challenging for newcomers due to its dense population and heavy traffic. Understanding and navigating the local transportation system can take a bit of time. Moreover, the city extends across a large area, making it harder to explore entirely on foot. Therefore, planning your travel itinerary in advance and having a map can greatly assist you. Language barrier may also be a slight issue even though English is widely spoken. However, locals are generally very helpful, and authorities provide good support for tourists.

Things to do:Interesting

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a vibrant metropolis which is good for solo female travelers. It offers a fascinating mix of diverse cultures, rich history, and modern lifestyle. Here, you can explore its well-preserved historical sites, like Intramuros, the walled city from the Spanish colonial period, or National Museum Complex showcasing Filipino art, culture, and history. The city also boasts significant landmarks such as Manila Cathedral and Rizal Park. Apart from that, Manila is known for its bustling shopping scene, ranging from high-end malls to souvenir markets like Divisoria or Greenhills. Furthermore, the city offers a variety of local to international cuisines and exciting nightlife with a range of bars and clubs in areas like Makati or Bonifacio Global City. However, the city's hustle and bustle might be overwhelming and caution must be taken due to traffic and some areas with safety concerns. It's all about understanding the surroundings and trusting one's instincts while enjoying what the city has to offer.

Food:Excellent

In Manila, the food scene is incredibly vibrant, diverse, and flavorful. Traditional Filipino food is rich and hearty, filled with an array of fresh ingredients, and every dish tells a story of the country's history. Beaches, canopy markets, and street corners cater to every craving with foods that range from sweet, spicy and savory. Manila is a melting pot of flavors, where influences from other cuisines like Spanish, Chinese, American, and Malay meet, effortlessly blending to create a unique gastronomic experience. Regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences, there is a wide breadth of options available. Try out local delicacies like lechon, adobo, and halo-halo to take a bite out of Filipino culture.

Budget:Affordable

Manila is generally quite affordable for travelers, with reasonably priced accommodations and inexpensive local cuisine. Public transportation such as Jeepneys and tricycles is also cheaply available. However, certain tourist attractions and shopping malls may have higher prices. The cost can also increase rapidly if you engage in many guided tours or frequently travel by private taxi.

Is Manila worth visiting?

Livia

Livia

Czech Republic

Solo travel experience

Generally, I felt safe in Manila. The only thing that made me slightly uncomfortable was that I felt I was getting a little of attention as there are not that many western travelers. It is exhausting, because literally everyone will try to talk to you. I stayed in tge Lub D Makati hostel and I can really recommend it. It’s good value for money, good location, nice restaurant at the rooftop and you can meet expats and other travelers there. From the sights I only did the Intramuros and the Rizal park. You do both in 0.5-1 day, depending how much you want to go into detail and how quickly you walk or alternatively you can take a riksha. Always ask full clarity on prices - ask for final price that you will be paying. You can save yourself some trouble with the tricks some might try on you.

Posted: February 13, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Manila

Meet local women in Manila who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Skyrene

Skyrene

About Me

Hi I am Sky, I am currently working as a Global Application Analyst where we implement Microsoft Dynamics across the globe. The company send me to different countries to conduct training so I get the chance to do side trips after work. I do solo travel especially during weekends to see places, culture, history, food to name a few. I would also like to host female travelers when you visit Manila, Philippines.

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Gayle

Gayle

About Me

Hello everyone! I’m Gayle, 23. I am graduating from uni in June (yay) so I plan to just travel for a while after that. I’ve already been doing some traveling since January and have been to Thailand, Japan and just got back from Bali last week. I’m already set to backpack across SEA on October starting in Vietnam and just see where the journey leads me! Hoping to meet some friends along the way :)

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Stay with locals in Manila

Stay with local women in Manila who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Skyrene

Skyrene

Manila

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi I am Sky, I am currently working as a Global Application Analyst where we implement Microsoft Dynamics across the globe. The company send me to different countries to conduct training so I get the chance to do side trips after work. I do solo travel especially during weekends to see places, culture, history, food to name a few. I would also like to host female travelers when you visit Manila, Philippines.

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Chi

Chi

Manila

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hey!, My name is Chi and I'm interested in food & cuisine, art, books, culture and business

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