What’s the first thing you look for when picking a hotel to stay in when you travel? As someone who frequently travels for work and leisure, I’ve learned that a hotel’s location can make or break your trip.
Have you ever traveled somewhere and immediately envisioned yourself living there because of a sense of comfort, security, and familiarity?
Aside from the accessibility of the hotel, the surrounding attractions, safety, and atmosphere of the community can influence a traveler’s hotel choice and make a place feel like home.
Whenever I travel to different cities, I’m drawn to hotels that offer familiar comforts, such as proximity to parks and green spaces, scenic areas like riversides suitable for biking, and affordable dining options nearby.
In the same way, international travelers also look for the best neighborhoods to stay in Manila based on what they’re used to and the activities they enjoy.
With this in mind, here’s what international travelers can expect while staying in different neighborhoods of Metro Manila, and what makes these different communities feel like home.
Manila
If you’re fond of history, old architectural buildings and museums, the capital city of Manila, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay is an ideal place to stay. Residents appreciate Manila’s dynamic cultural scene, diverse culinary offerings and its proximity to the city’s historical landmarks and leisure destinations.
For tourists, Manila is home to some of the oldest premier hotels in the country, as well as several National Museums and the capital’s top cultural landmarks, with some streets undergoing major redevelopment. While staying here, tourists can easily visit Intramuros, a small enclave in one of the oldest parts of the city. The area, surrounded by the 16th-century walls built by the Spaniards during their occupation of Manila, is home to pedestrian-friendly streets, bicycle rentals, and a UNESCO-listed church.
Pasay/Parañaque
For travelers who don’t want to venture too far from the airport and prefer easy access to developed commercial areas with shopping malls, restaurants and recreational facilities venues, Pasay or Parañaque might be the best fit. Residents value the accessibility to the airport and main thoroughfares along with the variety of urban conveniences. The area south of Manila is houses one of the largest malls in the world, as well as venues for entertainment and dining with a view of Manila Bay’s famed sunset.
Tourists can easily find international and Western restaurants and visit unique indoor attractions. Pasay and Parañaque are also relatively near the historical sites of Manila and Intramuros, so travelers can also visit historical sites on day trips.
Makati
Residents of Makati often choose to live there because of its central location in the city, which makes it convenient for work, business, and leisure. As one of the more developed and dynamic areas, Makati offers a lively mix of commercial and residential districts and more varied hotel choices for tourists. This includes wider options for budget travelers who want to enjoy nightlife and bar-hopping.
The central business district of Metro Manila is a hub of culture and entertainment, with vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options catering to urban professionals and residents. Aside from the restaurants to choose from, tourists can enjoy a few well-maintained green spaces, cultural attractions, and community events. Poblacion, a lively area within Makati, is a good choice for younger travelers with backpacker hostels, affordable hotels, hole-in-the-wall cafes, pubs, and entertainment options.
Makati has a major transport hub connected to shopping malls that can take travelers easily to other parts of the city and beyond. Its central location, Western comforts, wealth of amenities and accessibility, make it a convenient place for international travelers to stay.
BGC/Taguig
As the newest and most modern part of Metro Manila, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig is ideal for those who like being surrounded by upscale shopping malls, restaurants, and modern conveniences. Residents like the well-planned urban environment, vibrant social scene, trendy dining options, green spaces, and the safety and cleanliness of the area, which makes it a highly desirable place to live and stay in Metro Manila.
BGC is also known for its walkability, making it a popular choice for expats and international travelers looking for a family-friendly environment. You can find public art everywhere from powerful murals to artsy graffiti on the high street walls, as well as interactive museums and mall-based comforts.
Quezon City
For tourists who prefer a laid-back community and easy access to nature spots, Quezon City, located northeast of the city center, is one of the best places to stay in Metro Manila. Home to several University campuses, Quezon City is known for its diverse culinary scene, cultural attractions like museums and art venues, and active community life.
Residents of Quezon City love the relaxed vibe with abundant parks, gardens, residential areas and affordable dining options in neighborhood food strips. The suburban feel and urban conveniences attract families with young children, young professionals and retirees. While the location may be far from the airport and other historical sites, the cost of living is relatively lower, so hotels and dining are more affordable for tourists.
Major public transport hubs are currently being built in Quezon City to increase connectivity to other areas. In the meantime, adventurous travelers will find it easy enough to take cabs to visit worthy spots outside the city in the east, such as Antipolo, or hop on buses heading up north to travel to Baguio, Sagada, and other destinations from the many bus terminals along EDSA.
For more travel stories, visit the author’s blog Travel Up at www.traveling-up.com.
