How to spend three days in the Philippines?
There is a country consisting of more than 7,000 islands and with bustling cities, stunning beaches, sublime mountains, rich history and fresh tropical fruits. This is the fascinating Philippines! Engage all your senses, to smell, taste, and experience the unique Philippines with this ultimate three-day itinerary.
Ultimate Three Day Philippines Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the diverse Manila
📝Itinerary: Intramuros – San Agustín Church – Fort Santiago – Manila Bay
As the capital city of the Philippines, Manila has also been crowned the “Pearl of the Orient” due to its picturesque location and spectacular natural landscapes. This modern and bustling metropolis is full of things to see and do.
📍 Take the time machine in Intramuros
“The Walled City”, Intramuros, is the oldest neighborhood in Manila. If you are a fan of historical places, here is a must visit. Intramuros is a reminder of the troubled history of the Philippines, taking you back to the old Spanish days, and the uniqueness is very well preserved. Indulge your elegant soul by taking a horse-drawn carriage, also called a Kalesa, or simply wander the streets to feel the nostalgic atmosphere of this modern city.
📍 Explore the historical stories at the Church of San Agustin and Fort Santiago
The San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago are must-sees if you want an in-depth knowledge of Filipino-Spanish history. Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iglesia de San Agustin de Manila is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines (completed in 1602) and the most . Having experienced the many earthquakes and bombings, the church is still standing and well maintained. The church exhibits notable features of the Baroque style, especially for its ornate interiors and ceiling paintings.
Take another step towards Fort Santiago, which offers wide spaces on the banks of the Pasig River. It is a wonderful escape that could ease your mind from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here, you can immerse yourself in Manila’s rich history and culture by learning about the life of the national hero, José Rizal.
📍 Enjoy the stunning sun in Manila Bay
Manila Bay is an exceptional place that offers one of the most iconic sunsets. Relax on Roxas Boulevard after a busy day of sightseeing. You can take a walk or rent a bike. Passing through a stretch of coconut palms tinged with gold by sunset and watching the light of the waning sun disappear over the horizon. Finally, end your day in Manila enjoying the amazing cityscape and night view of this unique metropolis.
Where to eat in Manila? 🍽️
Food is a great way to get to know the culture of a destination. Manila is heaven for food lovers, not only because of its affordable price, but also because of the delicious delicacies. Begin your culinary adventure through these recommended places.
Legazpi Sunday Market
Experience the vibrant and relaxed atmosphere of the Legazpi Sunday market. Refresh yourself with fresh fruit drinks that you can easily find at various vendors. In addition to local Filipino street food such as skewered chicken and pork innards, you can also enjoy international cuisine, including Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese and Mexican dishes.
Quiapo Market
Throw yourself into this busy, chaotic and active area with various stalls selling just about anything! Follow in the footsteps of the locals to explore fresh produce, meat, seafood, spices and a wide variety of specialty and prepared foods. As the largest market in the Philippines, the Quiapo market is a great representation of the nation’s culture.
Binondo Chinatown
Binondo gives you an insight into the life of the Filipino-Chinese community. If you are looking for authentic Chinese food, you are in the right place. Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is a place with a rich culinary history and has been loved by locals for generations. Here you can indulge in tasty, timeless and affordable Chinese dishes.
Day 2: Discover Cebu Old Town
📝Itinerary: Magellan’s Cross – Basilica of Santo Niño – Carbon Market
📍 Trace the roots of Spanish history at Magellan’s Cross
Cebu is where Magellan first landed in the Philippines and where he was eventually buried. The Magellan’s Cross, Cebu’s most crucial landmark, represents the historical and religious (Catholic) significance of the Philippines. Along with colonization, Magellan also brought Christianity to the Philippines. Wandering around this little place steeped in history takes you back in time when Christianity first came to this country.
📍 The mysteries of the Holy Child are revealed in the Basilica of the Holy Child
Right next to Magellan’s Cross, you can go further to the Basilica del Santo Niño, which has deep cultural significance for Cebu according to the land of Christianization in the Philippines in the 16th century. Not only is it rich in history, but the church also withstood destructive forces, including World War II bombing and earthquakes. After experiencing so many traumas, the church is still standing to this day. Even if you are not Catholic, this place is worth visiting for its amazing and peaceful interiors
📍 Feel the lively vibes at The Carbon Market
Venture into The Carbon Market, the oldest and largest public market in Cebu City. There are endless shops on both sides and also many outdoor vendors. It is the best place to see how the locals live and feel the lively vibes after some cultural tours. You can find a wide variety of Cebu farm and farm products for sale, such as seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, at a very low price. However, don’t forget to keep your guard up, pockets closed, no valuables in sight, and take the usual precautions. So you’d better keep an eye on your personal belongings while you’re out and about.
Top 10 Popular Street Foods You Must Try In Cebu 😋
siomai
Bibingka (rice cake)
fried fish ball
Ginabot (fried intestines)
Pinaypay (banana fritters)
Lechon (roasted suckling pig)
Balut (duck embryo)
Kwek-kwek (orange covered quail eggs)
Halo-Halo (milky shaved ice with toppings)
Dynamite Lumpia (fried egg roll stuffed with chili and cheese)
Day 3: Dive into the ocean around Cebu
In addition to historical relics, Cebu boasts idyllic islands, stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent diving sites. Here are two recommended options for spending your last day at the end of your trip. Explore the Philippines beyond the waves and discover the healing of the ocean and the colorful marine life. Let the blue ocean enhance your Philippine vacation!
Have fun in Malapascua 🏖️
🗺️ Distance from Cebu: 50 miles (80 km)
⏳ Travel time: 3 hours
🚌🚢 Transportation: take a bus to Maya – take the boat from Maya to Malapascua
Swim with the whale shark in Oslob
🗺️ Distance from Cebu: 73 miles (118 km)
⏳ Travel time: 3 hours
🚌 Transportation: take a bus from Liloan in Cebu
Oslob is a small town located in the southern part of Cebu, and is known for whale shark watching. Actually, these gentle giants are not originally from Oslob; they are fed regularly by fishermen, so they only come a few hours each day for snacks. Get excited swimming with the whale sharks! It will be an unforgettable experience for you to see the beautiful sea creatures roaming freely in the ocean.
Very well, are you ready to be captivated by the Philippines? I hope this three-day itinerary can help you discover this wonderful country.
