Manila gets a bad reputation as a place to skip. We disagree — but we're honest about costs. Here's every single expense for 3 days in Manila, from Intramuros to BGC to a Tagaytay day trip. Prices are mid-range planning estimates for 2026.
Pace note: Day 3 includes a Tagaytay day trip. This works, but traffic between Manila and Tagaytay can be brutal — especially on weekends. Budget 2-3 hours each way on a weekday, or 3-4+ on weekends. An early start (before 7 AM) helps significantly.
Grand Total: 3 days
Backpacker
$87-155
~$29-52/day
Comfortable
$145-245
~$48-82/day
Splurge
$260-555
~$87-185/day
Per person. International flights ($500-1,100 roundtrip from US). Day 3 has no accommodation cost (day trip to Tagaytay).
Don't Get Surprised by These Costs
- Manila traffic: Grab rides can take 45-90 minutes for what looks like a short distance. Budget by time, not distance.
- Tagaytay tolls: SLEX + CALAX is the typical expressway route. Expect ~$3-5 in tolls roundtrip if you rent a car or van.
- Mall parking: BGC and Makati malls charge parking — $1-3 if you're driving.
- National Museum: Free admission daily. Don't pay anyone outside claiming to sell tickets.
- Airport terminal fees: Usually included in your airline ticket price. Confirm with your airline if unsure.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Intramuros & Binondo — History & Food
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Airport to hotel (Grab) — NAIA to Makati/BGC. Can surge heavily at peak times. | $5-12 |
| 🎯 Fort Santiago — Historical fortress and Rizal shrine | $1.50 |
| 🎯 Manila Cathedral — Donation welcome | Free |
| 🎯 San Agustin Church & Museum — UNESCO World Heritage Site | $2-3 |
| 🎯 National Museum (Natural History or Fine Arts) — Free admission daily — one of Manila's best attractions | Free |
| 🍽️ Breakfast: Hotel or Jollibee — Jollibee breakfast is a cultural experience itself | $1-4 |
| 🍽️ Lunch: Binondo food walk (DIY) — Multiple stops: lumpia, siopao, hopia. Budget per item. | $5-10 |
| 🍽️ Dinner: Local restaurant in Malate/Ermita — Filipino home-style or seafood | $4-8 |
| 🚗 Grab/tricycle around Intramuros-Binondo — Walking between Intramuros and Binondo is feasible (~20 min) | $3-6 |
Accommodation
Backpacker
$8-15
Hostel in Makati or Malate
Comfortable
$30-50
3-star hotel in Makati or BGC
Splurge
$80-180
Shangri-La BGC, Raffles, or Fairmont
Day 1 Total
$30-55
Day 1 Total
$55-95
Day 1 Total
$105-230
Day 2: BGC & Makati — Modern Manila
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Grab to BGC — If not already staying in the area | $2-5 |
| 🎯 BGC walking tour (street art, Mind Museum area) — Self-guided; Mind Museum itself is $5-7 if entering | Free |
| 🎯 Ayala Museum or Mind Museum (optional) — Choose one; both excellent | $5-7 |
| 🎯 Greenbelt Chapel & Ayala Triangle Gardens — Nice green spaces in Makati | Free |
| 🍽️ Breakfast: BGC cafe — Many trendy coffee shops; Yardstick, Toby's Estate | $3-6 |
| 🍽️ Lunch: Mercato Centrale or mall food court — Mall food courts have huge variety at fair prices | $4-8 |
| 🍽️ Dinner: Poblacion nightlife strip — Rooftop bars and restaurants; cocktails $4-8 each | $8-15 |
| 🚗 Grab around Makati/BGC — Short distances but traffic adds up | $3-6 |
| 📌 Shopping at Greenbelt or SM Aura — Window-shopping is free; local brands are affordable | $0-50+ |
Accommodation
Backpacker
$8-15
Hostel in Makati
Comfortable
$30-50
Business hotel in BGC
Splurge
$80-180
Grand Hyatt or Ascott BGC
Day 2 Total
$32-55
Day 2 Total
$60-100
Day 2 Total
$115-260
Day 3: Tagaytay Day Trip — Volcano Views & Bulalo
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Private van or bus to Tagaytay — Bus from Pasay/PITX terminal is cheapest ($2-3); private van $30-50 for the group | $3-8 |
| 🎯 Taal Volcano viewpoint — Ridge viewpoints are free; some restaurants charge for terrace access | Free-$2 |
| 🎯 Picnic Grove or Sky Ranch (optional) — Picnic Grove has a cable car ride; Sky Ranch is a small amusement park | $1-5 |
| 🍽️ Breakfast: Before departure or roadside — Eat before the drive; stops along the way are limited | $2-4 |
| 🍽️ Lunch: Bulalo (bone marrow soup) — signature dish — Leslie's, Josephine's, or Diner's are popular spots | $4-8 |
| 🍽️ Dinner: Back in Manila — Last dinner — try something you haven't yet | $5-10 |
| 🚗 Return to Manila + Grab to airport — Budget extra time; Tagaytay return traffic can be heavy | $5-12 |
| 📌 Tagaytay pasalubong (dried fruit, coffee) — Mahogany Market is popular for bulk pasalubong | $3-8 |
Accommodation
Backpacker
$0
No stay — day trip
Comfortable
$0
No stay — day trip
Splurge
$0
No stay — day trip
Day 3 Total
$25-45
Day 3 Total
$30-50
Day 3 Total
$40-65
Money tips:
Use Wise for the best USD-to-PHP exchange rates.
Get an Yesim eSIM for data before you arrive.
Book tours and activities through Klook for competitive prices.
All costs are mid-range planning estimates. Prices vary by season, negotiation, and exchange rates. Verify current fares and fees before traveling. Some links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.