Do you ever get the feeling that no matter where you look, you’re always bound to see a restaurant or café when in Metro Manila? Don’t worry – whether you’re a local or you’re a first-time visitor to Manila, we all get that feeling. It also features hotels and villas with private pool in addition to amazing eateries. But even when the Philippines’ capital may seem like a foodie haven more than anything, this city actually has a few tricks up its sleeve – yup, not everything you can do to have fun in Metro Manila involves food! Check out these fun things to do in Metro Manila.
1. Art in Island: The Media Square (from USD 14.05)
Update your social media feed with stunning photos and videos from the vibrant world of Art in Island: The Media Square. This immersive indoor attraction in Quezon City for all ages is the largest Mixed Media Museum in the Philippines. It seamlessly blends art, media, and technology, captivating visitors with breathtaking digital displays, awe-inspiring projections, and enchanting audio experiences. Unleash your imagination as you capture unforgettable moments.
When hunger strikes, indulge in the tantalizing Korean food delights and explore the treasure trove of souvenir shops conveniently located on the premises. Gather your troop and family and prepare for a truly mesmerizing day trip to Manila.
Art in Island: The Media Square Ticket in Manila, Philippines
2. The Dessert Museum (from USD 12.5)
Located inside Conrad Hotel Manila’s S Maison, The Dessert Museum is an Instagrammable spot where every corner is a sensory delight. A visit here means embarking on an interactive tasting adventure that will transport you into eight tantalizing rooms, each transforming your favorite sweets into a whimsical wonderland. From the Room of Ten Thousand Marshmallows to the Room of Never-Ending Bubbles and the enchanting Banana Room, you’ll surely be amazed.
Don’t forget to satisfy your sugar cravings with free desserts sprinkled throughout the tour. Apart from delectable treats, you’ll also discover fascinating fun facts about each of the desserts featured in the rooms during your visit.
Traveler's tips
If you want to experience a Barbie or Candy kind of vibe place, you should visit "The Dessert Museum". The price starts at PHP699. It's just a bit pricey, however, it is worthwhile. I actually visited the place twice, so I could say it is worth your money, especially when it is your birth month, because you just need to bring one paying individual and your entrance will be free.
Some of the things that you could see in the area are a variety of candy-themed rooms, which you can enjoy because at every station there is a freebie dessert that you could eat while exploring the place. Make sure to prepare your phone or camera storage, because you'll definitely take a lot of photos. Be in your best outfit when you visit this museum.
The Dessert Museum in Manila
3. Private helicopter tour (from USD 215.0)
Would you dare to fly above one of the world’s densest urban landscapes? If so, this private helicopter tour will satisfy your adventurous soul. This executive tour lets you admire the city of Manila from a different viewpoint—up in the air! It will commence with a pre-flight safety briefing in the VIP lounge where you’ll be provided a beverage and given the rules and tips for a safe flight. Once you’re ready to board, you’ll be introduced to your highly experienced pilots who will be sharing personalized insights during the flight.
The 10-minute flying activity will be filled with breathtaking views of skyscrapers, luxurious malls, Manila Bay, and the Pasig River. The tours are offered as three and six-person packages from Monday to Sunday, 6 am to 5 pm.
Helicopter Manila Executive Tour (10 min)
Duration: 15 minutes
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4. Sip n’ Gogh
Posted by Sip & Gogh Kapitolyo on Saturday, 14 March 2020
Spend your afternoon sipping wine while learning how to paint on a blank canvas. Sip n’ Gogh offers you the chance to really unwind and relax through art and wine by giving you the space to paint your own masterpiece – alone, with your friends, significant other, or your family. You can also bring your own bottle if you want, though there is a small corkage fee if you do (PHP 300 or 6 USD for a 750 ml bottle). The ambiance itself is very artsy and high class, with huge windows, soft lighting, and paintings of other patrons all around hung up on the walls.
Sip n' Gogh
Address: 1 Capitol Hills Drive, Capitol Greenstreet, Old Balara, Quezon City
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 1 pm-11 pm. Sat-Sun 10 am-11 pm. Closed Mondays.
Website: Sip n' Gogh
5. Trampoline Park
Relive your childhood dream of having your own trampoline by checking out the Trampoline Park at the Greenfield District! Via Best Of Manila : http://bit.ly/2cgKeNY
Posted by Best Of Manila on Tuesday, 30 August 2016
If you’re the more active, playful type, Trampoline Park might just bring back some good childhood memories. Open to both kids and adults, Trampoline Park encourages you to unleash your inner energetic child by filling up an entire room with safe trampolines for you to enjoy and relieve stress on. You can go for their Gravity Jump package, where you can gain access to all the Park’s trampoline facilities. If you’re bringing along kids, they can also go for the kids’ version (Gravity Kids) where the park becomes a soft wonderland with Disney songs as your background music. Adults can listen to music too while they jump around as they have Gravity DJ Beats, which allows you to do just that. For reference, their Gravity Jump package rate is pegged at PHP 350 (7.00 USD) per hour.
Trampoline Park
Address: The Portal, Mayflower Street Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Price: from 7 USD
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12pm-9pm. Fri: 12pm-10pm. Sat: 9am-10pm. Sun: 9am-9pm
Website: Trampoline Park
6. Ball Pit Manila
Shoot your PRENUP at #ballpitmanila Book now at www.ballpitmanila.com and get a special upgrade! Photo by Team Benitez Photography
Posted by Pit Manila on Friday, 22 July 2016
Located in Urban Avenue, Makati, Ball Pit Manila has become a refuge for the stressed out and overly worked. Ball Pit Manila lets customers get a full hour of play time in a ball pit, much like how fast food chain playgrounds have ball pits where kids can swim in a pool filled with plastic balls. For only PHP 299 (6 USD), you already get one hour of ball pit time and one free drink so you’re really bound to loosen up and relax. But even if you’re not in dire need of some R&R and you’re just looking for something new to do on a rare free day, you might find that checking out Ball Pit Manila with your friends is worthwhile – especially since you can reserve the entire place for big groups, along with their KTV and photoshoot studio.
Ball Pit Manila
Address: 101 Urban Avenue, Makati City
Price: from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm everyday
Website: Ball Pit Manila
7. Archery Academy
Want to feel as badass as Katniss for a day? Unbeknownst to many, Manila actually has Archery Academy, where you can learn how to use a bow and arrow for only PHP 550 (11 USD) an hour. In just one session, you can learn all about the proper stance and form and how to use the proper gear! Who knows – maybe you’ll hit a bullseye! The Archery Academy is located in Greenhills, San Juan, which is one of the best places to go shopping in Manila. It’s open on Wednesday to Friday from 1pm to 9pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.
Archery Academy
Address: 5th Floor Intrawest center, #33 Annapolis St. Greenhills, San Juan City
Price: from 11 USD
Opening Hours: Closed: Monday-Tuesday. Wed-Fri: 1pm-9pm. Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm
Website: The Archery Academy
8. Mystery Manila
Days after your family moved into a secluded house, strange things started to happen. You found out that these...
Posted by Mystery Manila on Thursday, 13 February 2020
Invite your friends for a day of solving puzzles and becoming your own Sherlock. Mystery Manila is the place to be when you want to do something new and thrilling with your friends. Here, you’re placed in one room, with one mystery and one hour to solve the puzzle. Depending on how fast you solve the puzzle, you get a prize and can even get a discount for your next visit if you didn’t get it right the first time.
Rates depend on how many are in the group but it’s definitely one of the worthwhile activities in Metro Manila to try with your friends.
Mystery Manila
Address: JW Plaza Building, C5, E.Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City
Price: from 8 USD; price depends on head count
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 1pm-9:30pm. Holidays/Saturdays/Sunday: 9am-9:30pm
Website: Mystery Manila
9. Mind Museum
The circus apprenticeship was spectacularly successful!! Held last August 24-25, our Science Sleepover participants...
Posted by The Mind Museum on Thursday, 12 September 2019
Expand your mind and be amazed by the many discoveries you can have at Mind Museum! Located in Bonifacio Global City, the Mind Museum features a narrative of the development of science, with over 250 interactive exhibits told through 5 interconnected stories. You can explore the wonders of atoms, earth, life, the universe and technology – all designed by Filipino artists who worked with scientists from the Philippines and abroad. Rates differ per type of customer, but you can already get an all-day pass for PHP 750 (15 USD), and a 3-hour pass for PHP 625 (12.50 USD).
Mind Museum
Address: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Price: 12.50 USD
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9am-6pm. Closed on Mondays.
Website: Mind Museum
Tip from Trip101 local expert
"Mitch Albom’s For One More Day, Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember, and Jenny Han’s To All The Boy I’ve Loved Before are some of my favorite books.
As a bookworm, there’s something about the smell of freshly opened (brand-new) books. As you flip through each page, there’s a scent that lingers at the tip of the nose, which is subtle but kind of addictive. This mundane experience is actually as pleasurable as getting immersed in the content of a good read.
Having said these, you’d have a clue that my favorite shopping place is a bookstore. This one (Biblio) in Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange is my recent find. I come across this little store in one of my travels, and since then, I always drop by whenever I wait at the terminal for my bus going home to the Bicol region"
10. Ice Skating
It’s unheard of for the Philippines to experience snow and be filled with public spaces where you can easily ice skate, but Filipinos do know how to recreate the experience. At SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, you can go ice skating with your significant other, your family, or your friends! If it’s your first time, you can also learn how to skate with an instructor.
Open skating is at PHP 450 (9 USD), and you can rent a locker for your things at PHP 50 (1 USD). You can also play hockey as well and rent equipment for only PHP 450 (9 USD) an hour! This exciting thing to do in Megamall is a great ice breaker for a delightful weekend!
Ice Skating at SM Megamall
Address: 5th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, EDSA corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Price: from 9 USD
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm everyday
Website: SM Skating Rink
11. Bowling
If during the day you get bored of shopping or just eating, but you’re not really in the mood to be physically active, you might want to consider going bowling. While there’s a bowling center located on the fourth floor of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong, there are also many other bowling centers located around Manila like in Commonwealth Ever Gotesco and in Celebrity Sports Plaza, both in Quezon City. In SM Megamall though, you get the latest bowling technologies, and there are also KTV rooms and Billiard tables available. Rates here are at PHP 165 (3.28 USD) per game and shoe rental is at PHP 50 (1 USD) per pair.
Bowling at SM Megamall
Address: SM Megamall - 4th Level, SM Megamall, Mega Fashion Hall, EDSA corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Price: from 3.28 USD
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm everyday
Website: SM Bowling
12. Wall Climbing
If you think that the fun activities in Manila can’t go hand in hand with health and well-being, think again. Aside from getting you pumped on adrenaline, wall climbing is also a great way to boost your cardio endurance and conquer another challenge you never knew you could take on. You can wall climb at The Portal in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City, and rates here start at PHP 400 (8 USD) for a day pass.
Wall Climbing at The Portal
Address: The Portal, Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila 1552
Price: from 8 USD
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 1pm-10pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am-10pm
Website: Climb Central
13. Laser Tag
Whether you’re young or young at heart, you can definitely enjoy a hearty game of Laser Tag. This activity is perfect for big groups of friends where you can battle it out and recreate your own action-filled adventure as opposing teams, or you can even host a party here with pizza and drinks for a special rate. You can go for a game at Lazer Xtreme in Market! Market! at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Rates here are at PHP 410 (8.15 USD) for two games on weekdays and PHP 450 (9.00 USD) for two games on weekends.
Lazer Xtreme
Address: Lazer Xtreme - 4th Level, Market! Market! Mall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Price: from 8.15 USD
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am-9pm. Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm
Website: Lazer Xtreme
Traveler's tips
If you really want to fully experience Manila life, take public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles. It might be a little bit crowded but it is truly a very cheap way to get to your destination. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're not sure where you're going, ask a local for directions.
Spice up your weekend
This may have surprised you, but there are actually a whole lot more diversions if you’re wondering about what to do in Manila besides exploring many excellent eateries, rooftop restaurants, and themed cafes. If you’re running out of group hangout ideas or potential date itineraries, check out any of these activities and do something different!
Traveler's tips
Ever since I've lived in South Metro Manila, our go-to place is SM Southmall, just walking distance from our home. I would always go there with my family just to eat at our favorite buffet place, Sambo Kojin, or our go-to Chinese food at Hap Chan for some dim sum. Then usually we would hang out or play some billiards at their bowling center (where we played some bowling a few times too!), and sing some karaoke as well.
In nearby Alabang, we also enjoyed some visits at Molito Lifestyle Center. Our favorite here is Omakase Restaurant for some Japanese food. We also tried the steaks at Wooden Horse Steakhouse together with some cocktails. As we walked around Molito, it's hard to miss the outdoor area and garden. The vibe is quite relaxing especially at night.
Frequently asked questions about the fun things to do in Metro Manila
1. What are the best things to do in Manila with family?
For a great time with the kids in Manila, make sure to: i) visit the delightful rooms of The Dessert Museum, ii) experience the fun at Trampoline Park, iii) go ice skating at SM Megamall, and iv) explore the installations at Mind Museum.
2. What is the average price for fun activities in Manila?
Experiencing fun and adventure in Metro Manila wouldn’t utterly hurt your wallet as the activities on this list have tickets and admission fees that range from 5 to 15 USD only.
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