Filipinos know how to have a great time, may it be from enjoying great food and drinks at home, or in some of the top hotels with rooftop bars and restaurants, to shopping in some of the best malls. Locals and travelers alike love cheap bargains. Why? They can get more souvenir items and save the rest of their money for their other needs. Business-minded people can also take advantage of these best bargain shops by buying items in bulk and selling them at their own stores. True, there are a lot of places you can go to for great finds and cheap shopping in Manila. Shopping malls, thrift shops, and “ukay-ukay” stands are everywhere. If you’re wondering what to buy in Manila and where it might be a little difficult to decide with all the great deals around you, so here are the best places to go shopping in Manila.
1. Divisoria Market
You should know about Divisoria if you’ve been to Manila or if you know someone who has been to Manila. It’s the mother of all shopping places. Some small business owners visit Divisoria to buy items for their stores.
This popular market in Manila has it all and offers the best prices too. Do you need a pair of Havaianas for 1 USD? They’ve got it. You can even get a dress and a shirt for only 2 USD.
These items aren’t authentic but they’re close to the real thing. At Divisoria, you’ll find rows of stalls with different kinds of merchandises. Retail prices are already cheap, but of course, you save more when you buy them in bulk.
Divisoria
Address: 557 M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila, Philippines
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Looking for last-minute gifts or cheaper alternatives? Divisoria is the place to be! I don't know how many times Divisoria saved me from spending too much money on a particular thing, but it just shows how convenient it is. Everything you may need is quite literally here, you just have to be patient enough to explore hundreds of shops. This is where we would buy textiles to make clothes with since they are much cheaper here. Electronics are also available here, ranging from keyboards to wireless headphones.
Besides shops, Divisoria also boasts a pretty impressive culinary scene. There are loads of street food stalls surrounding the area, as well as actual eateries (or "carinderias"), leaving you plenty of options.
Traveler's tips
If you're on a budget but still want to shop for the coming holidays or birthdays. I suggest you visit the Divisoria, almost all of the things that you want to buy are available either at retail or wholesale price. This is one of the most visited wholesale markets in the Philippines. I suggest that you wear your most comfortable clothes and always be careful with your belongings. PHP1000 or USD20 will be enough if you just want to buy gifts or other house essentials. The place is also accessible for jeepneys and electric tricycles.
2. Quiapo Market
Your landmark to the market is the Quiapo Church; it is just close to it. Quiapo Market also sells everything, including fruits, vegetables, and other best things to buy in Manila. Additionally, it is also known to sell cheap dinnerware and kitchenware. Looking to get a bargain on a new set of plates? Dapitan Arcade and Hidalgo Street are where to buy plates in Quiapo. You can also still haggle to get an even cheaper price for the items.
Beware though as there are pickpockets in Quiapo. Do make sure you pay attention to your things. Divisoria and Quiapo are somehow the same. However, if you live in Quezon, then it is best to choose Quiapo over Divisoria to avoid traveling for about 50 minutes.
Quiapo Market
Address: Quezon Blvd, Manila, Metro Manila
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Quiapo Market offers the same convenience as Divisoria. As per the name, it is near the famous Quiapo Church, so you can always go to mass before doing some shopping. Clothes, cleaning supplies, and miscellaneous stuff are offered here. There are also plenty of great sound systems available, especially for those karaoke-loving people out there! But for a more unique experience, this area also boasts some tarot card readers, and you can get a reading if you want.
3. Baclaran
People have been shopping to Baclaran since the 1980s. Wondering where to shop in Baclaran? The Baclaran Market of course! It is just beside the Baclaran Church, and the market now has, wider lanes so it is easier to navigate. It’s located south of Manila and is dubbed as the shopper’s paradise.
Most of the items they sell are from China, in good condition and are cheap. Unlike other public markets in Manila, Baclaran is now cleaner but beware of pickpockets. Also, if you don’t like the crowd, avoid visiting the market on a Wednesday. You won’t like the traffic. They are also packed during the weekends.
Baclaran
Address: Roxas Blvd, Baclaran, Parañaque, Metro Manila
Traveler's tips
Baclaran Church, officially known as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, is a renowned Catholic church. It is a place of deep religious significance and a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics and tourists alike.
Tips to Enjoy Baclaran Church:
1. Attend a Mass: Joining a Mass at Baclaran Church is a spiritual experience. The church holds multiple Masses throughout the day, so plan your visit accordingly.
2. Veneration of the Perpetual Help Icon: Don't miss the opportunity to venerate the revered icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It's a central focus of devotion at the shrine.
3. Visit the Chapel of the Saints: Explore the Chapel of the Saints, which features images and relics of various saints. It's a peaceful place for reflection and prayer.
Traveler's tips
This place is just less than 15 minutes away from the airport. This is one of the accessible markets in the Philippines since it has a Light Rail Transit station, and most of the jeepneys start and end here. So you will not get lost if you want to visit Baclaran. Just a tip make sure to wear your most comfortable clothes, don't bring too many belongings or cash, and be mindful of your surroundings. You can also visit and attend the mass at the famous Baclaran Church the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Greenhills
Greenhills is a shopping mall but their prices are a lot cheaper compared to other malls in Manila. Greenhills sells well-made or “class-A”, knock-off brands. This ‘fake’ market of Manila lets you buy a pair of Nike shoes for only 12 US - and you can still haggle. They also sell designer bags such as Louis Vuitton and a Chanel at an incredibly low price. Inside Greenhills, you’ll also find fine-dining restaurants and cinemas to entertain you. If you’re tired of shopping then go for either a movie or dine at one of your favorite restaurants.
Greenhills Shopping Center
Address: Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills San Juan, Rizal
Facebook: Greenhills Shopping Center
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Greenhills is a pretty well-known shopping center in San Juan City. If you say 'Greenhills' in general, you're referring to a bunch of malls squeezed together in one location. The tiangge (bazaar) is an air-conditioned shopping area where you'll find the really good, cheap bargains - clothes, local snacks, souvenirs, food stalls, and corners selling faux designer items. You can definitely try your hand at bargaining here, as most of the sellers are accommodating enough. This place is centrally located, so I usually go here to run errands because everything I need is already in one place!
Tip from Trip101 local expert
No matter how many times I've been to Greenhills, I still find myself getting lost in this vast shopping center. It's just that big! While Greenhills is well-known for selling Class A items, you can also buy legit Apple products here, either pre-owned or brand new. Just make sure to check the unit you're buying to guarantee its authenticity, and buy from a trusted seller. Their prices are usually cheaper compared to malls!
Manila Tour Guide
Margareth Ng
Manila Tour Guide
Jerick Magat
Manila Tour Guide
Alvin Salen
Hi I'm looking forward to be your tour guide in Manila. I'm 20 years in tourism industry in the country and will take you to the historical sites in Manila such as the 400 year old Spanish fortress.
Tours by Alvin
5. Archaic Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Oriental Living—Japanese Screen Painting, Celadon Jars, Low Center Table with Marble Top
Posted by Archaic Shop on Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Archaic is featured in some magazines for its affordable yet high-quality items. The store is organized so it’s easy to look for what you need. What the store offers: cool furniture, vintage items, designer watches and bags.
And guess what? They even sell a sword. Not that you will really need it, but the store has almost anything you fancy. They are open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you have a good eye for quality items, drop by Archaic.
Archaic Shop
Address: 532 Gen. Hizon Street Makati 1233
Facebook: Archaic Shop
6. The Vinyl Dump Thrift Store
Do you like music? Then this second-hand music store is for you. Quality vinyl records are sold at 10 cents apiece. It’s that cheap and they’re still in good condition. The rare collection sells for about 3 USD.
It can go higher or lower depending on the supply and demand. Since the Vinyl Dump is a music store, this means they also sell audio equipment. I mean, what are you going to do with all those vinyl records?
Some of their audio equipment is from the US and some are in the Philippines, but still of good quality. If your equipment is broken, the Vinyl Dump can have it fixed for you too. They’re your all-in-one music store.
The Vinyl Dump Thrift Store
Address: Cubao Expo, Araneta Center Quezon City, Philippines
Facebook: The Vinyl Dump Thrift Store
Traveler's tips
I love visiting Cubao Expo whenever I'm in the area. It's like a secret artist haven where you'll find surprising things and cute memorabilia. It is lined with quaint stores selling cute finds and offering services like tattooing and more. Aside from that, this little alley has numerous bars and restaurants. One of my favorites is Tacio's for its affordable drinks and hipster ambiance.
7. Chapter IX Bookstore
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Available soon! History
Posted by Chapter IX Bookstore on Tuesday, August 16, 2022
They are featured at CNN Philippines as one of the best secondhand bookstores in Manila. Chapter IX Bookstore is a booklover’s haven. They have the paperbacks that you want to read and those hard-to-find books that you’ve been eyeing at BookDepository.
This time, you won’t wait for a couple of months to have it delivered to your doorstep. You can either directly go to their physical bookstore or leave a comment on their Facebook page. Tourists and locals alike, especially bookworms, will surely love this store.
Chapter IX Bookstore
Address: 2/F, Circle C Mall, Congressional Avenue, Quezon City
Facebook: Chapter IX Bookstore
8. Teindesitas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Teindesitas is located in Pasig, near the central business district of Manila. It has more than the average bazaar or mall since it also offers live bands and seasonal events. From Chinese New Year celebrations to Valentine’s day, and of course, Christmas specials, you can enjoy it all in their central plaza and exhibit centers. Tiendesitas is a great one-stop-shop if you’re looking for authentic Filipino brands, native goodies, and even local food. They also feature clothing products, home decor, and furniture. Best of all is that they’re a pet-friendly destination, o you’d often see families bring their beloved pets for grooming or some shopping since Tiendesitas also has pet shops loaded with essentials for your four-legged family.
Teindesitas
Address: C-5 Las Fiestas, Pasig, Metro Manila
Website: Tiendesitas
9. Marikina
If you’re looking for cheap, but high-quality shoes, then look no further than Marikina. The city of Marikina has always been known for its superb shoe-makers and shoes and has long been branded as “The Shoe Capital of the Philippines.” Specializing in leather goods, many stores in the area also offer top-quality leather bags. Although many of the shops in Marikina now also operate as online boutiques, a good number of these leather goods and shoe shops will still be found in the barangay (local council or district) of Conception, Marikina. If you walk around the streets of J.P. Rizal, or those near the Conception city hall, you will definitely find numerous stores selling excellent and fashionable shoes and bags. You should definitely check out shops like Tatay Oli Shoes or Lara Erika Shoe Manufacturing, both found on J.P. Rizal Street.
10. Taytay Rizal Tiangge
A “tiangge” is the Filipino term for a flea market or bazaar. One of the most popular tiangges in Manila would be the Taytay Tiangge. Taytay is a municipality in Rizal, a province just east of Manila. Featuring fashionable clothes, shoes, bags, and other accessories, Taytay Tiangge has always been a favorite for the budget-conscious fashionistas, or to those simply looking to buy items in bulk for resale. More than just fashion items, you can also find some nearby stalls selling refreshing snacks and drinks, in case you need a break from a whole day of shopping.
Taytay Rizal Tiangge
Address: Manila E Rd, Taytay, Rizal
Website: Taytay Rizal Tiangge
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Wear your comfy shoes and start exploring the wonders of Taytay Rizal Tiangge! This is just an absolute haven for those who love all things clothes for a cheaper price. I found a lot of good pieces here, and it cost me only half of what I would have originally gotten if I bought them at more prestigious shopping malls. You can find many trendy clothes in this market, the ones that you would see on social media platforms. My favorite type of stall here is the ones that offer graphic tees, often with bands and artists plastered.
After a long day of roaming around the market, wind down with a refreshing drink or head to any of the nearby fast-food restaurants.
Traveler's tips
If you're looking to score affordable clothes, visit the Taytay Rizal Tiangge. You'll be amazed, as I was, because of the many things you'll find here, from sleepwear to gowns. Don't forget to bring water and your own shopping bag because you'll be buying a lot. Another tip, always haggle!
11. Shopping Mall
Known as the “Mall of Fortune” 168 Shopping mall is located in Binondo, Manila. This shopping mall complex is a haven for those wholesalers and shoppers alike. Offering clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, some shops even have household goods, appliances, mobile phones, and even make-up, shoppers will definitely find what they need, and even find things they want at a bargain price. Like Greenhills, 168 Shopping mall also offers knock-off brands, so you’ll find these high-quality replicas of “branded” goods for a fraction of the cost. Food stalls are also available within the mall premises, so you can grab a snack or a drink while you shop.
168 Shopping Mall
Address: 918 Soler St, Binondo, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Website: 168 Shopping Mall
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
168 Shopping Mall may be big, but you can easily get the hang of it once you have visited it for a couple of times. The first floor consists of shops concerning electronics, perfumes, pet necessities, and even toys for children. But do note that every floor boasts clothes and the like. If you run out of cash, there are also a couple of ATMs in the mall. Looking for a gorgeous dress for prom? They also have it!
A great tip to maximize your shopping experience here is to thoroughly explore each stall, finding ones that offer the best price and quality. Make sure to take note of them for the next time you go here!
12. St. Francis Square
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF ST. FRANCIS SQUARE MALL We would like to inform our dear shoppers and the public that St....
Posted by St. Francis Square on Friday, May 31, 2019
Another well-known tiangge is Saint Francis Square. It is located just across the street from a major shopping mall in Manila - SM Megamall, within the central business district of Ortigas. Saint Francis Square is a shopping complex offering clothes, bags, footwear, and even mobile accessories for cheap. Shoppers have numerous stalls to choose from, and they can haggle or ask for bargains as well. This shopping complex is definitely the cheaper alternative to shopping from a department store or mall. They also have stalls offering beauty products and vitamin supplements. It is conveniently situated with a number of banks, convenience stores, fast-food chains, and even a transportation hub, so it is fairly easy to get to.
St. Francis Square
Address: Julia Vargas Ave cor. Bank Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Metro Manila
Website: St. Francis Square
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
To buy or not to buy, that is the question
There are so many things to do alone in Manila, but shopping in this city is best enjoyed with friends. It a stress-reliever for some people, as makes them feel better. However, shopping is always associated with money - you can’t shop if you have little or no money. You don’t have to wait for night markets or explore the SM Mall of Asia either. These stores listed here will help you buy the stuff you want because they’re offered at a price anyone can afford - visit Manila today for cheap goods!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to