• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Manila, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Manila.

Destination

Manila, Philippines

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, العربية, Español

Included

• Private Guide
• Local Transport
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 4 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at At the Jose Rizal Monument - Manila to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. City Highlights

   See Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall, Fort Santiago, and more must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots of the city so you can get the perfect overview to what makes Manila so special

4. Hidden Gems

   long the way, your local host will show you treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about. Get to know the city through a different perspective, the local way, and discover places and stories that not many tourists get to experience

5. Special Treat

   Follow your host to one of their favorite eateries for a snack or a drink beloved by the locals. Take a break and catch up with your new local friend and get the answers to all your travel questions

6. More Things to See

   With more time, you’ll have the chance to enter some of the landmarks and attractions your host has planned for you. Get in touch with the host of your choice to hear more about their plan

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Fieke

(About local Joemarie)

22 April 2025

Joemarie is an amazing tour guide, extremely knowledgeable on the turbulent history of the Philippines. It was great to visit the different neighborhoods in Manila with him and understand how they were developed and how they have changed over time; all with some local food tasting breaks in between and with a good dose of humor and entertainment. I would highly recommend going on a tour with Joemarie!Amazing knowledge

Beatrice

(About local Marie Jane)

3 April 2025

When booking this tour, we were interested in local foods of course but also in learning more about Filippino culture. Jane took us to the favorite places, locals go to. I told her of my interest in local fruits. I was able to buy delicious mangoes, passion fruits and even mangousteen that were not on display! She was a great resource and offered a lot of insights in the life of filippino people. I strongly recommend Jane as your tour guideA great cultural experience

newadrian81

(About local Bernadette)

1 April 2025

Our tour with Bernadette was without a doubt the highlight of our trip! Thanks to her, we were able to experience the real Manila – beyond the usual tourist spots, with authentic and eye-opening insights. With her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality, she showed us the city in a way that goes far beyond what you’ll find in any travel guide. What impressed us the most was how she took us behind the scenes and introduced us to places that truly reflect the soul of Manila. This tour was not only informative but also deeply moving and inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for this experience and can highly recommend Bernadette to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable tour. A huge thank you!Experiencing the Real Manila – A Must-Do

Leann

(About local Joemarie)

2 March 2025

Joemarie was great. We did the full day tour and street food today - both were flexible and tailored to us. I’d recommend Joemarie - knowledgeable, prompt, safe & fun tours! Knowledgeable and Fun!!

Gina

(About local Joemarie)

24 February 2025

My 12 year old son and I really enjoyed our walking tour around Fort Santiago and Intramuros. Joemarie was knowledgeable, kind, patient and very flexible. He also didn’t rush us at all and let us take our time while still showing us everything on the initinerary. I highly recommend this tour with Joemarie!Highly Walking Tour w Joemarie!

Ellen🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Joemarie)

15 February 2025

We had a lovely morning in Manila with Joemarie. We visited the sights in Intra-muros, took a jeepney together and listened to all his knowledge. He knows his history, his local heroes and 87 (!!) national anthems with perfect accents. Excellent guide! Thanks Joem! Excellent guide, a fountain of knowledge!

Caitlin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Joemarie)

10 February 2025

My husband and I were very excited to do a food tour with Joemarie for our first time in the Philippines. I reached out to him a few days before the tour with a question, but received no response. I assumed he was probably busy so, I let it go. On the day of our tour, we arrived on time at the meeting point and waited. I texted Joemarie, and waited. Around 15 minutes after our scheduled meeting time, he responded that there was a family emergency and no food tour would be happening. While I can be sympathetic to his situation, he was not professional enough to reach out to us in a timely manner to update us. Sadly, I would not recommend this tour and Withlocals has not reached out or refunded us for a tour that did not happen. All in all, this experience has been very disappointing.Joemarie was uncommunicative & a no show

Scott🇺🇸 United States

(About local Bernadette)

29 January 2025

We loved the spontaneous nature of our food tour. We are both vegetarian and Bernadette helped us to explore Chinatown and find many veggie options. She was friendly and personable and we loved everything we tried.Bernadette was amazing!

Michael🇺🇸 United States

(About local Joemarie)

25 December 2024

Joem was extremely personable, bubbly, and fun. He ensured that every treat on our food tour fit my dietary restrictions and showed us places we never would have found on our own. Joem made us laugh and answered questions of all kinds about food, Filipino culture, and life in Manila. He also showed a genuine curiosity about us and our travels. I highly recommend him!A great guide and friend!

Jennifer🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Joemarie)

19 December 2024

I was in Manila for work and had a free afternoon where I could squeeze in a little time to see the city. Joem was the perfect choice for an afternoon walking tour getting the highlights and history of Manila. He's a wealth of knowledge and a tonne of fun. I couldn't have been happier.Afternoon highlights

Gerry🇺🇸 United States

(About local Joemarie)

16 December 2024

Discovering Manila's historic Binondo district with Joemarie (nicknamed "Joem") delivered an unforgettable culinary journey. His infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Filipino culture transformed our simple food tour into a rich cultural experience. Joem gave remarkable personal attention to each member of our six-person group, addressing everyone's questions and interests. As we explored hidden alleyways and local haunts, his engaging storytelling brought the neighborhood's vibrant history to life, while his thoughtful selection of eateries ensured everyone, including vegetarians, could fully participate. Joem surprised even the most seasoned Filipino food enthusiasts in our group with his curated selection of dishes and establishments. He led us to tucked-away family-run restaurants and street food stalls we would never have found on our own, introducing both traditional favorites and lesser-known delicacies. Even those well-versed in Filipino cuisine discovered new flavors and dishes. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Manila - and specifically request Joem as your guide. His expertise, personable nature, and genuine passion for sharing Filipino culture will make your Binondo food adventure truly memorable.An authentic Filipino food adventure!

Sarah

(About local Joemarie)

14 December 2024

Joemarie’s tour was so incredibly informative. He is so passionate about his country and its many delicious foods. I am pescatarian which is hard to find in Filipino foods but Joemarie was able accommodate and I did not feel like I missed out on anything. Would recommend!! Yum!

Marc🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Joemarie)

6 December 2024

Joemarie began communicating with me even before we met to ensure I knew where to meet him and using Grab for my transportation. He was very knowledgeable in the history of the Philippines and was able to answer all my questions even if they weren’t about the history. I felt safe when we took public transportation and walked through Chinatown. I would definitely recommend him for any other tours he may offer. Thanks again Joemarie Well done

David

(About local Marie Jane)

4 December 2024

A very good tour guide and very nice tours. I had a lot I wanted to see and do in short space of time, Marie Jane was able to arrange everything so the tours were very enjoyable and relaxed.Exceptional Tour Guide: I would recommend Marie Jane

Jamila

(About local Bernadette)

14 November 2024

Bernadette was late even after pushing the original tour back 2 hours. Lack of information during the food tour and very nonchalant on the recommendations. Nothing seemed planned out beforehand. The food total was likely under $20 USD but the tour cost $70. Not worth it, save your money and book another tour.Lack Luster Food Tour

Sonia🇪🇸 Spain

(About local Joemarie)

1 July 2024

Joemarie is an excelet tour guide. He explained the history of the Philippines very clearly and answered all of our questions. He is very kind and attentive, and didn’t hesitate in helping us with anything! If you come to Manila, I clearly recommend booking with Joemarie. You will for sure have an amazing day! :)The best tour guide!

Eugene🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Joemarie)

7 June 2024

I had the pleasure of being guided by JoemGuider around the historical sights of Manila, and it was an unforgettable experience! He was not only knowledgeable about the history and significance of each site, but also brought the stories to life with his engaging narrative. What impressed me most was his willingness to share insights into the Filipino culture and everyday life, making the experience feel more authentic and personal. JoemGuider truly sets himself apart with his remarkable knowledge of countries and their relations to the Philippines. He amazed me with his ability to recall the national anthems of 78 countries by heart! It was fascinating to see how he connected the dots between different cultures and histories. Throughout the tour, JoemGuider was enthusiastic, passionate, and genuinely interested in sharing his knowledge with me. He created a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere, making me feel like I was exploring the city with a friend. If you're looking for a tour guide who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate and engaging, look no further than JoemGuider. He will bring the history and culture of Manila to life, and leave you with unforgettable memories of your visit."5/5 stars!5 star review!

2xr8wxn4sz🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Joemarie)

22 April 2024

Hat von Anfang an alles super geklappt. Vor Buchung abgesprochen, dass wir uns bei mir im Hotel treffen und von dort die Tour starten. Gesagt - getan. Pünktlich und am Tag selbst via WhatsApp kommuniziert, top. Tour vor Ort nich abgestimmt, was will man mehr. 5***** Sterne von mir. Sehr netter und flexibeler Guide

Laura 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Joemarie)

22 April 2024

We had a really lovely tour yesterday with Joem. He is super friendly, jolly and shared lots of interesting history with us. It was an incredibly hot day and we were very kindly provided with bottles of water. This was a nice relaxed way to begin our Manilla adventure.Great Kickstarter

Janique🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Joemarie)

13 April 2024

We had a great time with our guide Joemarie. it tells well the events of Philippine history. We had a more than full two hours.Great guide

Dominik🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Bernadette)

20 November 2023

I was able to discover the real Manila where there is no mass tourism and where real life takes place, it was an experience that I can recommend to everyone.The real Manila

Niya

(About local Bernadette)

6 November 2023

Bernadette is a very thoughtful and kind person who crafted an unique experience where travelers might not be able or feel comfortable to visit but get the chance to explore with the local's guide. Enjoyed every moment and absolutely recommend for whoever wants to explore the local culture!Thoughtful

Jospeh

(About local Bernadette)

6 November 2023

The tour with Bernadette was truly one of the best experiences of my life. It was magical to discover the life in Manila through such beautiful neighbourhoods and communities. And we would have never been able to discover such beautiful locations and people without Bernadette. I would recommend this tour to anyone.Recommended

Matthew

(About local Bernadette)

6 November 2023

This was a great experience. Bernadette was a great guide and was easy to talk to and interesting to listen to. Very interesting to see these areas of Manilla and hearwhat their backstory is.Great experience

Nela

(About local Bernadette)

2 November 2023

It was an amazing experience to learn a bit of the history and the life of Bernadette's upbringing everything was so well planned and organised. Enjoyed it very much.Amazing experience

William

(About local Bernadette)

31 October 2023

Het was een prachtige ervaring! Bernadette neemt je mee naar plekken waar je anders nooit zult komen. Ze is vriendelijk en beantwoord je vragen als je die hebt. Ik was maar 1 dag in Manilla en dankzi Bernadette heb ik toch lets van het leven van Manilla kunnen zien. Bernadette zorg er ook voor dat je veilig bent en wacht tot je weer terug in de taxi of ander vervoermiddel bent.1 dag in Manilla

Ryan

(About local Bernadette)

19 October 2023

This is exactly the kind of tour I look for on day one in a new city. A strong introduction to the culture and environment. Not much of history on this tour, but more like a current state of affairs. We saw a cool church that perfectly exemplified the juxtaposition of Spanish and Filipino Catholicism, a beautiful graveyard with people and roosters living in it, some varieties of neighborhoods, and more.Great intro

Zilvinas

(About local Bernadette)

12 October 2023

Great tour, especially for basketball lovers. Bernadette really knows the areas of the tour and has a great stories to tell. Highly recommended!Great tour

Olga

(About local Bernadette)

17 August 2023

Highly recommend this experience. I only had one day in Manila and am glad I chose to do this tour. Bernadette showed us locations a tourist wouldn't go to, and was a wonderful conversationalist and host. Thank you for everything!Great manilla tour