As an Asian you can blend in well, but you still need to be careful. Avoid poor areas. Don't announce that you're a foreigner. There's nothing especially worth seeing in Manila. If you want to understand the Philippines in a nutshell, go to the National Museum. It's worth it. To get to know Filipinos and the culture you can see, visit the big upscale malls. People go there even when they're not shopping, just to look around and enjoy the air conditioning. Go to SM malls and enjoy the gentler prices.

For a local experience and shopping, try Divisoria Mall or 168 Mall. It's a paradise for cheap shopping. For upscale shopping, check out SM MOA, the biggest mall in the Philippines. You can also walk along the boulevard toward Rizal Park. Transportation to try: Jeepney Tricycle Watch your belongings. Be alert for pickpockets, snatchers, and robbers. Blend in with the locals. It's safer to have someone willing to show you around Manila. Enjoy and stay safe.

When you say Manila, that's the city... not all of Metro Manila. Why do so many of you say Manila when it's actually another city? Makati is a different city. BGC is in Taguig City. They're all part of Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. So Manila is just one city. You should say Metro Manila.

Hi there, I lived in Manila for three and a half years as a Belgian woman, so here are my tips. • Places or experiences I personally recommend: - Intramuros ~ take a tour or visit the old Spanish house and try the cafés. - Binondo ~ Manila's Chinatown, with lots of old-school Chinese restaurants where you can try the real thing. - MOA and IKEA, the biggest malls in the world. - Gala food park ~ a Studio Ghibli themed food park. - BGC or Venice mall in BGC; BGC feels like the US and Venice mall feels like Venice. • Local food and things not to miss - Try kwek kwek, Officially Pares (pares) in Makati, sisig, sinigang and kare kare, and Filipino barbecue too. • Transportation and getting around Manila - Grab or inDrive for taxis - Angkas or Move It for motorcycles - Try jeepneys and tricycles if you're with friends • Local culture and customs - Say 'salamat po' when you thank people. - Pay attention to where you can take photos and videos, because not every place allows it. - Try karaoke or join a fiesta. • What Filipinos are like in my experience - The sweetest, funniest people there are. Treat them with respect and you'll have lots of friends by the time you leave. • Little things that surprised me, things foreigners should know Always be careful, because Makati is getting more dangerous these days. Don't buy a SIM card at the airport; buy it at a mall. You have to register the number with a photo of your passport. Don't change money at the airport; do it in Poblacion past Filling Station. Also try eating at Filling Station, it's like being in a movie. • Things to be careful about or avoid Watch your belongings and your drinks when you go out. Watch out for scammers. That's it. In my eyes, the Philippines is the most beautiful and safe place you'll visit. Hope you enjoy it.

National Museum.. Intramuros

Leave Manila as soon as you can. After seeing Intramuros, head out to the islands (start with Cebu or Bohol..

4 days is short, so don't try to cram everything in or you'll miss your priorities! Decide what your non-negotiables are. Mall shopping? Food, groceries, restaurants? What kind of accommodation are you aiming for? A touristy checklist or off the beaten path? You can always Google your checklist.