Philippines

Cost of living

What a month costs

Rent in Makati and BGC drives the budget; everything else is cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Manila

1. IntramurosThe old Spanish walled city, best explored on foot or by bamboo bike.
2. Fort SantiagoRiverside citadel and the shrine where national hero Jose Rizal spent his last night.
3. San Agustin ChurchThe oldest stone church in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Manila CathedralThe grand Romanesque basilica at the heart of Intramuros.
5. Rizal Park (Luneta)The big central green where the national monument and open lawns meet Manila Bay.
6. National Museum of Fine ArtsHome of Juan Luna's monumental Spoliarium, and admission is free.
7. BinondoThe world's oldest Chinatown, a maze of dumpling houses and old bakeries.
8. Manila BaywalkThe classic promenade for one of the most famous sunsets in Asia.
9. Quiapo ChurchThe teeming home of the Black Nazarene and its enormous January procession.
10. SM Mall of AsiaGiant bayside mall with a seaside boardwalk and a landmark Ferris wheel.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. TagaytayTwo hours south for cool air and the famous Taal Volcano view over the lake.
2. Corregidor IslandDay ferry to the World War II island fortress guarding Manila Bay.
3. Anilao, BatangasWeekend diving and snorkeling capital, easy drive down the coast.
4. BaguioThe pine-clad summer capital up in the Cordillera mountains, cool and misty.
5. PampangaShort trip north to the culinary heart of the country for sisig and kapampangan cooking.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Wildflour Cafe + BakeryThe reliable BGC and Salcedo favorite for pastries and strong coffee.
2. Toby's EstateAustralian-style specialty roaster with a big flagship in BGC.
3. Yardstick CoffeeSerious Makati roaster and training lab for third-wave brews.
4. The Curator Coffee & CocktailsTiny hidden Makati bar that pours excellent espresso by day.
5. CommunePoblacion social hub built around local single-origin coffee.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Toyo EateryThe modern Filipino tasting room that put Manila on Asia's best lists.
2. ManamComfort Filipino cooking done in small and big plates, always packed.
3. Sarsa Kitchen + BarChef JP Anglo's lively take on Negros and Ilonggo home cooking.
4. BlackbirdGrand dining inside the restored art deco Nielson Tower in Makati.
5. Aristocrat RestaurantA Roxas Boulevard institution since 1936, famous for chicken barbecue.
6. Cafe AdriaticoOld-school Malate bistro serving Filipino and Spanish plates late into the night.
7. IlustradoElegant Intramuros dining in a colonial courtyard setting.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Early Bird Breakfast ClubAll-day brunch spot known for big plates and bottomless coffee.
2. Wildflour Cafe + BakeryCroissants, eggs and pancakes that draw a morning crowd.
3. Pancake HouseThe beloved local chain running since 1970 for classic breakfasts.
4. Cafe Mary GraceHomey cafe famous for ensaymada and hot chocolate.
5. Single OriginBGC brunch mainstay pairing eggs benedict with good coffee.
6. Corner Tree CafeLong-running vegetarian kitchen with a gentle morning menu.
7. Bizu PatisserieFrench-leaning cafe for pastries and a leisurely weekend brunch.
8. ManamFilipino silog rice-and-egg plates done exceptionally well in the morning.
9. Toby's EstateReliable early stop for avocado toast and a proper flat white.