Manila Hidden Gems: Experience Local Life and Filipino Culture
5.0
20 Ratings
Manila
Immerse yourself in local life and Filipino culture during your layover in Manila. Experience unique transportation, shop at a wet market, and explore hidden gems off the beaten path.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament - Santa Cruz, Manila City (Archdiocese of Manila) - Immerse yourself in the distinctive local transit system, the Jeepney.
    Discover the authentic shopping experience at a traditional Filipino open wet market.
    Visit the oldest residential buildings in the area and observe the daily lives of locals in less-traveled neighborhoods, where daily routines often include outdoor bathing and dining.
    Experience the genuine day-to-day existence of Filipinos in the narrow lanes and minor roads, away from the glitz and traffic.
    Savor the taste of local coffee and traditional Filipino dishes.

Once the tour concludes, I will provide guidance to ensure you return to your hotel safely and efficiently.

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes included
  • Complimentary water provided
Additional Information

Planning a layover in Manila?
Calling stopover tourists!

Immerse in our distinct local conveyance, the Jeepney. Delve into everyday Filipino culture by bargain hunting at an authentic open-air wet market and discover the city’s oldest residences and areas where locals thrive in unconventional means, with facets of their lives like meals and cleansing rituals performed plainly in public. Venture off the tourist track to truly witness Filipino life in its natural grit and vibrancy, embedded within serpentine streets and obscure alleys, away from the gloss of city lights and vehicle traffic.

Join your guide without hassle at the Santa Cruz Church. Opt for this intimate group tour (maximum of 10) to manage expenses.

This tour includes

  • Photo opportunities
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Photo sessions
Location
Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament - Santa Cruz, Manila City (Archdiocese of Manila)
Plaza Sta. Cruz
Meeting location at Santa Cruz Parish Church near LRT Carriedo and Ongpin
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Chriswt7071kp
Apr 17, 2024
Best Tour Guide Host in Manila!❤️🇵🇭☺️ - Our tour experience of Manila with Venus was amazing! We went to the huge local market and had the best fresh street food! We also got to take 3 cool modes of transport the locals use, Tricycle, Jeepy and the new Metro train! We ended the day with a great restaurants with both local & Western food so us parents and kids alike were happy! We definitely recommend taking this tour as we would have never been able to navigate these things easily alone and Venus made it so much fun! YouTube Vloggers: WORLD FAMILY EXPLORERS ☺️❤️🇵🇭
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Biseshr2024
Apr 3, 2024
Great exploration of the Hidden side of Manila ! - Tour was great & enjoyable! V was very friendly & interactive. It was amazing to see a different and more local side of Manila and also learn some history about the places. We also got to ride the tricycle and jeepney which was cool & couldn't have done it if it wasn't for this tour. And her offer to take our photos was also really nice. Would recommend. Thanks V!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1536knchristiant
Mar 28, 2024
A Taste of Manila: Exploring the City with Venus's Expertise - Booking a tour with Venus in Manila was a great experience! Her knowledge of the local area and her personality made the tour both informative and enjoyable. From sampling delicious local cuisine to exploring local areas, every moment was filled with excitement. Venus's offer to capture memories with her photography skills added an extra special touch to the trip. I highly recommend her tour for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Manila!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel46352129643
Mar 12, 2024
Don’t miss out - Great experience. Be open to seeing small alleys of locals in their neighborhood and their way of life. Venus keeps you safe and feels like visiting a good friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
645opheliam
Mar 12, 2024
The best tour to visit Manila like a local! - This experience went beyond my expectations. I enjoyed every minute of it. It felt like having a walk around with a friend while learning about the local life. Venus is such a nice person! She is very knowledgeable and makes sure you learn while having fun and staying safe. A true Manila immersion experience! I highly recommend it. Thank you Venus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camille
Mar 11, 2024
Amazing experience - I really enjoyed this tour, it was amazing to have the real local experience (food, etc). Venus is a very kind and funny person, I had a lot of fun. it was also very nice to learn more about Manila. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travis
Feb 16, 2024
Excellent gems of Manila tour 👍🏽👍🏽🇵🇭❤️ - Touring with V (Venus) in Manila was an absolute delight. She expertly guided me through the hidden gems of the city, starting with the vibrant Binondo, the oldest Chinatown. We sampled delectable street food like puto, lumpia, calamansi juice, ube custard tarts, and siopao, immersing ourselves in the local flavors. Navigating through the bustling streets of Divisoria, V ensured we experienced the authentic hustle and bustle of Manila life. From jeepneys to tricycles, trains, and taxis, she seamlessly coordinated our transportation, making the journey both adventurous and efficient. V’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Manila’s culture and cuisine truly enhanced my experience, leaving me with unforgettable memories of my time in the Philippines. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and authentic tour of Manila’s hidden treasures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
407zuzannak
Feb 12, 2024
One of the best trips I’ve ever had! - Venus is very insightful and sweet! You can have a great conversation with her about anything and everything! I felt very safe and taken care of with her:) I got to see a different side of Manila I probably wouldn’t experience by myself. I’ll probably remember this trip the most from my whole stay in the Philippines. It truly was a hidden gem! Highly recommend if you want to see something different from the typical polished tours around the more touristy areas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort785853
Jan 14, 2024
Unknown Manila - Second tour with V! This was a fun tour exploring the less seen parts of Manila as well as China Town. Jeepney ride was fun too 🙃
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yobanim388
Dec 20, 2023
Best tour in Manila - The tour was amazing, I had a great time and V really made my experience feel authentic and personalized. She was super informative and helpful during my whole stay.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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