The Philippines rewards unhurried travelers. Over 7 days, you’ll trace Manila’s history from Spanish-era walls to modern cafe culture, then hop to Cebu for calm seas, fresh seafood, and island time. With a mid-range budget in mind, this itinerary favors relaxed day trips, walkable neighborhoods, and boat days that trade adrenaline for snorkeling and sandbars.

Manila—one of Asia’s oldest port cities—pairs UNESCO-listed Intramuros with leafy Makati, bustling Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown), and a blossoming coffee scene. Cebu, the country’s oldest city, is your gateway to coral gardens, heritage houses, and easy island-hopping around Mactan and nearby sanctuaries. Expect warm hospitality, rice-scented breezes, and sunsets that slow the pulse.

Practical notes: Rideshare apps like Grab make getting around simple. Domestic flights are short and affordable. Filipino cuisine is hearty and diverse—think adobo, kinilaw (island ceviche), and lechon (roast pork). Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rash guard for snorkeling, and cash for markets and island fees. Always check local advisories for weather and seasonal site access.

Manila

Manila blends centuries of history with modern comforts. Wander Intramuros’ cobblestones, sample Filipino comfort food, and unwind in leafy pockets like Ayala Triangle Gardens. Day trips reach cool Tagaytay ridgelines and lush hot springs.

• Top sights: Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO), Rizal Park, Ayala Museum.
• Relaxing picks: Hidden Valley Springs, sunset along Manila Bay, cafe-hopping in Salcedo or Poblacion.
• Food to try: adobo, kare-kare, halo-halo, and seafood “paluto” (you pick, they cook).

Stay: Mid-range and social options abound near Makati and Intramuros.

• Hotels.com curated picks: The Peninsula Manila (classic, polished), Red Planet Manila Bay (budget-friendly, near the bay), Z Hostel (social, rooftop views in Poblacion).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Manila or VRBO Manila.

Getting there: Book international flights to MNL via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Makati: 30–60 minutes by Grab (traffic dependent).

Day 1: Arrival and Easy Manila Evening

Afternoon: Arrive at MNL, check in, and freshen up. For a gentle start, stroll Ayala Triangle Gardens or the leafy streets of Salcedo Village.

Evening: Dinner in Makati: Manam (bright, modern Filipino; try crispy pancit and sinigang), or Ilustrado (Spanish-Filipino classics near Intramuros—call ahead for availability). Nightcap at The Curator (coffee by day, cocktails by night) or Commune for great local beans and relaxed vibes.

Day 2: Old Manila, New Manila

Morning: Join a guided heritage tour that covers Manila old and new, including Intramuros and Fort Santiago for context without rushing.

Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Afternoon: Cool off at the National Museum complex or Ayala Museum (noted for pre-colonial gold). Coffee at Yardstick or Harlan + Holden for minimalist, mellow settings. Snack on halo-halo at MilkyWay Café.

Evening: Sunset by Manila Bay, then seafood “paluto” at Dampa Seaside Macapagal—choose prawns, squid, and crab; ask for garlic butter prawns, grilled pusit, and sinigang na hipon. Keep it light and share plates.

Day 3: Soak Day—Hidden Valley Springs

Morning: Escape the city to warm, forest-wrapped pools and gentle trails—an ideal relaxation day with transfers included.

Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***

Afternoon: Linger in the spring-fed pools and enjoy a slow lunch on-site. Return to Manila mid-afternoon.

Evening: Dinner in Poblacion: Lampara (neo-Filipino plates; refined but relaxed) or El Chupacabra (casual street tacos if you want a break from rice). For dessert, Bungalow Café’s pastries hit the spot.

Cebu

Cebu City, the Philippines’ oldest, anchors a region of coral gardens, islets, and easygoing beach clubs. It’s also a flavorful stop for lechon, mango desserts, and market grazing.

• Top sights: Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Temple of Leah, Sirao Garden, Mactan’s marine sanctuaries.
• Relaxing picks: Island-hopping to Hilutungan and Nalusuan, spa afternoons, golden-hour views from Tops Lookout.
• Food to try: lechon (House of Lechon is a local favorite), mangoes, and fresh kinilaw (island ceviche).

Stay: Choose between convenient city bases and beach-friendly Mactan resorts.

• Hotels.com curated picks: Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa (excellent house reef), Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (lagoon-style pools), Cebu R Hotel - Capitol (value near the city), ABC Hotel Cebu (budget, central).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Cebu or VRBO Cebu.

Getting there: Fly MNL → CEB (1h25m; often $30–$70 one-way on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or AirAsia). Book via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. CEB airport to Cebu City: 30–45 minutes by Grab; to Mactan resorts: 15–30 minutes.

Day 4: Fly to Cebu + Gentle City Highlights

Morning: Fly to Cebu. Check in and take a breather—this is a relaxing trip, so no rush.

Afternoon: Ease into Cebu with a curated city and Lapu-Lapu tour—history, hilltop views, and a lechon lunch included.

Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour with Uphill Spots & Lunch at House of Lechon

Evening: Dinner at La Vie Parisienne (breads, cheeses, and a breezy garden) or Sugbo Mercado in IT Park (open most evenings Wed–Sun; great for budget grazing—try chorizo burgers, ramen, and mango desserts). Early night or a calm massage at a reputable spa nearby.

Day 5: Relaxed Island-Hopping (Mactan)

Morning: Board an outrigger boat to Hilutungan, Caohagan, and Nalusuan—calm waters, easy snorkeling, and plenty of time to float and sunbathe.

Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch - Gilutungan, Caohagan, Nalusuan

Afternoon: BBQ lunch on board or on a simple island hut, then one last snorkel over coral gardens. Expect small marine fees; bring cash and reef-safe sunscreen.

Evening: Back on Mactan/Cebu City, rehydrate with fresh buko juice. Dinner at Abaca Baking Company (roast chicken, salads, and terrific breads) or House of Lechon (if you missed it)—ask for spicy lechon belly and puso rice.

Day 6: Cebu at Your Pace

Morning: Slow brunch: Abaca Baking Company or The Pig & Palm’s successor concepts by the Abaca Group (seasonal—ask your hotel). Light culture stop at Museo Sugbo or Casa Gorordo Museum for a compact history lesson.

Afternoon: Beach time at Mactan (day passes available at several resorts) or a spa session. Coffee at Linear Coffee Roasters or Tightrope to keep the vibe mellow.

Evening: Golden hour at Tops Lookout, then dinner at La Vie in the Sky (casual, breezy) or Circa 1900 (heritage-house setting, Filipino-international menu). Early pack for tomorrow.

Day 7: Souvenirs and Departure

Morning: Pick up Cebu mango products and handcrafted trinkets at Ayala Center Cebu or SM Seaside (go early to avoid crowds). Grab one last hot pandesal or ensaymada from a neighborhood bakery.

Afternoon: Head to CEB for your flight onward. Book returns via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time, enjoy a final seafood lunch near the airport—grilled fish and kinilaw are light and travel-friendly.

Optional Add-Ons (if you extend)

• Tagaytay ridgeline views of Taal Volcano (cooler climate, great coffee and bulalo soup).
• South Cebu whale shark and waterfall combos—spectacular but more strenuous; best added with an extra day.

Budget notes: With a 50/100 budget, target $50–$120 per night accommodations, shared boat days, and local eateries. Use Grab for predictable fares, and consider weekday flights for lower prices.

Responsible tips: Choose reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and follow local guidance at heritage sites. Weather can affect island-hopping; your operator will advise on safe alternatives.

Summary: In one easy week, you’ll taste Manila’s layered history and unwind on Cebu’s clear, swimmable waters. With gentle day trips, flavorful Filipino meals, and mid-range stays, this relaxing Philippines itinerary balances discovery with downtime—leaving room for one more mango shake at sunset.