The Philippines is a 7,600-plus island tapestry where Spanish fortresses meet powdery beaches, coral gardens, and mango-sweet sunsets. Centuries of trade and colonization shaped its capital’s cobblestones and cathedrals, while Visayan waters guard turtles, sardine “walls,” and fluorescent reefs. Expect warmth—of both weather and welcome—where karaoke spills from sari-sari stores and every meal arrives with a story.

In one week, you’ll thread together two essential stops: Manila for heritage and food, Cebu for marine adventures and scenic highlands. Visit Intramuros’ stone ramparts, gaze at Taal Volcano from Tagaytay, then fly south to chase waterfalls, swim with whale sharks (ethically—always hands-off and distant), and hop across island sanctuaries.

Practical notes: dry season (Dec–May) brings the best beach conditions; June–Nov can be rainy with occasional typhoons. Traffic is real—plan buffers. Cash is handy beyond cities; Grab is the go-to rideshare. Filipino cuisine is regional and proud—lechon in Cebu, halo-halo anywhere, adobo everywhere.

Manila

Manila is a collage of eras: Intramuros’ stone walls, Art Deco theaters, and gleaming business districts. It’s a perfect runway into Philippine history, street food, and craft coffee. Spend time in the walled city, cross to Chinatown (Binondo) for the world’s oldest continuously operating Chinese district, then watch sunset hues burn over Manila Bay.

• Top sights: Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO), National Museum Complex, Rizal Park, Binondo food streets.
• Good to know: Evenings are lovely on rooftop terraces in Intramuros; mornings are best for museums and walks (cooler, fewer crowds).

Where to stay (Manila): Splurge at The Peninsula Manila (service and spa), sleep smart at Red Planet Manila Bay (value near Intramuros), or socialize at Z Hostel (rooftop views in Poblacion). Browse more stays on VRBO Manila or Hotels.com Manila.

How to arrive: Fly into MNL. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. NAIA to Intramuros/Makati takes ~30–60 minutes by Grab (roughly $6–12).

Day 1 – Arrival, Intramuros at Golden Hour

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, then walk Intramuros: Fort Santiago’s dungeons and Rizal’s final steps, Plaza de Roma, and San Agustin’s Baroque interiors. The compact streets make an easy first stroll.

Evening: Dinner at Ilustrado (Filipino–Spanish; paella negra, callos) or Barbara’s Heritage (heritage recipes; check for nightly cultural performances). Nightcap at The Curator (award-winning coffee-to-cocktails) or OTO (vinyl, craft spirits).

Day 2 – Old Manila by Bike, Chinatown Bites, Rooftops

Morning: Espresso and pastries at The Den (Escolta) or Yardstick (Legazpi Village). Then join the bamboo-bike ride in Intramuros for stories you don’t get from plaques: Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours.

Afternoon: Cross Jones Bridge to Binondo for a DIY food crawl: Sincerity Café (legendary fried chicken), Wai Ying (dim sum), Lan Zhou La Mien (hand-pulled noodles), and hopia from Eng Bee Tin. Explore Escolta’s heritage façades and the First United Building’s indie shops.

Evening: Sunset drinks and dinner on The Bayleaf Intramuros’ Sky Deck (city and bay panoramas) or at Paco’s Purple Owl pop-ups (check schedules). For modern Filipino, try Toyo Eatery (tasting menus inspired by street staples) or Manam (crispy sisig, sinigang).

Day 3 – Tagaytay Views of Taal Volcano

Morning: Early departure to Tagaytay (1.5–2.5 hours each way; traffic varies). Join a guided day trip for logistics and viewpoints: Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour.

Afternoon: Feast on bulalo (beef shank soup) with lake views at Balay Dako or Leslie’s; for sweets, Tsokolateria’s native cacao creations. If conditions allow, stop at People’s Park or Picnic Grove for vistas. Note: Taal’s alert levels can change—follow PHIVOLCS advisories.

Evening: Return to Manila. Light dinner near your hotel—Manam (comfort Filipino) or Café Adriatico (Malate classic). Pack for tomorrow’s flight to Cebu.

Cebu

Cebu is the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines and the Visayas’ travel hub. Its capital city mixes basilicas and markets with a booming café scene; a few hours away, canyons glow blue and sea turtles graze seagrass meadows. Think: lechon lunches, sunset ridgelines, and day trips that start before dawn and end with salt-dried smiles.

• Top sights: Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, Sirao Flower Garden, Temple of Leah, Oslob whale sharks, Kawasan Falls, Moalboal sardine run, nearby Bohol’s Chocolate Hills.
• Food to try: Cebu lechon (roast pig), sutukil (grilled seafood), mangoes, and budbud kabog (millet sticky rice).

Where to stay (Cebu): Beach-focused luxury at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa or Plantation Bay Resort and Spa; city value at ABC Hotel Cebu or Cebu R Hotel - Capitol. Explore more options on VRBO Cebu or Hotels.com Cebu.

How to get there: Fly Manila (MNL) to Cebu (CEB), ~1h25 nonstop. Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical one-way prices run ~$40–90 booked early; airport-to-city is ~30–60 minutes by Grab.

Day 4 – Fly to Cebu, City Highlights, and Lechon

Morning: Fly MNL→CEB (aim for 8–10 a.m. departure). Drop bags at your hotel.

Afternoon: Explore with a guided overview that balances history and hilltop viewpoints: Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour with Uphill Spots & Lunch at House of Lechon.

Expect Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Sirao Flower Garden, and Temple of Leah. Lunch is crispy-skinned lechon (don’t miss liver sauce and puso—hanging rice).

Evening: Sunset at Top of Cebu (Busay ridge; order tuna panga or chorizo pasta) or wine and charcuterie at La Vie in the Sky. For dessert, The Chocolate Chamber’s tablea-based treats.

Day 5 – Oslob Whale Sharks and Kawasan Canyoneering

All day: Early 3–4 a.m. pickup for the south. Snorkel near gentle giants (keep 4–6 meters distance; no sunscreen in water; absolutely no touching), then head to Badian for a half-day splash through turquoise canyons and natural slides at Kawasan Falls. Book a combined package: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming and Kawasan Falls Canyoneering.

Note: Tumalog Falls may be closed intermittently for rehabilitation; operators pivot to other stops. Return to Cebu City by evening.

Evening (post-tour): Refuel at Sugbo Mercado (IT Park night market—barbecue skewers, bao, milk tea) or Rico’s Lechon (try the spicy variant). Sleep early after a high-adrenaline day.

Day 6 – Bohol Day Trip: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, River Cruise

Morning: Coffee at Abaca Baking Company (kouign-amann, breakfast plates). Transfer to the pier for the fast ferry to Tagbilaran (about 2 hours each way; most tours include tickets and land transport).

Afternoon: See the famous Chocolate Hills, meet tiny tarsiers at a conservation sanctuary (no flash photography; keep silent), and enjoy buffet lunch on the Loboc River cruise. Book this seamless countryside sampler: Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise.

Expect a 10–12 hour day including ferry time.

Evening: Back in Cebu, go light with ramen at Barikata (Mabolo) or shared plates at Tymad Bistro (savory crêpes, French-leaning mains). Pack souvenirs: 7D dried mangoes, otap puff pastries.

Day 7 – Easy Mactan Morning and Departure

Morning: Sleep in, then a beachy pause on Mactan. If you’re staying in-resort, snorkel the house reef; otherwise, grab coffee at La Vie Parisienne (Mactan) or Linear Coffee (IT Park) and stroll souvenir stalls for shell craft and guitar workshops.

Afternoon: Airport transfer for your flight. Search or re-check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Grab rides take ~20–45 minutes to CEB depending on traffic.

Evening: In transit.

Optional swaps if you prefer more sea time:

• Trade Day 6 for a full-day island hopping to Gilutungan–Caohagan–Nalusuan with grilled seafood lunch: Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch.

  

Where you’ll eat and drink along the way:

• Manila coffee: Yardstick (precision brews), The Curator (coffee by day, cocktails by night).
• Manila meals: Ilustrado (heritage Filipino-Spanish), Manam (comfort Filipino classics), Toyo Eatery (inventive tasting menus).
• Cebu coffee: Abaca Baking Company (best-in-class pastries), Linear Coffee (modern roastery vibe).
• Cebu meals: House of Lechon and Rico’s (lechon showdown), Top of Cebu (view with Filipino favorites), Sugbo Mercado (street-food variety).

Responsible travel tips: Keep distance from whale sharks; never touch or feed wildlife. Use reef-safe sunscreen (apply 30+ minutes before water). Pack out trash on island trips; choose refillable water bottles.

Summary: In seven days you’ll time-travel through Manila’s storied walls, gaze at Taal’s volcanic lake, then plunge into Cebu’s waterfalls, reefs, and ridgelines—seasoned with lechon and sunsets. It’s a compact, high-reward route that pairs culture with coastline, leaving you with sand in your bag and plans to return.