20+ Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Manila (Under ₱500)
Stretching your peso does not mean you have to skip out on having a good time. Manila is full of places you can explore and enjoy without spending a lot of money. This list of budget-friendly things to do in Manila under ₱500 proves that you can still have a great day out in the city, even with just a few bills in your pocket.
Manila on a Budget: 20+ Fun Things to Do Under ₱500
Historical & Cultural Spots
Intramuros
Spend a day exploring Manila’s history by wandering the cobbled streets of the Walled City. Many of the main sights are free to see from the outside.
- Admission: Free to walk around. (Fort Santiago has a ₱75 fee).
- Location: Intramuros, Manila
- Good for: History buffs and a long, scenic walk.
National Museum of Natural History
This museum has free admission and is a great place to spend a few hours. You can see natural specimens, interactive displays, and learn about the Philippines’ biodiversity.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- Good for: An educational and air-conditioned afternoon.
Casa Manila Museum
Step inside a recreated Spanish colonial home in Intramuros to see what life was like in old Manila, complete with period-accurate furniture and architecture.
- Admission: ₱75 (Regular), ₱50 (Discounted for students/seniors)
- Location: Intramuros, Manila
- Good for: A quick and interesting look into history.
Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life
Learn about the history and contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community through artifacts and detailed exhibits.
- Admission: ₱200 (Regular), ₱100 (Students)
- Location: Intramuros, Manila
- Good for: A deeper understanding of Chinese-Filipino culture.
Manila Clock Tower Museum
Located inside Manila City Hall, this small museum tells the story of the iconic clock tower. A ticket gets you a guided tour and access to the viewing deck.
- Admission: ₱100
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- Good for: City history and a good view of the area.
National Museum of Anthropology
Also part of the National Museum Complex, this free museum showcases archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from across the Philippines.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- Good for: Learning about the country’s diverse cultures.
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
Even without tickets to shows, you can walk around the CCP complex, admire its architecture, or catch free/cheap exhibitions. Some events run under ₱500.
- Admission: Start at P350 (regular rate), P100 student rate (bring your ID)
- Website: https://culturalcenter.gov.ph
- Address: CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City
- Phone: (02) 8832 1125
Parks & Nature Escapes
Rizal Park (Luneta)
This large green space in the middle of the city has gardens, monuments, and wide-open lawns, making it great for a casual stroll or a picnic.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- Good for: People-watching and a relaxing afternoon.
Quezon Memorial Circle
A large public park in Quezon City. You can walk, have a picnic, or buy cheap snacks from the many food vendors around the circle.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Diliman, Quezon City
- Good for: A casual, local park experience.
La Mesa Eco Park
This park in Quezon City offers nature trails and a green respite from the city noise. Entry is very affordable for non-QC residents and free for QCitizens.
- Admission: ₱20 (Non-QC Citizens), Free (QC Citizens)
- Location: Quezon City
- Good for: A nature walk without leaving the city.
Arroceros Forest Park
Known as “Manila’s last lung,” this park near Quiapo is a patch of green in a busy area. It has no entrance fee and is a good spot for a quiet walk.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- Good for: A quiet break from the city bustle.
Ayala Triangle Gardens
This small but well-maintained park in Makati is a great place to read a book or take a walk between the skyscrapers of the central business district.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Makati City
- Good for: A quick and easy nature break in Makati.
UP Diliman Campus
The large, open campus of UP Diliman is great for a walk or a bike ride. You can visit the famous Oblation statue or relax in the Sunken Garden.
- Admission: Free to walk around.
- Location: Diliman, Quezon City
- Good for: A calm, open space for walking or jogging.
Food & Market Experiences
Binondo Chinatown
Explore the oldest Chinatown in the world. The area is full of culture, temples, and lots of cheap eats like lumpia, dumplings, and hopia, with many options under ₱100.
- Admission: Free to explore.
- Location: Binondo, Manila
- Good for: A food crawl and cultural immersion.
Quiapo Street Food Crawl
Try a variety of local street food while walking through the busy streets of Quiapo. It is a cheap, fun, and very local experience.
- Admission: Free to explore.
- Location: Quiapo, Manila
- Good for: Adventurous eaters on a budget.
Dangwa Flower Market
Even if you do not buy anything, walking through the Dangwa flower market is an uplifting experience. You can find fresh and colorful bouquets for as low as ₱150–₱300.
- Admission: Free to browse.
- Location: Sampaloc, Manila
- Good for: A colorful walk and affordable fresh flowers.
Divisoria Bargain Hunt
If you are looking for a bargain, Divisoria is the place to go. The packed stalls sell everything from cloth to accessories and trinkets, and haggling is part of the fun.
- Admission: Free to explore.
- Location: Manila
- Good for: Bargain hunting and a true local market experience.
Other Unique Activities
BGC Street Art Walk
Bonifacio Global City is an open-air art gallery, with large murals and art installations on buildings throughout the district. It costs nothing to enjoy them.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
- Good for: Art lovers and a great photo walk.
Manila Bay Sunset
Watching the sunset over Manila Bay is a classic, timeless, and completely free activity. Find a spot along the baywalk and enjoy the view.
- Admission: Free
- Location: Along Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila
- Good for: A relaxing and scenic end to the day.
Manila Zoo
The recently renovated Manila Zoo offers an affordable day out. Ticket prices are lower for Manila residents, and there are discounts for students and seniors.
- Admission: Starts at ₱150 (Manila Residents) / ₱300 (Non-Residents)
- Location: Malate, Manila
- Good for: A family-friendly activity.
Pasig River Ferry Ride
See the city from a different perspective with a boat ride along the Pasig River. As of recent reports, rides on the ferry are offered for free.
- Admission: Free (subject to change)
- Location: 13 stations across Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Manila.
- Good for: A unique way to see the city.
Looking for More Ideas This Month?
This guide is great for any time of year, but if you are looking for specific events happening right now, from festivals to concerts, we have you covered. Check out our full guide to Things to Do in Metro Manila This October 2025.
More…
