Manila: Sightseeing and Food Walking Tour with Tastings

Manila: Sightseeing and Food Walking Tour with Tastings offers a fantastic way to experience the Filipino capital through its bustling markets, historic landmarks, and flavorful cuisine. For $66 per person, you get a 7.5-hour journey that takes you beyond typical tourist spots, immersing you in the everyday life of Manila’s neighborhoods. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour combines walking, cycling, and local transport to create a diverse, engaging adventure.

What we particularly love about this experience is the chance to explore Chinatown and Quiapo Market, two of Manila’s most iconic food and cultural hubs. The highlight for many is riding a traditional bamboo bike around Intramuros, which adds both fun and a sense of stepping back in time. Plus, the inclusion of food tastings at local markets is a real treat, offering a genuine taste of Filipino flavors.

A possible consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and public transportation, which might be tiring for some travelers, especially in Manila’s warm climate. It’s best suited for those who enjoy active, immersive experiences and are comfortable navigating busy markets and streets.

If you’re eager to see Manila through the eyes of locals, taste authentic dishes, and enjoy a mixture of cultural history with vibrant city life, this tour hits many right notes. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers who want a rich, varied introduction to the city without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Combines walking, cycling, and local transport to give you a real feel for Manila.
• Cultural and Culinary Highlights: Visits to Quiapo Market, Binondo Chinatown, and Intramuros with tastings of Filipino dishes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Jen and Grace enhance the experience.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, entrance fees, food tastings, and a bamboo bike ride—making it a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see the city.
• Active and Engaging: Suitable for travelers who enjoy being on their feet and trying new modes of transport.
• Family-Friendly: While not suitable for people with mobility impairments, it’s a great choice for active families or groups seeking an authentic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Manila Food and Sightseeing Tour

This tour offers an excellent way to see Manila beyond the usual tourist spots. Starting at the Abraham Manila Hostel, you’ll immediately feel the local vibe as you head to Quinta Market and Quiapo Market. These bustling markets are the heart of everyday Filipino life, packed with street vendors, colorful produce, and local snacks. As one reviewer noted, “I loved seeing the markets and trying different modes of transportation,” which highlights how varied this experience is.

Markets like Quinta and Quiapo are more than just shopping spots—they reflect the diverse culture and flavors of Manila. Expect to sample street food, snacks, and fruits that you might not find easily elsewhere. The guide’s commentary enriches these tastings, offering insights into the local ingredients and culinary traditions.

From the markets, the tour moves to Binondo Chinatown, recognized as the world’s first Chinatown. Here, the focus is on food, but also on understanding Manila’s multicultural roots. Many comments praise the guide’s knowledge and friendly approach, with travelers remarking, “Jen was an awesome guide, very thorough and helpful.” You’ll likely get to sample local delicacies and desserts, all while walking through lively streets filled with history and color.

One of the tour’s standout features is riding a traditional bamboo bike around Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city. Unlike typical walking tours, this added element brings a sense of fun while providing a unique perspective on architectural landmarks and historical sites. It’s a snapshot of the Philippines’ colonial past, with many reviewers noting how the experience made history come alive.

Transportation is a crucial part of this tour, involving city buses, jeepneys, ferries, and tricycles—familiar modes of Filipino transport. This not only makes the tour more immersive but also helps you see the city as locals do. As one reviewer said, “We loved the way the guides explained how to pay and communicate with drivers, making us feel more confident navigating the city.”

Food tastings are another highlight—expect a variety of flavors, from savory snacks to sweet desserts. Several reviewers raved about the quality and diversity of the food. For instance, one mentioned the “cheese ice cream” as a memorable treat, while others appreciated the “variety of fruits and local dishes.” These experiences are designed to satisfy even the most discerning palate and provide a genuine taste of Filipino cuisine.

Timing and group size are well-managed, with the tour lasting around 7.5 hours. It’s paced to avoid feeling rushed, giving you plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and relax between stops. The small group setting fosters personal interaction and makes it easier to learn and share experiences.

The price of $66 includes guided commentary, transportation, entrance fees, food tastings, and a bamboo bike ride—a good value considering the depth of experiences packed into the day. You only need to bring essentials like water, a hat, comfortable clothes, and your ID.

Most reviews emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of guides, making the day not just educational but genuinely fun. Travelers point out how guides like Jen, Grace, and Dani add a lot of value through their enthusiasm and insights. As one said, “Jen was an awesome guide, extremely helpful and organized,” which underscores the importance of good guiding in an active, multi-modal tour.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This tour is perfect for those who want a full immersion into Manila’s culture, history, and food. It’s ideal for travelers comfortable with walking and public transport, and those eager to taste authentic Filipino dishes. If you’re looking for a relaxed, structured sightseeing experience with a local flavor, this tour is a winner.

However, if mobility is a concern, the amount of walking and standing may be challenging. Also, the heat and humidity in Manila could add to the physical demands. It’s best suited for active travelers or those with a good level of fitness and curiosity.

In terms of value, the tour’s comprehensive approach—covering markets, historic sites, and diverse transportation—means you get an authentic, well-rounded experience that would be difficult to replicate independently without significant planning and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s suitable for active families who enjoy walking and trying new foods. However, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or very young children due to the amount of walking and transportation involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a hat, water, comfortable clothes, and your ID or passport. It’s also helpful to carry sunscreen and maybe a small camera to capture the sights.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with specific starting times, so check availability when booking.

Are food tastings included?
Yes, the tour includes tastings at markets and local eateries, offering a variety of Filipino foods, snacks, and desserts.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, all transportation between sites—via local buses, jeepneys, ferries, and the bamboo bike—is included.

Is there an age limit?
Not explicitly, but the physical nature of the tour makes it more suitable for active adults and older children capable of walking and riding.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, ensuring clear explanations and interactions.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees to the sites visited are covered as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group setting makes solo travelers feel welcome and part of the experience.

To sum it up, this Manila sightseeing and food tour offers a lively, authentic taste of the city’s culture, history, and flavors. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a well-organized, immersive experience with knowledgeable guides, delicious tastings, and a healthy dose of adventure. Those who enjoy active exploration, trying local transportation, and discovering hidden corners of Manila will find this tour a real highlight. If you’re after a meaningful, engaging day in the Philippines’ capital city, this tour delivers with plenty of local color and authentic charm.