<!–
The 4 Best Shopping & Market Tours in Luzon
Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, offers an incredible array of shopping experiences that go beyond just buying souvenirs. Here, you can learn about bustling markets, sample street food, and even learn how to cook Filipino dishes. What makes Luzon particularly special for shopping tours is the fusion of history, culture, and everyday Filipino life — especially in places like Manila, where markets like Divisoria and Binondo are storied hubs of commerce. We especially like the Manila's Night Market Tour with Venus, which combines lively street shopping with authentic Filipino street food and a stunning rooftop bar in Makati.
If you're looking for a well-rounded experience, including a deeper understanding of Filipino cuisine and culture, the Private Market Tour and Filipino Cooking Class in Manila with Isi stands out. It’s personal, immersive, and offers hands-on cooking that helps you take home more than just souvenirs. For those who want a quick yet lively glimpse of Manila’s night market scene, the Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Local guide and the Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience provide energetic options packed with shopping, bites, and local color.
1. Manila's Night Market Tour with Venus
Starting with the Manila’s Night Market Tour with Venus, this 2-hour experience is a fantastic way to explore Manila’s lively night markets and sample Filipino street foods. The tour begins near Divisoria Market, an iconic shopping hub that historically served as a marketplace for Chinese traders. From there, you’ll wander through Divisoria’s maze of stalls, where prices are shockingly low — clothing, shoes, bags, and souvenirs go for as little as $1 to $3. The market is a treasure trove of bargains and a great place to observe local shopping habits.
The tour continues to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere of Ongpin Street. Here, traditional Chinese shops and eateries sit side by side with Filipino traders, showcasing a unique blend of cultures. The highlight is eating Filipino street food in a genuine local setting, which is both delicious and authentic. After shopping and snacking, the tour wraps up with a visit to Makati’s Jellyfish rooftop bar for a relaxing drink and some photography.
What makes this tour special? It’s a short, energetic glimpse into Manila’s street life — perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both shopping and local flavor without a big time commitment. With a 5.0-star rating from 9 reviews and a reasonable price of $68, it offers excellent value for those wanting an authentic taste of Manila’s night scene.
Bottom line: If you’re after a dynamic, affordable evening that combines street shopping, food, and nightlife, this tour hits the mark.
2. Private Market Tour and Filipino Cooking Class in Manila with Isi
For a more personalized and immersive experience, check out the Private Market Tour and Filipino Cooking Class in Manila with Isi. This 4.5-hour tour offers a deep dive into Filipino ingredients, markets, and cooking. The tour kicks off with a guided walk through a local market, where you’ll learn about the core ingredients of Filipino cuisine, from spices to vegetables and fresh seafood. It’s a great way to understand what makes Filipino dishes special and how local vendors prepare their goods.
Next, you’ll visit your host’s home for a hands-on cooking class. Under personalized guidance, you’ll prepare traditional Filipino dishes, learning tips and tricks along the way. The class is flexible, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request, making it suitable for many dietary needs. The experience ends with enjoying the meal you’ve prepared, paired with drinks.
Why choose this tour? It’s ideal for food lovers who want more than just eating — you get to learn, cook, and take home new skills. At $120 per person, it’s a bit pricier, but the private setup ensures a tailored experience. Reviewers praise the personal touch and the opportunity to gain genuine culinary insights.
Bottom line: Perfect for culinary travelers eager to recreate Filipino flavors at home and enjoy a private, authentic experience.
3. Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Local guide
At number 3, the Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Local guide offers a 2-hour burst of market hopping and street food tasting. This tour leads you into the biggest night shopping area in Manila, where the streets come alive after sunset. It’s an excellent way to see how locals shop, haggle, and eat as the city transitions from day to night.
The guide shares stories about Manila’s culture while you explore the vibrant stalls and sample Filipino street foods. You’ll visit the largest night market, where bargaining is part of the fun, and learn how Filipinos enjoy their street dining tradition. The tour also includes a visit to Binondo’s historic church, adding a touch of history to the lively atmosphere.
What’s unique? It’s a quick, lively tour with excellent reviews for its engaging guide and authentic street food sampling. One reviewer mentions, “Mari gave us an excellent tour. We had a great time and learned so much about Filipino culture.” It’s perfect if you want a taste of Manila’s bustling nightlife with some shopping thrown in.
Bottom line: A lively, well-reviewed tour suited for travelers who want a brief but authentic peek into Manila’s night markets and street food scene.
4. Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience
Rounding out our list is the Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience, a 2-hour guided walk through Divisoria Market, Binondo, and Ongpin Street. This tour emphasizes the historical roots of Manila’s trading districts, with Divisoria’s origins dating back to the late 19th century when Chinese merchants set up shop.
The journey begins at Divisoria, famous for its narrow, chaotic streets filled with textiles, spices, and ceramics. From there, the tour moves to Binondo, visiting the historic Binondo Church and exploring Ongpin Street’s neon-lit shops and food stalls. Sample Chinese street foods like dumplings and noodles, while learning about the blending of Filipino and Chinese cultures.
What sets this tour apart? It combines cultural history with street shopping and tasting. The admission ticket is included, making it straightforward. The review notes how the tour provides deep insight into Manila’s trading past plus a fun night of shopping and eating.
Bottom line: Ideal for history-minded travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Manila’s historic markets along with street food and shopping.
$65.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Luzon
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you’re looking for a quick, lively introduction to Manila’s night markets, the Manila’s Night Market Tour with Venus or Manila Night Market and Street Food Experience are excellent options. Both are short, affordable, and packed with local flavor.
For travelers eager to deepen their culinary knowledge and bring home skills, the Private Market Tour and Filipino Cooking Class with Isi offers a more personal, hands-on experience. It’s perfect if you love food and want insider knowledge.
If your schedule allows for a more comprehensive adventure, consider combining multiple tours or extending your stay in Manila to explore different districts. Booking early can help secure spots, especially for private classes, and visiting during the cooler months from November to February usually provides the most comfortable weather.
Final Thoughts
Luzon offers a rich assortment of shopping and market experiences that reveal the lively, colorful life of Manila. Whether you want a quick night market stroll, a deep culinary immersion, or a historic shopping tour, there’s something to match your travel style. For first-timers, the Manila’s Night Market Tour with Venus provides a perfect overview, while food lovers will appreciate the detailed, private Cooking Class with Isi. Be sure to plan ahead and book early to make the most of your Luzon shopping adventure!