Manila is a lively city where shopping and markets are not just about buying souvenirs—they’re about enjoying the local way of life. Whether you want to taste authentic Filipino street food, browse bustling night markets, or explore hidden local markets, Manila offers a variety of tours that bring these vibrant scenes to life. We especially love the Manila Culinary Expedition for its delicious food journey through Chinatown, and the Night Market Experiences that reveal the city’s energetic evening culture. These tours are a fantastic way to experience Manila beyond the typical tourist spots, combining food, culture, and lively local interactions.
For those interested in exploring Manila’s less touristy side, the Explore Manila Slums and Hidden Market tour provides a rare glimpse into everyday Filipino life, showcasing resilience and community spirit. Meanwhile, countryside adventures like the Tagaytay Tour offer a refreshing escape with volcano views, combining nature with local markets—showcasing Manila’s diversity from urban hustle to rural tranquility.
Quick Overview
This list features six top Shopping & Market Tours in Manila, each offering a unique experience. From food-focused tours like the Manila’s Culinary Expedition and street food adventures to night market explorations such as the Night Market Experience, there’s something for every style of traveler. For a deeper look into local life, check out the Explore Manila Slums and Hidden Market, while countryside enthusiasts might want to consider the Tagaytay Adventure. Now, let’s explore what each tour has to offer in detail.
1. Manila’s Culinary Expedition: The Ultimate Food and Market Tour
Starting with one of the most popular options, this small-group tour takes you deep into Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, offering a food lover’s dream experience. The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes hotel transfers—though most of it is walk-based to avoid Manila’s notorious traffic. You’ll sample around 10 different dishes, revealing the eclectic influences behind Filipino cuisine, from Chinese to Spanish and Malay.
Your guide, Mark, and your driver, Kyle, are praised as “spectacular” in reviews, offering personalized attention and sharing stories about Manila’s culture and history through its food. The tour visits multiple restaurants, allowing you to taste local favorites like lumpia, pancit, and even some less common street foods. This is a delicious way to understand Filipino culture while exploring the lively streets of Chinatown.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of food, culture, and history, all condensed into a manageable walk. The emphasis on local cuisine and personalized service makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction. For about $115 per person, the value lies in the extensive tasting and storytelling experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies eager to explore Manila’s culinary roots in a friendly, intimate setting. Just come hungry and ready to walk.
2. Manila: Guided Night Market Experience
This tour captures Manila’s vibrant night market scene in the bustling Divisoria area. For around $71, you’ll spend approximately 2 hours immersed in the energy of the city’s biggest night market. Your guide Venus helps you navigate the maze of stalls offering everything from affordable clothes to local street food.
The highlight is experiencing how Filipinos shop and dine at night, with opportunities to haggle for clothes and accessories or simply soak in the lively atmosphere under neon lights. You’ll get to taste some local snacks, and the tour also includes a ride in a Jeepney, adding to the authentic experience.
Many reviews praise Venus for her knowledge and warmth, making newcomers feel safe and comfortable in the crowded market. The tour is perfect if you want an intimate, guided exploration of Manila’s evening life and local shopping habits.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in local markets, bargaining, and experiencing Manila’s energetic nightlife—all in a safe, guided environment.
3. Manila Night Market with Local Guide
For those wanting a more in-depth night market tour, this experience for $56 offers a two-hour guided walk through the largest night shopping area in Manila. Led by Mari, a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about Filipino history, culture, and street food while exploring the lively alleys of Divisoria.
The tour covers various markets—meat, fish, produce, and street food stalls—giving you a real feel for local life. Sampling foods like balut, dynamite lumpia, and grilled chicken intestines, you’ll experience the adventurous side of Filipino cuisine. Mari also teaches you negotiation skills with vendors, adding a practical skill to your culture.
Many reviewers mention how this tour shows “how Manila residents really live,” making it an eye-opening experience. The combination of food, shopping, and local interaction makes it ideal for travelers wanting to go beyond typical tourist spots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those curious about local markets and street food, with a relatable guide to help you navigate and negotiate.
4. Tagaytay Adventure: Volcano Views, Countryside, Market & Cruise!
If you want a break from Manila’s hustle, this full-day trip offers a relaxing countryside experience for about $160 per person. The tour includes visits to Peoples Park in the Sky, with panoramic views, and Lake Taal, where you can enjoy a boat cruise around the volcano.
The tour also visits Tagaytay Point, showcasing local produce and offering cool breezes and scenic vistas. The comfortable air-conditioned vehicle means you’re not worn out from long walks. The itinerary is designed for maximum sightseeing with minimal walking, making it suitable for families or travelers with mobility issues.
Guests rave about the views and the easy pace of the day, making it a good choice if you want a nature-and-culture mix without the strenuous hikes. The tour’s value is in both the scenic highlights and the hassle-free transport.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed day trip with beautiful landscape views and some local shopping.
5. Manila Street Food and Night Market Tour
This two-hour tour combines street food tasting with a guided walk through Manila’s busy markets, ending at the Pasig Esplanade. Starting at Tutuban Night Market, you’ll explore Divisoria’s Ilaya Street and Chinatown, sampling Filipino street foods like dynamite lumpia and mango smoothies.
Led by Floyd, a lively guide, this tour is praised for its informative stories and fun atmosphere. You learn how to order food like a local and experience the chaos and charm of Manila’s street scene firsthand. Many reviews mention how Floyd’s enthusiasm and knowledge make the experience memorable.
This tour is perfect for adventurous eaters who want to taste a wide variety of foods in a short time while getting a feel for Manila’s nighttime hustle. It costs around $71, offering good value for a flavor-packed experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers eager to sample street food and explore markets in a lively, guided setting.
6. Explore Manila Slums and Hidden Market
For those interested in seeing Manila’s less polished side, this tour at $67 offers a peek into local neighborhoods, slums, and hidden markets. Led by Mari, you’ll walk through areas where resilience and community thrive, meeting locals and experiencing authentic Filipino hospitality.
The tour includes visits to old town areas, divisoria, and the oldest Chinatown, with opportunities to see local transportation and wet markets. It’s a chance to understand day-to-day life and see hidden gems not usually on tourist itineraries. Reviews highlight how this experience shifts perceptions and provides a genuine connection to the city’s people.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a raw, honest look at Manila, beyond the glossy tourist spots. It’s an educational experience that offers insights into Filipino resilience and the city’s vibrant local culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers eager to explore everyday life and local communities in Manila.
$67 per person
How to Choose Your Manila Shopping & Market Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time available. If you’re a food lover, the Manila’s Culinary Expedition offers an unbeatable introduction to Filipino flavors in Chinatown. For a nighttime shopping experience, both the Night Market Experience and the Night Market with Local Guide are excellent choices, especially if you want to learn bargaining skills or go beyond just shopping.
For those curious about local life, the Explore Manila Slums and Hidden Market provides a deeper, more authentic perspective. Meanwhile, countryside lovers or visitors with more time should consider the Tagaytay Adventure for a mix of scenic views, local markets, and relaxation.
Remember, booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the culinary walk or night market adventures, as they tend to fill quickly during peak travel seasons.
Manila’s shopping and market tours offer a rich tapestry of experiences—from delicious food and lively markets to authentic local life and scenic escapes. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture seeker, or just curious about Manila’s everyday rhythm, there’s a tour to suit your interests. For an immersive, memorable visit, consider combining a few options—just make sure to book ahead and bring your sense of adventure.