3 Days in Manila Bay: Where Culture, Food, and Sunsets Collide 🌅🇵🇭

📅 Itinerary

Day 1: Heritage & Sunset
Start your adventure in Manila with a deep dive into its historic core!
• Morning: Take a stroll around Intramuros — explore the iconic Fort Santiago (Intramuros, Manila; open 8 AM–6 PM) and marvel at the stunning San Agustin Church (Gen. Luna St., Intramuros; open 8 AM–12 PM, 1 PM–6 PM). The vintage vibes here are next level – it's history class, but make it aesthetic!
• Afternoon: Refuel at Ilustrado Restaurant (744 General Luna St., Intramuros) — think heritage Filipino-Spanish dishes that are just *chef’s kiss*, sooo good!
• Late Afternoon: Chill out at Rizal Park (a.k.a. Luneta, Roxas Blvd., open 5 AM–9 PM), for a peaceful stroll, people-watching, and ultimate city feels.
• Evening: Wrap up with a Manila Bay Sunset Cruise (departs near CCP Bay Terminal A, Pedro Bukaneg St., Malate) — live music, buffet, and that golden hour magic. Insta moments guaranteed! Sunset is usually at 5:30–6:30 PM, so time it right for the most epic views.

Day 2: Culture & Flavors
Ready for an artsy day + foodie finds?
• Morning: Get inspired at the National Museum of Fine Arts (Padre Burgos Ave., open Tue–Sun 9 AM–6 PM) and the National Museum of Natural History — both are must-sees for a culture fix!
• Afternoon: Have your seafood moment at Harbor View Restaurant (South Dr., Luneta, open 11 AM–11 PM), literally right on the bay.
• Late Afternoon: Head for the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd.; check trip.com for show schedules!) and see what’s on — art exhibits, live music, or just soaking up the creative scene.
• Evening: Dig in at The Aristocrat (432 San Andres St., Malate, open 24/7) for legendary Filipino eats. Cap your night with drinks at The Bayleaf Sky Deck (Muralla St., Intramuros) — panoramic city lights that are seriously 🤩.

Day 3: Leisure & Shopping
Low-key fun with a splash of shopping!
• Morning: Start your day at SM by the Bay amusement park (Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex; open 4 PM–12 AM, but MOA Eye runs earlier) — ride the massive MOA Eye ferris wheel and peep those city and bay views.
• Afternoon: Make your way to Dampa Seaside Macapagal (Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., open 10 AM–11 PM) for a true Pinoy seafood food trip — pick your freshest catch, then choose how you want it cooked!
• Late Afternoon: Slow things down with a sunset Baywalk Manila stroll (Roxas Blvd.), where buskers and street performers bring the mood.
• Evening: Hit the Mall of Asia (MOA, Jose W. Diokno Blvd.) for some last-minute shopping and have your farewell dinner at one of their bay-view restos. Shopping, food, AND a glowing sunset? This is the life!

🏨 Accommodation
• Luxury: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (CCP Complex; famous for its spiral buffet & dreamy bay views)
• Mid-range: The Bayleaf Intramuros (Muralla St., Intramuros; epic rooftop sunsets)
• Budget: Red Planet Manila Bay (Arquiza St., Ermita; comfy and wallet-friendly)

🍴 Food Recap
• Seafood Fix: Dampa Se