Manila Shopping and Districts

(Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines)

Manila is nothing short of a paradise when it come to shopping, and those in search of a bargain will find plenty to spend their holiday money on. For the best selection of stores in Manila, you will need to head to one of the main shopping complexes, which offer welcomed air conditioning and popular food courts.

However, if you are looking for a taster of local life in Manila, then the city's markets offer a particularly enjoyable and memorable shopping experience. City markets sell everything that you could possibly need, including a huge array of gift ideas, with the best being located around Carriedo Street, Quiapo Church and Quezon Bridge.

Where to Shop

Those shopping for authentic souvenirs will be pleased to find that Manila has become somewhat renowned for its handicrafts and Filipino craftsmanship. Basketry always markets an appearance at local markets and shops, along with lanterns, paintings, shells, porcelain, jewellery, various lamps, and also brand-name clothes, which are often nothing short of a bargain.

Popular souvenirs in Manila include local clothing, such as the 'Barong Tagalog' (dress shirts), are these are available at many department stores and shopping centres, often being made of 'pinya' fabric.

For the trendiest shopping on offer within Manila, check out the stores along Malate's J Nakpil Street, when many Asian antiquities can be found at extremely affordable prices. If you prefer shopping centres, then Manila will certainly please on this front, being a city of malls.

The four Glorietta shopping malls are all located underneath one roof, around the Ayaa Centre, while close by, the Greenbelt Mall lies within the Greenbelt Park and is open until late, seven days a week. Also in Manila is the SM Megamall at the Ortigas Centre, along with the adjacent Shangri-La Plaza Mall, the Robinsons Galleria and the Podium. Directly to the west of Roxas Boulevard and next to Manila Bay, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is the second biggest of all the shopping malls in the Philippines and stands close to the SM Centra Business Park, where over 750 shops and eateries await.