Things To Do
in Pasay City
Pasay City sits along Manila Bay as a fast-paced gateway to Metro Manila, offering a mix of glittering malls, cultural venues, and casino-hotels. It is home to the Mall of Asia complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Entertainment City district, all within easy reach of scenic bayside promenades. The area blends modern commerce with a vibrant urban vibe, while remaining closely connected to neighboring districts like Manila, Makati, and Pasig.
Expect heavy traffic at peak hours, but with abundant dining, entertainment, and waterfront spots to explore.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by exploring the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines complex. Wander through its grand halls and admire the impressive architecture inspired by Filipino culture. Take time to visit the various art exhibits showcasing local and contemporary Filipino artists.
Join a guided tour or attend a workshop to learn about traditional Filipino performing arts like dance and music. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes offering Filipino fusion cuisine. Spend the afternoon catching a live rehearsal or performance if available, immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Dine at a nearby restaurant overlooking the Manila Bay sunset. After dinner, attend a cultural show or concert hosted at the CCP theaters. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the nearby promenade, enjoying the cool breeze and city lights.
Begin with a relaxing stroll along the Manila Baywalk, enjoying the morning sea breeze and scenic views. Stop by local vendors to sample traditional Filipino snacks and fresh coconut juice. Capture photos of the iconic sunset bay area in the morning light.
Head to SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in Asia, for an exciting shopping spree. Explore the diverse food courts offering international and Filipino dishes for lunch. Visit the SM By the Bay Amusement Park for thrilling rides and waterfront entertainment.
Experience the dazzling Manila Bay sunset from the Baywalk promenade. Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant specializing in fresh catches from local fishermen. Cap off the night with a leisurely ride on the MOA Eye Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of Pasay City at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short trip) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic bayfront views and easy access to entertainment options
- World-class malls, casinos, and performance venues
- Relatively dense cluster of dining options and modern infrastructure
- Close proximity to other parts of Metro Manila for day trips
- Heavy traffic and crowded areas during peak times
- Touristy pockets can be pricey, especially near major attractions
- Some areas require travel to nearby districts for traditional heritage sites
- "Magkano po?" - How much, please?
- "Salamat po" - Thank you
- "Opo" - Yes (polite)
- "Nasaan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Saan po ang [place]?" - Where is the [place]?
- "Paalam po" - Goodbye
- "Tulungan po ninyo ako" - Help me, please
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Pasay City
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour views over the bay with silhouetted boats and city skyline reflections.
Iconic waterfront foregrounds, the Ferris wheel, and modern architectural lines.
Postmodern architecture and unique coconut-shell details ideal for architectural photography.
Lined with palms and views of the bay, perfect for wide-angle cityscapes.
Casual strolls along the promenade yield candid street scenes and sunset portraits.
Food in Pasay City
Pasay City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Braised meat (usually chicken or pork) in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices—found in nearly every Filipino restaurant.
Must-Try!
Tamarind-based sour soup with pork, shrimp, or fish and vegetables.
Crispy fried pork belly served with liver sauce or lechon gravy.
Grilled seafood or pork; common in casual eateries and roadside grills.
Citrus-accented raw fish ceviche-style dish popular in coastal areas.
Shaved ice dessert with milk, beans, fruits, and colorful toppings—perfect for hot days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Choose fresh seafood from stalls and have them cooked to your liking at nearby eateries.
Quick bites like fish balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), isaw (grilled skewers), and other snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite terms like po and opo when addressing elders; greetings are typically courteous and formal.
Ask permission before taking photos of people; avoid intrusive shots in private venues.
Show modesty in religious or temple settings; avoid loud public displays and be mindful of local customs during meals and gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Pasay City
Ensure a smooth experience
In larger restaurants, a 10% service charge may be included; if not, tipping 5–10% for good service is common. Small eateries and street food vendors typically do not expect tips.
Cash (Philippine peso) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in malls and larger establishments; mobile wallets are increasingly used in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often in the upper 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (30–35°C). Hydration is essential; afternoon rain showers are possible but typically brief.
Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms; expect higher humidity and occasional flooding in low-lying streets. Plan indoor activities or carry an umbrella and rain gear.
Milder evenings with lower humidity and comfortable daytime temperatures; ideal for outdoor bay walks and photography.
Increased risk of tropical cyclones; monitor weather advisories and expect travel disruptions during active storms.
Pasay City at Night
Hiking in Pasay City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested trails and reservoirs; about 30–45 minutes from Pasay by car, ideal for a nature escape.
Rugged limestone formations with guided hikes; roughly 1.5–2 hours from Metro Manila depending on traffic.
Airports
How to reach Pasay City by plane.
Main international and domestic airport serving Manila; terminals 1–3 connect Pasay and nearby districts; frequent taxi or ride-hailing access to MOA and CCP areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Tagalog-speaking residents with diverse regional backgrounds.
Long-standing business communities near Manila and Roxas Boulevard corridors.
International visitors frequent the MOA and Entertainment City areas for dining, nightlife, and entertainment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the Philippines, with many local courts and pickup games in urban neighborhoods.
Bouts and training centers are common in the metro area; gyms and facilities cater to enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pasay City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Filipino cuisine emphasizes vegetables and tofu in dishes like pinakbet or laing; many restaurants offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes. In malls, look for international options with clear labeling, and ask staff to avoid fish sauce or meat stock when possible.