It’s only two hours away from Hong Kong, the weather is hot and the people are warm and welcoming. Epicureans can graze at the Saturday food market and sample delicious organic chocolate, sip locally grown coffee or taste endless artisanal breads, cheeses and cakes. Those into arts and crafts can snap up absolute bargains at a tranquil, leafy artist community selling beautiful furniture, homeware and ceramics. Fashionistas can bag themselves a great value outfit from one of the country’s hot new designers while those who fancy some pampering can experience a traditional massage with coconut oil and warm banana leaves and pay about half the price of Hong Kong spas. You probably think we’re talking about Bangkok or Singapore? No—this is Manila, a city rapidly becoming a weekend hotspot for cultural and food-loving Hongkongers. If you thought it was just a sprawling metropolis with little to see or do—then think again. Follow our suggested weekend itinerary and discover the new face of cultural Manila.

Friday
Evening: The Peninsula Hopper
Begin your weekend in Manila with a culinary journey that leads you through four of The Peninsula’s restaurants, eating a different course in each one. Called “The Peninsula Hopper,” it starts with appetizers in Spices Pavilion then continues with the first main course in Mi Piace, the second main course in Old Manila and dessert in Escolta. It’s available for a minimum of two people and costs P4,750. For details of The Peninsula see Where to Stay on p.23.

Saturday
9am-11am: If These Walls Could Speak Walking Tour
Walking tours come in all shapes and sizes and can vary from a dull trudge behind a robotic guide regurgitating a monotonous lecture to “If These Walls Could Speak”—without doubt the best tour we’ve ever been on.