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Our list of the best places to go shopping in Manila introduces the most exciting malls, markets, and stores available in the capital city of the Philippines. Regarding shopping options, Manila is on par with most of the Asian capital cities such as Bangkok or Singapore – ultra-modern shopping malls are the top shopping venues here, closely followed by street markets.

Even if you’re not too much into shopping, most of Manila’s most popular shopping venues also offer a wide range of food and drinks, as well as things to see and do.

1: SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines. Located in the popular area of Manila Bay Front, it covers a floor area of over 40 hectares, features an extensive choice of fashion boutiques, restaurants, bars, a concert ground, a science centre, a convention centre, and 3 movie theatres.

There’s also a small amusement park outside, which is a good place for a picnic and just to chill and enjoy the sea breeze. You can spend the whole day at SM Mall of Asia without walking twice in front of the same store.

Location: SM Mall of Asia, 123 Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 556 0680

2: Silahis Arts & Artifacts

Silahis Center is a multi-storey shop that sells antiques and Philippine arts and handicrafts. With its wide selection of artefacts, an entire floor serving as an art gallery and its location in a beautiful old building in the Walled City of Intramuros, the shopping experience is more like visiting a museum than a store. The Silahis Center aims to provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Filipino people, especially during the Spanish colonial era.

Location: 744 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 10am to 7pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 3841

3: Venice Grand Canal Mall

Venice-inspired open-air mall featuring upscale shops as well as fitness/beauty services & dining.

This Venice-inspired mall draws thousands of travellers for its stunning architecture and replica of Italy’s Grand Canal—the main centrepiece running through the centre of this open-air mall, you can get on a traditional gondola ride with singing gondoliers, hang a love lock along Ponte de Amore Bridge, and roam around the bazaars and novelty shops for food and unique souvenirs. It’s also a pet-friendly mall so your furry friends can tag along on your shopping spree. Head down on weekday mornings to beat the crowds and lines for the gondola ride.

Address:  McKinley Hill Dr, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines

Hours:  11am to 10pm

Parking: 1,000

Phone: +63 2 7624 1971

4: Divisoria Market

Divisoria Market is famous for its retail and wholesale shops. For those who don’t fancy shopping out in the streets, there are air-conditioned malls that house hundreds of these bargain stalls. It can be a maze inside so, if you spot something you like, go ahead and buy it right away or write down the stall number in case you decide to go back for it.

Haggling is expected here, so don’t be shy and give it your best shot. Typically, you’ll get a really good discount if you buy in bulk (about 5 to 6 pieces of the same item).

Location: 557 M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 7am to 9pm

5: SM Mega Mall

SM Mega Mall is located at the corner of Epifanio de Los Santos and Dona Julia Vargas Avenues, on the eastern side of Mandaluyong District. This expansive shopping mall comprises 2 buildings linked by a bridge and occupies a floor area of 47 hectares.

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, this is where you’ll find a wide range of shopping and dining outlets. Kids get to enjoy plenty of activities as well, as SM Mega Mall houses an ice skating rink, VR centre, and a laser tag centre.

Location: EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong, Philippines

Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 633 1769

6: 168 Shopping Mall

168 Shopping Mall is a popular shopping spot in Manila’s Chinatown. A 5-minute walk of Divisoria Market, this 5-storey complex offers a wide range of bargain goods and accessories, including shoes, bags, and toys.

The 3rd floor houses a food court, where you can enjoy authentic local food at reasonable prices. You can find food carts and restaurants on the ground and 2nd floors, as well as all around the 168 Shopping Mall.

Location: 918 Soler St, Binondo, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 9am to 7pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 716 8168

7: Greenbelt Mall

This sprawling 2.8-hectare garden amidst a world-class shopping and dining paradise. Greenbelt seamlessly integrates the indoor experience with the outdoor in its expansive 12-hectare space. Offering remarkable retail, dining, and entertainment options in the city, Greenbelt exemplifies the best of what the Ayala Malls has to offer.

Located right across from Fairmont Makati, Greenbelt is the city’s premier shopping mall, with luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Charriol, Balenciaga, to name a few. Local designers of international fame are also on prominent display: Ana Rocha, Aranaz, Randy Ortiz and Jojie Lloren are one some of the names you’ll see in the storefronts in the exclusive two-floor Filipino Zone.

Location: Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines

Open: Sunday to Thursday 11am – 9pm | Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm

Phone: +63 2 7729 2137

8: St Francis Square

St Francis Square consists of 2 squares just a few metres apart, both of which have a wide range of food, shopping and entertainment options. National holidays in Manila usually see staged outdoor events at this open-air area, offering a great atmosphere. Shopping at St Francis Square is a pleasant alternative to air-conditioned shopping malls that dot the capital of the Philippines.

Location: Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines

9: Tiendesitas

Tiendesitas occupies a 30,000-sq m area within Pasig City’s Frontera Verde. It’s made up of several small shops selling native food, fashion wear and accessories, furniture, antiques, novelty items, and Philippine-made products.

A must-see when in Manila, if not to make purchases just to experience the lively atmosphere of this marketplace. There’s a shuttle service that leaves for Tiendesitas from Delicacies Village every hour between 3pm and 7pm.

Location: Ortigas Ave. cor E. Rodriquez Ave. (C-5), Pasig City, 1604, Philippines

Open: Monday–Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday–Sunday from 10am to 10pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 635 5680

10: Shangri-La Plaza

Shangri-La Plaza is an upscale shopping mall housing over 300 fashion and homeware boutiques and restaurants. Directly connected to Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, the luxurious vibe of Shangri-La Plaza makes it less busy than most shopping malls in Manila.  

You’ll find luxury and mid-range brands at Shangri-La Plaza, including Elizabeth Arden, Cartier, GAP, Brooks Brothers, and Mango. There are plenty of onsite cafe and restaurants serving international cuisine. 

Location: 336-338 Edsa corner, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1552 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 370 2500

11: Balikbayan Handicrafts Center

Balikbayan Handicrafts Center is a long-established store with several branches in Manila, including Pasay, Trinoma, and on Makati Avenue. Its 2,300-sq-m showroom displays quality products made of wood, shell, bamboo, vines, resin, and clay. 

The store specialises in traditional Philippine handicrafts, furniture and jewellery. Check out its pearl and coral jewellery collection if you’re looking to pick up some handmade necklaces and earrings. 

Location: 1010 Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, 1223 Philippines

Open: Monday–Saturday from 9am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 8pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 893 0775

12: SM City Manila

SM City Manila is one of the SM Group stores that can be found all around the Philippines (and even in China). It features all the SM chain-businesses such as SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, SM Cinemas and SM Food Court, as well as many chain stores such as Watson’s, National Bookstore, plus many independent boutiques and restaurants.

SM City Manila is within walking distance of Intramuros, making it a convenient shopping place if you stay in this beautiful area of Manila.

Location: Natividad Almeda-Lopez corner A. Villegas and, San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Monday–Friday from 10am to 9pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10am to 10pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 523 7044