What to Wear in Manila

Packing for Manila revolves around a sharp temperature contrast that every visitor notices on day one: outdoor streets in Intramuros and Binondo sit around 30°C to 34°C with tropical humidity, whereas the moment you step inside the National Museums, Greenbelt, BGC restaurants or the MRT/LRT trains, the air-conditioning is set briskly cold.

Daytime fabrics, footwear and the essential indoor layer

• Lightweight linen, cotton and breathable polo shirts or sundresses: natural weaves in light colours keep you cool while walking the unshaded ramparts of Fort Santiago or queuing for street snacks on Ongpin Street.
• A packable cotton cardigan, overshirt or light scarf: carry a thin long-sleeved layer in your daypack every day so you do not catch a chill during a three-hour visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts or over dinner in Makati and BGC.
• Cushioned walking trainers or grippy sandals (plus waterproof shoes in June to October): the volcanic cobblestones of Intramuros can be uneven, and a typical Binondo-to-Rizal-Park day easily tops 12,000 steps. If you visit during the rainy months, bring quick-drying sandals and a compact windproof umbrella.

Churches, smart dining and the Filipino Barong

Historic Catholic churches such as San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Binondo Church and Quiapo Church are active places of worship; avoid very short shorts, beach tank tops or plunging necklines when entering, and remove caps at the door. In the evenings, Manila's dining and cocktail bars in Poblacion, Legazpi Village and Bonifacio High Street lean smart-casual (collared shirts, neat chinos or dresses, and closed shoes for men at upscale rooftop lounges). If you attend a formal dinner or theatre performance at the Cultural Center or BGC Arts Center, you will see locals wearing the Barong Tagalog, an airy, intricately embroidered long-sleeved shirt woven from pineapple leaf fibre (piña) or abaca silk (jusi) and worn untucked over dark trousers, engineered specifically to look formal in tropical heat. Check Manila's seasonal weather before packing.