Philippines · CITY TOURS

The 15 Best City Tours in the Philippines

88 tours  ·  from $12

Manila, Cebu and Puerto Princesa reward a half-day with someone who knows the shortcuts. The 15 below are priced by length, with a note on which run in the heat and which start at dawn.

Cebu City: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering - Lunch and the move to Badian
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Tours, Whale Watching

Cebu City: Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

1.Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 16 hours · from $124Our pick

Swim beside whale sharks in Oslob, then tackle Badian’s waterfalls, jumps, slides, and river passages with guides such as Ray, Ronaldo, Jovert, or Marcello. The 16-hour trip costs $124, includes transport, lunch, gear, and hotel pickup, but expect a very early start and possible two-to-three-hour wait.

“Whale sharks were beautiful. Yes it’s an early pickup at 2am and the drive is horribly long, and yes the whale sharks are fed to keep them in the area as long as possible, but it was a lovely experience to do once in a lifetime. The canyoneering was honestly better than the whale sharks. Our guides Jo and Marcello were amazing and took just the two of us through the course. They used our phone to photograph/video everything and really made it an entertaining and fun experience. Absolutely book the zip line at the start when you book the tour, otherwise it’s 600php/pp when you get there (and it’s…”

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Cebu City: Bohol Countryside Tour with Loboc Cruise Lunch - The early pickup and ferry from Cebu
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Loboc River Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cebu City: Bohol Countryside Tour with Loboc Cruise Lunch

2.Bohol Countryside Tour with Loboc Cruise Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 14 hours · from $144

Travel from Cebu to Bohol by fast ferry, then tour the island by air-conditioned van with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Baclayon Church, the Blood Compact Monument, Mahogany Forest, and enjoy a Filipino buffet aboard the Loboc River Cruise.

“We loved how much background information our tour guide gave us. She had such great energy and helped made the tour fun and memorable. Our driver was prompt and helpful. Highly recommend this trip!!”

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Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour - Forbes Park and the American Cemetery
City Tours, Manila Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

3.Old & New 4-Hour City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 458 reviews · 4 hours · from $60

This four-hour tour links Makati’s financial district with Manila’s Spanish-era Intramuros. You’ll ride an air-conditioned van, walk through Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, and visit the American Cemetery. English-speaking guides such as Omar, Fernando, Richard, and Stella are known for clear historical storytelling.

“Fernando was an amazing guide who was very knowledgeable of the Philippine history. Oswald was the driver who knew how to navigate through the crazy streets of Manila. If you are seeking to learn about the history of this amazing, poetic country, this is the tour for you. Note- please plan your arrival to the meeting location in advance. We came from Quezon City, gave ourselves an hour and a half to get to the meeting location, but due to Manila’s insane traffic it took us 2+ hours to arrive. We were late but the incredible hosts of this tour allowed us to meet them at the first stop. We…”

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Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City - The road from Puerto Princesa to Sabang
1-Day Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Underground River Tours

Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City

4.Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $50

Travel by air-conditioned van from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, then cross the sea by boat and paddle into a UNESCO-listed cave. Expect a guided 1.5-kilometer river ride, buffet lunch, park fees, and optional add-ons such as ziplining, mangroves, a massage, or a private tour.

“We lucked out that we didn't have to wait to experience the underground river, but we have heard of very long wait times. The cave audio tour is fun and tLunch was a nice, big buffet and the zipline experience was so fun! I am usually scared of such an activity and I had a great time, it was managed very well.”

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Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour with Uphill Spots & Lunch at House of Lechon - Fort San Pedro and Cebu’s old center
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour with Uphill Spots & Lunch at House of Lechon

5.Private Cebu & Lapu-Lapu City Tour with Uphill Spots & Lunch at House of Lechon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 168 reviews · from $75

Spend about nine hours touring Cebu and Lapu-Lapu by private vehicle, from Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro to Tops Lookout, Sirao Garden, Mactan Shrine, and Alegre Guitar Factory. A driver is included, while a DOT-accredited guide costs extra. Lunch at House of Lechon is covered up to P500 per person.

“Excellent day, Abam was so accomodating to all our requests throughout the day, and a excellent photographer :). The tour itself was awesome despite all the rain, we got to see all the highlights and historical sights of Cebu”

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Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise - Bilar’s mahogany forest is a quick roadside pause
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Loboc River Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise

6.Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 157 reviews · from $145

Travel from Cebu to Bohol by ferry, then tour the island by air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Dolly, Jojo, Janis, or Genesis. See the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, mahogany forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Monument, with a buffet lunch and music on the Loboc River.

“The guide was very very knowledgeable he deserves a 5 star. The tour was a 2 star, a 2 hour boat ride each way from Cebu and the only stop that was actually very good was the river boating the rest of the tour was not worth the money. Read more”

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Puerto Princesa: Half-Day City Tour with Optional Massage - Starting with the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
City Tours, Half-Day, Massage, Massage & Relaxation, Puerto Princesa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Puerto Princesa: Half-Day City Tour with Optional Massage

7.Half-Day City Tour with Optional Massage

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 142 reviews · 4 - 6 hours · from $14Best value

Spend four to six hours touring Puerto Princesa by air-conditioned van with an English or Tagalog-speaking guide. Visit the cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, baywalk, crocodile center, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, and Binuatan weaving center. Add a 60 or 100-minute massage after the tour.

“It was great ! Ernie the guide was fantastic with his comedy and magic . Very informative and so good at what he does. I wanted to tip him and the driver but forgot. Please let me know if that is still a possibility?”

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Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour - Tagaytay Ridge and the unusual view of Taal
City Tours, Full-Day, Manila Tours, Taal Volcano Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

8.Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 139 reviews · 8 hours · from $160

Travel from Makati or Manila Bay hotels to Tagaytay Ridge for Taal Lake views, lunch, and Palace in the Sky, then return through Makati to Intramuros, San Agustin Church, Rizal Park, and Fort Santiago with an English-speaking guide.

“The Crew from the Greyline Team was just excelent! Very good Service and never bored on the way, always entertainment. It was very interesting to know the details of Makati City.”

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Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City - Finding your driver at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
City Tours, Manila Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City

9.Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 128 reviews

Book a private, air-conditioned transfer between Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a Metro Manila accommodation. Your driver contacts you before pickup, waits up to 60 minutes at the airport, and helps with standard luggage. Drivers have included Harry, Jeffrey, Jobert, Bryant, and Joffre.

“Excellent service, great communication and arrived at designated time. Driver was courteous and helpful. Would highly recommend. Mike UK”

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Cebu City: City and Mountain Highlights Tour - Sirao Flower Farm and the climb into Cebu’s hills
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cebu City: City and Mountain Highlights Tour

10.City and Mountain Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 85 reviews · 8 hours · from $87

You’ll visit Magellan’s Cross, Santo Niño Basilica, Fort San Pedro, Taoist Temple, Sirao Flower Farm, Little Kyoto, Temple of Leah, and 10,000 Roses Cafe in a private vehicle. Guides such as Raul, Jave, Sunny, and Loloy are praised for friendly help, local stories, and excellent photos.

“Our guide Sunny was absolutely amazing ! He was so accommodating, his offered to take pictures of us - which all were incredible. He knew exactly where to take us to get great views and lunch was amazing. All in all it was a fantastic experience and we are so grateful for having had Sunny as our guide! Thanks you. Salamat.”

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Manila's Walled City: Intramuros Walking Tour - Fort Santiago sets the historical tone
City Tours, Manila Intramuros Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Manila’s Walled City: Intramuros Walking Tour

11.Manila’s Walled City: Intramuros Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · from $35Top rated

Walk through Intramuros with an English-speaking guide such as Ann or Andre, visiting Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila. Expect about three and a half hours of history, light snacks, bottled water, and a kalesa or tranvia ride.

“Andre was an amazing tour guide! His informative and humorous tour was enlightening to my Canadian children with Filipino descent. Great job Andre!”

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The Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour - Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, wood, coral, and family life
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

The Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour

12.The Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · from $69

Start at Ayala Terraces at 4pm and follow guides such as Kyle, Phillip, Necian, or Lorelie through Cebu’s old quarter. Expect historic landmarks, a jeepney ride, Carbon Market, and several local food stops. The tour ends at Freedom Park, not at your hotel.

“Thoroughly recommend this tour! A friend and I had such a great time, walking, learning and eating our way through the real Cebu.”

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Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros - Binondo Chinatown: useful context, limited time
City Tours, Evening Experiences, Manila Intramuros Walking Tours, Manila Intramuros Walking Tours in Manila, Manila Tours, Tour Reviews

Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros

13.Manila by Night: Discovering City Highlights with Intramuros

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 70 reviews · from $75

Start at 6 p.m. with hotel pickup, then explore Fort Santiago, Intramuros, and a short Chinatown stop in an air-conditioned vehicle. Guides such as Albert, Bella, Ken, and Genesis bring Philippine and World War II history to life. Expect 3 to 4 hours, a maximum of 20 people, and no dinner included.

“Glen was a great guide - very personable and knowledgeable. Had a lovely night tour, including the Christmas lights across various locations.”

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Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour - Remembering wartime history at Plaza Cuartel
City Tours, Half-Day, Puerto Princesa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour

14.Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · from $15

Spend four to five hours seeing Puerto Princesa’s main sights by air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a local guide included. The route covers the cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, Crocodile Farm, Baker’s Hill, Binuatan weaving, Mitra’s Ranch, Baywalk, and Balayong People’s Park.

“The guide for this tour was very knowledgeable and had a clear understanding of all attractions. She gave us ample time at each place and even acted as photographer for the couples and myself when we wanted pictures. The sites were brilliant. I wasn't overly fussed about souvenir shopping but the other guests really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend this tour”

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Cebu: Exploring Cebu City's rich history and Uphill Tour - Starting uphill at the Taoist Temple and Sirao Garden
Cebu Tours, City Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cebu: Exploring Cebu City’s rich history and Uphill Tour

15.Exploring Cebu City’s rich history and Uphill Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · 8 hours · from $75

Explore Cebu with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Joey, Rico, or Jay. Visit Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, the Santo Niño Basilica, ancestral homes, museums, Sirao Garden, Temple of Leah, and hilltop viewpoints in a private air-conditioned car.

“My guide was very professional and very hands-on in terms of ensuring that I received the most out of my experience. Whenever I requested that a photo be taken, he would always take his time to ensure that the picture quality met the highest possible quality standard. Whenever we would go to a particular venue, he would always provide high level information as to the historical significance of said venue. An overall great experience that I would recommend to future travelers to Cebu City.”

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