Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, the city is known for its layered history, electric street life and diverse culture forged through centuries of global influence. If you’re looking to stay and work online in the city, Manila offers decent average Wi-Fi speeds, an abundance of spaces to make a base and easy access to both historic landmarks like Intramuros and experiences such as rooftop bars and Filipino street food. Overall, Manila delivers constant energy, making it an ideal base for working travellers who excel in a bustling city.
Popular areas to stay for working remotely in Manila include Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Poblacion.
According to Numbeo, the estimated average monthly cost of living in Manila (excluding space to stay) in 2026 is £450-£550 ($600-$700USD) for one person.
Typical Wi-Fi speeds in Manila are around 78 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, according to TestMy.net.
Don’t miss sampling halo-halo, a beloved Filipino dessert layered with shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruit and leche flan.
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Manila is served by Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), located about 20–40 minutes from most central districts with access by taxi, shuttle and rideshare.
Manila has no intercity passenger train service. Rail transport is limited to the LRT and MRT lines, which connect major districts across Metro Manila.
Long‑distance and regional buses operate mainly from the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Cubao bus terminals and Pasay bus terminals, offering routes across Luzon and to ferry connections for the Visayas and Mindanao.
Manila has a strong cafe and coworking scene, especially around Makati, BGC, Ortigas, and Quezon City, supported by the city’s tech and remote‑work communities.
Groceries are easy to find across the city, with major options including SM Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Landers, S&R and numerous convenience stores.
Manila is busy and spread out, so most travel is handled using taxis, rideshares, jeepneys, buses and the LRT/MRT. The main roads and expressways make travel between Makati, BGC and Ortigas simple.
