When it comes to Metro Manila staycations, some of the first cities that come to mind are Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Manila. These locations are jam-packed with hotels, malls, food parks, and other establishments to give you a pleasant break from the daily grind.
However, there’s another great location for city staycations, one that doesn’t get enough attention: Pasay City. Located in the central part of Metro Manila, Pasay has a lot to offer if you’re looking for an enjoyable, hassle-free holiday. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely have your next staycation in the “Travel City.”
Plenty of Hotels in All Price Ranges
One of the keys to a great staycation is a great hotel. Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels in Pasay that you can choose from. You can find 5-star hotels like Conrad Manila and Maxim’s, 3-star chains like Microtel Inn and Holiday Inn Express, as well as a wide range of budget apartments and hostels. What’s more, you’ll find that most of these accommodations are strategically located. Either they’re right smack in the middle of a CBD or very near transport routes and terminals, making it easier for you to reach them.
Variety of Activities
Unlike some locations where the most you can do is swim in the hotel pool, shop, and eat, Pasay has easy access to a variety of other activities. Do you want to go to a theme park? Star City is just a few minutes away, as is SM by the Bay, the mini theme park behind SM Mall of Asia that’s perfect for the kids. Do you want to watch a theatrical production? There’s CCP, Solaire, and Resorts World Manila. Do you want to try your luck in a casino? You can go to City of Dreams, Okada Manila, or Casino Filipino in Heritage Hotel.
There are also a lot of museums in Pasay, like the Philippine Air Force Museum and the GSIS Museum, if you’re looking for a more mentally enriching vacation. Of course, it’s also easy to get to Manila from Pasay to visit the Planetarium, the National Museum of Natural History, and more. You can also shop ‘til you drop, if you want. MOA has a great selection of boutiques and retail stores, while Newport Mall has some luxury brands. Finally, there are restaurants aplenty in Pasay City. Again, you can visit the malls and upscale hotels for a wide range of restaurant and buffet options. There’s also Seaside Dampa along Macapagal Boulevard, and individual establishments like Crisostomo, Song Do Won, and more.
Near the Airport
If you’re spending a couple of days in Metro Manila before flying to another destination, it’s a good idea to have a quick city staycation in Pasay. NAIA Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are located in the city, which means you don’t have to deal with too much traffic to make it to your flight on time. If your trip is for business, then you’ll be well-rested and ready for a barrage of meetings. If your trip is for pleasure, then you simply extended your vacation—which of course is always a good thing.
Vibrant Nightlife Scene
For those who love to party, Pasay is certainly no slouch when it comes to nightlife. There’s Centerstage KTV Bar in Seaside Boulevard, Padi’s Point in Savers Center, Salem International Complex along EDSA, and so many more. There’s also the Hard Rock Cafe in S Maison, House Manila and Bar 360 in Resorts World, C Lounge in Conrad Manila, Centerplay at City of Dreams, and Cove Manila in Okada. For those who prefer something more laidback, you can take a late-night stroll along the Baywalk or have a nightcap at Sunset Bar in Sofitel. Mind you, these are just a few of the restaurants, bars, and clubs that you can go to. There are so many other places you can visit—Google is your friend to find the best one for you.
There’s certainly more to Pasay than meets the eye. So the next time you have some days off, why not plan a staycation in this vibrant city. You’re sure to be pleasantly surprised!
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