Pasay City Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Things to Do and Hotels

Jump to: About | History | Top Attractions | What to Do | How to Get There | Where to Stay | Local Delicacies | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions | Related Posts

About

Pasay City, proudly known as the "Travel City of the Philippines," serves as the primary gateway to the archipelago for international and domestic travelers alike. Housing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals, Pasay seamlessly connects the Philippines to the rest of the world. Situated along the eastern shore of Manila Bay, this vibrant metropolis blends world-class entertainment complexes, massive shopping centers, iconic cultural centers, and luxury casino resorts with rich historical enclaves and bustling local neighborhoods.

History

According to local lore, Pasay was named after Dayang-Dayang Pasay, a noble princess of the pre-colonial Kingdom of Namayan who inherited the lands along Manila Bay. During the Spanish colonial era, the town developed into an agricultural and fishing settlement known as Pineda, named after a Spanish benefactor.

By the American colonial period, Pasay transformed into a breezy seaside residential retreat for affluent Manila families who constructed grand ancestral villas along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard). It also hosted key military installations, including Fort William McKinley's annexes. On December 2, 1947, Pasay was officially granted cityhood. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, large-scale land reclamation projects along Manila Bay reshaped the city, creating the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex and paving the way for Pasay’s modern identity as a major cultural, business, and entertainment hub.

Top Attractions in Pasay City

Pasay City is packed with architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and world-class retail attractions that cater to every type of traveler. Here are five of the top tourist spots you must visit:

1. SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, the SM Mall of Asia complex is a vast destination featuring hundreds of retail shops, an IMAX theater, an ice-skating rink, the MOA Arena, and the iconic MOA Eye Ferris wheel overlooking Manila Bay.

2. Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex

The cultural heart of Metro Manila, this architectural masterpiece designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin hosts world-class theatrical performances, ballet shows, classical music concerts, visual art galleries, and cultural festivals.

3. Newport World Resorts

Located right across NAIA Terminal 3, this integrated resort destination houses luxury hotels, high-end casino gaming floors, the Newport Performing Arts Theater, and upscale shopping and dining avenues.

4. Dessert Museum

A fun, vibrant, and interactive 8-room sweet-themed museum where visitors can snap Instagram-worthy photos in rooms dedicated to donuts, marshmallows, and candy canes while enjoying delicious dessert samples along the way.

5. Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum

Situated within Villamor Air Base, this aviation museum showcases military aircraft, historical artifacts, uniforms, and interactive exhibits detailing the rich history of aviation and national defense in the Philippines.

What to Do

Whether you are looking for outdoor sunset walks, thrilling rides, art appreciation, or late-night entertainment, Pasay City provides non-stop activities. Here are five engaging things to do during your stay:

1. Watch the Famous Manila Bay Sunset at SM By the Bay

Take a relaxing late afternoon stroll along the SM By the Bay promenade. Grab a cold drink or local street food and witness one of the world's most spectacular golden sunsets painted across the Manila Bay horizon.

2. Ride the MOA Eye and Enjoy Star City Attractions

Experience adrenaline-pumping fun by riding the 55-meter-tall MOA Eye Ferris Wheel for a sweeping panoramic view of Metro Manila's skyline, or head over to Star City amusement park for thrilling indoor rides and carnival games.

3. Attend an International Concert or Sports Event

Catch your favorite international music artists, theatrical musicals, or major basketball tournaments at premier venues such as the Mall of Asia Arena or the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

4. Shop for Local Handicrafts at Market Market & Local Bazaars

Explore Pasay’s bustling markets and specialty shops to pick up authentic Filipino souvenirs, pearl jewelry, handwoven textiles, and native handicrafts to take home from your travels.

5. Indulge in Luxury Gaming and Nightlife

Experience world-class nightlife, fine dining restaurants, live lounge music, and gaming entertainment at the luxury integrated resorts along the Entertainment City corridor.

How to Book Activities

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How to Get There

Thanks to its role as the nation's primary travel hub, getting to Pasay City is simple using various transportation modes:

• By Air: Fly directly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4, all of which are situated within Pasay City boundaries.
• By LRT-1 (Train): Take the LRT-1 line and alight at EDSA Station, Gil Puyat Station, or Vito Cruz Station for quick access to key commercial and cultural areas.
• By MRT-3 (Train): Ride the MRT-3 line to its southernmost terminus at Taft Avenue Station, which connects directly to LRT-1 EDSA Station and major bus terminals.
• By EDSA Carousel / Public Bus: Board the EDSA Carousel bus line, which runs along EDSA directly into Pasay, stopping at key hubs like Roxas Boulevard and SM Mall of Asia.
• By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App: Use Grab, JoyRide, or official airport taxis from anywhere in Metro Manila, navigating via Roxas Boulevard, EDSA, or the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX).

Where to Book Your Flight

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Best Hotels to Stay in Pasay

Pasay City offers an incredible variety of lodging options tailored to every travel budget, ranging from 5-star airport luxury hotels to affordable boutique spaces and transit inns:

Burgos Hub Hostel

Ideal for solo backpackers, groups, and budget travelers, Burgos Hub Hostel provides clean and straightforward lodging within easy reach of the World Trade Center, LRT stations, and airport corridors. It features air-conditioned double, twin, and quad rooms alongside shared amenities, 24-hour assistance, and a welcoming atmosphere. Book Burgos Hub Hostel here for as low as 1,170 pesos per night.

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W Tramo Residences

Operating as a cozy aparthotel/condo-hotel property, W Tramo Residences offers practical studio and apartment-style units fitted with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and convenient kitchenettes. Situated in a quiet residential pocket of Pasay near major thoroughfares, it is a comfortable option for extended visits or travelers seeking home-like amenities close to the airport. Book W Tramo here and get a discounted price of 1,100 pesos per night.

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Selah Lofts Hotel

Blending trendy urban style with mid-range comfort, Selah Lofts Hotel caters to modern staycationers and business travelers seeking practical luxury. Guests can enjoy well-appointed loft-style units, an inviting rooftop swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and quick access to both Manila Bay and the Bay City entertainment district. Book Selah Lofts Hotel here while the price is 903 pesos per night.

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Maine City Residences

A contemporary budget-friendly accommodation built in 2021, Maine City Residences Leveriza Pasay offers bright, clean, and essential comforts for practical travelers. Located near public transport routes, the property features air-conditioned private rooms, an on-site convenience store, and family-friendly policies, making it a reliable launchpad for exploring Metro Manila. Book Maine City here and get a discounted price of 583 pesos per night.

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Stone House Hotel

Situated along Aurora Boulevard (formerly Tramo), Stone House Hotel Pasay provides simple, affordable lodging backed by 24-hour reception and an on-site restaurant. With various air-conditioned room configurations ranging from budget options to private family rooms, it serves as a straightforward choice for travelers needing quick transit access to the airport and SM Mall of Asia. Book Stone House Hotel here and get a promo price of 1,025 pesos per night.

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Local Delicacies

Pasay City boasts a rich food culture featuring coastal seafood feasts, heritage Filipino comfort dishes, and diverse international culinary options:

• Dampa-Style Fresh Seafood Feast: Select live fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters directly from the Seaside Macapagal Market and have neighboring restaurants cook them according to your preference (butter garlic, chili crab, or sinigang).
• Original Pasay Beef Pares: Savory tender beef stew simmered in star anise-infused broth, served alongside garlic fried rice and piping hot clear beef soup in classic neighborhood carinderias.
• Roxas Boulevard Street Food & BBQ: Enjoy skewers of grilled pork BBQ, Isaw, Tokwa’t Baboy, and fresh lumpia while taking in the ocean breeze along the baywalk.
• Classic Filipino Halo-Halo: Refreshing shaved ice dessert layered with sweet beans, nata de coco, jackfruit, leche flan, and ube ice cream available at traditional diners throughout the city.

Travel Tips

• Use NAIAX for Airport Transfers: When catching a flight during peak hours, instruct your driver to take the elevated NAIAX expressway to bypass heavy ground traffic along Andrews Avenue and Domestic Road.
• Book Grab or Metered Airport Taxis: Avoid unregistered transport solicitors at airport arrivals; stick to official metered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab for transparent pricing.
• Wear Sun Protection along Baywalk: If exploring Manila Baywalk or outdoor parks during the day, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to shield yourself from strong tropical heat.
• Keep Luggage in Mind: If you have a long layover, use luggage storage services available at SM Mall of Asia or airport terminals so you can tour the city hands-free.
• Mind Local Traffic Regulations: Be aware of designated pedestrian crossings and jeepney loading/unloading zones, especially along busy corridors like Taft Avenue and EDSA.

Nearby Attractions

• Rizal Park & Intramuros (Manila): Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros and the national monument of Jose Rizal, located just 15 minutes north of Pasay via Roxas Boulevard.
• National Museum Complex (Manila): Visit world-class exhibits featuring Philippine fine arts, anthropology, and natural history in neighboring Ermita, Manila.
• PICC & Folk Arts Theater (Pasay/Manila border): Admire classic 1970s brutalist architecture and historical convention centers along the waterfront.
• City of Dreams & Entertainment City (Parañaque): Head just across the city boundary to enjoy world-class gaming, dining, and luxury shopping complexes.

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