Manila traffic, and where to stay to avoid most of it

Manila's traffic is among the world's worst; a 10-kilometer trip can take two hours at rush hour. Stay near what you plan to see: Intramuros and Binondo (Chinatown) for history and food, Makati or Bonifacio Global City for restaurants and nightlife. Use Grab, not street taxis, and avoid trips across the city between 4 and 9 p.m. The airport's terminals are far apart; check which one your flight uses. Most visitors leave for the islands within a day, which is reasonable.