Manila Hidden Gems with local guide
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Tondo is one of the oldest districts in Manila and has undergone various developments over the years. It’s a vibrant area with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
This is a walking tour that may include sampling some Filipino food. Expect a cultural tour rather than a typical tourist spot visit.
Immerse yourself in the essence of Filipino culture by riding our iconic Jeepney, a unique mode of local transportation.
Embrace the authenticity of local life as you shop at a traditional Filipino open wet market.
Explore the town’s oldest apartments and hidden gems, where residents lead lives off the beaten path, often involving open-air bathing and dining.
Venture into the heart of local existence, wandering through the back alleys and side streets, far from the glaring lights and bustling traffic.
Take the opportunity to savor our delectable local coffee and cuisine, just as Filipinos do.
Looking forward to see you soon.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lucky Chinatown Mall
Immerse yourself walked to Chinatown alley.
Explore different types of street food. Explore Oldest buildings and structure during 1595
What‘s Included
Experience Local Tranpo ( Jeepney/ Tricycle)
Welcome drink
Photo-shot
Food tasting
Options
Hidden Gem Tour in Manila
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Impactful experience
Jackie B,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mari is from Tondo, and it was moving to see it from her perspective. She discussed how many people in the area face difficult circumstances, and part of the proceeds goes to people in Tondo. This experience is rooted in empathy and resilience.
Want to See Daily Life for Many Filapinos ... This is it !
Ron A,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is AS ADVERTIZED. No sugar coating it ... many across the Philippines struggle daily; yet, they are happy, energetic and genuine to their core. On this tour we saw all of that condensed into a pleasant 2-hour stroll through the market and residental zone of Manila's Tondo District. MUST DO if you are truly interested in understanding the country and culture. Mira, our guide, and M-Star Tours were incredible.
Life changing and grounding
Samantha C,,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was so knowledgeable friendly kind and shared so much in such a little time. I would highly highly recommend this tour
Friendly guide.
periphasphotos,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Was ok. Not recommended during rain. Apart from short jeepney ride, the tour is on foot and was less than 1.5 hrs. Apart from the walk through the local community, the wet market and China town aren't really hidden or off limits.
Had our eyes opened
MissLinna,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We arrived at the meeting point where our Guide was waiting & we were joined by 3 other guests. Our guide Tessie walked us to where we got into the Jeepney for an interesting ride! We then walked for two hours through the back alleys & hidden places where we were saddened by the relative squalor the people living there must endure. The streets were very narrow, difficult to navigate, & walking through the market areas was next to impossible to stay together because of the crowds. Not only pedestrians, but people on bicycles, motorbikes & pushing carts full of goods to be sold in the stalls. In addition there were cube vans & trucks parked to unload the produce etc for transfer. The heat of midday made it less comfortable than if we would have chosen a morning time slot. I recommend this tour to others as you will definitely come to appreciate even more the relative luxury we have in our respective countries. Thanks to Tessie for sharing this experience with us.
Eye Opening Experience
372arnelc,,May 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Being an American born Filipino, this was my first time ever traveling to the Philippines. This tour gave me a true look at the life of local Filipinos and really put a lot of things into perspective. Tess was very friendly and a great tour guide that provided a lot of information and more insight into things I had just heard about from relatives/seen on the internet. Would recommend to anyone not seeking an atypical tour of Manila.
5 Stars an unforgettable experience
waynehB480TB,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Mari was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly passionate about the area. She shared fascinating stories and hidden gems we never would’ve discovered on our own. Her enthusiasm made the whole experience so much more engaging, and she went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt included and comfortable. This tour was a highlight of our trip—highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, informative, and memorable adventure!
Next up for city sightseeing is this tour
Vacation16377220961,,Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined because I wanted to know the daily life of the local people, not the glitzy Manila these days. This was my fifth trip to the Philippines, and I had only been to tourist spots where I could go on my own between work and family transportation, so this time I joined because I wanted to learn with a local guide and also because I wanted my son to learn. Although we were the only participants, they were cheerful and courteous, and their shy son seemed to learn a lot. Both parents and children lacked English skills, but thank you for your patience. When I come to Manila again, I want to go on a volcano tour or bar hopping tour next.
Real, Authentic Manila Culture Experience
Joseph H,,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was fantastic and authentic. Mari took us through the area she grew up in, which is an area most tourists would probably avoid. The people were so kind and welcoming. Zero safety issues. We also rode a Jeepney, Lamborghini, walked around the open markets, and through Chinatown. Mari was a wonderful guide who was happy to answer any questions we had about her culture. She did a great job of making everyone in the group feel welcome. She also donates a portion of the proceeds from this tour to helping the people in the area she grew up in. I recommend booking this tour, as it's one you won't find anywhere else.
Great way to see Old Manila
D9821QImarkh,,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic way to see the depths of Old Manila. Mari leads you thru an adventure off the beaten path thru residential neighborhoods and the meat and vegetable markets where everything originates. And she took such good care of us along the way!
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Operated by MstarToursPh