Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Manila

Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a vibrant mix of historic charm and modern conveniences. For expats and digital nomads, choosing the right neighborhood can greatly enhance your living experience. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Manila, each offering a unique blend of social opportunities, cultural attractions, and practical amenities.

Makati Central Business District (CBD)

Makati CBD is a prime choice for single expats due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The neighborhood is filled with high-end shopping malls, lively bars, and international restaurants. Singles can join fitness clubs like Fitness First or explore non-profits and art galleries to meet like-minded individuals. The Ayala Museum, located in the heart of Makati, offers a deep dive into Filipino art and history.

Location: Central Makati, accessible via EDSA and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around PHP 25,000 - 40,000. Purchase prices range from PHP 5 million to PHP 10 million.

Where to Eat: Greenbelt offers a variety of dining options, while Poblacion is known for its trendy bars and restaurants like El Chupacabra and The Belle & Dragon.

Interesting History: The area was once part of the Hacienda de San Pedro de Macati, owned by the Jesuits during the Spanish colonial era.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by local celebrities and business tycoons.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

BGC is a modern and upscale district known for its green spaces, art installations, and vibrant nightlife. Singles can enjoy fitness classes at Saddle Row or Anytime Fitness, or attend events at the Mind Museum. High Street and Serendra offer a plethora of dining and shopping options.

Location: Taguig City, easily accessible via C5 and EDSA.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 35,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 4 million.

Where to Eat: Try Mercato Centrale for a variety of food stalls, or visit Wildflour Cafe + Bakery for brunch.

Interesting History: The area was formerly part of the Philippine Army camp, Fort Bonifacio.

Celeb sightings: Popular among local celebrities and influencers.

Ortigas Center

Ortigas Center is a bustling commercial district with a mix of residential and office spaces. Singles can enjoy shopping at SM Megamall, fitness classes at Gold's Gym, or cultural events at the Shangri-La Plaza. The area is also home to numerous bars and restaurants.

Location: Pasig City, accessible via EDSA and C5.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 15,000 to PHP 30,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 3 million.

Where to Eat: The Podium offers a variety of dining options, while Kapitolyo is known for its hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Interesting History: Named after the Ortigas family, who played a significant role in Philippine history.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by local celebrities and business professionals.

Eastwood City

Eastwood City is a self-contained community with residential towers, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs. Singles can enjoy fitness classes at Fitness First, or attend events at the Eastwood Mall. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants.

Location: Quezon City, accessible via C5 and Libis.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 15,000 to PHP 25,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 2.5 million.

Where to Eat: Try the various dining options at Eastwood Mall or Citywalk.

Interesting History: One of the first townships developed by Megaworld Corporation.

Celeb sightings: Popular among local celebrities and young professionals.

Intramuros

Intramuros, the historic walled city, offers a unique blend of old and new. Singles can explore cultural sites like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral, or attend events at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The area is also home to numerous cafes and restaurants.

Location: City of Manila, accessible via Roxas Boulevard and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 10,000 to PHP 20,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 2 million.

Where to Eat: Try Barbara's Heritage Restaurant for traditional Filipino cuisine, or Cafe Ilang-Ilang for a variety of dishes.

Interesting History: The historic center of Manila, established during the Spanish colonial period.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by history enthusiasts and local celebrities.

Poblacion

Poblacion is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its nightlife and cultural scene. Singles can enjoy live music at The Palace, or attend art exhibitions at local galleries. The area is also home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Location: Makati City, accessible via EDSA and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 15,000 to PHP 30,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 3 million.

Where to Eat: Try El Chupacabra for Mexican street food, or The Belle & Dragon for Asian fusion.

Interesting History: Known for its rich cultural heritage and historic churches.

Celeb sightings: Popular among local celebrities and influencers.

Legazpi Village

Legazpi Village is a charming residential area with a mix of modern and colonial architecture. Singles can enjoy fitness classes at Anytime Fitness, or attend cultural events at the Ayala Museum. The area is also home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Location: Makati City, accessible via EDSA and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 35,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 4 million.

Where to Eat: Try Your Local for modern Filipino cuisine, or The Curator for specialty coffee.

Interesting History: Named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who founded Manila.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by local celebrities and business professionals.

Salcedo Village

Salcedo Village is a vibrant community known for its weekend market and cultural events. Singles can enjoy fitness classes at Fitness First, or attend events at the Salcedo Park. The area is also home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Location: Makati City, accessible via EDSA and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 35,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 4 million.

Where to Eat: Try the various food stalls at the Salcedo Market, or visit Terry's Selection for Spanish cuisine.

Interesting History: Named after the Salcedo family, who played a significant role in Philippine history.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by local celebrities and business professionals.

Ermita

Ermita is a historic district known for its cultural sites and vibrant nightlife. Singles can explore Rizal Park, or attend events at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The area is also home to numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Location: City of Manila, accessible via Roxas Boulevard and major thoroughfares.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom range from PHP 10,000 to PHP 20,000. Purchase prices start at PHP 2 million.

Where to Eat: Try Casa Armas Tapas Bar Y Vineria for Spanish cuisine, or Cafe Adriatico for a variety of dishes.

Interesting History: One of the oldest districts in Manila, with a rich cultural heritage.

Celeb sightings: Frequented by local celebrities and history enthusiasts.