Overview
Pasay is a densely populated city in the southwestern part of Metro Manila, bordered by Manila to the north, Makati to the east, and Parañaque to the south. It sits along the eastern shore of Manila Bay, giving it a waterfront character unusual in the congested national capital region.
Most international travelers encounter Pasay first — and sometimes only — as the location of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which serves all four of its terminals within or immediately adjacent to the city. Beyond the airport, Pasay holds a surprising variety of draws: the sprawling SM Mall of Asia complex on reclaimed land, a cluster of integrated resorts and casinos collectively known as Entertainment City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex, a landmark of Filipino arts and architecture.
The city is not a typical leisure destination in the way that Intramuros or Bonifacio Global City might be, but it functions as a practical and lively hub. Its bayside promenades, concert venues, and proximity to nearly every other Metro Manila district make it a natural staging ground for exploring the wider capital region.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements to the Philippines vary by nationality and are subject to change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for current guidance, and always verify with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) before you travel.
Health
Drink bottled or purified water. Heat and humidity are significant year-round; stay hydrated and use sun protection. Dengue fever is present in Metro Manila — use insect repellent, particularly during and after the rainy season. Check with your doctor or a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations before departure.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothing; modest attire for religious sites and the CCP complex
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket (rain is possible even in the dry season)
- Power bank — traffic delays are common and can be lengthy
- Copies of key documents; keep originals secure
Getting There
By Air
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is physically located across Pasay and Parañaque and is the primary international and domestic gateway for Metro Manila. NAIA has four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4); confirm your terminal when booking, as they are not all connected and transfer between them requires a road journey. Verify current transport options from the airport on arrival, as ground-side services change frequently.
By Train (from other parts of Metro Manila)
The LRT Line 1 (Light Rail Transit) runs through Pasay, with stations at EDSA and Baclaran providing connections to Manila and Cavite. The MRT Line 3 connects at EDSA station in the Pasay–Taft corridor, linking the city to Makati and Quezon City. These rail lines are often crowded during peak hours.
By Road
Pasay is accessible from all Metro Manila cities by bus, jeepney, taxi, and ride-hailing apps (Grab is widely used). EDSA, one of Metro Manila's main arteries, passes through the city. Traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, can significantly extend travel times — factor this into any plans.
Getting Around
Within Pasay, getting around typically involves a combination of walking (for short distances within a mall or CCP complex), jeepneys, tricycles, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Grab (the dominant app-based ride service in the Philippines) is generally the most straightforward option for visitors unfamiliar with local routes and fares.
The LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 are useful for moving along the main EDSA corridor without getting stuck in traffic, though carriages can be very crowded during commuter hours. The Baclaran LRT station is a major transit hub on the southern end of the line.
SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City are a short drive or tricycle ride from the CCP complex and the main bayside area. Distances within Pasay look modest on a map but road congestion means you should always allow extra time.
Things to See & Do
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex
The CCP complex, designed by Leandro Locsin and opened in 1969, is the country's premier venue for the performing arts. It houses multiple theaters and galleries. The main building's brutalist architecture and bayside setting make it worth visiting even outside of performances. Check the CCP's official website for current shows and exhibitions before you go.
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
One of the largest malls in the world by gross floor area, SM Mall of Asia sits on reclaimed land fronting Manila Bay. Beyond retail, it has an IMAX cinema, an ice skating rink, an open-air arena, and a seaside promenade where the sunset over Manila Bay is a genuine draw. The MOA Arena hosts major concerts and sporting events.
Entertainment City
A strip of integrated resort-casinos along the reclaimed bay area — including Solaire Resort and Casino, Okada Manila, City of Dreams Manila, and Resorts World Manila (technically in Parañaque but closely associated with the area) — caters primarily to gaming tourists. Non-gamblers can visit for restaurants, shows, and the architecture. Dress codes and access policies vary by venue; verify locally.
Manila Bay Sunset
The western-facing bayside promenades in Pasay and adjacent Roxas Boulevard offer some of the most celebrated sunsets in Metro Manila. The light is best in the dry season when haze is lower, though the view is worth catching year-round.
Baclaran Church (National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help)
Located at the Baclaran boundary near the LRT terminal, this shrine is one of the most visited Catholic churches in the Philippines, drawing enormous crowds every Wednesday for a traditional novena. Even outside of prayer days, the church and its surrounding market give insight into everyday Manila religious and commercial life.
Food & Drink
Pasay's dining scene ranges from fast food and food courts in its malls to mid-range Filipino restaurants along the bay and upscale venues inside the integrated resorts. The SM Mall of Asia complex alone contains dozens of restaurants covering Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Western cuisines.
For local flavors, the area around Baclaran market has inexpensive eateries and street-food stalls serving staples like grilled skewers (isaw, betamax), rice meals, and fresh seafood. Prices in these stalls are significantly lower than mall and resort dining — verify current prices locally.
The integrated resort-casinos have internationally positioned restaurants, some affiliated with well-known chefs and brands. These are substantially more expensive and generally require a reservation; check individual venues for current offerings.
As a general rule, drink only bottled or sealed purified water, and exercise the usual caution with street food (choose busy stalls with visible turnover).
Shopping
SM Mall of Asia is the dominant shopping destination in Pasay, offering everything from local brands and supermarkets to international retail chains. The mall's open-air sections along the bay are pleasant to browse in cooler evening hours.
The Baclaran area around the church is known for a large, sprawling market selling dry goods, clothing, household items, and religious articles at lower prices than mall retail. It is busy and crowded, particularly on Wednesdays — keep belongings secure and be prepared for a chaotic but authentic market experience. Prices here are generally negotiable.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are widely available in malls and near major transit points. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in malls, hotels, and resort establishments, but smaller eateries, markets, and jeepney fares are typically cash-only. It is advisable to carry some Philippine Pesos in small denominations.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in most malls and hotel lobbies. Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive and can be purchased at the airport and in convenience stores — bring an unlocked phone. Major Philippine carriers include Globe and DITO; coverage in Pasay is generally good.
Emergency Contacts
- In a general emergency, the national emergency hotline is 911 (verify this is operational in Metro Manila before relying on it; local response times vary)
- Your hotel front desk is often the fastest first point of contact for assistance
- Embassy or consulate contact for your home country — keep this number saved before you travel
Electricity
The Philippines uses 220V, 60Hz. Outlet types are typically Type A and Type B (flat two- and three-pin). Bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs.
Safety
Pasay is a busy urban district and shares the general safety considerations of any large Metro Manila city. Petty crime — pickpocketing, bag snatching — is the most common risk for travelers, particularly in crowded areas like Baclaran market and transit hubs. Keep valuables out of sight, use a secure bag, and be alert in crowds.
Ride-hailing apps like Grab are recommended over unmarked or unlicensed taxis, which have been associated with overcharging. If you use a metered taxi, ensure the meter is running from the start of the journey.
Avoid displaying expensive electronics, jewelry, or large amounts of cash in public. At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas around the mall complex and main roads.
The integrated resort area and SM Mall of Asia are generally well-secured with visible guards and CCTV. The CCP complex and bayside promenade are considered safe for evening walks but standard urban caution applies.
Monitor local news and your government's travel advisory for Metro Manila before and during your visit, as conditions can change.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Pasay reflects the layered character of Metro Manila — deeply Catholic (Baclaran Church is a vivid example), commercially dynamic, and shaped by both traditional Filipino culture and decades of international influence through the airport and bay-side commerce.
Respectful dress is expected in churches. The Baclaran novena on Wednesdays is a significant religious event attended by thousands; if you visit on this day, be mindful that worshippers are there for sincere religious purposes, not as a spectacle for tourists.
Filipinos in Pasay, as elsewhere in Metro Manila, generally speak functional to fluent English, which makes navigation and communication relatively straightforward for English-speaking visitors. A few words of Tagalog — salamat (thank you), magkano (how much), saan (where) — are appreciated even if not strictly necessary.
