Guide to shopping malls in Manila
Robinson's Place is a huge Manila Mall
Shopping is almost a way of life for most Filipinos and big, contemporary plazas and malls sprout continuously in the country’s commercial centres. Don’t be surprised to see small to large scale shops, malls, and boutiques everywhere you turn, especially in the country’s metropolis. Going shopping is also one way of escaping the humidity of this tropical country, as most malls in the city are very modern and air conditioned. So if you’re done sampling the rich heritage, nature , and culture of the Philippines, then it may be time to enjoy some retail therapy and complete your authentic Filipino experience before going homebound.
Throughout Manila, you will find all sorts of shopping precincts – from high-end to mid-range and even bargain malls – all within the city. Manila is even home to one of the largest shopping malls in the world known as the SM Mall of Asia, which combines everything from great shopping, dining, entertainment, leisure and recreation.
Finding the best shopping malls in Manila is a breeze, thanks to the comprehensive public transport system around the metro area. The following are just some of the most famous shopping malls in Manila that are frequented by locals and tourists alike:
Upmarket shopping malls in Manila
There are several upmarket shopping precincts around the city catering to high-end, luxury brands. These malls specialize in designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and modern entertainment centres.
The Greenbelt Shopping Complex
The Greenbelt Shopping Mall can be found in the middle of Makati’s central business district, surrounded by five-star hotels. Within the complex are luxury brands like Gucci, Hermes, Prada, Tod’s, Patel Philippe and the like. Greenbelt is also home to a number of fantastic award-winning restaurants. Paseo de Roxas, cnr Legaspi and Esperanza Streets, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00.
The Power Plant Mall
Also a high-end shopping mall, the Power Plant Mall (sometimes known as Rockwell) is smaller but also extravagant, given the choices of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that stand within its premises. There are high-end residential condominiums around the mall, mostly occupied by expats. Rockwell Drive, Makati, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00, tel: +63 (0)2 898 1702.
SM Mall of Asia is one of the world's biggest
Shangri-La Plaza
One of the most high-end malls in the city, Shangri-La Plaza is home to some good designer clothing boutiques. Drop by Homme et Femme if you are looking for a mix of high-end European brands like Balenciaga, Lanvin, and Comme des Garcon. Other brands like Escada have their own standalone stores. Cnr EDSA and Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00, tel: +63 (0)2 633 7851.
The Podium
The Podium is another top end shopping mall where some high-quality and reasonably expensive clothing, accessories, and things of the like, can be found. There is a good Spanish deli in the basement. ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00, tel: +61 (0)2 638 8388.
Mid-Range shopping malls in Manila
Robinsons Shopping Malls
There are actually two Robinsons Malls in Manila, one being the Robinson Place Manila (in Ermita) and the other being Robinsons Galleria (in Ortigas). These malls are very basic and easy to navigate, as with most mid-range malls in the area. There are plenty of budget dining options here, but these restaurants get pretty packed during lunch time when office workers from nearby buildings eat. Try to go by 14:00 and you’ll have them to yourself.
The SM Mall of Asia (or M.O.A.)
Despite its status as being the largest in the Philippines and third largest in the world, SM Mall of Asia – located right by the shores of Manila Bay – caters to mid-range patrons. The mall is home to a wide range of retail shops as well as some designer boutiques. It is uniquely designed with food strips in concentrated areas, while its SMX Convention Centre is the typical spot for major events and concerts. If you want bargain clothing, go to the SM Department Store. Bay Blvd cnr EDA extension, Pasay City, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00, tel: +61 (0)2 898 1702.
SM Shopping Malls
From the same company that owns the SM Mall of Asia, SM Malls are probably the most popular malls in the city, and even the whole country, with branches and outlets in almost every corner of the Philippines. These one-stop shopping malls sell everything from groceries to clothes to electronics to home décor, and plenty more.
Low-end or bargain shopping malls in Manila
Divisoria Mall and the 168 Mall
Located in the major street shopping district of Manila that is Divisoria, the Divisoria Mall and 168 Mall are famous bargain shopping venues, especially during Christmas (so avoid going here in December, or you may get lost in the maddening crowd).
Shops in these malls allow haggling, which is a skill you may want to learn especially if you want to get great buys at almost half their normal prices. Aside from these two malls, you will also find numerous street stalls around the Divisoria area. They sell almost every product you can think of.
The Harrison Plaza
One of the oldest in the city, Harrison Plaza stands in the famous tourist district of Ermita. The mall looks aged and needs a lot of repairs, but there are some unique stores and restaurants you will only find here. There is usually a ‘tiangge’ right in the middle of the ground floor where you can find everything from local export overruns to Chinese imports. Between Adriatico and Mabini, Open Mon – Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00.
