Rain Got You Down? Try These 10 Rainy Day Activities in Metro Manila

You know what we love about living in the Philippines? It’s sunny all the time—except of course the later part of the year when we get barraged with tropical storms and rains. Here in Metro Manila, the rainy season can turn plans upside down, especially with sudden downpours and flooding. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck indoors with nothing to do. The metro is packed with activities that are perfect for families, friends, couples, and single adventurers who are looking to stay dry while having a blast.

Whether you’re after food, art, games, or a cozy hideout, here’s an updated guide to keep you entertained when the rain won’t quit.

1. Visit museums

Museums are a go-to for rainy days. They’re indoors, air-conditioned, and usually quiet enough to feel like you’re escaping the chaos outside.

The National Museum of the Philippines is a great starting point. Its three main branches—Natural History, Anthropology, and Fine Arts—are all housed in stunning buildings near Rizal Park. See iconic pieces like Juan Luna’s Spolarium or dive into the country’s cultural roots by learning about our weaving traditions and ancient artifacts like the Manunggul Jar. Pro Tip: Start early to avoid school groups, and head to the upper floors for quieter galleries.

Over in Makati, the Ayala Museum is another gem that you should visit. It is home to art galleries featuring both classic and contemporary Filipino works and is great for all ages. In Bonifacio Global City, the Mind Museum is a science lover’s paradise with hands-on displays like the Universe Gallery and dinosaur skeletons in the Life Gallery.

For something new, check out the newly opened Digital National Art Museum at Manila Ocean Park. It features immersive art installations and interactive rooms, perfect for your social feed. It’s part of the larger Manila Ocean Park complete, which is also a top rainy day destination with its impressive oceanarium and exhibits.

For Instagram-worthy spots, check out Dessert Museum in MOA and Art in Island in Quezon City.

2. Stay cozy in a café

There are numerous cafes in Metro Manila that offers aesthetic vibes and good coffee and drinks. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Starbucks are, of course, great for reading or working, with reliable WIFI and cozy vibes. Meanwhile, Wildflour Café + Bakery has branches in BGC, Makati, and beyond, all serving pastries and comfort food like truffle pasta.

3. Relax and recharge at a spa

Nothing beats a rainy day like a soothing spa session, and Metro Manila has some top-notch options that you can go to.

One of the newest wellness havens in the metro, Emgrand Spa in Pasay offers not just different spa and pampering sessions but also an eat-all-you-can buffet and other leisure activities.

Meanwhile, I’M Onsen Spa in Makati City is best known as a Japanese-inspired escape with hot spring baths and aromatherapy massages. For a more budget-friendly option, The Spa Wellness has branches in various locations, where you can recharge while the rain pours outside.

Really, just use the rainy season as an excuse to pamper yourself!

4. Learn something fun at workshops

Rainy days are perfect for workshop activities, and Metro Manila has some cool workshops you can enroll at.

The Scent Studio in Quezon City is the country’s first DIY perfume-making studio, offering a cozy, intimate experience. You can blend unique scents using local essences like sampaguita and calamansi to create your own perfume or linen spray. It’s a fun date idea or a relaxing solo activity.

At Sip & Gogh (multiple branches), you don’t have to be Van Gogh to enjoy making art. An instructor will guide you through painting with a canvass from a scratch, while you’re happily sipping wine and other beverages. It’s perfect for a solo learner, a couple’s date, or a fun afternoon with your kids.

For foodies, Bakebe (Pasay and Taguig) offers a hassle-free baking experience. With user-friendly tablets and friendly staff, you can whip up cakes and pastries without the clean-up.

Also worth mentioning are The Maya Kitchen in Makati, with baking classes for cakes and breads, and the Cookery Place in BGC, which offers workshops on local and international dishes.

5. Hotel staycation

Hotel staycations are a fantastic way to enjoy the rainy days. You can kick back in a comfy room, have a relaxing massage, or binge shows without getting wet. Waking up to a breakfast buffet is guaranteed to lift your mood as well. Plus, hotels usually roll out sweet rainy season deals, making it a fun and fuss-free way to enjoy the city.

Lanson’s Place Mall of Asia offers comfortable hotel and resident-style rooms with views of Manila Bay, a highly reviewed restaurant, and convenient access to shops within the Mall of Asia complex. Seda BGC also has a convenient location close to BGC High Street and offers one of the best breakfast buffets in the metro. Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa have different rooms for a relaxing staycation, an outdoor pool, and easy access to SM North Edsa.

6. Shop and stroll at malls

Metro Manila’s malls are more than just shopping hubs—they’re indoor playgrounds for rainy days. SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest in the Philippines, with an IMAX theater, an ice skating rink, and endless dining options. Greenbelt Mall in Makati offers a more upscale vibe with high-end shops, a cinema, and a serene garden area. And of course, SM Mega Mall, Ayala Malls Glorietta, and Shangri-La Plaza are favorite rainy-day havens.

7. Watch blockbusters and indie flicks

Cinemas are a rainy-day classic. SM Mega Mall, Ayala Malls Trinoma, and SM Aura’s Director’s Club are all great options for cinema-goers. Bonifacio High Street cinemas with Dolby Atmos are ideal for those looking for a premium experience.

If you’d like to try something new, check out Cinema ’76 Film Society, a movie-themed café with a micro-cinema where you can watch indie films and other shows that you can’t normally find in big theaters. Oh, and the Cinema ’76 is home to rescued cats too. Say hello to Heneral Luya and Heneral Toyo!

8. Escape rooms

Escape rooms are a hit for rainy days. Can you find your way out by searching for clues and solving puzzles?

Mystery Manila features themed rooms, including an intense horror room perfect for a rainy afternoon with friends. Breakout offers immersive puzzles, like bank heists. For the ultimate escape room experience, check out Lost, with its high-tech, intricate escape room adventures.

9. Indoor Sports

The weather may not be ideal for jogging and biking, but you can still keep fit through these indoor sports venues.

Climb Central Manila in Mandaluyong offers day passes for beginner and pro sports climbers. Trampoline Park (multiple locations) features trampolines and various obstacles ideal for all ages. SM Bowling Centers also offers a fun, accessible indoor activity suitable for all ages, and SM’s multiple locations across Metro Manila make it convenient.

For fun with the whole family, SuperPark Philippines (Taguig and Quezon City) is an indoor amusement park with sports zones, virtual games, and relaxing spaces for kids and adults. Another great spot is Kidzoona, with multiple locations like SM Megamall, where little ones can enjoy role-playing activities and play areas.

10. Videoke

A little rain won’t stop Filipinos from brandishing a mic and belting out high-pitched songs. A long-standing favorite since 1995, Music 21 offers affordable private KTV rooms for different-sized groups and has multiple locations across the metro. Rockstar KTV at SM Aura is also a top choice for lively videoke sessions with friends or family, offering a premium setup in a convenient, weather-proof location.

Tips for Rainy Days in Manila

• Check the weather: Use weather apps for real-time updates to plan your day.
• Book ahead: Many activities, like workshops and museum tours, offer discounts via Klook and require reservations.
• Pack smart: Bring a small umbrella and comfy shoes for quick dashes between venues.
• Use mall-based locations: Venues in malls are ideal since you can combine activities with dining or shopping without stepping outside.

You can make the most of the rainy season with this curated list of rainy day activities in Metro Manila. From museums to videoke, there’s something for every mood that everyone can enjoy.

Note: Featured image source.

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