Stuck at Manila Airport with time to spare? A layover at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can feel long — especially with multiple terminals, traffic outside the airport, and limited overnight comforts in some areas. That said, there are ways to pass the time, grab a decent meal, rest more comfortably, or even step out for a quick change of scenery if your layover is long enough.
Whether you’re staying airside or heading out briefly, here are a six things you can realistically do on a layover at Manila Airport.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Your range of eating options depends on the terminal you’re in, with most travellers agreeing you’ll have the most variety in Terminal 3. Most eateries are very casual, serving to-go food. Fare is mostly Filipino, but you’ll also find some Chinese, Japanese, noodle outlets, and Western chains like Wendy’s, Subway, and Starbucks. Most, if not all, vendors only accept cash, so plan ahead or stop by an ATM.
There’s a surprising amount of food available around Manila Airport (NAIA), but it helps to know where to look. Terminal 3 has the widest range of choices, with plenty of cafés, local snacks, and casual eateries on multiple levels. In the arrival and pre-departure areas you’ll find familiar brands like Jollibee, Burger King, Wendy’s, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and Potato Corner alongside local Filipino favourites such as Lutong Bahay (home-style Filipino dishes) and Reyes Barbecue. There are also cafés like Merlion Café and Pan de Coco, which are great for coffee and light bites, and snack stands selling Filipino pasalubong items like dried mangoes, banana chips, and local sweets.
Most of these options are open throughout the day, and while selections won’t rival a big city food court, you can definitely find a satisfying meal, Filipino comfort classics, or something sweet while you wait for your flight.
2. Visit a lounge
If you’d rather wait somewhere quieter than the gate area or food court, Manila Airport has several lounges spread across the terminals. Some are airline-specific, while others allow pay-per-use access or entry through lounge programs.
In Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, travellers can look for A Lounge, a popular option for those without business-class tickets. Philippine Airlines passengers may have access to the Mabuhay Lounge in Terminal 1, while Terminal 3 hosts several international and third-party lounges, including Marhaba Lounge and airline-run lounges for carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.
Most lounges offer comfortable seating, food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and a calmer atmosphere, and some include showers, which can be especially welcome on long layovers. Access rules, amenities, and fees vary by lounge, so check our Manila Airport Guide for locations, entry options, and current details before you go. [ read more ]
3. Take a shower
Freshening up with a between-flights shower might be the best way to improve your layover. You can pay to use the shower facilities in the A Lounge and Wings Transit Lounge in Terminal 3 as well as in the Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 1.
4. Shopping
Whether you forgot to pick up a souvenir or want to bring a little taste of the Philippines home, Manila Airport has more than just boring duty-free shops.
In Terminals 1 and 3, look for pasalubong-style stores selling local snacks, sweets, and gifts — perfect if you’re on a layover and want to grab something unique for friends or family. Shops like ELIB’s House of Pasalubong and ATIN ITO offer Filipino treats such as dried mangoes, polvoron, local coffee, and other local brands that you might not find at every airport.
There are also general travel and duty-free stores in all the main terminals where you can find beauty products, spirits, chocolates, travel essentials, and souvenirs. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth browsing to see local snacks, small handicrafts, and Filipino-themed merchandise before your flight.
5. WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Manila Airport, though connections can be slow or unreliable at peak times. If you’re planning to stream videos or get work done, having your own mobile data or offline content as backup is a good idea. Many cafés and lounges offer stronger connections, making them a better option if you need to be online for a while.
6. Sleep
Getting comfortable at Manila Airport can be hit-or-miss, especially overnight. Seating varies by terminal, and armrests are common. Terminal 3 is generally the most sleep-friendly, with more space and amenities than the others, though it can still be noisy. [ read more ]
If you need serious Z’s, you’re better off heading to in-airport sleep pods or nearby hotels. In Terminal 3, private day rooms and sleep capsules are available, though you’ll likely have to book in person and pay in cash. Three hotels are located directly across from T3, with free shuttle service, and a couple of other hotels are nearby. See our Manila Airport Guide for locations and details. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at NAIA Airport. Visit our Manila Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, luggage storage, transportation to the city and nearby airport hotels, and much more.