Pasay sits immediately south of Manila and is the city most visitors pass through without quite noticing: most of Ninoy Aquino International Airport lies within its boundaries, and the SM Central Business Park and Newport City are both here. In practice, that means Pasay is where many trips to the capital begin and end, and it works well as a base if you want to be close to the airport, the bay, or the large commercial complexes.
For a visitor, the useful way to think about Pasay is as a set of distinct zones rather than one continuous downtown. The bayfront along Roxas Boulevard and the CCP Complex faces Manila Bay; the SM Mall of Asia and MOA Complex sit on the reclaimed waterfront; Newport City is tied to the airport side; and the EDSA corridor, including the Rotonda area, is the main road axis linking Pasay to the rest of Metro Manila. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Pasay
1. SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex
The MOA Complex occupies the reclaimed waterfront and is built around the SM Mall of Asia, described in the source material as the largest shopping mall in the Philippines. Accommodation here is concentrated in large, modern properties along Seaside Boulevard and Coral Way, including international chain hotels and serviced residences.
This area suits first-time visitors who want shopping, dining and bay views within walking distance, and travellers who prefer a planned, self-contained district. It connects conveniently to the airport and to business hubs and convention centres, and it is a practical choice if your trip centres on the mall or the bayfront rather than on central Manila.
2. CCP Complex and Roxas Boulevard bayfront
The CCP Complex sits at a bayside area along Roxas Boulevard, within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. Properties here range from large resort-style hotels to smaller options on the waterfront, and the area is defined by its position on Manila Bay.
It suits travellers who want bayfront surroundings and proximity to the airport, business hubs, convention centres and the SM Mall of Asia, all of which the source notes as nearby. If you want to be on the water rather than inland, this is the part of Pasay to look at.
3. Newport City
Newport City is named in the source material as one of the complexes for which Pasay is best known, alongside the SM Central Business Park. It is associated with the airport side of the city, which makes it a natural base for short stays and transit nights.
It suits travellers with early flights, short layovers, or anyone who wants to be close to the airport without going further into Metro Manila. Because the source does not describe the individual streets or facilities within Newport City, treat it as an airport-adjacent district to investigate rather than a specific address.
4. EDSA corridor and the Rotonda area
The EDSA corridor runs through Pasay and includes the Rotonda area, where Zamora Street meets EDSA. Accommodation along this axis includes serviced apartments and mid-range hotels, and the source notes that Metro Point Mall is near this junction.
This area suits budget-conscious and mid-range travellers who want a central road position with easy connections. One practical warning from the source: EDSA Extension is one of the major highways in the southern Metro area, and motor traffic is audible even on the top floors of buildings along it, particularly on weekends. Light sleepers should weigh that before choosing a room facing the road.
5. Roxas Boulevard at EDSA
Where Roxas Boulevard meets EDSA, the source places deluxe hotel accommodation within minutes of the international and domestic airports, business hubs, convention centres and the SM Mall of Asia.
This suits travellers who want a bayfront address with quick airport access and are willing to pay for a full-service stay. It is a convenient compromise between the bay and the airport side of the city.
6. F.B. Harrison Street
F.B. Harrison Street appears in the source as a location for hotel accommodation within Pasay, in a compound setting. It is an inland street rather than a waterfront one.
It suits travellers who want to be in the city proper rather than in a resort or mall complex, and who do not need to be on the bay. The source does not describe the street's character in detail, so use it as a locator rather than a neighbourhood profile.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: The source lists properties with rooms from roughly ₱1,000 upward, including small hotels and bed-and-breakfast style places. Expect air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, private toilet and bath, and telephone, with airport and city transfers, business centre, car rental, restaurant and massage service among the facilities at this level. The EDSA corridor and Rotonda area is where these are concentrated.
- Mid-range: Serviced apartments and standard hotels, including long-established serviced apartment properties. These typically offer air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, private toilet and bath, telephone and bedside control panel, plus restaurants, function or meeting rooms, business centre with internet, room service, laundry and massage service. The EDSA corridor and F.B. Harrison Street are the relevant locations.
- Splurge: Deluxe and five-star properties, including resort-style hotels on the bay. These sit in the CCP Complex and Roxas Boulevard bayfront, the MOA Complex, and Roxas Boulevard at EDSA. Rooms at this level may include private balconies, bathtubs, hair dryers and wi-fi, with airport and city transportation service, cafes and parking among the facilities.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex. It puts you within walking distance of the SM Mall of Asia, gives you a range of accommodation from mid-range to deluxe, and connects easily to the airport, business hubs and convention centres. If your priority is the bay itself rather than the mall, the CCP Complex and Roxas Boulevard bayfront is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Pasay is closest to the airport?
Newport City is the complex associated with the airport side of the city, and the source also notes that hotels at Roxas Boulevard at EDSA are minutes away from the international and domestic airports. Both are reasonable choices if airport access is your main concern.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the SM Mall of Asia?
The MOA Complex, along Seaside Boulevard and Coral Way, is built around the mall. The CCP Complex and Roxas Boulevard bayfront is also described as minutes from the SM Mall of Asia.
Is noise a problem along EDSA?
Yes, potentially. The source warns that EDSA Extension is one of the major highways in the southern Metro area and that motor traffic will be audible even on the top floors, particularly on weekends. Light sleepers should take this into account when choosing a room along that corridor.
Which areas of Pasay are on the waterfront?
The CCP Complex sits at a bayside area along Roxas Boulevard, and the MOA Complex occupies the reclaimed waterfront. Roxas Boulevard at EDSA is also a bayfront location.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.