Neighborhood: Lapad

Also called: N/A, as far as I’m aware

Pros:

• Fewer tourists than the Old Town, so you don’t feel like a crammed-in sardine
• Lots of places to eat, at almost all hours
• Direct access to the ‘beach’ (think pebbles, not sand): it’s harder to get to from Old Town
• Not far from Town: about a 15-minute bus ride, every 10-15 minutes or so

Cons:

• Getting there from either the airport or the bus station requires a bus transfer (that’s two buses total)

Should You Stay There?

If your goal is to enjoy the water – whether from the beach or a boat, this is a good option. If you just want to see the historic city, it’s still not bad, but only if you have some time and don’t mind switching buses.