Ongpin Street
Gold and tea shops.
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The oldest Chinatown in the world, founded by the Spanish in 1594 across the river from Intramuros as a home for Chinese merchants who had converted to Christianity, so that the colonial authorities could keep them under watch. It was Manila's centre of trade before the Spanish and after them, and it remains the city's commercial heart today. Visitors enter through ornate Chinese friendship arches into streets crowded with shops, bakeries, traditional pharmacies, and gold and tea merchants. The best known is Ongpin Street, the quarter's main artery, and old Escolta Street, Manila's smartest shopping street in the early twentieth century, with its classical buildings. The quarter has Binondo Church with its octagonal, Chinese-style bell tower, bridges over canals and well-known Chinese restaurants. The food here mostly does not suit Muslim travellers, as pork and animal fat go into many dishes and pastries, so ask carefully or stick to fruit and tea. Wandering is free. The quarter is crowded and noisy, so watch for pickpockets and keep hold of your bag. Mornings are best, before the worst of the heat.
Gold and tea shops.
Manila's old smart street.
Ornate Chinese gateways.
Binondo, Manila, on the north bank of the Pasig River opposite Intramuros
Fort SantiagoA stone citadel the Spanish built in 1571 at the mouth of the Pasig River to gua11 minutes walk4.4
Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab)The largest mosque in Metro Manila, standing in the Muslim quarter of Quiapo and16 minutes walk
IntramurosThe old walled city at the heart of Manila; its Spanish name means «within the w16 minutes walk
San Agustin ChurchThe oldest stone church in the Philippines, completed in 1607 within the walls o17 minutes walk4.5
National Museum of Fine ArtsThe largest art museum in the Philippines, housed in the Old Legislative Buildin21 minutes walk4.6Mostly not: pork and animal fat go into many dishes and pastries. For halal food, head to Quiapo near the Golden Mosque.