Manila Central Post Office, Manila
Standing along the banks of the Pasig River, the Manila Central Post Office is one of the Philippines' finest surviving examples of Neoclassical architecture and an enduring landmark of the American colonial period. Completed in 1926 as the headquarters of the country's postal service, the building was designed by consulting architect Daniel Burnham and supervising architect Juan M. Arellano.
The building is immediately recognizable by its monumental façade, where a broad flight of steps leads to a grand colonnade of Corinthian columns. Symmetrical wings, classical pediments, and Beaux-Arts-inspired proportions give the structure a dignified appearance intended to symbolize stability, efficiency, and public service. Although the interior is relatively modest compared with the impressive exterior, the post office continues to function as the headquarters of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
It also houses a philatelic section where collectors can purchase commemorative and special-edition stamps, and it periodically hosts exhibitions showcasing historic stamps and postal memorabilia. Today, visitors come primarily to admire the building's elegant exterior and its scenic setting beside the Pasig River.
The building is immediately recognizable by its monumental façade, where a broad flight of steps leads to a grand colonnade of Corinthian columns. Symmetrical wings, classical pediments, and Beaux-Arts-inspired proportions give the structure a dignified appearance intended to symbolize stability, efficiency, and public service. Although the interior is relatively modest compared with the impressive exterior, the post office continues to function as the headquarters of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
It also houses a philatelic section where collectors can purchase commemorative and special-edition stamps, and it periodically hosts exhibitions showcasing historic stamps and postal memorabilia. Today, visitors come primarily to admire the building's elegant exterior and its scenic setting beside the Pasig River.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manila. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Manila Central Post Office on Map
Sight Name: Manila Central Post Office
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Nearby Sights
Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines
Create Your Own Walk in Manila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Every city tells a story, but few have witnessed as many triumphs and tragedies as Manila. Behind these façades lie the chapters of empire, revolution, war, and rebirth. As José Rizal wisely observed, 'To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past.'
The historic buildings of Manila tell the story of more than four centuries of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The historic buildings of Manila tell the story of more than four centuries of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Traditional Markets
Traditional markets showcase a unique aspect of life in any city. The ones featured in this walk offer a glance into the authentic life and habits of Manila’s people and play a vital role in the Philippines' capital's economic and cultural landscape. Traditionally, local markets sell a broader range of products than regular shops can provide: from veggies and fruits to dried fish and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Manila Introduction Walking Tour
For centuries, travelers arrived here searching for the 'Pearl of the Orient.' Behind these walls lies a city where Asian kingdoms, Spanish conquistadors, American planners, and Filipino revolutionaries all left their mark.
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Southeast Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities and has served for centuries as the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Southeast Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities and has served for centuries as the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home
An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. In Manila, one can find a whole lot of things worth keeping as a Filipino memento; it just might take one a little while to figure out what's best...














