Binondo, established in 1594, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established for Chinese residents during Spanish rule. The goal was both to have a space for the Spanish to confine Chinese immigrants and also to facilitate converting Chinese to Catholicism.

Binondo offers a number of unique and fascinating sites for visitors to the Philippines. Among these sites are the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo Church, the Chinatown Arch and Jones Bridge.

Visitors hoping to find unique souvenirs while in the Philippines should visit Ongpin Street. There are numerous drugstores and shopping malls. Cafes that are largely geared toward tourists also line the street.

Escolta Street, just beyond the New Binondo Chinatown Arch (not to be confused with the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch), is an excellent spot to find authentic food. Escolta is also one of the oldest streets in Manila. Visitors can look for the First United Building, which is one of the few art deco style buildings in Manila. Other buildings to look for are the beaux arts-style Calvo and Natividad Buildings as well as the 1930's Capitol Theatre.

Fort Santiago is an important, historic structure in the walled city of Manila, Intramuros. Five flags have flown over the fort since its construction in 1593.

Fort Santiago was named for the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. Its purpose was to defend the Spanish government while it ruled the Philippines. In particular, Fort Santiago served as defense for the spice trading ships that traveled between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.

Briefly, during the Battle of Manila, British occupying forces took over Fort Santiago. The fort served as the base of operations for the British Royal Navy from 1762 through 1764. When a ceasefire was declared, the fort reverted into Spanish control.

The Philippine-American War took place from February 1899 through July 1902. The United States overtook the fort, which then served as the headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Philippines.

The fort was captured by Japanese forces during World War II. It was used to house prisoners of war, hundreds of whom died in the dungeons as they succumbed to suffocation and hunger.

Fort Santiago has been under Philippine control since the country gained its independence in 1946. It was declared a shrine of freedom in 1950 and was restored shortly thereafter. It is now part of a historic park that recognizes the rich and sometimes tragic history of the country.

Visitors are welcome to explore the interior and exterior of the fort. The dungeon is a particularly somber experience where visitors can honor those who perished. A marble cross in the dungeon signifies the mass grave where 600 prisoners of war were buried.

Fort Santiago is located near many other important landmarks in Manila. Visitors can easily add this must-see spot to their walking tour of the city.

Why You Should Visit:
- To witness one of the most important sites in the Philippines
- To pay honor to those who died in the dungeons of the fort

Tips:
Fort Santiago is open daily from 8 AM through 6 PM. The dungeon is open from 2 PM through 10 PM.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is one of the most important churches in Manila. Standing poignantly in the Intramuros district of Manila, the Cathedral has looked over the city for over 5 centuries. With its solid Neo-Romanesque architecture, one cannot ignore the almost over powering effect it has on its visitors and passersby. This is one of the many reasons that the Cathedral is one of the most famous venues for many locals as well as foreigners to share nuptials vows.

Despite its reputation and opulence, the Cathedral has had a very turbulent past. Although the Church has been on site since the early 16th century, the structure has changed several times over the years. The present, being the eighth reincarnated version of the original structure! The Cathedral was destroyed by earthquakes and terrible fires, but despite that, it has always managed to maintain that special possession not only in the city’s skyline, but also the hearts of the denizens.

With the Cathedral and the city having the same patroness, the Virgin Mary, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is also the highest seat for the Archbishop of the country.

Behind the wall of the Intramuros, the oldest walled city within Manila is one of the oldest surviving churches of the country. The San Agustin Church, built by the Spanish during their colonial reign, represents the city’s rich and vibrant past.

The San Agustin Church has come a long way since its inception in 1607. Initially built with bamboo and wood in the early 16th century, the structure was razed due to a fire and was reconstructed with wood, which also failed to survive. It was then that the Augustinians decided to build a solid structure made out of stone, with an adjacent monastery. Based on the design by architect, Juan Macías, construction started off in 1586. Although, the project started with zeal and enthusiasm, the same spirit was not seen with the inflow of funds. Construction took more than 2 decades and by the time it was completed, the Church lost its chief designer Macias.

Despite having a shaky start, the San Agustin Church had a very eventful history. Plundered by the British forces in the 18th century, the Church miraculously survived many devastating earthquakes that had left the city of Manila in shambles. As a matter of fact, the San Agustin Church was the only public building to survive the massive earthquake of 1863.

Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. At 140 acres, the park is home to the National Museum Complex, the Rizal Monument, a series of gardens, public art and event venues.

The National Museum Complex consists of the National Museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History. This complex is held in a series of buildings that were once part of the Filipino government.

The gardens in Rizal Park are in a variety of styles. Including among these gardens are the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden. The Children's Playground offer multi-color slides, swings and climbing structures.

The Rizal Monument is a memorial and the final resting place of Filipino nationalist, Jose Rizal. The monument is an obelisk that holds Rizal's cremated remains, his two novels and a statue in his honor. The monument is arguably the most famous sculptural landmark in the Philippines.

The National Museum of the Philippines is a conglomerate of museums located near Rizal Park. The National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History all fall under the umbrella of the National Museum of the Philippines.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is located in the former Legislative Building. The original building was completed in 1926 but destroyed by Japanese forces during World war II. The building was rebuilt in 1950 in a Neoclassical style. The museum holds paintings and sculptures from prominent Filipino artists like Guillermo Tolentino and Juan Luna.

The National Museum of Anthropology is adjacent to the National Museum of Fine Arts. It is in the building that formerly housed the Department of Finance. Built in 1918, the National Museum of Anthropology building was constructed in a Neoclassical style. This museum offers a history of the Filipino people. Visitors will find maps, archaeological treasures and art through the ages, among other items.

The National Museum of Natural History contains botanical and zoological specimens. It is held in the former Agriculture and Commerce building, which was erected in 1941.

The National Museum of the Philippines is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM through 5 PM. It is free to all visitors.