Binondo Chinatown

Binondo

Founded in 1594, Binondo is the world’s oldest Chinatown. Along Ongpin Street on the north bank of the Pasig River, century-old Hokkien restaurants, mooncake shops, and churches cluster together, and the “Binondo food crawl” is one of Manila’s most popular eating tours.

Binondo lies on the north bank of the Pasig River, across from Intramuros. In 1594, the Spanish governor designated the area to settle Chinese merchants who had converted to Catholicism. It is the oldest Chinatown still in existence in the world and has been the commercial heart of the Filipino Chinese community, most of whom are of Hokkien descent, for centuries.

Cross the Jones Bridge and pass through the Chinese-Filipino Friendship Arch, one of the largest Chinatown gates in the world, to reach Ongpin Street. The main street is named after the Chinese merchant Ongpin. On either side are gold shops, herbal medicine stores, and long-established mooncake and pastry shops, including Eng Bee Tin, famous for its turtle-shaped mooncakes, along with tea houses and noodle shops.

Food is the main attraction here. Sincerity is known for its fried chicken and oyster omelet, Wai Ying for roast meats and dim sum, and Dong Bei for dumplings. New Po Heng serves lumpia (spring rolls), and Cafe Mezzanine is a firefighter-themed café. You will also find pig’s trotter rice, braised noodles, and peanut soup. Joining the Binondo Food Crawl walking tour (about ₱1,500 to ₱2,500) lets you sample more than a dozen spots in three hours.

Historical highlights include Binondo Church (the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz), built in 1596 and the hometown church of the Philippines’ first saint, with its octagonal bell tower. Escolta Street has Art Deco buildings and 1930s commercial relics, and Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz is nearby.

During Lunar New Year, the streets are hung with lanterns, lion dance troupes perform from door to door, and parades roll through. It is one of Manila’s grandest festivals.

Getting there: From LRT-1 Carriedo station, it is a 10-minute walk. From Intramuros, cross the Jones Bridge in a 15-minute walk.

Tips: Start around 10:00, visit the church first, then walk Ongpin Street while eating your way along. You will finish around noon. Alternatively, come in the evening for dinner.

Notes: The streets are crowded and traffic is chaotic, so watch your step when crossing. Keep an eye on your belongings to guard against pickpockets. Many shops accept cash only, and some older shops close on Sundays.

Binondo Chinatown

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby