Chinatown
3.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Chinatown and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,032 within 5 kms
Attractions
299 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
424 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
144
Average
126
Poor
54
Terrible
22
00RSN00
98 contributions
Dec 2022
I liked the Seng Guan temple, The Lucky Chinatown mall and the museum were okay. But the streets are filthy and disgusting and unwalkable.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lyd
San Andres, Philippines14 contributions
Aug 2022
This weekend with so many shut down stores, only food shops still operating and many of them selling imported Chinese foodstuff. And a few Chinese Traditional Medicine outlets still open with shortened hours. Take out cooked food outlets still making good sales
The sidewalks on Ongpin St. are 60 cm lower than the street level and narrow too. There are electric meters protruding at chest level from the facade of stores. So watch out!.
Because of the dire economy, no longer vibrant.
The sidewalks on Ongpin St. are 60 cm lower than the street level and narrow too. There are electric meters protruding at chest level from the facade of stores. So watch out!.
Because of the dire economy, no longer vibrant.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sri Babbai Sri ... a
San Diego, CA23 contributions
May 2022
So much to see. Plenty of shops and many restaurants! Great deals on all kinds of stuff. The church is Amazing and worth checking out the ceiling. Engbees has good food and souvenirs I would go again..
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenny p
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Solo
It seems that people, mostly Westerners, are expecting all Chinatowns to be the same. Basically, thinking of Chinese culture and people to be homogenous.
For one, Binondo has a very long history. It is almost as old as the city itself. This is why it does not come off like China, Hong Kong or Taiwan. Binondo has a lot of indigenous, colonial Spanish and colonial American influences.
The culture of Binondo is that of a mixed one. That is why there is a Catholic Church in Binondo that has a tower with eight sides, and a Catholic shrine where people offer incense, and where Buddhist and Daoist temples have the cross, Virgin Mary and Santo Niño displayed.
If you do not expect Binondo to be like Chinatowns in the US (which are threatened by Disneyfication and gentrification) and explore the LOCAL Chinese culture, you will appreciate Binondo.
Also, expecting Binondo to be like all Chinatowns kn the world, or be like China, Taiwan or Hong Kong is nothing short of ORIENTALISM.
For one, Binondo has a very long history. It is almost as old as the city itself. This is why it does not come off like China, Hong Kong or Taiwan. Binondo has a lot of indigenous, colonial Spanish and colonial American influences.
The culture of Binondo is that of a mixed one. That is why there is a Catholic Church in Binondo that has a tower with eight sides, and a Catholic shrine where people offer incense, and where Buddhist and Daoist temples have the cross, Virgin Mary and Santo Niño displayed.
If you do not expect Binondo to be like Chinatowns in the US (which are threatened by Disneyfication and gentrification) and explore the LOCAL Chinese culture, you will appreciate Binondo.
Also, expecting Binondo to be like all Chinatowns kn the world, or be like China, Taiwan or Hong Kong is nothing short of ORIENTALISM.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lyd
San Andres, Philippines14 contributions
May 2022
locals are trying out food outlets after reading or viewing reviews. because of on going pandemic. less number of people and less business activity. Eng Ho bakery in T. Alonzo St, Binondo have delicious products at reasonable prices.
More mainland Chinese seen some even using old motorbikes with China registration plates in this area.
More decorative China styled lamp posts installed on part of the road space.
More banks occupy former retail store spaces. And more multistory condos built on demolished lots like movie theaters.
More mainland Chinese seen some even using old motorbikes with China registration plates in this area.
More decorative China styled lamp posts installed on part of the road space.
More banks occupy former retail store spaces. And more multistory condos built on demolished lots like movie theaters.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lyd
San Andres, Philippines14 contributions
Feb 2021
small retail shops offering a myriad of merchandise are hard to find. now banks, eating and food shops, banks, malls, and residential condos are there.
2 passenger horse drawn "calesas" that charged $1 for 1 km in year 2000, not even one seen and now replaced by 4-6 passenger electric tricycles.
Those 1944 Willys Jeep that became 5 meter long passenger "jeepneys" seen rarely. I missed the smell of diesel smoke and the loud noises from exhaust mufflers.
Here you will find more authentic Chinese Mainlanders now. The locally home grown Filipino Chinese that are getting old and now retired. Many Filipino tourists are seen enjoying Chinese meals and deli and buying ornaments and popular elcecytonic and smartphone gadgets in Divisoria-a source of goods sold online.
2 passenger horse drawn "calesas" that charged $1 for 1 km in year 2000, not even one seen and now replaced by 4-6 passenger electric tricycles.
Those 1944 Willys Jeep that became 5 meter long passenger "jeepneys" seen rarely. I missed the smell of diesel smoke and the loud noises from exhaust mufflers.
Here you will find more authentic Chinese Mainlanders now. The locally home grown Filipino Chinese that are getting old and now retired. Many Filipino tourists are seen enjoying Chinese meals and deli and buying ornaments and popular elcecytonic and smartphone gadgets in Divisoria-a source of goods sold online.
Written 23 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c devera
San Andres, Philippines130 contributions
Feb 2020
Binondo prime Chinatown can be covered on foot in 2 hours. If you include the San Nicolas and Divisoria areas, then you need at least 5 hours. With more and more Fujian and Cantonese migrants this is now the real CHINA town. Most are staying in new condos and in trading.. Some operate small order restos with authentic Chinese flavors. And buy your TCM.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaringtoGo8
Toronto, Canada215 contributions
Jan 2020
Don't miss it. Great bargains in food and shopping. Better to go with a local friend or guide to steer you to favorite spots, so you don't msis out
Written 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer11855517420
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Nice place to visit in ,old area wity lot of shops and restaurent around,one can feel the old city ambience there
Written 12 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhym
2 contributions
May 2019
Kuang Kong. Buddhist temple open to the public and is worth visiting as it shows the roots of the Chinese-Filipino, you can burn incense sticks and utter your prayers
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia L
Tagaytay, Philippines
Open po ba chinatown today kahit holiday ngayon?
sandracyu
Metro Manila, Philippines103 contributions
it depends where you go... During holiday esp Chinese New year - stores are closed. Only the stores in 168 1188 999 LCM open. If office are closed the Binondo CArvajal area very quiet
jennkay
Manitoba, Canada13 contributions
Is it actually unsafe to travel here during the day with a group? someone told me to watch your pockets and loose jewelery? Handbags? Any tips are helpful. Planning to take a trip here while we are in manila for a day.
insatiablepanda247
Philippines4,290 contributions
Hi! It's just much safer not to wear jewelry (or simply attention-getting ones) and there's really no point in wearing fancy stuff there. Dress simple and consider something you wouldn't mind sweating in. I using prefer dryfit shirts. Keep your bags in front of you.
We do these practices anywhere on foot, in public transportation, and tight, busy areas. But no need to be so stiff and worried; enjoy the place along with the company of your travel buddies.
Pack light, pack right, and I hope you have fun during your visit!
Semyon A
Brooklyn, NY3 contributions
How far from Makati to Chinatown
Anna May V
Pasig, Philippines2,724 contributions
I'd say they are between 9-10 kilometers apart.
Davi-Boy
Boracay Island1,901 contributions
Where can I buy quality tea leaves in Binondo? Thanks
Business e
6 contributions
Ching Tay Chinese Drugstore, 596 Alonzo Street in Binondo.
The dried tea leaves are prescribed by a well known TCM practitioner Dr. Tan Ci Shou and his son Dr. John whose humble clinic is located nearby at 2nd Floor, Fu Yong Mansion in Ongpin Street.
Apparently, Dr. Tan was tapped by WHO a long time ago to be part of its TCM program but the good doctor graciously declined as he would like to concentrate on his practice. He is a miracle worker. Go to Ching Tay and talk to his patients, many of whom can account for the efficacy of the herbs, those cured from chronic diseases.
are the stores still open at night?
c devera
San Andres, Philippines130 contributions
Stores in Divisoria area malls it is possible they stay open up to 11 PM. As long they still have shoppers.
Stores in Chinatown area normally closed by 6.30 PM.
In mall of upscale areas closing time is 7 PM normally.
TravellerOracle
Corpus Christi, TX46 contributions
Thanks, all the info I received will be helpful . Does anyone know if there will be a "dragon dance " on the streets of Chinatown on Jan 28 , Chinese New Year? Is there a schedule of activities on line that I can see?
c devera
San Andres, Philippines130 contributions
Yes the dragon dance is very traditional every year. There will be one on Jan 27 or Jan 28 Philippine Time
CHINATOWN (Manila) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown
- We recommend booking Chinatown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Chinatown tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chinatown:
- (0.13 km) Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
- (0.25 km) Red Planet Manila Binondo
- (0.14 km) OYO 416 Lucky Hotel
- (0.36 km) Hotel Lucky Chinatown
- (0.29 km) Best Fortune Hotel
- Restaurants near Chinatown:
- (0.20 km) Eng Bee Tin
- (0.15 km) Dong Bei Dumpling
- (0.16 km) Eng Bee Tin
- (0.14 km) Eng Bee Tin
- (0.14 km) The Great Buddha Cafe
- Attractions near Chinatown:
- (0.01 km) Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz
- (0.07 km) Binondo Church
- (0.17 km) Taoist Shrine (veronica St)
- (0.25 km) Old Manila Walks - Day Tours
- (0.26 km) Hong Bon Bridge