Manila Landmarks and Monuments

(Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines)



Manila Cathedral photographManila is crammed with interesting sights and landmarks for which it is well known, often used by visitors to navigate their way around the city. Religious structures are common, with the landmarks of the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral and the Iglesia ni Cristo among the most famous within the city today.

For visitors with a particular interest in history, Fort Santiago, the old colonial Spanish fort, is a must-see in Manila, while anyone appreciating grandeur and lavishness should not miss the Malacanang Palace. These landmarks, however, are just two of the city's abundant iconic monuments and structures, all of which provide much character and enjoyment.


Close-up picture of the Manila Cathedral domes

Manila Cathedral

Address: Cabildo corner Beaterio, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 527 3093
The city's grand cathedral was completed in 1951, although sits on a site that has featured five other churches, the first of which dated back to 1581. Disaster befell all five predecessors with earthquakes, fires and war among the causes of their destruction. The current building features an impressive Romanesque edifice.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Fort Santiago

Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 527 2889
Hailing from the country's era under Spanish colonisation, Fort Santiago is an interesting landmark that dates back to 1571. The structure served as a prison originally and is known to have incarcerated a number of Filipino heroes during its time, as well as freedom fighters when Manila was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War. Today the fort has been converted into a park for visitors and has its own on-site theatre company.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

San Agustin Church photo

San Agustin Church

Address: Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 527 4061
The oldest church in Manila dates back to 1606 and is one of the biggest visual attractions in the city's Intramuros district. San Agustin Church is remarkably well preserved, having made it through the period of Japanese occupation entirely unscathed. A museum located adjacent to the main church building is home to the Philippine's most impressive collections of colonial religious art.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Image of the waterfront Malacanang Palace

Malacanang Palace

Address: Kalayaan Hall, Malacanang, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 733 3721
Situated on the Pasig River's north bank, Malacanang Palace is a grand, stately structure that has served as the official abode of the country's president since 1863. Much of the palace is off limits to the public, although one wing is open specifically for visits and features the Philippine Presidential Museum. This landmark building was originally constructed to serve as a summer residence for the Spanish Governor General.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)

Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 525 6322
Iglesia ni Cristo is a distinctive religious landmark featuring green and white Gothic spires that can be seen towering over the skyline from many parts of the city. The church belongs to a powerful Christian sect and is one of number to be found across the country.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Manila City Hall picture

Manila City Hall

Address: Padre Burgos Street, Manila, Philippines, PH
Tel: +63 02 524 7141
This unusual building features a hotch-potch of architectural styles and a distinct lack of symmetry or evidence of consistency in design. It's for these reasons that Manila City Hall has become such an interesting structure to view and has managed to establish itself as one of the city's most notable landmarks, appearing at the top of many a sightseeing itinerary.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free