2025 Binondo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

At almost every country, you will always find a Chinatown in one of the cities. In the Philippines, Chinatown at Manila Binondo has one of the longest history in the world. One of the famous street in the Chinatown will be Ong Pin street, the street is named after Don Carlos Palanca Ongpin, a prominent businessman and philanthropist of Chinese descent who played a significant role in the development of Binondo during the Spanish colonial period. Today, Ongpin Street has been the heart of Manila's Chinatown for centuries, serving as a bustling center for Chinese-Filipino commerce, culture, and community life. Visiting Ongpin Street provides a glimpse into the dynamic fusion of Chinese and Filipino cultures, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and food lovers alike. For food recommendations will be a must visit at Chuan Kee for some dimsum. It’s also the oldest fast food restaurant around ! Address: Binondo, Chinatown Metro Manila

Stepping into **Binondo**, the world’s oldest Chinatown, feels like entering a vibrant time capsule where **Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish cultures** collide. From sizzling street food to hidden temples and bustling markets, my trip here was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Here’s how I spent a delicious day in Manila’s most iconic district. --- ## **Why Binondo?** - **Oldest Chinatown in the world** (established 1594). - **Foodie paradise**—birthplace of Filipino-Chinese dishes like *pancit, lumpia, and siopao*. - **Rich history** with ancestral shops, temples, and colonial-era streets. --- ## **My Binondo Itinerary** ### **☀️ Morning: Heritage Walk & Breakfast** 1. **Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz)** - A stunning Spanish-era church with a mix of Baroque and Chinese motifs. 2. **Café Mezzanine** - Ate *champorado* (chocolate rice porridge) and *tuyo* (dried fish)—a salty-sweet combo! - Pro tip: This café doubles as a volunteer fire station! ### **🛍️ Midday: Ongpin Street & Hidden Gems** 1. **Ongpin Street** - Snacked on **hopia** (mung bean pastries) from **Eng Bee Tin** and **dragon’s beard candy** from street vendors. 2. **Santo Cristo de Longos** - A tiny chapel where a miraculous Chinese Christ statue was found. ### **🍜 Lunch: Legendary Eateries** - **Sincerity Café** - Ordered their famous **fried chicken** and **oyster cake**—crispy perfection! - **Tasty Dumplings** - Devoured *xiao long bao* (soup dumplings) dripping with broth. ### **⛩️ Afternoon: Temples & Markets** 1. **Binondo’s Hidden Alleyways** - Explored **Salazar Street** for dried goods and exotic fruits. 2. **Kuang Kong Temple** - Burned incense and admired the intricate carvings. ### **🌙 Evening: Street Food Feast** - **Dong Bei Dumplings** - Watched them hand-make *kuchay* (chive) dumplings—so fresh! - **QuikSnack** - Tried **pancit palabok** (noodles with shrimp sauce)—a must-eat! --- ## **Binondo Travel Tips** ✔ **Go hungry**—portions are huge and cheap! ✔ **Wear comfy shoes**—you’ll walk *a lot*. ✔ **Bring cash**—many spots don’t accept cards. ✔ **Try the “Binondo Food Crawl”**—guided tours are fun for first-timers. --- ## **Final Thoughts** Binondo isn’t just a place—it’s an **experience**. Between the smoky wok aromas, crumbling colonial architecture, and the hum of haggling vendors, I left with a full belly and a deeper love for Manila’s cultural mosaic. **Have you been to Binondo? What’s your favorite dish?** 🥢🍜 #Binondo #ManilaFoodTrip #ChinatownAdventures #PhilippineTravel #FoodieParadise #TravelAsia

#manilatrip 🥟Binondo, Manila’s vibrant Chinatown, established in 1594 as the world’s oldest, is a lively hub of Filipino-Chinese culture. Wander Ongpin Street to discover bustling markets, gold shops on Escolta, and the historic Binondo Church, blending Catholic and Chinese aesthetics at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. The iconic Jones Bridge, framed by the grand Chinatown Arch, is a photo must. Quirky stores sell lucky charms, while Lucky Chinatown Mall offers modern shopping.Food Experience: Binondo is a foodie’s paradise! Dive into steaming dumplings at Dong Bei or Quik Snack, savor creamy hopia at Eng Bee Tin, or try crispy lumpia at New Po-Heng. Sizzling sisig and beef mami at Sincerity Restaurant hit the spot, while Café Mezzanine offers spicy xiao long bao with a view. Street vendors hawk siomai and fish balls for quick bites. Prices are wallet-friendly, with meals from PHP 100–300 (~USD 2–6). Expect bold flavors and crowded eateries bursting with energy.Location: Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines. Across the Pasig River from Intramuros, marked by the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch.How to Reach: A 15-minute walk from Intramuros or a jeepney from Quiapo. Taxis or Grab from Makati take 20-40 minutes, traffic depending. LRT-1 to Carriedo Station, then a 10-minute walk to the arch. Kalesa rides add charm. Parking is limited, so public transport is ideal. #travel #buffets #myitinerary #museums #couplestrip #beachlife #staycation #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes #familytravel #resorts #afternoonteatime

#aprilblooms 🇵🇭Pristine Philippines🇵🇭 Binondo Chinatown Food Trip at the famous Mr.Ube Rice and Noodle House💜 So here we had their popular dishes… 🟣Meatball and Spicy Honey Pork Ube Pao 🟣Lava Pao 🟣Mr.Ube Special Pancit 🟣Spring Roll ✨Our favorites were the very flavorful and filling Pancit, the deep fried meaty and stuffed spring rolls and the fluffy and meaty Spicy Honey Pork Ube Pao Suggest to go on a weekday, seating area is not big so we got lucky to get a table☺️ #celebrateit #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #chinese #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo #china #familytravel #naturalwonders #staycation #hongkong #manila #philippines

#aprilblooms 🇵🇭Pristine Philippines🇵🇭 Welcome to Manila Chinatown-the World’s Oldest Chinatown and Home to more than 20,000 locals, This area is known for its time-honoured bistros, neoclassical establishments, and vibrant culture❤️ Also known as Ongpin Street, in Binondo, it is one of the oldest in the world, established in 1594. It serves as a vibrant hub of Chinese culture and commerce in the Philippines. This bustling district features a rich tapestry of history, with traditional shops, restaurants, and temples that reflect the heritage of the Filipino-Chinese community. Visitors can explore a myriad of culinary delights, from dim sum to authentic noodle dishes. The area is also famous for its shops selling herbal medicines, gold jewelry, and various Chinese goods. Notable landmarks include the Seng Guan Temple and the Chinese Cemetery, which showcases unique burial traditions. Just see some of the foods we had—here we had a Binondo Food Trip,💙 After getting some snacks from Eng Bee Tin—popular for their hopias, we got ourselves the famous dumplings from Dong Bei Dumplings and the amazing Fresh Lumpia from Puo Hing Lumpia👍 I must say the Fresh Lumpia was the winner here, super fresh, plump and filled to the brim, comes with that sweet sauce which makes it even more delicious😋 Check out my my next post for another foodie option here👍 💕Chinatown celebrates important festivals, such as the Lunar New Year, attracting crowds with colorful parades and cultural performances. Overall, Manila’s Chinatown is a vital cultural and economic center, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Chinese influence in Filipino society. #celebrateit #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #chinese #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo #china #familytravel #naturalwonders #staycation #hongkong #manila #philippines

#aprilblooms 🇵🇭Pristine Philippines🇵🇭 We visited the Binondo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, located in Manila's Chinatown district. The architectural style is Spanish or European Baroque and moreover it is notable for its octagonal five-tier Chinese-style bell tower which reflects the culture and art of the surround Chinatown. This church was founded by Dominican priests in 1596 to serve their Chinese Christian converts in the Binondo area where the Spanish authorities permitted Chinese and Chinese mestizos to live. The church also served native Filipino Christians. Despite being that old, the paintings inside the church are all still beatifically intact, so many stunning pictures of biblical figures on the walls and ceilings. We also bought a some colorful and meaningful candles to light from the vendor just at the church’s entrance. #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #manila #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #asia #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo #philippines #hongkong #springwander

📍 Itinerary Overview Here's a one-day itinerary overview for exploring Binondo, Manila, highlighting the key attractions, including Binondo Church: ### Morning: 1. **Breakfast at a Local Eatery** Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at a local eatery. Try dim sum or congee for an authentic experience. 2. **Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz)** After breakfast, visit Binondo Church, a historic Catholic church known for its beautiful architecture and significance to the Filipino-Chinese community. Spend some time exploring the church and its surroundings. ### Mid-Morning: 3. **Walk Through Ongpin Street** Stroll along Ongpin Street, famous for its numerous Chinese restaurants and shops. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and consider picking up some snacks or street food. ### Lunch: 4. **Lunch at a Famous Restaurant** Stop for lunch at one of Binondo's renowned restaurants, such as "Lung Hin" or "King Chef." Be sure to try their special dishes, like Peking duck or seafood noodles. ### Afternoon: 5. **Visit the Chinatown Arch** After lunch, head to the iconic Chinatown Arch, a beautiful structure that marks the entrance to Binondo. It's a great spot for photos. 6. **Explore the Local Markets** Walk around the various markets, such as the 168 Shopping Mall, where you can find a variety of goods, from clothing to souvenirs. Don't forget to check out the herbal shops for traditional Chinese medicine. ### Late Afternoon: 7. **Snack at a Local Bakery** Stop by a local bakery, like the iconic "Eng Bee Tin," and try their famous hopia (a traditional Filipino pastry) or some mooncakes. 8. **Visit the Chinese Cemetery** If time permits, take a quick visit to the Manila Chinese Cemetery, known for its elaborate tombs and mausoleums. It's a unique cultural experience. ### Evening: 9. **Dinner at a Seafood Restaurant** For dinner, enjoy a seafood feast at a popular restaurant like "Dampa." Choose your seafood and have it cooked to your liking. 10. **End the Day with a Dessert** Cap off your day with a dessert at a local café. Try some Chinese desserts or classic Filipino sweets. This itinerary provides a blend of cultural, culinary, and historical experiences in Binondo, ensuring you make the most of your day in Manila's vibrant Chinatown!

#manilatrip #moa #Chinatownbinondo

Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, was a vibrant mix of history, culture, and incredible food. The narrow streets buzzed with life—red lanterns overhead, the scent of dumplings and roast duck in the air, and the chatter of locals and tourists alike. I stopped by an old tea house for authentic dim sum, then wandered past centuries-old temples and shops selling lucky charms. Ongpin Street was a treasure trove of flavors, from hopia pastries to steaming bowls of beef mami. It wasn’t just a visit—it was an experience, a delicious dive into Manila’s Chinese heritage.

For the third time, we've booked our stay at the Swiss-Belhotel Blulane to celebrate Lunar New Year in 2025. The hotel's convenient location near Ongpin Street allows us to easily explore the area, where we always find the latest TikTok trends. Don't miss the delicious Malabon Lechon Kawali at the hotel! For our coffee fix in Binondo, Apologue Cafe remains our top choice – it's simply the best. #staycation #travel #couplestrip #binondo

This is the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz — popularly known as Binondo Church. This historical and religious landmark in the heart of the World’s Oldest Chinatown in Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila was established by the Dominicans in 1596. I have always been fascinated by Minor Basilicas because they share a special bond of communion with the Pope. Thus, you can see the Crossed Keys as a papal symbol and the Vatican Flag, although the Vatican Flag is often seen at Catholic Churches. If a Church such as this receives the special title of a “Minor Basilica”, it is because of its historical value, architectural and artistic worth, antiquity, and significance as a holy place of worship. 😇🇵🇭🇻🇦 #philippines #Asia

Enjoying our binondo trip We walk around Chinatown and go to BININDO CHURCH they are so many Stores and restaurants you can go and eat there authentic Chinese cuisine and also Chinatown mall is near binondo 🩷 you can shop and eat too Binondo is the Chinatown area of Manila. The name comes from the Tagalog ... Binondo. Location: Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines. Near: Luneta Park Binondo bridge Lucky Chinatown mall Engbeetin #binondochurch #Binondo #chinatown

It was an enjoyable trip to Manila Binondo and Cebu. Enjoyed my virgin trip with a week stay and hope to return soon. Be street smart and avoid the touts and everything will be alright. Food are a plenty at affordable prices and people are nice and friendly. Enjoy some of the highlights from the trip. Hoped you enjoyed it. #Binondo #chinatown #nice hotel #nice clouds #virgin trip #manila #cebu

If you want to explore the heart of Manila on foot, this is a great choice!

I booked a hotel in Binondo through Trip.Com so we can explore the whole place for 4 days and 3 nights. It was so worth it as we get to enjoy both the day activities and city lights at night. We also got to taste different Chinese cuisines. 😍

#Goldhunting#manilabinondo#wheretheplaceyoucanenjoyshoppinginaffordableprice♥️ Binondo Manila

#manila

Food trippin’ in Binondo, Manila. Come here and try their food! cheap and very delicious beef mami ❤️ you will really enjoy here. don’t forget to visit the Binondo Church.

#holidayvacation Binondo is the world's oldest Chinatown, established in the 1590s by the Spanish as a settlement for Catholic Chinese. Located across the river from the walled city of Intramuros, it was positioned so that colonial rulers could keep a close eye on their migrant subjects. It is the center of commerce and trade of Manila, where all types of business run by Filipino-Chinese thrive. This is what Binondo looks like during Chinese New Year. #merryxmas #newphotographer#merrychristmas#travelinspiration#unforgettableexperiences#instagramworthydestinations#holidayvacation#awesomepic