5 Famous Places to Visit near Ramada Hotel in Binondo, Manila

It seems like Binondo, Manila (also know as the Philippine Chinatown) is starting to bloom. After the establishment of a new quality shopping mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, here comes another grand establishment - the Ramada Manila Central Hotel! Watch out for it! Tourists will now have a new alternative! Also, featured in this article are some nearby places you could visit!

Binondo is widely known to be one of Manila's prime business districts. And this is because its financial growth has never put into a halt. In fact, it is blooming even more! It will now have its first international hotel, The Ramada Manila Central that is claimed to have its soft opening this April 30, 2012!

This Hospitality International Inc. boasts and claims that Ramada Hotel will substantially increase the tourism value of Chinatown. The management claims that it will flourish the Filipino-Chinese heritage and culture, which is undeniably very rich and unique,

The room rates include the following:

• Breakfast for two (2) at NEWS
• High-speed internet connection
• Daily replenishment of 2 bottles of water
• Local newspaper
• Access to fitness facilities
• Scheduled shuttle service

1. News Café - this café is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm serving unique Asian and Western cuisine. If you are searching for a fine place to eat out near Binondo, you should really check this awesome place. Plus, the prices of the food are "friendly". Thus, you will surely fill your appetite without draining your wallets.
2. Luna Bar - Night outs in Binondo? Well, it is now possible, since Luna Bar will be there to cater to your needs. This bar is open from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am and offers unique variety of wine and drinks.
3. Lobby Lounge - the Lobby Lounge is a perfect spot for business meetings as well as casual conversations. Sip in a cup of coffee or tea as you socialize and impart brilliant ideas to your colleagues, friends, business partners and etc.

In case you want to explore more of Chinatown, you should try the food nearby. More than the Filipino-Chinese infusion of culture, there are lot to experience in Binondo, Manila. And this includes the food scene, which is also as rich as the culture!

Luckily, Ramada Manila Central is very close to the Binondo Church since this area is surrounded by a lot of Chinese restaurants. In fact you have a wide range of variety to choose from: noodles, dim sum, fried dishes, fried rice and etc.

Majority of these restaurants are casual ones, meaning you won't see anything fancy regarding the places. But, rest assured that you will enjoy their dishes! I'll share with you one that I know of - Tasty Dumplings. It offers fine tasting dumplings as well as its famous fried pork chop.

If you are looking for something a little fancier, you may try Golden Fortune. The prices are still affordable, and you have a wider variety to choose from - all in one restaurant.

Check out my blog post regarding my mini food trip in Binondo.

One of the best things about this establishment is its proximity to other popular places.

1. Binondo Church

Binondo Church is one of the famous historical places and landmarks of the Philippines, and this is evidenced by its thousands of devotees and visiting parishioners. Built during the 1596, this church has already witnessed several significant events embedded in the Philippine history. This church even survived the 1863 earthquake which is deemed as the worst earthquake Philippines had faced. All these things make Binondo Church a must-visit for every tourist!

The good thing about staying in Ramada Manila Central is the convenience of visiting this church in a jiffy! This is due to the fact that the church is located just in front of the hotel. Check out the map on the right. You will notice that it's really near and convenient to visit!

2. Lucky Chinatown Mall

Similar to the Ramada Manila Central, the Lucky Chinatown Mall (located at Reina Regente St. Corner Dela Reina St.) is just new and considered very young. What's cool about this is that it's the only mall in Binondo that has cinemas! Plus it offers a very wide variety of shopping and food stores! You won't need to go anywhere far, in fact, you may opt to walk it from the hotel.

3. 168 Mall and Divisoria Mall

If you are in a mood for some bazaars and bulk purchasing try 168 Mall and/or Divisoria Mall. Plus, you get to practice your bargaining skills! Though you must take note that it sometimes get too crowded in these two malls. However, some tourists consider this as an additional sense of adventure - swimming in the pool of people.

4. Intramuros

Intramuros is widely known to be the oldest district and historic core of Manila. It has also been known as the Walled City. In fact, the name intramuros literally mean "within the walls" in latin. Furthermore, Intramuros became the seat of government during the Spanish Colonial Period. This is why you will be immersed in an historical adventure once you set foot to Intramuros. Plus you will also get to experience Spanish culture and heritage. Hence, Intramuros became one of the instant favorites of tourists.

Inside Intramuros lies another famous landmark, the Fort Santiago. This is a great place to start unraveling the historical past of Philippines as well as Spain.

Trivia: Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was imprisoned in this fort before he was executed.

Check out the map near the end of this article to see where you can find Intramuros. Remember that you are situated near pin B (Binondo Church).

5. Rizal Park

Since we already mentioned D. Jose Rizal, you might want to visit another famous landmark, Rizal Park! Also known as Luneta Park, Rizal Park is a historical park located in the core of the Manila. In addition, this park is just adjacent to Intramuros. So you might want to visit this after your tour in Intramuros.

In addition, Rizal park has been widely known as a place for unwinding, socializing and even dating. There are also families who choose this park to have their picnics on Sundays and holidays. Definitely, it's one of the major tourist attractions here in Manila. Why not experience it yourself?

6. Manila Ocean Park

If you are into some sea-adventure, then Manila Ocean Park is the place for you!

Owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc,The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium located behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. Notice that you may actually visit Intramuros ,Rizal Park and this in a single day. But, it is suggested that you don't. It is highly recommended that you enjoy every second in each of these amazing places.

Also, aside from the thousand variety of sea creatures you'll see, you will also enjoy the great dining experience Manila Ocean Park has to offer. There a lot of foods stalls and unique bars you will certainly take pleasure plunging into!