Manila City Hall Entrance

The Manila City Hall is one of the distinct landmarks in the capital city of Manila, in the Philippines. The edifice, with its hexagonal tower with three red-faced clock on three of its facets, received unfavorable reviews in its initial years because of its austere architectural design, lack of entrances and the placement of the clock tower. The building's floor plan had been dismissed as similar in shape to a coffin or, in the other end, like the shield of Knights Templar.

Nowadays, many critics praise the design of the City Hall for the same reasons the complex was vilified. The building is located in the center of tourism area where major government buildings and landmarks, are located. The National Museum, Museum of the Filipino People and the Department of Tourism are located just south of the city hall. Rizal Park, the largest city park in the country is just south of the museums. The city hall is also located just outside the oldest and most historic part of the city of Manila - the walled city of Intramuros.

The clock tower of the Manila City Hall

Features

The building was designed and planned by Antonio Toledo. All the trees inside and around the vicinity of the City Hall were planted by Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing during the early seventies.

Clock Tower

The clock tower has become a trademark for Manila and the city hall. At nighttime, the tower is illuminated with its details highlighted by beautiful lighting. Every hour, the bell rings three times followed by a melody. It is recognized as the largest clock tower in the Philippines.

Manila City Hall Facade

Services

The City Hall is the main administrative building and houses the local government of the city of Manila. The following departments are housed and provide their services from the city hall:

• General Management
• Revenue Generation
• Legal or Public Safety
• Health
• Infrastructure and Sanitation
• Public Welfare Service
• Education
• Media Bureau
• Electronic Data Processing Team
• Emergency Team
• Police Assistance
• The City Hall is open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
  

Manila City Hall and Clock Tower as viewed from P. Burgos Street

Accommodations

Here is the list of hotels that can be found in Manila that offers good service and accommodations.

• Bayview Park Hotel - Ermita, Manila
• Centara Hotel Manila - Malate, Manila
• Century Park Hotel - Malate, Manila
• Diamond Hotel Manila - Malate, Manila
• G Hotel Manila by Waterfront - Malate, Manila
• Hotel H20 Manila - Rizal Park, Manila
• Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila - Ermita, Manila
• Manila Hotel - Rizal Park, Manila
• Pan Pacific Manila - Malate, Manila
• Ramada Manila Central - Binondo, Manila
• The Bayleaf Intramuros - Intramuros, Manila
• Waterfront Manila Pavilion - Ermita, Manila

Getting around the Manila City

Manila is the major city in the Philippines. Tourists can go around Manila in many options. Buses, FXs, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and pedicabs are available as a mode of transportations in the city. The city is also serviced by the Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as LRT, as distinct from the MRT in other parts of Metro Manila.

Calesas are still used in the streets of Binondo and Intramuros, but mostly for tourists. Which mode of for-hire used depends upon the distance to be traveled, the cost, and the width of the streets.

The Port of Manila, located in the vicinity of Manila Bay, is the chief seaport of the Philippines. The city is also served by the Pasig River Ferry Service which runs on the Pasig River.

The city is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.