San Nicolas, Administrative district in Manila, Philippines
San Nicolas is a district in the western central part of Manila that runs along the northern bank of the Pasig River next to Binondo. The area is divided into multiple barangays and features a mix of older buildings and local streets that connect to nearby commercial zones.
The area was first known as Baybay and served as a Chinese settlement before 1570, then Dominican missionaries established a mission here in 1598 outside Intramuros. This founding shaped how the district developed and organized itself for the centuries that followed.
The district is home to ancestral houses from the 1800s that reflect how families lived and worked in this part of Manila over time. Walking through the streets, you can see how these structures shaped the daily life and identity of local residents.
Jeepneys, tricycles, and pedicabs are the main ways to get around the district and reach nearby areas easily. The Tutuban Center works as a helpful reference point for visitors moving through the neighborhood.
The district contains the Pasig River Lighthouse, a landmark that visitors often miss but offers an interesting view of the waterway. This structure reflects the maritime story of how the river shaped the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
