No matter where you look, you can easily find Insta-ready architectural gems in Escolta. Many of the buildings incorporate Renaissance, Neoclassical, Beaux Arts, and Art Deco styles in its design. Make sure to bring a camera with you to take snapshots of these old wonders. Most of the structures were built in the early decades of the 20th century, and have survived World War II along with a number of earthquakes that affected Manila.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia The home of the first elevator in the country, Burke Building was named after its original owner and a cardiologist, William J. Burke. Local celebrities Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada used to rent spaces here.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia More popularly known as the BPI Plaza Sta. Cruz branch, this building has undergone several changes. In 1957, more floors were added to accept more tenants. It used to serve as a hospital and a bank, among others.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia With its symmetrical designs, First United Building can easily attract Escolta visitors. The building geometric designs, rectangular segments, and straight lines, giving it a sharp and edgy appearance. It formerly housed the Manila Post Office and commercial spaces owned by the late comedian Dolphy and superstar Nora Aunor.

Read 10 Instagram-worthy Places to Visit in Manila

Image Credit: @Wikipedia Built more than eight decades ago and designed by Juan Nakpil (the first National Artist for Architecture), the Capitol Theater is a 1,200-square meter playhouse with 800 seats. Its exterior features carvings designed by Francesco Riccardo Monti, an Italian sculptor. Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower, was used to design the building’s central motif. However, the building’s interior was heavily damaged by the Battle of Manila in the 1940s.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia Originally known as Roxas Building, the Regina Building initially has three levels only, which were designed by local architect and Juan Luna’s son Andres Luna de San Pedro. To accommodate more tenants, it was later expanded by Fernando H. Ocampo. Interestingly, the building is surrounded by two bodies of water, the Pasig River and Estero de la Reina.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia Juan Luna E-Service Building was originally called the Pacific Commercial Company. During the 1930s, it changed its name to the First National City Bank Building, as it served as the bank’s headquarters during that time. The building was among the few ones that survived the infamous 1945 aerial bombing. In 1969, it was renovated based on the proposed interior design of National Artist Leandro V. Locsin. Today, it is a commercial property with a food court and several office spaces.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia What sets this architectural masterpiece apart from other items on this list is its shape. With its dome-like structure, it looks like a spaceship. This futuristic building is now known as the BPI Escolta branch, as it was acquired by the Bank of the Philippine Islands about four decades ago.

Image Credit: @Wikipedia Designed by Spanish architect Fernando de la Cantera Blondeau, Natividad Building is a majestic example of Beaux Arts architecture. During the Battle of Manila in the middle of the 20th century, the building suffered from minor damages. It was rebuilt right after the war. Natividad Building also used to house the Philippine Insurance Commission and the Philippine Education Company, the largest local book firm at that time.

Check out the complete Escolta Map tour guide

Feed your artistic soul as you visit old-school museums in Escolta. Compared to other museums across Manila, the museums in this section of the capital have lower entrance fees.

Image Credit: @misterhubs via Instagram See precious memorabilia of iconic entrepreneur Sy Lian Teng at First United Building Community Museum. The museum was actually a tribute to him, for being a significant instrument in the shaping of commerce in the district. Some of his machines, household appliances, furniture, and even old receipts can be found here.

Image Credit: fritzgrace.blogspot.com A short walk away from LRT 1-Carriedo station, this accessible museum in Calvo Building features displays of posters, bottles, music sheets, postcards, and other interesting items from the past. Visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Manila Post Office when looking through one of the building’s windows. Another interesting piece of trivia: Calvo Building also housed GMA Network's original office.

Aside from taking photos of the aesthetically pleasing buildings and appreciating art at historical museums, there are so many other fun things to do in Escolta. Include these items on your Escolta bucket list for a visit like no other.

Happening every quarter, this party is a whole-day affair commemorating the rich and colorful history and heritage of this part of Manila. During the event, you can expect art exhibitions, mystery tours, street bazaars, and even stage performances. Wait until it gets dark, as you're most welcome to join a street party and dance your heart out to the tune of lively disco music. You can also purchase souvenirs from the party such as art merchandise and sweet Filipino treats.

Editorial Credit: aldarinho / Shutterstock.com The Carriedo Fountain is named after Don Francisco Carriedo y Peredo, one of the benefactors of Manila’s pioneer waterworks system. Some people referred to this structure as a “traveling fountain,” since it was initially set in Plaza Rotonda then was later transferred in Balara, Quezon City. Several years after, it was supposed to be transferred again to its original location but did not push through due to the presence of flyovers on the site. The city government decided to place it at Plaza Sta. Cruz instead, its current location.

Editorial Credit: Z. Jacobs / Shutterstock.com Built in 1876, the William A. Jones Memorial Bridge (aka Jones Bridge) is the historical structure that connects Ermita to Binondo. It originally has four statues (called the La Madre Filipina) on both ends, but only three of them remain today. No one knows about the case of the missing statue. The bridge that we see today looks different compared to its original appearance. It was heavily destroyed by World War II and was affected by the aerial bombing in 1945. With financial help from the American Government, it was rehabilitated with a simpler but more functional design. From the bridge, you'll get to enjoy an astounding view of the Manila Central Post Office.

Image Credit: @genlangurayan via Instagram Hole-in-the-wall restaurants are everywhere in Escolta. UNO Seafood Wharf Place is the place to visit if you're on the hunt for savory Chinese dishes without having to stop by Binondo. Polland Hopia Café, on the other hand, sells hopia, siopao, and lumpia. Into ice cream for dessert? Check out Escolta Ice Cream and Snacks that brings out nostalgia. While you're at it, you might want to finish gulping a tall glass of cold beer at Fred’s Revolucion. Read 10 Underrated Chinese Restos for the Best Dimsum in Manila

Editorial Credit: Michael Wels / Shutterstock.com Make your tour more memorable by shopping miscellaneous items at the stores of HUB|Make Lab. They carry decorative items, plants, furniture, and even perfumes.

Going to Escolta can be challenging to the uninitiated. But this history-laden street is pretty accessible with various modes of transportation traversing the area.

Using a GPS navigation software app could be the most convenient way. But if you're not that techie, just remember that one end of Escolta is located right next to the famous Jones Bridge. The other end is beside the Roman Santos Building. Make sure to park your vehicle in a designated parking space to avoid it from getting towed. If you're coming from LRT Buendia, you can ride a jeepney with a Divisoria sign. You'll pass by Jones Bridge. You can get off right after passing through the bridge.

Take the LRT 1 and alight at Carriedo Station. Walk straight to the nearby Plaza Lacson (landmark: Sta. Cruz Church). The intricately designed BPI Building is just across the plaza. Facing the building, you can find Escolta at the right side. Escolta has its own ferry station. You can take the ferry from any of these terminals along Pasig River: Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Brgy. Hulo, Guadalupe, Brgy. Valenzuela, Lambingan Bridge, Sta. Ana, PUP-Sta. Mesa, Lawton, and Plaza Mexico.

If you're planning to stay for a few days in Manila for your Escolta trip, check out our recommended hotels nearby as well as some hotels in Binondo.

Banner Image Credit: @WikipediaCheck out these 15 fun and unique things to do in Manila to complete your Old Manila tour experience!]]>