Tondo Walking Tour: Discover Filipino Culture

Discover the hidden gems of Manila’s oldest district, Tondo, with Mari. Immerse yourself in Filipino culture, try local food, and explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lucky Chinatown Mall - Immerse yourself walked to Chinatown alley.
  • Santa Cruz - Explore different types of street food.
    Explore Oldest buildings and structure during 1595
  • Divisoria Market - Walking to the shopping market includes housewares, clothes, fruits, and the wet market. That’s where you can find items at cheap and reasonable prices.
What's Included
  • Experience Local Transportation (Jeepney/Tricycle)
  • Bottled Water Provided
  • Photo Ops
What's Not Included
  • Food tasting
Additional Information

Tondo is one of the oldest districts in Manila and has undergone various developments over the years. It’s a vibrant area with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
This is a walking tour that may include sampling some Filipino food. Expect a cultural tour rather than a typical tourist spot visit.
Immerse yourself in the essence of…

Location
1919 Grand Cafe
Juan Luna Street
Let’s meet up at Grand 1919, Juan Luna street. Binondo Manila
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(20 Ratings)
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Joseph_h
Mar 12, 2025
Real, Authentic Manila Culture Experience - This tour was fantastic and authentic. Mari took us through the area she grew up in, which is an area most tourists would probably avoid. The people were so kind and welcoming. Zero safety issues. We also rode a Jeepney, Lamborghini, walked around the open markets, and through Chinatown. Mari was a wonderful guide who was happy to answer any questions we had about her culture. She did a great job of making everyone in the group feel welcome. She also donates a portion of the proceeds from this tour to helping the people in the area she grew up in. I recommend booking this tour, as it's one you won't find anywhere else.
Review provided by Viator
D9821qimarkh
Mar 1, 2025
Great way to see Old Manila - A fantastic way to see the depths of Old Manila. Mari leads you thru an adventure off the beaten path thru residential neighborhoods and the meat and vegetable markets where everything originates. And she took such good care of us along the way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monicekrem
Jan 26, 2025
If you want to see the “real” Filipino lifestyle, take this tour! - We like to do tours with local guides when we travel. This is the most authentic “Hidden Gems” tour we’ve been on. Mari is very knowledgeable about the experiences on this tour, as she grew up in the area. In fact, you may meet some of her relatives as you wander through the alleyways on your tour. It was very interesting to learn about the daily lives of people in Tondo and it was exciting to ride a Jeepney and a “Lamborghini” tricycle! This was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Manila!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
407sanjak
Dec 31, 2024
Great day in Tondo with Mari - Absolutely recommend this tour, we really enjoyed our day in Tondo. Mari was the perfect guide, friendly, funny and knowledgable. We visited places we would never go by ourselfs and learned about life of people of Tondo. We lived the Jeepnie and Lamborgini ride as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Josephbh5782cz
Dec 25, 2024
The Manila you must experience! - TL;DR version: Book this tour, it will be the best part of your visit to Philippines. Such an amazing experience with an amazing host, and meet some amazing people along the way. Mari is a great ambassador for not only Manila, but all Philippines. I must note how gracious and understanding she is as well. I booked two tours with her, but accidentally booked the hidden gems tour on the incorrect date. Even after waiting for me on the incorrect day I booked, not only was she understanding of my mistake, she even suggested combining both the hidden gems tour and the night market tours on the same day to make it more convenient and cohesive for us all. I cannot express how grateful I am to Mari! The residents of Tondo Manila are so warm and welcoming, and allowed me the humbling experience to play candy Santa to the kids. Jeepney rides, navigating the street markets, learning about the history of the area, interacting with the real locals, learning just how connected we all are, it's almost spiritual and experience. Just book it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roberta
Dec 25, 2024
The Manila that you don’t expect. - We had the opportunity to visit some hidden places that you will not experience in any other tour. We tried all local transports, meet so many local people who welcome us to their places. We tried some typical food and visit the biggest market in Manila. Mari, the tour guide is a real star! I will never forget this experience and Mari.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roberto
Dec 19, 2024
The real Manila with Maria - The tour is perfect for those who want to discover the real Manilla, have contact with local people and get in touch with the local culture. Maria is a dynamic guide who you can ask for anything and will explain everything with detail and patience. His English is great. Highly recommended I will never forget the human contact that gave me this experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O4523dimartinm
Jul 13, 2024
Excellent tour - The tour is very interesting, it hsows you the real Manila that you would never see if it wasn't for Mari. Mari is great, fun, and nice person. She know a lot about the area, she explains everything you see in the visit, and make you experience the filipino real life, by using the usual transportation or tasting the delicious street food. I highly recommend doing this tour with Mari.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar11122849637
Jun 20, 2024
Great tour - I enjoys the tour a lot and Mari is knowledgable and friendly! We visited the residence and wet market nearby the Chinatown. Mari introduced history as well as the culture there, I tried some local food and spent a great to talk with the locals. The tour is amazing! I recommend to everyone who wants to experience the unique side of this beautiful city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris
May 28, 2024
Learn the Culture! - Mari was such a great tour guide. She knew a lot of the people we met, and really gave us a chance to learn Filipino culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
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