Oh God forbid you actually have business to transact inside Manila City Hall. May he have mercy on your soul should you do. No, this building is on this list because, like it or not, it's a heritage building. Yes, it's not the prettiest one. In fact, if you look at a aerial shot of Manila City Hall, it looks like a coffin with a cross on top. I'm not kidding. Go check it out on Google Maps. This review isn't going anywhere. To be fair to Manila City hall, it does have that pretty and iconic clock tower. I also love the fact that they've spent good money to light it up at night, because it really, REALLY does make a world of difference. read more

See all

If the walls of the Manila City Hall building could talk, what stories would it tell? The edifice was constructed before World War II and has remained the seat of the city government since that time. The city courts are also located here. Ever since Erap Estrada took over from Fred Lim as mayor, there has been a slow, steady upgrade of the building. The rest rooms are the most surprising feature as they now look like they belong in first class malls or hotels. Not much can be done for the elevators, however.They're still old, but at least are well maintained. Not a problem though as the stairs are all wide and easy to climb. Not too steep unlike some modern buildings. I do have an issue with the front of the building, as it has been permanently sealed off. Anyone needing to enter has to take the side or back entrances. In the hallways of all the floors are various vendors selling foodstuff or offering copying services. They also sell ball pens and the like. Because it' such a large building, it's easy to get lost in the corridors. The only thing that ruins the beauty of this building are the window type air conditioning units that can be seen from the outside. read more

Manila City Hall - Like London's Big Ben, the Manila City Hall clock tower is seen as the face of Manila, and it also tells the time accurately. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Manila, NCR

I have encountered and gotten to know friendly and efficient people in the office of the mayor. God bless them for the assistance they provided us. I will not be able to say the same for all employees of the city hall, but suffice it to say that efficiency is a two-way street. Something can be done to achieve the kind of service we deserve and I hope that one day I will get to experience this more as a rule rather than as an exception. During my first time in the city hall, I was fascinated with the exhibit of the past mayors of the city in the middle of the second floor, right before the entrance of the office of the mayor. It's nice to have a bit of a history lesson while waiting for your meeting. I bet many of us Manilans are not familiar with the personalities who led Manila. The small exhibit, with portraits, the period of mayorship, and a gist of the accomplishments under each leadership, would help acquaint Manilans and visitors alike. read more