Map of Manila | Districts, Neighbourhoods & Location Guide

Map of Manila – Districts, Neighbourhoods & Location Guide

This map of Manila provides a clear overview of the Philippine capital, including its districts, key neighbourhoods, waterfront setting and central urban layout. It is designed for general reference, location research and trip planning.

Manila is one of the Philippines’ best-known cities and forms part of the much larger Metro Manila urban region. It is known for its historic core, bayfront location, dense road network and districts such as Intramuros, Ermita, Malate, Binondo and Tondo.

Quick Answer:

Manila is located on the eastern side of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon and includes major districts such as Intramuros, Ermita, Malate, Binondo, Sampaloc, Tondo and Paco.

Interactive Manila Map (Reference View) Use this map to view Manila’s district layout, bayfront position and surrounding urban area.
Tip: Manila is often confused with Metro Manila. This page focuses on the City of Manila itself, while still helping you understand its place in the wider capital region.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

This Manila map highlights the city’s historic centre, bayfront districts, river areas and connections to the wider Metro Manila region.

Where Is Manila Located?

Manila is located on the western side of Metro Manila on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It sits on the eastern shore of Manila Bay near the mouth of the Pasig River.

  • West: Manila Bay
  • North: northern urban districts and Navotas/Port Area direction
  • East: inner Metro Manila cities and districts
  • South: southern bayfront and Pasay direction

Districts and Neighbourhoods of Manila

The City of Manila is divided into several traditional districts, many of which are well known for their historic, civic or commercial importance.

  • Intramuros — historic walled city and colonial core
  • Ermita — central civic, institutional and tourist district
  • Malate — bayfront district with commercial and residential areas
  • Binondo — historic Chinatown and major trading district
  • Sampaloc — large university and residential district
  • Tondo — dense northern district with major port-related areas
  • Paco — central district with residential and civic areas
  • Quiapo — central commercial and religious district
  • San Miguel — district known for government and historic properties
  • Santa Cruz — central commercial district north of the Pasig River

Main Areas of Manila Explained

  • Historic Manila — includes Intramuros and nearby old districts
  • Bayfront Manila — includes Ermita and Malate along Manila Bay
  • Commercial Manila — includes Binondo, Quiapo and Santa Cruz
  • Institutional Manila — includes major government, museum and university areas
  • Northern Manila — includes Tondo and surrounding dense urban districts
  • River-linked districts — areas shaped by the Pasig River and esteros

Key Geographic Features

  • Manila Bay — major bay on the city’s western side
  • Pasig River — major river linking Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay
  • Bayfront and reclaimed areas — important to Manila’s urban form
  • Low-lying coastal plain — much of Manila sits on flat coastal terrain
  • Esteros and drainage channels — part of the city’s historic water geography
  • Port areas — significant in and around the western side of the city

Why a Map of Manila Is Useful

A map of Manila helps distinguish between the City of Manila and the wider Metro Manila region. Many people search for Manila maps when they are really trying to understand where the historic districts, port areas, bayfront zones and major roads are located.

  • To locate Intramuros and the historic core
  • To understand how Ermita, Malate and Manila Bay fit together
  • To compare central commercial districts such as Binondo and Quiapo
  • To see where Manila sits within the larger capital region
  • To identify major roads, transport links and river crossings

Manila Transport and Road Layout

A Manila city map is especially useful for understanding dense road corridors and major urban movement through the capital.

  • Main arterial roads — connect the city to the wider metro area
  • Bridge crossings — important over the Pasig River
  • Port access routes — significant in western and northern sections
  • Rail and LRT corridors — useful for understanding central transit structure
  • Bayfront roads — important along the Manila Bay side

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Manila Map FAQs

  • Where is Manila located?
    Manila is located on the western side of Metro Manila on Luzon, facing Manila Bay.
  • What are the main areas of Manila?
    Main areas include Intramuros, Ermita, Malate, Binondo, Sampaloc, Tondo and Paco.
  • Is Manila the same as Metro Manila?
    No. Manila is one city within the much larger Metro Manila capital region.
  • What river is associated with Manila?
    The Pasig River is closely associated with Manila and helps define its central geography.

This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government authority, mapping provider or official organisation.

Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Maps are reference views and may not be complete, current, to scale or suitable for navigation, surveying, emergency use or official determinations. Boundaries, place names, districts, neighbourhoods, transport routes and geographic features may vary by source and may change over time. External links are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement. No warranty is made regarding accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose.