One of the oldest streets in Manila, Escolta was created in 1594. The name was derived from the Spanish word “escoltar” which means “to escort.”

Escolta was known for its concentration of immigrant merchants, mainly from Fujian, China, who came to make their fortune during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. The streets were lined with shops and boutiques selling imported goods from China, Europe and elsewhere in Latin America that arrived in the nearby port of San Nicolas. By the late 19th century, Escolta flourished into a fashionable business district hosting the city’s tallest buildings as well as the Manila Stock Exchange. Escolta served as the city’s primary commercial district until its decline in the 1960’s when the center of business gradually shifted to Makati.

Over the years, the once upmarket department stores, cafes and theaters in the area got run down due to rapid modernization. What once was dubbed “The Queen of the Streets’ ‘ where Manileños flocked to shop, work, and dine eventually Escolta lost its glamour. Thanks to recent initiatives from artists and the local community, Escolta is now enjoying a bit of renaissance. Old buildings are being reused for new business ideas while weekend parties and festivals are giving locals and tourists a reason to rediscover this side of Old Manila.

Escolta is home to a lot of firsts. You can find the building that first housed the first elevator (the Burke Building), the first savings bank (Monte de Piedad housed in Don Roman Santos building, now occupied by Bank of the Philippine Islands), and the first ice cream parlor in the country (back then: Botica Boie, the ice cream parlor during the pre-war era now occupied by Escolta Ice Cream and Snacks) . 

Escolta’s old buildings are not just historically significant but are architecturally beautiful with many featuring Art Deco or Neo-classical details. Here are additional names of these historic buildings: First United Building, Regina Building, El Hogar Filipino Building, Capitol Theatre, the Natividad Building.

Revisit Philippine History and its architectures as you stroll down Escolta’s memory lane.

Find your fun escape and revisit Philippine History and its architectures as you stroll down Escolta’s memory lane. Book this tour today! Escolta Walking Tour