First United Building Manila - white and brown concrete building during daytime
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First United Building Manila

Manila, Philippines

A historic Art Deco gem on Manila's Escolta Street, housing a museum, artist hubs, and a charming vintage elevator.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Bazaars and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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First United Building Manila - white and brown concrete building during daytime

First United Building Manila

Best Time

Weekends

Bazaars and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Art Deco gem on Manila's Escolta Street, housing a museum, artist hubs, and a charming vintage elevator.

"Step back in time and discover Manila's rich heritage at the iconic First United Building!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Building Entry

Entry to the First United Building itself is free! Enjoy the architecture before heading to specific attractions.

Museum Fee

While the building is free, the community museum on the upper floors has a small entrance fee (around 50-100 pesos).

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

First United Building Community Museum

First United Building Community Museum

Upper floors

Explore Manila's rich history and art deco heritage within this captivating museum. Free to enter the building, museum access may have a small fee.

The Den Cafe

The Den Cafe

HUB Make Lab

A cozy cafe blending specialty coffee with art and culture. Famous for its delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.

Vintage Elevator

Vintage Elevator

Main lobby

Ride a piece of history! This charming vintage elevator is a must-try experience within the building.

HUB Make Lab & Artist Hubs

HUB Make Lab & Artist Hubs

Various units

Discover local artists and unique finds at this creative space, often hosting bazaars and pop-up shops.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Escolta's Charm

The First United Building is a gateway to Manila's historic Escolta street. Explore its Art Deco architecture and discover hidden gems like the community museum and unique shops. Plan your visit to coincide with weekend bazaars for a vibrant experience.

Discover Hidden Treasures

Beyond its facade, the First United Building houses a community museum, artist hubs, and a vintage elevator. Don't miss The Den cafe for a coffee break and grilled cheese. Check for special events and installations hosted within its walls.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Bazaars and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

First United Building Community Museum, Escolta, Manila #FirstUnitedBuilding #museum #fullvlogsoon
chris_tian_ko
3 likes • 118 views

Free Building Entry

Entry to the First United Building itself is free! Enjoy the architecture before heading to specific attractions. Reddit

Museum Fee

While the building is free, the community museum on the upper floors has a small entrance fee (around 50-100 pesos). Reddit

📍 Room 505, First United Building, Escolta, Manila @baobabeyewear @holaescolta
baobabeyewear
106 likes • 11.1K views
Prepping for Tara Pilipinas installation at First United Building, 413 Escolta, Manila.
rsylianteng
27 likes • 807 views

Ride the Vintage Elevator

Don't miss the chance to experience the building's charming vintage elevator! It's a unique part of the visit. Reddit

Explore HUB Make Lab

This creative hub hosts various pop-ups, shops, and cafes like The Den. Great for unique finds. Instagram+1

Escolta Heritage Tour featuring the First United Building and Regina Building ✨ #escolta #manila #heritagebuilding #philippines #foryoupage #fyp #oldbuildings #naturallight #history #artdeco #supportlocalph #beautifulphilippines #beautifulmanila #neoclassicaldesign #beauxarts #manille @firstunitedbldg1928 @hubmakelab
speakoutsam
8 likes • 370 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Building Entry

Entry to the First United Building itself is free! Enjoy the architecture before heading to specific attractions. Reddit

Museum Fee

While the building is free, the community museum on the upper floors has a small entrance fee (around 50-100 pesos). Reddit

Ride the Vintage Elevator

Don't miss the chance to experience the building's charming vintage elevator! It's a unique part of the visit. Reddit

Explore HUB Make Lab

This creative hub hosts various pop-ups, shops, and cafes like The Den. Great for unique finds. Instagram+1

Art Deco Architecture

Take time to admire the stunning Art Deco design of the building and its surroundings. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the First United Building for its stunning Art Deco architecture and its role as a hub for culture and creativity. The vintage elevator and the community museum are frequently highlighted as must-see attractions. Some note that while building entry is free, the museum has a small fee.

What People Like

Beautiful Art Deco architecture
Vintage elevator charm
Community museum

What People Dislike

Museum entrance fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The First United Building is located on Escolta Street, Manila. You can reach it via public transportation like jeepneys or buses heading towards Escolta. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Instagram

Parking can be challenging in the Escolta area. It's advisable to use public transport or check for nearby paid parking garages if you're driving. Instagram

The First United Building is situated near other heritage structures like the Regina Building and is a key point in the historic Escolta street. Instagram

Absolutely! Escolta Street is a heritage zone perfect for walking tours, exploring more old buildings, and discovering local shops. Instagram

The nearest LRT-1 station is Carriedo Station, which is a walkable distance from Escolta. From there, you can easily find the building. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the First United Building itself is free. However, the Community Museum located on the upper floors may have a small admission fee, typically around 50-100 pesos. Reddit

Operating hours can vary for different establishments within the building. The HUB Make Lab and The Den cafe are generally open from morning to early evening, especially on weekends. Instagram

For the First United Building Community Museum, advance booking is usually not required. You can typically pay the entrance fee upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, the building frequently hosts bazaars, art installations, and community events, especially on weekends. It's worth checking their social media for announcements. Instagram+1

Yes, most shops and cafes like The Den are accessible without an additional entrance fee beyond what you spend at their establishment. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The vintage elevator, the grand staircase, the Art Deco architectural details, and the well-lit spaces within HUB Make Lab offer great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Photography rules can vary within the museum. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon entry to ensure you're following guidelines. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require prior permission. Instagram

The building features large windows that provide beautiful natural light, especially during the day. Some areas might have ambient artificial lighting. Instagram

Yes, The Den cafe is a popular spot for photos, capturing both the coffee and the cozy ambiance. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The Den, a cozy cafe within HUB Make Lab, is highly recommended for specialty coffee and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Instagram+1

While The Den is a highlight, HUB Make Lab often features pop-up stalls during bazaars that offer various snacks and treats. Instagram+1

The Den is celebrated for its specialty coffee and its exceptionally good grilled cheese sandwiches. Instagram+1

During weekend bazaars, you might find more affordable snack options from various vendors within HUB Make Lab. Instagram

Yes, The Den is perfect for a quick bite, especially if you're looking for a satisfying grilled cheese sandwich and a coffee break. Instagram

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