Manila North Cemetery
A historic cemetery where thousands live among the tombs, creating a unique 'city of the living and the dead'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more respectful atmosphere
Manila North Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more respectful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery where thousands live among the tombs, creating a unique 'city of the living and the dead'.
"It's a place where you'll see how people live in a cemetery, which is quite shocking but also interesting."
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Dress modestly and be mindful of residents. Treat it as a living community, not just a tourist spot.
📸 Photo Courtesy
Ask permission before photographing residents. Some areas may have restrictions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Living Community
Throughout the cemetery
Witness thousands of families who call this historic cemetery home, transforming mausoleums into residences.
Presidential and Historical Mausoleums
Various sections
Explore the final resting places of Philippine presidents and revolutionary heroes, showcasing intricate architecture.
Intricate Mausoleum Architecture
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at the diverse and often elaborate mausoleums, reflecting different eras and artistic styles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Living City of the Dead
Photography Etiquette and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Dress modestly and be mindful of residents. Treat it as a living community, not just a tourist spot.
📸 Photo Courtesy
Ask permission before photographing residents. Some areas may have restrictions.
💰 Local Tricycle Tours
Consider a short tricycle tour for a quick overview, but be aware of potential price negotiations.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Dress modestly and be mindful of residents. Treat it as a living community, not just a tourist spot.
📸 Photo Courtesy
Ask permission before photographing residents. Some areas may have restrictions.
💰 Local Tricycle Tours
Consider a short tricycle tour for a quick overview, but be aware of potential price negotiations.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so wear comfortable shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Manila can be hot and humid; carry water, especially during longer visits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manila North Cemetery is a place that evokes strong reactions, often described as both fascinating and shocking. Visitors are struck by the reality of thousands of people living within the cemetery grounds, transforming mausoleums into homes. While some find it overcrowded and dirty, others are captivated by the unique community and the historical significance of the site.
"Went here not expecting that I would became a Teacher for a day. My friend instructed me to came here as she wanted to celebrate her birthday. I thought we would just be giving out foods around the area after she visits her family’s mausoleum. We joined the ATD organization for their Ang Galing program teaching kids with Filipino and English, how to read and write. It was a really rewarding day! I have never been to North Cemetery before and I was kind of shocked. People actually lived there and there’s literally feces everywhere."
Joneaj Luke Bibangco
"It was my first visit here for the reason of cremation located in the entrance just right in Manila South Green Park. It took 2hrs for the cremation. While waiting we visit the mausoleum of Poe family located in 24th St... Within the area located the Chinese General Hospital..."
Hermie D.
"You can go and visit inside without a guide. Tricycle drivers wait for you at the entrance, offering quick 30 minute tours inside.
I just walked on the main street / avenue and considered I have seen enough. Came back the same way. I was alone. I didn't enter the secondary alleys.
They have tricycles inside for the ones who live there. They even have small street shops where they cook. If you don't know it's a cemetery, you'd say it's a normal neighborhood from Manila.
At the gate you are requested to not take photos or videos inside."
Iuliana Marchian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manila North Cemetery is accessible by public transportation. You can take a jeepney or a bus heading towards the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
While generally safe if you stick to main paths and are aware of your surroundings, it's advisable to be cautious. Avoid venturing into secluded alleys and be mindful of your belongings.
Yes, you can explore on your own, especially the main avenues. However, some visitors opt for a short tricycle tour for a guided experience.
Many visitors find walking the main streets offers a good overview. For a deeper understanding, consider engaging with local residents respectfully or taking a guided tour.
Typically, there are no entrance fees to walk through the main areas of Manila North Cemetery. However, some services or specific tours might incur charges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Manila North Cemetery is generally open 24 hours, though specific sections or services might have limited hours. It's best to visit during daylight for safety and better visibility.
Booking a formal tour in advance is usually not necessary. You can often arrange short tours with tricycle drivers at the entrance.
While the cemetery is technically always open, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for safety and to observe the community respectfully.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid taking intrusive photos of residents and their homes. Some specific mausoleums or areas might have restrictions.
It's advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the residents and the nature of the site. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
It's a unique experience where you'll see thousands of people living among the graves. You'll find homes built within mausoleums and a vibrant community life.
Yes, you can find small shops and eateries catering to the residents. Restroom facilities might be limited, so plan accordingly.
The residents are primarily low-income families who cannot afford housing elsewhere in Manila. They have established a community within the cemetery.
Respectful interaction is possible, but always be mindful of their privacy and daily lives. Some visitors have engaged in teaching or community programs.
Beyond the living community, you can find the mausoleums of historical figures, intricate tomb designs, and the general atmosphere of a city within a city.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, small local eateries and street food vendors operate within the cemetery, serving the residents and visitors.
You can find typical Filipino street food and local dishes. It's a chance to experience authentic community dining.
As with any street food, exercise caution and choose vendors that appear clean and popular.
The cemetery is located in a populated area of Manila, so you'll find numerous restaurants and food establishments just outside its perimeter.
Bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you plan to explore extensively.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique residential structures, the grand mausoleums, and the daily life of the community offer compelling photographic opportunities.
While not always strictly enforced, it's polite to ask permission before photographing residents. Avoid intrusive shots.
A versatile camera that can handle various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to shaded areas, would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the cemetery.
As in any crowded urban area, be aware of your surroundings and keep your camera secure, especially in busier sections.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Existence: A City of the Living and the Dead
This phenomenon highlights the complex socio-economic realities of Manila. The cemetery offers a form of affordable, albeit unconventional, housing for those who cannot afford traditional accommodations. While it may seem unusual to outsiders, for the residents, it is simply their neighborhood. Understanding this dual existence is crucial for a respectful visit, moving beyond the initial shock to appreciate the resilience and community spirit of its inhabitants.
Historical Significance and Notable Residents
The cemetery's architecture itself tells a story, with a mix of Art Deco, Neoclassical, and other styles reflecting different periods of its history. The older sections feature grand family crypts and mausoleums, some dating back to the early 20th century. Exploring these structures provides insight into the historical social stratification and the enduring legacy of prominent Filipino families.
Navigating and Experiencing the Cemetery
When interacting with the residents, always do so with respect and sensitivity. Remember that you are a guest in their home. Photography is generally permitted, but it's courteous to ask for permission before taking pictures of people or their homes. Be prepared for a unique urban environment that blends the solemnity of a cemetery with the vibrancy of a residential neighborhood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit