Malacanan Palace (Malacanang Palace)

The Basics

The grand architecture of the palace stands out in the residential district of San Miguel: Imelda Marcos, shoe-loving wife of President Ferdinand Marcos, extensively remodeled the palace building and the 40-acre (16-hectare) complex during the 1970s, giving it a more neoclassical feel.

Despite its size, the complex is not a common stop on Manila city tours. Private guides and custom tour operators are happy to arrange a visit and assist with access to the museum, but require advance notice—usually of at least seven days.

Things to Know Before You Go

• It’s acceptable to spell the palace’s name either Malacañan or Malacañang, but experts use Macalañan for the presidential palace and Macalañang to cover the rest of the complex.

• Visiting the museum requires a small admission fee.

• The museum operates a smart-casual dress code: sleeveless tops, shorts, and slippers are not allowed.

• Security restricts what can be brought into the museum or recorded.

How to Get There

The Malacanãng complex sits on the north banks of the Pasig River in San Miguel, about a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) journey east of Fort Santiago. Unless you’re confident piecing together jeepney routes and negotiating Manila’s famously gridlocked traffic, you’ll find it easiest to join a tour, rideshare, or take a taxi.

When to Get There

The museum operates in the mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday. It closes for lunch and on public holidays.

The Presidential Museum and Library

The Macalañang’s Presidential Museum and Library provides a fascinating insight into the lives and achievements of presidents (and first ladies) of the Philippines since 1899. But it also has appeal for architecture buffs. Housed in the grand Kalayaan Hall, it features high ceilings, wood paneling, statement chandeliers, and traditional capiz windows, with shells windowpane oysters standing in for glass.