Quezon City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Quezon City will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

ABOUT

One of the cities comprising Metro Manila, Quezon City is the largest city in the metro and the most populous in the Philippines.  It was the national capital from 1949 until 1976 when the designation was reverted to Manila.

While it is sometimes referred to as the “City of Stars” due to the headquarters of the biggest media networks, Quezon City is not just about entertainment industry and media.  It is also a hub for education, shopping, leisure, art, sports, ecotourism, and politics.

The city is a perfect destination for someone who enjoys modern lifestyle yet with close proximity to nature.

Location

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Quezon City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Quezon City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Quezon City:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Quezon City …

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Quezon City.

1 | Art in Island

Art in Island is Asia’s largest 3D trick art museum.  It houses more than 200 art pieces, mostly 3D designed and make for a fun backdrop for photoshoots.  Yes, picture taking is unlimited here because it is what this museum is for – pictures!  Art pieces here are not complete without you in it as you become part of a painting or art installation.  The theme varies from ancient to fantasy and underwater to religious.  Allot a couple of hours or more to fully explore the area.

2 | La Mesa Ecopark

Do you think you can’t be close to nature in a big city such as Quezon City?  Well, La Mesa Ecopark is just within the city.  The 33-hectare public park and protected watershed is a great place to relax amidst lush greenery where you can do various activities such as biking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and ziplining in addition to jogging and walking.  It also has a koi pond and Butterfly Haven where different species of butterflies inhabit. 

3 | Maginhawa Food Park

Fill your tummies with international and local foods at Maginhawa Food Park.  The area houses several food trucks and stalls offering various food options from pizza to burgers, seafood to Korean bbq, and Thai tea and many other drinks – all in pocket-friendly price range.

4 | Quezon Memorial Circle

Complete your trip to the city with a tour of Quezon Memorial Circle.  This national park is located inside the large traffic circle in the heart of the city.  Aside from its long brick pedestrian road great for jogging and is lined with vendors of snacks, beverages, and souvenirs, the park is home to 66-meter tall mausoleum containing the remains of Manuel L. Quezon, the second official president of the Philippines, and his wife, former First Lady Aurora Quezon.  The tower also serves as a museum containing artifacts associated with the late president.  Other attractions found in the park are Quezon Heritage House and Quezon City Experience (QCX).

5 | Eastwood City

Eastwood City is a 17-hectare development complex home to residential spaces, leisure and entertainment spots, shopping centers, and BPO headquarters.  It features Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Cyber and Fashion Mall, Eastwood City Cyberpark, and Eastwood Citywalk, a dining strip which also features the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

6 | Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

La Mesa Ecopark is not the only nature destination in the city.  There is also Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center where over 1,000, mostly abandoned, injured, sick, or confiscated, thrives.  The 22.7-hectare area also has a lagoon and garden with both indigenous and foreign plants.

7 | EDSA Shrine

The EDSA Shrine is an important part of Philippine history.  The shrine was erected on the site where People Power Revolution (EDSA I) and the EDSA Revolution of 2001 (EDSA II) took place to topple the administrations of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada, respectively.  The shrine features a promenade, the People’s Plaza with a bronze sculpture of the Virgin Mary, and an underground church.

8 | Sining Kamalig

Established in 1972, Sining Kamalig is the oldest running art gallery in the Philippines.  The gallery features artworks, including politically-themed, of various Filipino artists.  Admission to the gallery is free of charge.

9 | Tomas Morato Avenue

If you are looking for a night out spot when in the city, Tomas Morato Avenue should be on top of the list.  The street is lined with restaurants and bars to cater to everyone looking for a good time after work.  Many of the country’s celebrities and socialites can be found hanging out in the area due to the proximity of media headquarters.

10 | UP Diliman

The University of the Philippines Diliman is not only the home of the country’s scholars but it is also a melting pot of art, culture, and sciences.  The university has an Academic Oval where you can jog around and a Sunken Garden where you can hangout, watch sports events, or join the UP annual fair.  The university also has the 130-feet tall Carillon Tower and Vargas Museum, a contemporary art museum.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Quezon City.

1 | Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge

Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge is an upscale dining spot located in Loyola Heights.  The restaurant, serving a fusion of French and Japanese cuisines, is set in an ancestral house with both garden and indoor dining setup.  While the restaurant has a perfect ambience for romantic dinners for two, it also has spaces for intimate group setup.

2 | Seven Corners

Seven Corners is a bar and open kitchen concept restaurant with a modern vibe.  On top of its modern yet friendly ambience, Seven Corners is raved for its good food and excellent service.  The restaurant offers an international buffet with seven interactive stations each presenting a cuisine including Tandoori, Japanese, Western, Salad, Pizza Station, Dessert and Asian Noodle.

3 | Earth Kitchen

At Earth Kitchen, you not only get to enjoy dishes that are good for the body but also help the environment as they are committed to a farm-to-table approach by sourcing their ingredients locally therefore benefiting the local economy and indigenous people.  The restaurant has a relaxing ambience with all the plants in the area.  Their bestsellers are bulgogi wrap, fresh spring rolls, and squid ink pasta.

4 | Gubat

Gubat is a garden restaurant perfect for plant enthusiasts as it is owned by the Diliman Bonsai Society.  Their menu includes flavorful Filipino dishes such as lechon kawali, halabos na hipon, and fried chicken which comes with fresh vegetables or salted egg.

5 | Half Saints

Half Saints is the place for you if you enjoy unique dishes and mouth watering desserts.  Found in The Ignacia Place, Half Saints has minimalist interiors yet a cozy ambience.  Most of their food is a combination of different flavors fused to create dishes Filipinos would love.  If you’re not convinced of their unique dishes, try their chicharon teriyaki or chicharon risotto, hummus shakshuka, and arroz con pollo.

6 | Hapag

Hapag is a local term for the Filipino dining table.  Just like what the dining table represents, Hapag Restaurant features Filipino cuisine with a modern twist using locally-sourced ingredients.

7 | Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés

Las Casas Manila by Margarita Forés is the inhouse restaurant of Las Casas Manila in Quezon City, a sprawling mansion that screams grandeur and opulence.  True to its theme, the restaurant offers Spanish and Filipino cuisines paella marinara, spaghetti con mariscos, and beef tenderloin salpicao.  If you’re looking for a lovely site for your wedding, you’ll surely love this spot in the city as it has an event space that’ll make a perfect backdrop for your photos.

8 | Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant

A fine dining restaurant, Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant serves French Mediterranean cuisine.  The restaurant is one of the most popular choices for romantic date nights as its garden setup has a whimsical and elegant vibe.  It may not be the most affordable restaurant in the list but the food, along with its excellent service and ambience, is definitely worth the splurge.

9 | Provenciano

Provenciano is a fine dining restaurant serving mainly Filipino cuisine and a few Spanish dishes.  It has two dining setups – the front garden and indoor space with all Filipino interiors.  The restaurant, located in Diliman, is known for their crispy pata as well as bibingka and puto.

10 | The Frazzled Cook

Looking for an IG-worthy restaurant?  The Frazzled Cook might be what you need.  Not only it is aesthetically-appealing, the restaurant is also clean and peaceful, great for dates or business lunches.  The food, of course, is yummy, especially their paella negra.  The restaurant also serves pizza and pasta dishes.

11 | Xin Tian Di

As the name implies, Xin Tian Di is a Chinese restaurant in Katipunan Avenue.  The restaurant boasts of using quality ingredients from China to ensure that they are only serving the best and authentic Chinese favorites.  The decors and the overall feel of the store completes the Chinese dining experience.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Quezon City.

1 | Red Planet Quezon Timog (Budget)

2 | Luxent Hotel (Mid-Range)

3 | Seda Vertis North (Luxury | Resort)

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Quezon City or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Luxent Hotel is the best property to experience this destination.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.  AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, Booking.com, and AirBnB. 

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Quezon City in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:  20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Quezon City.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Quezon City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid  
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips  

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
2. Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
4. Skyscanner (flights)
5. Rome2Rio (transportation)
6. Agoda (accomodations)
7. Booking.com (accomodations)
8. AirBnB (accomodations)
9. Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Quezon City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling Quezon City or in the Philippines in general.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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