Summary of the Best Activities in Quezon City
Did you know that before Manila, Quezon served as the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976? Named in honor of Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, Quezon City now thrives as a vibrant metropolitan area filled with entertainment, shopping, art, business, and nightlife.
With a population nearing 2 million, Quezon City boasts efficient public transportation systems, including buses, Jeepneys, and an upcoming underground MRT. Consequently, tourists in Quezon City can effortlessly explore its various attractions.
Visitors can enjoy a harmonious mix of urban life, wildlife, and marine experiences during their stay in this dynamic Philippine city. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly to luxurious, while culinary offerings cater to diverse tastes.
When planning your visit, it is important to note that the dry season spans from November to April, with typhoons making appearances during the rainy season from May to October.
Let’s delve into the premiere attractions in Quezon City:
1. Eastwood City
This area represents the heart of Quezon City. Almost everything you seek can be discovered in Eastwood City.
Enjoy high-end shopping or engage with local crafts at the flea market. Choose from a variety of dining options that include both upscale restaurants and quaint street stalls. You may unwind at the Movie House, have a drink at one of the stylish bars, or appreciate the outdoor ambiance in the palm tree-lined courtyard when seeking entertainment.
Eastwood City is known for its vibrant atmosphere, frequently featuring spontaneous fireworks, eclectic street performers, and excellent people-watching opportunities.
2. Art in Island
If you’ve encountered photos on social media where individuals appear to interact with life-size art pieces, your opportunity has arrived.
At Art in Island located in Quezon City, you can actively engage with each artwork, featuring 3D installations that create a unique illusion, allowing you to feel as if you are part of exhilarating scenes like riding a wild chariot or joining Santa’s reindeer crew.
3. Crown Garden Spa
When seeking the most tranquil and skilled massage experiences in Quezon City, Crown Garden Spa is the destination.
This establishment features luxurious massage beds, serene music, calming fragrances, and soothing lighting, providing an unparalleled relaxing atmosphere.
Crown Garden Spa offers a comprehensive selection of massage treatments, including Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, Shiatsu, Thai massage, and various body scrubs utilizing unique ingredients such as papaya, chocolate, coffee, and green tea.
4. Maginhawa Food Park
Do you enjoy eclectic international cuisine? If so, Maginhawa Food Park is sure to delight you! This vibrant area hosts numerous food trucks and stalls, enabling a diverse selection of culinary delights.
Indulge in remarkable pizza, fresh spring rolls, Thai tea, towering shaved ice delights garnished with chocolate and cherries, colorful beverages, and more.
The shared seating area in the park promotes communal dining, making it a convenient meeting point for friends exploring the various food options, all while remaining budget-friendly.
5. Sining Kamalig Art Gallery
An esteemed art gallery showcasing exceptional works by local Filipino artists, Sining Kamalig in Quezon City is bound to impress.
Established in 1972, it is reputed to be the longest-running art gallery in the Philippines, advocating for artists’ rights and freedom of expression throughout its history. Visitors can appreciate a variety of political and contemporary art pieces.
Situated in Ali Mall, the Sining Kamalig Art Gallery features rotating exhibits, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.
6. La Mesa Eco Park
When one envisions Quezon, lush jungles teeming with greenery and wildlife may not be the first thought, yet it is indeed a reality. At La Mesa Eco Park, visitors can momentarily escape urban life for a tropical escape.
For a nominal fee of Php 20, guests can access the park and leisurely explore by foot or bicycle. The park features a koi pond, Butterfly Haven, Orchidarium, archery station, swimming pool, water bikes, flower terrace, and designated fishing areas.
You can easily spend an entire day in this enchanting park and still discover its many hidden beauties.
7. Bookay-Ukay
Bookay-Ukay bookstore feels reminiscent of a vibrant fairy tale, engulfed by towering shelves filled with an extensive array of books.
Bookworms will appreciate that Bookay-Ukay remains open late into the night, perfect for those seeking a poetry fix or wishing to delve into Quezon’s history.
Specializing in second-hand books, a broad selection of genres is represented here. Visitors are welcome to relax in cozy corners and immerse themselves in reading.
This “buy, sell, trade” bookstore is an excellent choice for travelers interested in exchanging a finished book for a new read. If you lack a book to trade, worry not, as prices remain accessible.
8. Ace Water Spa
For enthusiasts of Korean bathhouses, Ace Water Spa is a delightful discovery. This adult facility offers both relaxation and rejuvenation. First, don a swimsuit and swimming cap, then you are free to explore the amenities this park boasts.
The expansive swimming pool permits lap swimming, while hot pools and saunas promote detoxification. Cold plunge pools provide refreshing dips, and massaging jets relieve tension, with dedicated splash areas for children featuring waterfalls and water slides.
Afterward, consider visiting the on-site café for a refreshing beverage.
9. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
How appealing does 22.7 hectares of zoological and botanical gardens situated in the heart of the city sound?
This park serves as a sanctuary for numerous abandoned, sick, or injured animals, allowing them to thrive in natural habitats and rehabilitate to health.
The botanical gardens are notably impressive, featuring a diverse array of indigenous and exotic plant species flourishing both on land and within the lagoon present on-site.
While visiting, you may encounter wildlife such as Philippine deer, water monitor lizards reminiscent of Komodo dragons, and Palawan bearded pigs!
10. Music Bank
If karaoke is among your interests, the KTV experience at Music Bank is a must-try. KTV allows you and your companions to enjoy a private karaoke room, with a screen displaying song lyrics, a comprehensive songbook, and a microphone linked to high-quality speakers.
The most sought-after package includes a four-hour KTV session, although extended sessions are available for enthusiastic karaoke participants.
Music Bank also offers an enticing menu of snacks and dishes to keep you energized throughout your singing escapades.
11. SM Bowling Center
Enjoy a day of bowling with family and friends at the SM Bowling Center in Quezon City.
This facility is family-friendly, offering bowling lessons for children while parents can engage in billiard games. SM Bowling Center frequently runs promotions, ensuring optimal enjoyment at great prices.
Keep an eye out for deals such as “Bowl and Dine,” offering bundled packages featuring multiple games and discounted food prices. Additionally, look for promotions where your third game is half-off.
12. enRoute Distillery
Gather your friends for an entertaining evening at enRoute Distillery, engaging in drinking games and enjoyable singing experiences.
This prominent Quezon distillery is known as the premier venue for beer pong in the city. Challenge friends or interact with other patrons in the spirit of friendly competition—it’s an excellent means to forge new connections! The venue also provides KTV options to amplify the excitement.
If you’re part of a larger group, consider making a VIP reservation in advance, as enRoute Distillery is accommodating to special requests.
13. La Mesa Dam and Reservoir
Home to the last remaining rainforest in Metro Manila, the La Mesa Reservoir serves as a key watershed for approximately 12 million residents.
This extensive 700-hectare artificial lake is encircled by 2,000 hectares of forest, fostering biodiversity among native flora and fauna, as well as various species of butterflies, birds, and lizards.
Come explore, capture photographs, and learn about the natural wonders of Luzon!
14. EDSA Shrine
The EDSA Shrine, known by various titles, including Queen of Peace and Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, serves as a memorial to the People Power Revolution, established in 1989.
This notable shrine features a stunning depiction of the Virgin Mary and is overseen by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila.
The shrine is an impressive and prominent landmark amidst the bustle of Metro Manila, easily noticeable during your explorations.
15. Quezon Memorial Circle
This landmark recalls a miniature version of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. The Quezon Memorial Circle houses the remains of Manuel L. Quezon and First Lady Aurora Quezon. The shrine was constructed while Quezon served as the capital of the Philippines and has remained a symbol ever since.
The picturesque brick pedestrian pathway leading to the memorial is adorned with vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, beverages, and a range of other items, such as unique plants.
During daylight hours, the park and adjacent area serve as an excellent locale for jogging, while at night, the shrine illuminates with colorful neon lights accompanied by a dancing fountain. There is an abundance of sights to see and activities to experience.
