Things To Do
in Marikina City
Marikina City is a tidy, well-planned suburban city in the eastern part of Metro Manila known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines for its long history of shoemaking and leather crafts. The city has a clean riverfront promenade, wide sidewalks, and parks that make it popular for jogging, cycling, and family outings. Landmarks include the Shoe Museum, Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, Riverbanks Mall and Park, and a lively public market that anchors daily life.
Marikina blends small‑town community vibes with convenient access to Manila’s business districts and neighboring Rizal province.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Marikina Shoe Museum, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich history of the city’s famous footwear industry. Admire the vintage shoe collections and learn about the craftsmanship that made Marikina the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the nearby Shoe Plaza, soaking in the local vibe.
Head over to the Marikina River Park for a scenic lunch by the water. Explore the well-maintained walkways and stop at small vendors offering local snacks and delicacies. The fresh air and riverside views make a perfect backdrop for relaxation and people-watching.
Dine at one of Marikina’s cozy restaurants specializing in Filipino comfort food, enjoying dishes made from fresh local ingredients. After dinner, take a peaceful night walk along the illuminated river park to experience the city’s serene ambiance. Cap the evening with a visit to a local café for coffee or dessert.
Start your morning at the Marikina City Hall to admire its modern architecture and the public art installations around the plaza. Visit the local market nearby to see artisans selling handmade crafts and fresh produce. Take time to chat with vendors to learn about local traditions and artisanal products.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Kapitan Moy Residence, a preserved ancestral home that showcases Marikina’s colonial past. Participate in a workshop or guided tour to understand the city’s cultural heritage better. Later, visit the Marikina Art Gallery to appreciate contemporary works by Filipino artists.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist, paired with local beverages. Attend a cultural performance or live music event often held in the city’s cultural centers or open spaces. End your evening by strolling through the quiet streets, noticing the blend of old and new Marikina.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi / Grab ride (within city) | $2-5 |
| 🛏Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🎟Museum or small attraction entrance | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Clean, well‑maintained riverfront and public spaces
- Strong local identity and shoemaking heritage with museums and artisan shops
- Generally safer and more relaxed than many other Metro Manila districts
- Good base for day trips to nearby Rizal nature attractions
- Convenient access to Manila business districts
- Limited late‑night nightlife and fewer tourist attractions compared with central Manila
- Prone to flooding during heavy rains and typhoon seasons
- Smaller selection of specialty restaurants and international dining options
- Public transport options within the city can be slower than ride‑hailing
- "Kamusta?" - How are you? / Hi
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Po / Opo" - Polite particle to show respect (used with elders)
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Nasaan ang CR?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Paumanhin / Excuse me" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Marikina City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic displays and vintage shoe collections offer detail shots and cultural context; the museum exterior and nearby shoemaking workshops make for great storytelling images.
Long riverwalks, bridges, and green spaces provide scenic sunrise and sunset compositions, active locals jogging or biking, and reflections on calm water.
Historic church architecture and lively parish life are good for cultural and architectural photography; the plaza offers street scenes with vendors and locals.
Colorful murals, civic architecture and displays celebrating shoemaking give vibrant street and detail photography opportunities.
Higher neighborhoods give panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding hills—best for golden hour shots.
Food in Marikina City
Marikina City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Filipino mains you can find in most eateries and carinderias (small local restaurants) around the city; flavorful, affordable and familiar to most palates.
Must-Try!
Popular bar and street food items—crispy sisig and pork or chicken inihaw collections are common at local eateries and night stalls.
A favorite refreshing dessert of mixed shaved ice, milk, sweet beans, fruits and leche flan—great on hot days and widely available at snacks stalls and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city’s bustling market for fresh produce, local snacks, inexpensive cooked meals and small eateries; try pancit, grilled items and desserts from various stalls.
A convenient mall food court with Filipino and international choices plus evening food stalls near the river offering barbecue, desserts and drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting people politely and using ‘po’ and ‘opo’ with elders is appreciated. A handshake is common; close friends may use a light hug.
Dress conservatively when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
Filipinos value friendliness and avoiding public confrontation—keep a calm tone, smile, and be patient in service situations.
Lines are generally respected in formal settings; in crowded public transport, personal space can be limited—be prepared to stand close to others.
Safety
Tipping in Marikina City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. For small services (porters, drivers), a small cash tip is welcome.
Cash (Philippine peso) is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries. Credit and debit cards are accepted in malls and larger restaurants. Mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are increasingly common and useful for rideshare, delivery and some shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid from March to May with frequent clear skies; daytime highs often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Expect busy weekends at riverfront parks—bring sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.
June to November brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the highest risk of typhoons and heavy rainfall, especially July–September. Flooding can occur near the Marikina River during extreme weather—monitor weather alerts and avoid low‑lying areas during storms.
December to February is the coolest period with milder mornings and evenings—pleasant for walking and outdoor activities. Occasional chilly nights; light jackets are useful for early mornings.
Marikina City at Night
Hiking in Marikina City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected limestone landscape offering guided conservation hikes, rope courses and dramatic rock formations—about an hour’s drive depending on traffic; bookings and permitted guided visits are required.
Popular waterfall day trips with swimming basins, picnic areas and short treks—roughly 1–1.5 hours from Marikina depending on traffic.
A more challenging hike with rocky river trails and scenic landscapes, suitable for a full‑day outing; access often involves early departures and local guides.
A nature reserve near Antipolo offering forest trails, river activities and eco‑camps—good for weekend nature immersion less than an hour from Marikina.
Airports
How to reach Marikina City by plane.
Main Manila international airport located about 20–35 km from Marikina depending on traffic; accessible by taxi/ride‑hail or a combination of rail and road transport—expect travel times of 40 minutes to over an hour depending on rush hour congestion.
Located in Pampanga (north of Metro Manila), roughly 80–110 km from Marikina—an alternative for some domestic and international flights; travel time can be 1.5–3 hours by road depending on traffic and route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Marikina is home to many long-standing local families and communities with deep roots in shoemaking and small business; family life and neighborhood ties are central to the city’s character.
Proximity to business districts means many residents commute to Ortigas, Makati and other commercial centers for work—there is a growing middle‑class population.
Shoe craftsmen, leatherworkers and entrepreneurs maintain the city’s artisanal and manufacturing traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the Philippines and widely played and watched in Marikina—public courts, barangay leagues and pickup games are common.
With river promenades and parks, running and cycling are popular daily activities; the city often hosts fun runs and community rides.
Community courts and sports centers host volleyball and badminton sessions and local competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Marikina City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger metro centers—look for vegetable adobo, tofu dishes, vegetable pancit, and salads in cafés; local markets offer fresh fruit and vegetable side dishes.
Vegan dining requires some effort—communicate clearly (use the word vegan or explain 'no meat, no fish, no dairy') and favor vegetable-based dishes, rice, fresh fruits and vegetable sides.
Halal-certified restaurants are not abundant in Marikina; for halal needs, choose vegetarian/seafood dishes or go to larger malls and districts with dedicated halal options. Ask restaurants about meat sourcing if halal is essential.
Rice-based meals are naturally gluten‑free, but watch out for soy sauce in dishes. Ask for tamari or request sauces on the side; many eateries will accommodate simple requests.