Things To Do
in Pasig City

Pasig City sits along the eastern bank of the Pasig River, blending a bustling business district with leafy residential neighborhoods. In Ortigas Center and Kapitolyo you’ll find modern towers, malls, and a thriving dining scene, while the riverfront offers scenic walkways. The city is a transport hub within Metro Manila, with easy access to neighboring towns and airports.

Visitors can sample diverse Filipino flavors, explore urban parks, and use public transit to navigate a dynamic urban landscape.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Pasig Cathedral, where you can admire its stunning architecture and serene ambiance. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Pasig, discovering charming local shops and cafes along the way. Don't forget to stop by the Pasig River for a scenic view and a quick photo opportunity.

afternoon
:

Head to the Ynares Center to explore local art exhibits and community events that showcase Pasig's vibrant culture. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Filipino dishes that highlight the flavors of the region. As the afternoon progresses, visit the Museo ng Pasig to delve deeper into the city's rich history and heritage.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a serene walk along the Pasig River, where you can take in the beautiful city lights reflecting on the water. For dinner, indulge in a feast at one of Pasig's popular restaurants, trying out local delicacies. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar or café for a taste of the nightlife and live music.

day 2
Culinary Delights Tour
morning
:

Kick off your culinary adventure with breakfast at a well-known local joint, sampling traditional Filipino breakfast items like tapsilog or longsilog. After your meal, join a guided food tour that will take you to various street food stalls, where you can taste local favorites such as lumpiang shanghai and isaw. Learn about the history and significance of each dish as you explore the bustling streets of Pasig.

afternoon
:

Continue your food journey with a visit to a local market, where you can see fresh produce and ingredients that make up Filipino cuisine. Participate in a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make your own traditional dishes, guided by a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delightful lunch featuring what you’ve just prepared.

evening
:

For dinner, head to a popular restaurant known for its fusion of traditional and modern Filipino cuisine, where you can try innovative dishes. Savor the flavors while enjoying the lively ambiance of the restaurant, often featuring local music. Finish the night with dessert at a nearby café, indulging in a sweet treat like leche flan or halo-halo.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-6
Coffee$2-3
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$20-40
🚖Taxi ride (short distance)$3-7
🛏️Lodging per night (budget hotel)$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strategic location in Metro Manila with easy access to major business hubs
  • Wide selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment options
  • Heavy traffic in peak hours and limited parking in busy districts
  • Humidity and heat can be intense; air-conditioned venues are often necessary
  • "Magandang araw" - Good day
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Saan ang [place]?" - Where is the [place]?
  • "Maaari bang ito?" - How much is this?
  • "Oo" - Yes
  • "Hindi" - No
  • "Paalam" - Goodbye
  • "Tulong po" - Help, please
  • "Mabuti" - That's good
  • "Pwede bang magtanong?" - Could I ask a question?

Places to Visit in Pasig City

Visit one of these nice places.

Ortigas Center Skyline from Meralco Avenue

Dramatic high-rise silhouettes and neon reflections at dusk, with the Pasig River running nearby.

Capitol Commons Park

Green spaces, modern architecture, and tree-lined avenues offering clean lines and soft light for photography.

Pasig Riverfront Walk

Riverside views with reflections of the city skyline and pedestrian bridges, perfect for sunset shots.

The Medical City Campus at dusk

Glass-and-steel campus visuals with warm interior lighting and landscaping.

Culinary Guide

Food in Pasig City

Pasig’s cuisine blends traditional Filipino flavors with modern dining. Kapitolyo Food Street and Ortigas Center host a mix of casual spots, casual bistros, and family-run eateries where you can sample both familiar classics and new twists.

Pasig City Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Adobo

A quintessential Filipino dish of marinated chicken or pork in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaf; widely available at casual and fine restaurants.

Must-Try!

Sinigang

Tamarind-based sour soup, typically with pork, shrimp, or fish, served with vegetables and sometimes rice.

Lechon Kawali

Crispy pan-fried pork belly served with a tangy dipping sauce or vinegar.

Kare-Kare

Rich peanut-based stew with oxtail, tripes, or pork hock, typically served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).

Halo-Halo

Shaved ice dessert with mixed sweet ingredients like beans, fruits, leche flan, and ube ice cream.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Pasig Public Market

Traditional market area where you can sample fresh produce, fish, and prepared snacks from local vendors.

Kapitolyo Food Street

A lively stretch of eateries with casual dining and street-side snacks ideal for a foodie stroll.

Climate Guide

Weather

Pasig experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions most of the year, a rainy season from June to October, and a cooler, dry winter during December to February. Average highs typically range in the 28-34°C range, with humidity often above 70%. Typhoon activity can influence the weather during the rainy season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect and greetings

Use po and opo when addressing elders; handshake commonly, with light physical contact among friends. Some families greet with a mano (blessing) gesture to elders.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of traffic hazards during peak hours, ensure belongings are secure in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps at night. Emergency numbers and hospital access are widely available in Ortigas and Pasig; keep a local SIM and mapping handy. Do not leave valuables unattended in public spaces and be mindful of flooded streets during heavy rains.

Tipping in Pasig City

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Not mandatory in most eateries; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated if service charge is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in malls and larger restaurants; mobile wallets (GCash, GrabPay) are increasingly popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with temperatures often in the upper 20s to mid-30s°C. Hydration, sunscreen, and light clothing recommended; air conditioning and shopping malls provide relief.

Rainy Season (June-October)

Frequent afternoon downpours and occasional typhoons. Pack a compact umbrella and waterproof footwear; plan indoor activities and mall visits during heavy rain.

All-year note

Humidity is high year-round; mornings are usually pleasant, while afternoons can be hot. Typhoon season can bring storms; plan flexible itineraries.

Nightlife Guide

Pasig City at Night

Pasig's nightlife centers largely around Ortigas Center and Kapitolyo, featuring a mix of bars, lounges, and casual pubs. Expect a casual, modern scene with late-night eateries and live music venues; most venues close by 2 AM on weekends. For a more intense night out, nearby Makati and BGC offer broader club scenes within a short drive.

Hiking in Pasig City

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Masungi Georeserve

Limestone karst landscape with rope bridges and forest trails in Baras, Rizal; scenic for day hikes.

Hinulugang Taktak Falls

Waterfall and park area in Antipolo, Rizal; short hikes and scenic overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Pasig City by plane.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Main international and domestic airport serving Manila; accessible via EDSA and other major roads.

Clark International Airport (CRK)

Alternative international airport located in Clark, Pampanga; about a 1-2 hour drive depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkable in central districts like Kapitolyo and Ortigas Center with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and bridges; some neighborhoods are less walkable due to traffic and limited footpaths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young professionals

Frequenting Ortigas and Kapitolyo for work and dining; many live in nearby apartment clusters.

Families

Spanning residential neighborhoods with schools, parks, and community centers.

Students

Attending universities and vocational schools in adjacent cities; active cafe and study scene.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

The most popular sport in the Philippines; many courts and leagues around Pasig.

Badminton

Common recreational activity in parks and sports centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Heavy traffic is common in peak hours along EDSA and major arterials; use ride-hailing apps or plan trips to malls and offices during off-peak times. Public transport includes buses, jeepneys, and taxis with varying reliability; expect delays during rain or rush hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Pasig City.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Filipino vegetarian and seafood options are plentiful. Look for dishes labeled vegetarian or ask for meat-free versions; many places can omit meat and fish sauce.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Pasig and nearby areas offer major private hospitals, clinics, and emergency services, including The Medical City in Ortigas; there are also government facilities and pharmacies throughout the city. Public and private transport links provide access to healthcare facilities in surrounding cities.

Discover Philippines

Read more in our Philippines 2025 Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Guide