Things To Do
in Quezon City
Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila by area and a major cultural, educational, and government hub in the Philippines. It blends wide boulevards, large parks and memorials with busy commercial corridors, universities and residential neighborhoods. The city is known for landmarks like Quezon Memorial Circle, the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, and lively food streets such as Maginhawa and Timog/Tomas Morato.
Expect a mix of urban energy, strong student and creative scenes, and accessible green spaces for quick nature breaks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic San Francisco del Monte Church, an iconic landmark in Quezon City. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, indulging in local delicacies like longganisa and sinangag. Take a stroll through the lush gardens surrounding the church, soaking in the tranquil morning atmosphere.
Head over to the Quezon Memorial Circle, where you can explore the National Museum of Natural History and the Quezon Memorial Shrine. Grab lunch at one of the food stalls within the circle, sampling popular street foods like isaw and kwek-kwek. Spend the afternoon enjoying the park's recreational areas, perhaps renting a bike to explore further.
As the sun sets, visit the nearby Maginhawa Street for dinner, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and food spots. Enjoy a meal at a local eatery, where you can savor Filipino dishes and craft beers. Wind down the evening with a dessert stop at a popular café, enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Quezon City.
Begin your day at the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging, where you can appreciate local art and photography. Afterward, head to the nearby Vargas Museum to admire contemporary Filipino art and sculptures. Enjoy a light brunch at the museum café, surrounded by a creative ambiance.
Visit the Art in the Park event if it's a weekend, where local artists showcase their work in a vibrant outdoor setting. Engage with the artists and perhaps purchase a unique piece to take home as a souvenir. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Ateneo de Manila University campus, taking in the beautiful architecture and lush greenery.
For dinner, make your way to the bustling Tomas Morato Avenue, where a variety of dining options await. Choose a restaurant that offers traditional Filipino cuisine or international fare, paired with local craft cocktails. After dinner, catch a local live music performance at a nearby bar, immersing yourself in Quezon City's vibrant arts scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/Grab ride (in-city) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local transport (jeepney/short bus) | $0.20-0.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Large variety of dining options and active food scene
- Plenty of green spaces and parks within the city
- Strong cultural and student communities with galleries and events
- Convenient amenities, hospitals and shopping centers
- Heavy traffic at peak hours can make travel slow
- Frequent rains can cause flooding in some areas
- Urban noise and crowding in popular districts
- Air quality can be variable in congested corridors
- "Kamusta?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paumanhin / Pasensya na" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang CR?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Quezon City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic art-deco mausoleum tower surrounded by landscaped parkland — good for architecture, portraits and sunset strolls.
Expansive green campus with wide lawns, the Oblation statue and tree-lined paths — excellent for candid student-life and nature shots.
Reservoir views, forested trails and viewpoints that capture greener, quieter scenes within the metro area.
An interactive 3D art museum where visitors become part of the paintings—playful and colorful for staged, creative photos.
Modern urban complex with night lights, pedestrian streets and contemporary architecture — great for evening cityscapes.
Food in Quezon City
Quezon City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The Filipino classic of pork or chicken stewed in soy, vinegar and garlic — ubiquitous and done well at home-style eateries and carinderias around the city.
Must-Try!
A sour tamarind-based soup typically with pork, fish or shrimp — comforting and found in many local restaurants and turo-turo stalls.
Crispy fried pork dishes often served in casual restos; popular during group meals in Tomas Morato and Maginhawa restaurants.
Common street snacks sold by vendors across Quezon City — cheap, quick and a good way to sample local flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A concentrated strip of small restaurants and food stalls offering themed eats, fusion concepts and budget-friendly options — great for sampling several dishes.
Neighborhood markets where you can try freshly cooked local meals, snacks and buy fresh fruit — authentic and inexpensive.
Busy evening street food and small eateries popular with office workers and students; try grilled skewers and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Using 'po' and 'opo' when addressing elders shows respect; a polite tone and friendly demeanor go a long way.
Dress conservatively when visiting churches or religious shrines and follow any posted rules (e.g., removing hats).
Filipinos are hospitable—if invited to someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift or treat and to accept refreshments.
Public displays of anger are frowned upon; maintain calm and patience in crowded situations and avoid loud confrontations.
Safety
Tipping in Quezon City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always required. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; if not, a 5–10% tip is customary for good service. Small tips for hotel porters, drivers and tour guides are common.
Cash (Philippine peso) is widely used for markets, jeepneys and small stalls. Credit/debit cards are accepted in malls and many restaurants. Mobile wallets like GCash and PayMaya are popular and increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent sunlight; expect temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings, and seek indoor air-conditioned breaks during midday.
Frequent rain showers and occasional heavy storms or typhoons. Expect sudden downpours and possible flooding in low-lying areas—carry a lightweight rain jacket and check weather advisories.
Slightly cooler and drier, more comfortable for walking and outdoor activities; evenings can be pleasant and it's peak travel season around holidays.
Quezon City at Night
Hiking in Quezon City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Approximately 1–2 hours from Quezon City by car; offers cave exploration, short climbs and scenic river/rock formations popular with day-trippers.
Rugged river, rock formations and off-trail hiking with beautiful granite boulders and clear pools; roughly 2–3 hours drive—suitable for a full-day trip with a guide.
Close and convenient for short nature walks, birdwatching and gentle hikes without leaving the metropolitan area.
Airports
How to reach Quezon City by plane.
Main international airport serving Metro Manila, about 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Accessible by taxi, airport transfer and some shuttle services.
Secondary international airport northwest of Metro Manila (about 1.5–3 hours drive depending on traffic). Useful for some international and budget flights; reachable by bus or private transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large student population from universities like UP Diliman and Ateneo, creating a youthful, creative and budget-conscious culture.
Established residential neighborhoods with families and professionals, ranging from middle-class subdivisions to higher-end enclaves.
Workers in retail, education, healthcare and service industries who support the city’s commercial and institutional sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular sport nationwide; pickup games are common in barangay courts, universities and parks throughout Quezon City.
Common at schools and community courts, with active amateur leagues and recreational play.
Recreational running and cycling are popular in parks like Quezon Memorial Circle and along selected thoroughfares early in the morning.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quezon City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and food parks; ask for vegetable-based versions of Filipino dishes or look for vegetarian/vegan eateries around Maginhawa and Katipunan.
A few dedicated vegan cafés and menu options exist, mainly in college areas and specialty restaurants — check menus or call ahead for vegan-friendly dishes.
Not widely labeled; rice-based Filipino dishes are naturally gluten-free, but ask about sauces and battering. Higher-end restaurants and cafés may accommodate requests.
Halal options are available in select restaurants and Muslim-owned eateries, but not ubiquitous — seek out dedicated halal-certified places or ask staff for guidance.