10 Best Cities to Visit in the Philippines

by Alex Mustaros | Feb 4, 2023 | Asia, PHILIPPINES

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, an impressive natural wealth, and numerous tourist attractions.

This article will provide a list of cities to visit in the Philippines; you should not miss them while in this country.

The cities are full of buildings from the colonial era, temples for different religions, and new buildings.

The architecture of the Philippines’ cities can teach you about the country’s history and culture. These cities’ surroundings are well known for their natural and cultural riches.

Active volcanoes, coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and a diverse range of fauna and flora can all be found in the Philippines.

Filipino and English are the country’s two official languages, but about eight other languages, like Spanish, are spoken in different parts of the country.

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These are the 10 cities to visit in the Philippines on your next trip

Manila

Manila, as you are probably aware, is the capital city of the Philippines. The city has a population of around 1,800,000 people. It is one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

Manila, also known as the “Pearl of the East,” has many historical sites and restaurants where you can learn about local and international cuisine.

The city is located on the island of Luzon, on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, near the mouth of the Pásig River.

We recommend visiting the Intramuros neighborhood in the city, a walled district that served as the capital of the Spanish colony.

You can also visit the Fort of Santiago, a colonial citadel built near the mouth of the Pasig River.

Manila has the world’s oldest Chinatown, so don’t miss it.

Cebu

Perhaps you arrived in Cebu city for a connection to another city in the country, which is why this city is so famous.

But, if that’s the case, don’t waste any time and get to know the streets and attractions of Cebu. We’re talking about the Philippines’ second-largest city, so don’t underestimate it.

Cebu’s Taoist Temple, built in 1972 by the city’s Chinese community, is one of the most beautiful places in the city. You can admire the architectural and cultural oddities (dragons and even a replica of the Chinese wall) from here and get a great panoramic view of the city.

The island of Mactan is in Cebu and has several beaches where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Quezon City

Quezon City has a population of nearly three million people. Although Manila is the capital, Quezon is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of population. It is worth noting that this city is the most prosperous urban center in the Philippines.

Quezon City covers an area of 65 square miles on the island of Luzon. It has the city’s biggest shopping malls, parks, and places where you can learn about the locals and how the city works.

Manuel Luis Quezón, who gave the town its name, founded it. He wanted to get rid of Manila, so he made Quezon the capital of the Philippines and made himself president.

Davao

Davao is the third-most populous city in the Philippines, after Manila and Cebu City. Davao can be reached not only by plane but also by ferry or ground transportation. Its international airport receives approximately three million passengers per year.

Most people who come to the city go to the nearby islands, jungles, mountains, volcanoes, coral reefs, and beaches. These places have a wide range of ecosystems and landscapes.

Davao has many natural and theme parks, like Eden Nature Park, where you can fish, ride horses, stay in cabins, and do other things.

You can also visit Buddhist temples like Long Hua, the Cathedral of San Pedro, or various large shopping malls.

Puerto Princesa

The capital of Palawan island, also known as La Paragua, is Puerto Princesa.

This island hasn’t been built up too much, so its jungles and mountains are still significant and varied.

Its beaches are white sand; some are suitable for swimming and others for various water sports.

The 8-kilometer underground river, which can be reached by boat from the city, is a must-see.

We also recommend that you walk through the city’s historic center. Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary or the Plaza Cuartel, a stronghold for American and Filipino soldiers during World War II.

Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, which remembers the role of the Palawan guerrillas in the conflict, is another place you could go.

The Baywalk, Puerto Princesa’s maritime route, is also highly recommended. It is a peaceful park where you can learn about the collective dynamics of the locals by participating in sports or eating at one of their street stalls.

Makati

Makati is one of the most crowded and essential cities for business and finance in the Philippines. It is a short distance from downtown Manila and one of the 16 metropolitan cities in the Manila district.

Makati’s culture is quite cosmopolitan, with all the amenities of a developed country on its streets.

This area has a lot of cultural places that are like those in the West, as well as a lot of international restaurants and very modern gyms.

P. Burgos Street, a street full of nightlife and essentially the Red Light District, is worth a visit from Makati. The area has numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, and hostels. If you want to learn more about Philipino culture, go to the Yuchengco Museum.

If you want to see the passage of the colony, go to the ruins of Guadalupe, a European religious building from the 17th century in the middle of skyscrapers.

Bohol

Bohol is easy to get to and offers a wide range of activities, so we included it in this list. You must know that Bohol is a province of the Philippines, and Tagbilaran is its capital.

Bohol is the Philippines’ tenth-largest island. It has beaches for swimming and water activities and natural wonders like waterfalls and the Chocolate Hills, which are chocolate-shaped hills burned by the sun.

Bohol also has exciting nightlife. Alona Beach is a popular beach destination because it has a variety of bars, restaurants, and diving centers. The tarsier, the Philippines’ most iconic animal, can be found on the island of Bohol. This is also the world’s tiniest primate.

Iloilo

Iloilo, located on the island of Panay, is both a province and a city. The city is home to about 340,000 people, making it the ninth largest in the Philippines.

Many of the attractions in Iloilo are related to the colonial era. It is worth noting that Iloilo was the last capital of the Spanish Empire in Asia.

We recommend you visit the Mariquit house, an example of colonial-era housing.

Iloilo is accessible by plane from Manila or Cebu City.

Baguio

The Americans established Baguio City as the summer capital of the Philippines in 1909. Because the city is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters, the climate is very cool.

Baguio is home to a large area of tropical pine trees. Furthermore, it is urbanized enough to cater to tourists.

This city is located on the island of Luzon, in the Cordillera region, in the province of Benguet.

Baguio can be reached by plane from Manila, but there are also several major routes from several cities.

Natural theme parks can be found in Baguio, but its botanical garden is also worth a visit.

El Nido

We can’t end this list of Philippine cities without mentioning El Nido, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Bacuit archipelago is a group of karstic islands with white sand beaches, reefs, and lagoons that are hard to find, but you will undoubtedly be able to visit them.

We suggest you go kayaking, scuba diving, and watching the sunset on El Nido’s beaches, which are far away but have everything you need.

Conclusion

The Philippines is full of unique and exciting cities that offer a variety of experiences. From bustling city life in Makati to the stunning natural wonders of El Nido, there’s something for everyone here.

Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure or a quiet escape, these five cities provide visitors with unique cultural attractions, nightlife venues, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.

With its diverse range of offerings, the Philippines truly has it all! We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! So pack your bags and explore this beautiful country.

best cities to visit in the Philippines — Philippines – Cris Tagupa

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