The Philippines, which is situated in Southeast Asia in the archipelago between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea, is one of the most beautiful countries to see. It’s filled with stunning islands, beaches, world-renowned natural wonders like mountains, historical landmarks, and amazing cities that will take your breath away.
The tourism slogan in the Philippines is ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ because whatever travel destination you choose, you’re bound to experience unique beauty. According to Statista, the Philippine Archipelago comprises 7,107 islands, and its population is forecasted to increase by about 10 million in 2022. And while you might not be able to tour the whole of the Philippines in one trip, there are specific destinations you’d want to prioritize for an unforgettable experience.
In addition, it’s best to use an accommodation search engine like Cozycozy to search forvacation rentals and organize your stay better. On a single site, you can view a wide range of offers from major booking websites, like Airbnb, Booking, VRBO, and Agoda. This way, you’ll easily find hotels, rentals, hostels, as well as unconventional accommodation types like treehouses and boats.
Continue reading to discover the top five best cities to visit in the Philippines.
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Vigan
Vigan is a historical city in northern Philippines. It’s a melting pot of rich culture and religion and will give you a magical travel experience. Below are some wonderful places and exciting activities to tour and try:
- Calle Crisologo: This is one of the preserved streets in Vigan, featuring cobblestones and ancestral buildings that remind you of quaint towns in Spain. Most of the stores sell antique jewelry, furniture, and other pieces. You can shop for souvenirs, snag hand-woven clothes, or indulge in native delicacies. And for a memorable moment, hop on a carriage drawn by a horse, which is commonly known as a kalesa.
- National Museum of the Philippines: It exhibits a couple of famous historical figures, one of whom is former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino and the other, a martyr priest named Padre Jose Burgos. It displays their personal belongings and other mementos, such as writing tools that the Philippines highly regard.
- St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral: It’s among the notable structures opposite Plaza Salcedo. Its interior and exterior architectural details are reminiscent of Baroque architecture.
- Bantay Bell Tower: The belfry is Vigan’s top attraction and will be one of the highlights of your Vigan adventure. The brick structure is situated on a hill, giving you a breathtaking view of Vigan, especially the Bantay district. This served as a watchtower used by the natives to watch approaching enemies in the second World War.
With all these lovely places, you’ll have a terrific time journeying through a city that features cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and well-known landmarks.
Manila
The capital of the Philippines, Manila is situated on the island of Luzon. It’s also called the ‘Rome of the East, offering you the right mix of old and modern charm. Here are some of the best spots to check out in the bustling city:
Rizal Park: It has an Orchidarium, statues of prominent figures, ornamental gardens, and a pool called the Central Lagoon Additionally, it’s the place where Jose Rizal, a Philippine national hero, was executed. Hence, it holds great historical significance.
- Manila Ocean Park: Here, you will get to meet marine life.
- San Agustin Church: It’s the oldest church in the Philippines, built in the 16th century. Though it has undergone renovations, it still showcases the spectacular Baroque architecture.
- Manila Zoo: This zoo is home to many wildlife animals, like elephants, the Bengal tiger, and the hippopotamus. It also has an arboretum and botanical garden with different plants belonging to the Philippines’ ecology. Head to the zoo if you’re traveling with kids. Your little ones will be delighted to meet various animals and learn about diverse plant species.
Manila not only offers historical landmarks but also family-friendly attractions you’ll enjoy with your loved ones.
Davao City
The main city in southern Philippines is a popular tourist destination filled with various sites, like Eden Nature Park and Roxas Night market, a spot known for its dazzling nightlife and fun shopping experiences. It’s also home to Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the country.
Aside from Roxas Night market, Davao City is home to the most prominent malls, such as SM Lanang Premier Mall and Abreeza Mall, making it the ultimate destination for shopping. If you want to learn more about the city’s culture and history, you can visit the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.
Baguio
Nicknamed the ‘City of Pines,’ Baguio is secluded in the mountain region of Luzon Island. People love it for its cottage-type environment and the cooler temperatures brought on by the rich pine forests.
While here, you can engage in outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and golfing. Consider visiting renowned parks too, like Mines View and Burnham Park. At Burnham Park, you’ll find a wide variety of attractions, including a skating rink, a man-made lake where you can go for a ride on rowboats, and the Picnic Grove that’s perfect for romantic dates or hangouts with friends and family.
Cebu
The Queen City of the South boasts spectacular tourist spots, like world-famous waterfalls, a stunning coastline for diving, and gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters. Have a taste of the nightlife in Cebu by visiting popular videoke rooms situated at IT Park and Mango Avenue. And if you’re a history buff, tour museums, such as University of San Carlos Museum and Museo Sugbo.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to savor what the Philippines has to offer, plan a trip to one of these cities. Whichever city you choose to spend your holidays in, you’ll have the time of your life traveling around and meeting friendly locals who will be happy to welcome and help you out.
