A trip to Quezon City can combine natural areas and outdoor activities with a variety of cultural themes: museums explore subjects including architecture, historic homes, and collections ranging from toys to art. When planning, consider not only your interests but also the visiting requirements: activities at La Mesa Eco Park require advance reservations; some museums receive visitors by appointment only.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
The 33-hectare La Mesa Ecopark is a natural area in Quezon City that promotes biodiversity. Activities at La Mesa Eco Park include nature walks, rappelling, climbing, birdwatching and Archery Tag. Advance reservations are required for these activities; check their availability before your visit.
Various plant and animal species can be found at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, a nature park in the heart of the city. The Academic Oval at the University of the Philippines offers a different kind of outdoor activity: cyclists, joggers and walkers use this popular route for exercise and recreation. It is accessible at any time and free of charge; check campus conditions before your visit.
The QC Elevated Promenade connects Quezon Memorial Circle with Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. Its features include a bicycle ramp and planted pots; at night, LED lights line the walkways. Check the current access conditions before visiting.
Cultural Sites and Collections
Bahay Modernismo Museum displays preserved objects from the Aquino family's home on Times Street and offers insight into the architecture, lifestyle and culture of the postwar Philippines in the 1950s. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free. Check visiting hours in advance.
At Quezon Memorial Circle, attractions include the Peace Bell, Circle of Fun, Children's Playground and Quezon Heritage House; check in advance for the current operating status of each attraction. Quezon Heritage House is a reconstruction of the house at 45 Gilmore Street that served as the residence of the family of former President Manuel Quezon. Visits are by appointment. Mira-Nila is a heritage house recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and currently houses a museum.
The collections at Wow Toy Museum and UP Vargas Museum are quite different. Wow Toy Museum displays a family collection of around 17,000 toys dating from the early 1950s to the present; visits are by appointment. On the University of the Philippines campus, UP Vargas Museum houses art, books, archives, memorabilia, coins and stamps from the collection of Jorge B. Vargas, a well-known politician and university alumnus. Visits are possible Tuesday through Saturday; check for possible holiday closures.
City Life and Events
Cubao Expo is a creative venue with independent cafés, specialty shops, galleries, vintage stores and artist communities. Galleries in Maginhawa include CXE Art and Collectibles and the commercial art gallery Project 20. As their opening hours may change, check their current operating hours before visiting.
Two Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch-Paifang mark Banawe Chinatown at the northern and southern entrances to Banawe Street. The La Loma Lechon Festival is an annual event held on the third Sunday in May. Check the current festival dates and program before planning your visit around it.
Discover more destinations: Taguig, Marikina City, Parañaque City, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Caloocan.
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