Quezon City is the place to go when you want to escape from the creative chaos of Manila. With the biggest mall in the Philippines as well as multiple churches and nature reserves, it's an experience that will leave you with a true taste of the region.
When you're ready to relax in lush green surroundings, head to La Mesa Eco Park, a five-hectare oasis with walkways and water pools.
Many of the churches, like the Santo Domingo Church, are hundreds of years old. with beautiful tributary statues.
For some R'n'R and frivolous fun, check out this spot for the best restaurants, nightclubs, and retail stores.
Whether you are traveling with children or you're just a big kid at heart, the Fiesta Carnival Complex has tons of amusement park rides and entertaining side shows.
With a zoological and botanical garden, as well as a man-made lagoon for boating, this spot is a true sanctuary in the city.
The best time to go to Quezon City is December or the winter months, when the temperature is a balmy 73, even at night. April is the hottest month, when temperatures shoot up to 93.
Travelers coming into Quezon City will land at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Use the MRT-3 to get from the airport to Quezon City. The fare for a single ride is ₱20.
Quezon City is a stop on the Metro Manila Line. You can use the MRT-2 and MRT-3 to get into Quezon City.
To get from Manila to Quezon City, start on the R-8, then use the R-6 to get to Quezon City.
Use the popular "Jeepney" to travel from neighboring cities like Manila. A single, adult fare is ₱12. Bus fares for non-air conditioned vehicles are ₱10 and ₱12 for air conditioned buses.
For beauty and luxury, check into a room at the Summit Hotel Magnolia. Those who want comfort on a moderate budget will like the attention at the Garden Heights Condotel. Travelers on a budget can rest after a weary day at ACL Suites.
Diliman - this district is home to the beautiful and imposing Quezon Memorial Circle and monument and the University of the Philippines.
Novaliches - this district is home to La Mesa Eco Park. When you're done taking in nature, head to the SM City Fairview mall.
Batasan Hills - while there are plenty of residential pockets in this neighborhood, Batasan Hills features some stunning and historical architecture, like the St. Peter Parish Church.
There are two subway lines, the MRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3, as well as private buses and smaller, local bus services. The most popular form of multi-passenger transport, however, is the "Jeepney", or the dyip, which is a long jeep seating multiple people, usually open air, and with interesting art on its side.
Metered taxis are easy to catch though it may be hard to find one during rush hour. Fares start at a flat rate of ₱40 and it's ₱24.80 for each mile after that.
Rent from local companies like Alcat and Roadstar or brands like Budget and National. Fares start at ₱3,473.82 for a compact, standard 4-door vehicle.
Check out TriNoma or SM City North EDSA, the largest mall currently in the Philippines.
A quart of milk costs ₱74.20 and a dozen eggs will come to around ₱65.
For truly authentic Filipino cuisine, check out PenPen's Filipino Kitchen, where you can enjoy chicken and pork adobo for ₱168, Gabi chips for ₱70, and three-cheese baked bangus belly for ₱165.