Location: Zamboanga City
Top Things to do in Zamboanga City
What to do and see in Zamboanga City, Philippines: The Best Places and Tips
Zamboanga City, officially the City of Zamboanga, (Chavacano: Ciudad de Zamboanga, Filipino: Lungsod ng Zamboanga), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 861,799 people. It is the 6th most populous and 3rd largest city by land area in the Philippines. It is the commercial and industrial center of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. Zamboanga City is an independent, chartered city and was designated highly urbanized on November 22, 1983.
Restaurants in Zamboanga City
1. Paseo del Mar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By orli b - Makati, Philippines
Stroll around, meet friends, dine in various restaurants in the area... perfect place for people to meet and unwind.
2. Great Santa Cruz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By RickyBull - Haverhill
Only 15 mins by boat from the city, the photos you see have been edited too much to attract business, the pink sand is barely visible. Overall the beach is maintained to a very high standard as are the toilet facilities. Please remember to bring food and drink along with you to the island although you can purchase freshly caught crabs and squid for a reasonable price. For people who like a dip in the sea, be very CAREFUL as the water gets VERY DEEP about 20 feet out from the shoreline, only a certain stretch of the beach is accessible
3. Fort Pilar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
Fort Pilar is a fortress built by the Spaniards in the early 17th century. The complete name of the fort is "Real Fuerza de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza" ("Royal Fortress of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza"), with a clear reference to one of the most venerated images of the Virgin Mary in Spain. According to local tradition, the Virgin Mary had appeared in the area at least twice, first in 1734 (I don't know for what reason) and once more in 1897 (to save the city from a tsunami).
Today the fort is an open landmark and a Marian shrine in Zamboanga City. Aside from the fort, you can also visit a small museum. You can visit not only the outside walls of the fort, but also its internal part with a well-maintained garden. For a brief background on the history of the place, just read a historical marker at the entrance to the museum.
The first time I visited this place, I was touched by the pilgrims' devotion to the Virgin Mary. Many would visit the fort to pay homage to the image of the Virgin Mary on one of the fort's walls. The hotel I was staying at that time ... the Lantaka Hotel ... was just a walking distance from the fort. It's one place rich in history .. worth-vising when you are in this "city of flowers" in Mindanao, Philippines.
4. Zamboanga City Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Glentoy - Davao City, Philippines
I am always fascinated by Zamboanga City Hall's facade that I always take a photo every time I see it. I love it more during Christmas season as it is well-lighted.
5. Canelar Barter Trade Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By orli b - Makati, Philippines
Cant really say you've been to Zamboanga without visiting the Barter center.
The place is famous for sarong, batik, biscuits, chocolayes, sotanghon, and a thousand others featuring Malaysian and Indonesian products at bargai prices (if you have a help from a local guide, like we did... )
Visit here is a must...
6. Merloquet Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By byrone29 - Manila, Philippines
From zamboanga downtown, take a van/jeep for a 1.5 hrs travel, then from the main road another 30min by habal-habal (motorcycle) and lastly a good 30min hike in concrete steps with hand rails. Best to go here in the morning or mid day for picnic and marvel at this least visited falls due to security issues in the southern mindanao.
But we never felt insecure, or had to notify local tourism office. Just take extra precaution or better yet go with a local.
Minor con is that lowest tier is not advisable for swimming. Upper tier is great for groups and 'dreamy shots' (long exposure) as the splash is limited and the falls is wide spread like a curtain.
7. Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By WanderLustDavao - Davao City
The Metropolitan Cathedral is an architectural spectacle in a city where Christians and Muslims live in peace and harmony. While it is located in the busy downtown area, the place is always solemn and a perfect place to pray and reflect. Its famous church bells also make pleasant, melodious chimes. This huge, two-storey church holds daily masses.
8. KCC Mall de Zamboanga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By orli b - Makati, Philippines
Was pleasantly surprised with the KCC MALL here in Zamboanga city. Complete with everything you need which made our stay a lot more pleasant. Had a very relaxing massage at the 3rd floor in the barbershop... Then proceeded to Payless store for the aqua shoes which were on sale.
A convenient place to visit for your various needs. Compleye one stop shop...
9. Pasonanca Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
Pasonanca Park, whose construction started in 1912, is considered as the main tourist attraction in Zamboanga City in Mindanao (in southern Philippines). A stroll in the place is very relaxing and, with its abundant growth of various species of trees, plants and flowers, you'll understand why Zamboanga City is called the "city of flowers" and why the park is considered as the "Little Baguio of the South."
Pasonanca Park is also a favorite camping or scout jamboree area. There are permanent tents or tee-pees for scouts and also a house tree where anyone can stay overnight for free! Just ask permission from the Mayor's Office for this. There are also facilities there for conferences, seminars, conventions, and so forth.
The park is located some seven kms away from the city proper. You can take a public jeepney to reach the place. It's a real oasis just a stone throw's away from the busy city. After visiting teh park, I recommend that you drop by the La Vista del Mar Restaurant for very good and fresh sea foods! :D
10. Tagbilat Falls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Giagie
Unspoiled Malagandis Falls (Tagbilat Falls) one of the best series enchanting Waterfalls I've ever seen.. Hope Tourism of Titay Province will improve the road going to busay :)
Worth the long travel!
If traveling via Zamboanga City, Take a bus route to Dipolog and drop at Titay terminal . Travel time is 4 hours plus 9 Kilometers going to busy via Habal-Habal plus 20-30 mins walk before you can reach the said Falls :)
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