Top 10 Best Cities in the Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, has cities that each tell their own unique stories, shaped by centuries of influences from various cultures and eras.

The history of cities in the Philippines is deeply rooted in pre-colonial times when various indigenous groups and kingdoms thrived. Trade with neighboring Asian regions was flourishing, with the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture setting the stage for the dynamic urban centers that would later develop. The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century brought about significant changes, leading to the establishment of some of the earliest cities. These cities became the centers of governance, religion, and commerce, marked by iconic structures like churches, forts, and schools that still stand today.

Following Spanish rule, the American period in the early 20th century introduced new elements of urban planning and architecture, further shaping the cities' landscapes. Post-World War II reconstruction and subsequent rapid urbanization during the latter half of the century contributed to the modern cities we see today, characterized by skyscrapers, bustling business districts, and vibrant cultural scenes.

Exploring the best cities in the Philippines means immersing yourself in a variety of experiences. Each city offers something unique, from the heritage-rich streets of old towns to the lively nightlife and burgeoning culinary scenes of modern metropolises. Whether you're drawn to historical landmarks, stunning natural attractions, or the pulse of contemporary city life, the cities of the Philippines provide endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

1. Iloilo

   

   It's a renaissance city. After a standstill during the late 20th century, it has reinvented itself coming into the 21st century. Its bustling economy is bringing back the glory of the sugar baron days. The city is a melting pot of the old and the new, as modern development exists side by side with heritage conservation. Its efforts on environmental protection and preservation are unequaled by any other highly urbanized cities, with initiatives like the Iloilo River Conservation and the protection of mangrove sites.

   Development is also designed to embrace the environment, such as the Iloilo Esplanade along the Iloilo River and the upcoming Senator Benigno Aquino Avenue widening, where wide open spaces with lots of greens are in place. It's the next big thing in the Philippines. A wonder city. It's Iloilo City.

2. Metro Cebu

   Cebu is a city on Cebu Island in the Philippines. It is known as the Queen City of the South and is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines for foreign tourists. It has the largest seaport in the Philippines, the second-largest air hub, and is the second-largest city in the country.

   Cebu is the fastest-growing large city in the nation, with an annual growth rate of over 5% per year. It is a booming metropolitan area with all the conveniences of a modern city. At the same time, it boasts natural resources like countless white sand beaches (both commercial and untouched), as well as historical sites that reflect its cosmopolitan past. These range from the birth of Christianity in Asia to early commercial trade with Mexico and China, and even vestiges of the American colonization of the Philippines.

3. Bacolod

   

   The famed city on a hill, or a "bakulod," started its beginnings as a small riverside community in the 1770s and later became a city of more than 500,000 people in 2010. It is now every Filipino's favorite vacation destination, convention destination, gastronomic adventure, or business opportunity.

   Well-designed streets and city blocks, as well as well-zoned areas of development, efficient traffic management, and an outstanding peace and order system.

   Home of famous filmmakers, directors, performers, and beauty titlists.

   It's the city that's famous for having the latest car models driven by rich hacienderos. It's the city that has the most number of registered motor vehicles in Western Visayas.

4. Davao

   

   Davao City is a major urban center located on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. It is the largest city in the country by land area and one of the most populous outside Metro Manila. Davao is known for its durian fruit, Mount Apo, and as the hometown of former President Rodrigo Duterte... read more

   Davao has a low crime rate, at less than 1%. Current revenue statistics rank Davao City as the fifth-richest city in the Philippines in terms of local income and Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). It is the only city outside Greater Manila in the top five. The city government also maintains a 24-hour emergency response system, patterned after the 9-1-1 system used in the United States. A curfew for minors is observed in the city as well. All business establishments, particularly bars and discos, are mandated by a city ordinance to refrain from selling alcoholic drinks beyond 2:00 a.m.

   Motorcycle drivers without helmets and motorists with defective lights are not allowed to enter or drive in the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and at the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours a day to ensure the strict implementation of traffic rules. The use of fireworks and other similar pyrotechnics, as well as smoking, is strictly prohibited in most of the city. Even outdoors, if you are under a roof of any kind, smoking is prohibited. Violators are subject to hefty fines, community service, jail time, or a combination of the three. Littering is also prohibited.

5. Roxas

   

   It has fresh air and is pollution-free. The countryside ambiance, the security, and, most of all, its seafood products thrive, I think, because of its clean water. Its seafood products taste better than the seafood from other areas. I think this is the gift that God gave Capiz.

   Even experts could not seem to explain why seafood grown in Capiz tastes better. Of course, the famous Capiz and Diwal shells are best grown in Capiz, notwithstanding its oyster.

   Roxas City is the most livable and lovable city in the Philippines, known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. Many upcoming malls are here in Roxas City. Experience the fresh seafood here.

   Roxas City is the cleanest and greenest city in Western Visayas. Here, you can relax on the clean beaches and enjoy the fresh air.

6. Makati

   Makati City is the business capital of the Philippines and is highly comparable to New York City. It offers several types of professions related to ABM and STEM, including Computer Science and Engineering, as well as lower-level jobs like carpentry and police work. The first thing to note is that Makati is eco-friendly. It is home to numerous trees and encourages malls to be eco-friendly by featuring mini gardens, such as those in the heart of the Greenbelt Mall Chain by Ayala Corporation.

   The second thing to note is that the city houses the main contributors to national financial security, as well as the stock exchange. Thirdly, Makati offers a considerable number of entertainment options, usually modern ones like museums. Lastly, educational offerings in the city focus on Computer Science, Mathematics, and technology (e.g., Makati Science High School). All these features are maintained and promoted by the cooperative "rogue" dynasty of Makati.

   *The Binay Dynasty is called rogue because they devise ways to steal from the rich and distribute or spend it for the older generation's benefits, and sometimes, for the sake of helping the poor at all costs (still, please limit the corruption).*

7. Baguio

   

   Probably one of the most diverse cities in the country, this city is where both local and international cultures meet in harmony. Coffee lovers and party-goers would love this place because hundreds of creative cafes are literally everywhere. They even have a unique alcohol mix called C2GIN, which is surprisingly very cheap.

   People are also very friendly in the place. I always experience strangers striking up conversations and asking how I am doing. You'd love it here.

   Baguio City is a multicultural city because it has been a settlement for Americans, Japanese, Chinese, and even the natives of Cordillera. Baguio City is also great because it has the cruise-ship-shaped mall (SM Baguio), the Panagbenga (Flower Festival), where floats are made out of natural flowers, one of the Texas Instruments factories, and the only Philippine Military Academy.

   We could also make our city look like New York because we have Abanao Square, Malcolm Square, and our very own business street: Session Road.

8. Manila

   

   Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and has a long history influenced by Spanish, American, and indigenous cultures.... read more

   Metro Manila is the total urban area composed of different cities and the surrounding urban fringe. The proper city of Manila is only one of the big cities of this urban agglomeration. Metro Manila, or the 'National Capital Region', as they say in the Philippines, is a significant area.

   Metro Manila is the business and cultural center of the Philippines, and as the face of our country and its capital, Manila's development means the whole country develops too.

   Dear Dirty Manila. Always my first port of call. Ideal for stocking up on supplies and aimless shopping: if you can't find it in Manila, then it just doesn't exist.

9. Cagayan de Oro

   

   Dubbed locally as the "City of Golden Friendship" (Dakbayan sa Bulawanong Panaghigala-ay in Cebuano, as the phrase appears on the city's seal), Cagayan de Oro is known for the camaraderie and hospitality that are inherent and traditional traits of its people. Cagayan de Oro is considered a melting pot in Mindanao and is on its way to being classified as a first-class city. Serving as the regional center, it is the most populous highly-urbanized city in Northern Mindanao, a region noted for its accessibility, business growth, and tourism attractions.

   Cagayan de Oro is often called the "Melting Pot of Mindanao" because of its accessibility, business growth, and attractions, as well as its warm and hospitable people. It is also a business hub of the Northern Mindanao region and is considered one of the most progressive and competitive cities in the country. As of the fiscal year 2006, it was recorded to have reached an annual income of 1.345 billion pesos. The city's economy is largely based on industry, commerce, trade, services, and tourism. These are the major financial sources that have been sufficient for the city's economic growth and development.

10. Batangas

    

    The City of Batangas is ramping up activities in trade, finance, education, and medical services for most parts of the province. As a center for trade and commerce, it hosts one of the largest oil refineries in the country, Pilipinas Shell, as well as three natural gas power plants: Kielco, First Gas, and Malampaya On-Shore Gas Plant. Other major industries include San Miguel Food Corporation, JG Summit PetroChemical Corp., Universal Robina Corp., Himmel Industries Inc., Chemphil Bulk Terminal, San Lorenzo Power Plant, and First Philippine Industrial Corp.

    It is also an educational hub, home to three of the largest universities in the province. Recently, more international schools have chosen the city as their campus site.

    The city attracts thousands of transient migratory workers and has 46 banking and other financial institutions, five major hospitals, three major hotels, and various government agencies.

    Sister Cities:

    Rio De Janeiro, Brazil;

    Cologne, Germany;

    Lhangenfeld, Rhineland, Germany;

    Guadalajara, Mexico;

    Barcelona, Spain;

    Tawau, Malaysia.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Baler

    One of the emerging tourist destinations in the Philippines.

12. ?

    Taytay

    Taytay, Rizal, the National Garments Capital of the Philippines and also the Woodworks/Sash Capital of the Philippines, is one of the famous municipalities/cities, especially in movies.

    Taytay, Rizal, is popular because it is one of the movie spot destinations where movies are filmed. This is thanks to its Club Manila East Resort and its garments and sash products!

    I love my province. To promote Taytay to all of you: the garments here are low-priced.

    The Manila East Pool is also here, and it has artificial waves! So let's enjoy and have fun in Taytay, Rizal.

The Contenders

13. Puerto Princesa

    

    As a Canadian, I have lived in and traveled a large part of the Philippines. When I arrived in Puerto Princesa for the first time, I decided within the first three hours that I wanted to live there when I retire (early, I hope)! I purchased a house in the excellent Camella subdivision. The area boasts amazing waters, history, nature, wildlife, and the kindest locals I have ever had the honor to meet.

    Geologically, it also has no earthquakes, volcanoes, or typhoons, except at the very tip in Coron during the largest one a couple of years ago. It sits on a different tectonic plate than the rest of the Philippines. See you in a couple of weeks!

    A city in paradise where the underground river belongs, and also one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in the world. A cleanest and greenest city!

14. General Santos

    I'm originally from Quezon City, but I have been living and working in GenSan for a decade now. My son was born here. The city is rapidly progressing in terms of economic activities and booming population. People from all over the country are attracted to its unique combination of urban amenities and rural flavor.

    Its exotic multicultural mix, adventurous history as a settlement, and the visionary legacy of its founder and namesake, General Santos, are evident in its well-planned zones, wide avenues, and broad boulevards. All of these factors testify to its potential as the future gateway of the south, given its position as the Philippines' southernmost tip city.

15. Tacloban

    

    Tacloban is just so nice because of its downtown area and also because of its malls. I know Tacloban was ravaged by that strong typhoon in 2013, but now that I went back to the city, everything has returned to normal because of the kind-hearted Taclobanons.

    The people in the city are friendly, kind, and polite. When my cousin asked me what the best city in the Philippines is, I always say it's the Queen City of the Orient East, which is Tacloban.

    The people of Tacloban have good taste. The food in Tacloban is very good. Even the people in Tacloban know how to design buildings nicely. Tacloban, I'm a big fan of your lechon. It's the best in the Philippines.

    You know, Tacloban, your facilities in the city are very good. Oh my, your restaurants are excellent, like Canto Fresco, Giuseppe's, and many more. I'm a big fan of Tacloban and I always will be, because of so many reasons I can't even list them all.

    Always remember:

    I LOVE TACLOBAN

16. Quezon

    Quezon City is the largest and richest city in NCR. It offers the greatest opportunities. I have lived here since 1982 and will probably live here for the rest of my life. No matter how much I travel anywhere in the Philippines or around the world, Quezon City is always closest to my heart.

    With its wide public spaces, tree-lined avenues, and a soon-to-rise central business district, the future is bright for Quezon City. The sprawling UP Diliman campus is an ecological, cultural, artistic, and intellectual oasis. I can live here.

17. Parañaque

    

    The best place to live in the Philippines is a city that offers urban living while maintaining less pollution, less traffic congestion, and a clean and green environment. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in this part of the country.

    It is the best place to buy a condo as an investment.

    This is a city of dreams and a peaceful place to live.

18. Legazpi

    

    If Legazpi City fully develops, it will no doubt be the most beautiful city not just in the Philippines, but in Asia and the world. This city has lots of potential that other cities don't have. Nature's beauty is already there. What it needs are wider roads, high-rise buildings, and industrial parks. Additionally, Legazpi needs to develop its international seaport, as it is the largest city in the country facing the Pacific Ocean, aside from the new international airport that will be operational in a few years.

    It should also develop its beautiful black sand beaches and the white sand beaches in nearby neighboring municipalities and islands that are waiting for big-time investors, both local and international. The Philippines is going to have a developed city on the Pacific. I hope the government will do its best for Legazpi City's great future and for the country as a whole.

19. Naga

    The third Philippine city granted the title of Royal after Manila and Cebu by King Philip II, and the ecclesiastical seat of the bishop of the entire Bicol region and almost half of Southern Luzon for three centuries, Naga, formerly known as Nueva Caceres, is the Queen City of Bicol and is comparable to the north's Vigan and the south's Cebu, Iloilo, and Zamboanga. The title of Queen City is used in the context of the historical significance of Naga in the Bicol region.

    Moreover, due to the simple fact that the seat of the Queen of Bicolandia, Her Celestial Majesty, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, is in Naga, we believe that the city is more than deserving of being called the Queen City of Bicol.

20. Taguig

    

    Taguig City's programs have greatly assisted many of its citizens. While the local government focuses on improving the city's physical features, they have also provided numerous programs to help the citizens.

    They have bridged the gap that prevents people from receiving aid in their various aspirations. Educational, health, and employment assistance have been distributed closely and fairly, offering an opportunity for all. Good governance is a significant factor in a city's improvement.

    The Philippines' Premier City 2020.

    A global city (also called a world city or sometimes an alpha city or world center) is a city generally considered to be an important node in the global economic system.

    No wonder, in every country, there can only be one city called Global City, and that is in the City of Taguig.

21. Zamboanga

    One of the highly urbanized cities in Mindanao, the City of Flowers is the third-largest city in terms of land area and the sixth most populous city in the Philippines. Known for its unique Creole Spanish, known as Chavacano, the city has a strong Hispanic influence, earning it the name of Asia's Latin City. Despite having been a city since 1936, locals still refer to the city center as "pueblo" due to its significance during the American colonial period.

    The city has many "firsts" to its name: it was the site of the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao and, in the pre-WWII period, was the center of all Mindanao. The city is on the path to rise from lagging behind other cities in Mindanao to becoming one of the most prosperous cities in the region.

22. Angeles

    

    In 1991, Angeles City was tagged as the "City of Ghost" due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Many real estate owners sold their properties at very affordable or lowest prices because they thought that the city would never recover. Some even said that Angeles City would be wiped off the map of the Philippines, along with the entire province of Pampanga. However, the people didn't let these rumors define them. They ensured that they used their last resources in a timely manner.

    Eventually, they began rebuilding the city and its tourism assets. Tigtigan Terakan King Dalan started a couple of years after Pinatubo erupted. It was a sign to everyone - to the entire country and the world at large - that Angeles City was beginning a new chapter in its history. Today, Angeles City is one of the highly urbanized cities, not only in the province but also in the whole region.

    There are a lot of things to do in Angeles City now. If you visit the city in October, you'll surely be mesmerized by its heritage sites, festivals, culinary offerings, and most especially, by the hospitality of the Angelenos.

23. Kalibo

    Kalibo is a real city and really city-like compared to some other undeserving cities. Some cities, if you see them in satellite images, especially the poblacion or downtown areas, have fewer establishments and fewer vehicles compared to Kalibo, which has many establishments and vehicles. That's the real meaning of a city. Other undeserving cities of the Philippines are only like second- to first-class towns.

    Kalibo is an excellent place to live. I've lived in QC all my life until we moved here to Kalibo. It is the best place to raise a family because of the kind neighborhood and access to all basic facilities found in the city, only without the pollution. The low cost of living is the icing on the cake.

24. Passi

    Sugar central of Panay. Pintados de Passi is one of the finest cultural events.

    The largest city of Panay by land area and the third most populous city on Panay Island.

25. Marikina

    Marikina is very clean, not only environmentally but also in how people live. There are many parks and new health centers being constructed.

    Cleanest city. Most disciplined people in the Philippines. Less corruption. Friendly and approachable police officers.

    Disciplined people. Clean and safe environment. Organized livelihood.

26. Dumaguete

    Dumaguete is surely going to be one of the best cities in the Philippines in the next 10 years. It offers a lot of beautiful places and luxurious landmarks that would surely make you enjoy yourself and have much fun. The city boasts enchanting views.

    But if you really want to enjoy it, go to the Sidlakang Negros Village or go strolling along the boulevard. After a tiring trip around the whole city, it's nice to relax in one of the beautiful hotels located within the city. So what are you waiting for? Visit Dumaguete City, the City of Gentle People!

    It's really true what they say about Dumaguete being the City of Gentle People. I don't think I saw any stoplights because they didn't need any.

    Every motorist was gracious and giving, and all the pedestrians followed the rules. It's just one more amazing thing that'll make me keep coming back and even consider retiring to this wonderful city. I miss it already. You can't miss Jo's Chicken Inato for some good old lechon manok goodness. For only 120 pesos, you get a stick of barbecue, chicken paa, and rice. Don't forget the Coke. Unlimited rice is a common thing in Dumaguete.

    You have to experience walking along the boulevard from sunup to 6 p.m., where there are stalls of ihaw-ihaw (barbecue).

27. Vigan

    

    It is a World Heritage Site, as it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines. The city is well-known for its cobblestone streets and unique architecture that blends Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction with colonial European architecture.

    It is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the Philippines and truly a child-friendly city. No wonder this beautiful city is loved by tourists. This is not only for its remarkable structures but also because of its good people.