ALL ABOARD sa Quezon City: More to Explore
You have booked your passes to ALL ABOARD EXPO, and maybe you have already locked in your plane tickets too. (Well, this guide is mainly for our out of town and international guests, but honestly, even locals might discover something new here.) Quezon City’s tourism slogan, “QC: More to Explore,” fits perfectly. QC is a lively mix of history, culture, food, nature, and creative spaces, making it an excellent place to explore before and after the expo.
Nature and Outdoor Spots
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
Located near Quezon Memorial Circle, this urban sanctuary is home to various native animals, landscaped gardens, and shaded walking paths. It is a peaceful place to slow down, especially if you want a break from the city without going too far.
La Mesa Ecopark
Often called the green heart of Quezon City, La Mesa Ecopark is perfect for nature lovers. You can bike, walk along forest trails, enjoy a picnic, or simply breathe in fresh air. It is a great reminder that even within Metro Manila, you can still find wide open green spaces.
University of the Philippines Arboretum
Hidden inside the UP Diliman campus, the Arboretum feels like a mini rainforest. With towering trees and lush greenery, it is a favorite spot for walkers, joggers, and anyone who wants a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
Culture and History
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (QC Branch)
This cultural attraction showcases restored Spanish era houses and heritage architecture. Walking through Las Casas feels like stepping back in time, offering a deeper appreciation of Filipino history, craftsmanship, and design.
Presidential Car Museum
Located near Quezon Memorial Circle, this unique museum displays official vehicles used by past Philippine presidents. It is a quick but fascinating stop, especially for history buffs.
Tandang Sora National Shrine
Dedicated to Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino, this shrine honors one of the most important women in Philippine history. The site features a museum, art displays, and open garden spaces that tell her story and legacy.
Quezon Memorial Circle
One of the most iconic landmarks in Quezon City, the Circle features the towering Quezon Monument, museums, food stalls, and wide open parks. Locals jog here, families gather here, and visitors often start their QC exploration here.
Heritage and Museums
Quezon City is home to several heritage houses and museums worth visiting. These include the Quezon Heritage House, which gives a glimpse into the life of President Manuel L. Quezon, and modern cultural spaces like Bahay Modernismo and the Tandang Sora Women’s Museum. These places celebrate Filipino history, architecture, and design in thoughtful and engaging ways.
Food and Local Flavors
Quezon City Chinatown
QC’s Chinatown is a food lover’s destination, filled with Chinese Filipino eateries, bakeries, and specialty shops. It is a great place to try classic comfort food and discover long standing local favorites.
Maginhawa Food Street
Maginhawa Street is legendary among foodies. This lively stretch is packed with cafes, restaurants, and dessert spots offering both local and international dishes. Whether you want comfort food, experimental cuisine, or a cozy coffee shop, Maginhawa has something for you.
Farmers Market, Cubao
A historic wet market where you can shop for fresh produce, seafood, and meat. One of its highlights is the paluto area, where you can have your purchases cooked on the spot. It is an immersive and delicious local experience.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) awarded the 2026 Michelin Guide Plaques to 71 restaurants in Metro Manila. Seven of these restaurants are located in Quezon City: Deo Gracias, Esmeralda Kitchen, Fong Wei Wu, Mōdan, Palm Grill, Some Thai, and Morning Sun Eatery.
Quezon City also has countless local restaurants, cafes, and food hubs often featured by travel vloggers. Spots like Original Pares and the many hidden gems around Maginhawa and Cubao make QC a food destination on its own.
Fun and Creative Spots
University of the Philippines Diliman
Beyond being an academic campus, UP Diliman is a cultural and creative space. It hosts art exhibits, theater performances, weekend markets, and plenty of open areas for walking and people watching.
New Kamuning Market
A vibrant local market where you can find fresh food, local snacks, and everyday essentials. It is a great way to experience daily life in QC.
Cubao Expo
Cubao Expo is a creative hub filled with indie shops, cafes, art spaces, and bars. It is known for its relaxed vibe and is a favorite hangout for artists, musicians, and creatives.
Quezon City Circle Attractions
Aside from the monument and parks, the Circle often hosts weekend markets, fitness events, and pop up activities. It is lively, communal, and very QC.
Urban Spots and Malls
If you are in the mood for a mall day, Quezon City delivers. SM North EDSA (we have a Gaming Library store here), Trinoma, and Gateway Mall offer shopping, dining, cinemas, and entertainment options. These are great places to unwind after a day of exploring or after a long day at ALL ABOARD EXPO.
Tips for ALL ABOARD EXPO Travelers
- Plan your days by grouping attractions that are close to each other, such as parks and museums around Quezon Memorial Circle.
- Try the food because QC’s culinary scene is a destination on its own.
- Mix culture and fun by balancing food trips, quiet parks, museums, and creative spaces.
- Explore with locals and ask for recommendations because every neighborhood in QC has its own charm.
Quezon City is not just a stop on the way to ALL ABOARD EXPO. It is a destination filled with experiences that can turn your trip into something truly memorable. As the slogan says, there is always more to explore in QC.
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library aims to be the go-to resource for board games, providing not only titles that can be enjoyed by families, but also to be enjoyed by friends both newcomers and veterans alike. By pulling from different resources from all over the world, we at Gaming Library curate an impressive collection of games for consumers to choose from, suitable for anybody from casual players to hardcore hobbyists. In doing so, we hope to provide the best means to foster activities that strengthen family ties and friendships, while teaching relevant skills and practical critical thinking that can be applied to your everyday life.
