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Davao City, Philippines

Destination Guide

Davao City

Philippines

Best things to do in Davao City

52 curated attractions in Davao City, Philippines. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - May

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Generally safe

About Davao City

Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area, with Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, looming over it. This geographical feature has shaped the city into a blend of urban life and natural beauty, which includes parks, beaches, and markets that are locally famous. The city is known for its durian, evident from visits to places like Lola Abon's Durian Candy Factory, and its rich cultural mix is celebrated at attractions like Kadayawan Village. Home to both the Davao Crocodile Park and the Davao Butterfly House, it’s a place where nature and culture collide, yet many tourists find the public transport less than ideal. Most visitors come for the unique local experiences, from the Roxas Avenue Night Market to the tranquil Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Who it's for

This city is perfect for those who want a mix of nature and culture without the usual chaos. Visitors who prefer efficient public transport or larger cities with extensive amenities might find themselves frustrated. It's a good choice for families and nature lovers, but not so much for those seeking a fast-paced urban experience.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • Walking around the centre is manageable, but distances can be deceptive
  • Jeepneys and tricycles are the main forms of public transport and they can be unreliable
  • Davao International Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown but expect traffic
  • Ride-hailing services are available but can be hit or miss
Isla Reta Beach Resort

Isla Reta Beach Resort

Seaside resorts & beach clubs
Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge

Scenic viewpoints
Kadayawan Village

Kadayawan Village

Traditional villages
D' Bone Collector Museum

D' Bone Collector Museum

Science & natural history museums
Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague

Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague

Churches & cathedrals
Davao Museum of History and Ethnography

Davao Museum of History and Ethnography

History museums
Matina Town Square

Matina Town Square

Squares & plazas
Bucana Bridge

Bucana Bridge

Bridges
Philippine Eagle Center

Philippine Eagle Center

Wildlife sanctuaries
Samal Island

Samal Island

Islands
San Pedro Cathedral

San Pedro Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Malagos Chocolate Museum

Malagos Chocolate Museum

Landmarks and Monuments
Sasa Wharf

Sasa Wharf

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Seaside resorts & beach clubs
Gap Farming Resort

Gap Farming Resort

Adventure parks
Bankerohan Public Market

Bankerohan Public Market

Food
Rizal Park

Rizal Park

Historical
Ramon Magsaysay Park

Ramon Magsaysay Park

Nature
Mount Apo National Park

Mount Apo National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Roxas Avenue Night Market

Roxas Avenue Night Market

Street food & night markets
Deca Wakeboard Park

Deca Wakeboard Park

Kayaking, rafting & water sports
Abreeza Mall

Abreeza Mall

Malls & department stores
Poblacion Market Central

Poblacion Market Central

Shopping
Emilia Mindanao Souvenir Center

Emilia Mindanao Souvenir Center

Shopping
Davao River Bridge

Davao River Bridge

Bridges
People’s Park

People’s Park

Nature
Davao Butterfly House

Davao Butterfly House

Wildlife sanctuaries
National Museum of the Philippines - Davao

National Museum of the Philippines - Davao

Cultural
Davao City Hall

Davao City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Talikud Island

Talikud Island

Islands
Tribu K'Mindanawan Cultural Village

Tribu K'Mindanawan Cultural Village

Traditional villages
Davao Baywalk

Davao Baywalk

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Aldevinco Shopping Center

Aldevinco Shopping Center

Local & craft markets
Tamayong Prayer Mountain

Tamayong Prayer Mountain

Pilgrimage sites & sacred mountains
Gran Verde Farm

Gran Verde Farm

Wildlife Experiences
Davao Global Township

Davao Global Township

Urban Attractions
Sta. Ana Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sta. Ana Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Churches & cathedrals
Eden Nature Park

Eden Nature Park

City parks
Azuela Cove

Azuela Cove

Nature
Davao City Library and Information Center

Davao City Library and Information Center

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Belviz Durian Farm

Belviz Durian Farm

Food
DGT Central Park

DGT Central Park

Urban Attractions
Lola Abon's Durian Candy Factory

Lola Abon's Durian Candy Factory

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Davao Crocodile Park

Davao Crocodile Park

Zoos
Malagos Garden Resort

Malagos Garden Resort

Botanical gardens
Davao Zorb Park

Davao Zorb Park

Adventure parks
Museo Dabawenyo

Museo Dabawenyo

History museums
Davao Seawall

Davao Seawall

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Osmeña Park

Osmeña Park

Urban Attractions
Doña Vicente Park

Doña Vicente Park

Family-Friendly Attractions
Davao River

Davao River

Rivers, canyons & gorges

Where to eat in Davao City

The places worth planning a meal around.

Lachi's

Lachi's

Filipino, Asian Fusion · $10–$20

★ 4.6 · 698 reviews

Huckleberry

Huckleberry

Contemporary Filipino · $$

★ 4.3 · 642 reviews

Paz Eatery

Paz Eatery

Filipino · $10–$20

★ 4.2 · 616 reviews

Sana's Carenderia

Sana's Carenderia

Filipino · $2–$10

★ 4.3 · 190 reviews

Cacao de Davao

Cacao de Davao

Filipino, Chocolate-based · $$

★ 4.6 · 24 reviews

Todd's Ihaw-Ihaw

Todd's Ihaw-Ihaw

Filipino Barbecue · $10–$20

★ 4.6 · 16 reviews

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