It’s rarely ever quiet in Manila. Every day brings a host of situations and problems to contend with, from never-ending traffic to the grind of school or work. This is why it is important that people have getaways from the noise, or as American sociologist Ray Oldenburg calls them, third spaces where we can gather and spend time outside our home or workplace.
These aren’t malls that are centered on transactional relationships, but actual spaces to unwind and relax, something the following public and private parks offer. Admittedly, Metro Manila does not have that many parks and public spaces, but what are there let visitors enjoy nature, take a breather, disconnect, and hang out without the pressures of the outside world. They also serve as a reminder of why livable and walkable cities that put people and genuinely accessible public spaces first over a car-centric culture should be championed.
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Rizal Park – A National Landmark
History is at the heart of this park in the capital, as it is surrounded by many historical structures while also being the site of the country’s history itself. But beyond that, Rizal Park, which stretches from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard, has a little bit of something for everyone with different spaces, lawns, benches, walkways, and grassy fields. Whether as the centerpiece of the itinerary or a resting spot for your Manila adventure, enjoy the outdoors and the breeze of Manila Bay here.
Rizal Park is located at Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila City.
Ayala Triangle Gardens – Makati’s Busiest Park
One of Metro Manila’s most famous parks, Ayala Triangle Gardens is a go-to destination for Makati citizens and anyone from the city looking for a reprieve from urban life. Whether for running, jogging, sports, exercise, or having a picnic on the grass, the park is a hive of activity as a well-maintained green space in the middle of the country’s business district. And that’s on top of the many restaurants and establishments that surround the park. It makes for a great place to both start your day and decompress after a long day at work.
Ayala Triangle Gardens is located at Paseo de Roxas Street Cor, Makati Avenue, Cor Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Arroceros Forest Park – The Last Lung of Manila
Tucked away near Manila City Hall sits Arroceros Forest Park, a small but atmospheric park that welcomes visitors with its trees, walkways, plants, and greenery. There’s a reason why it’s called the “Last Lung of Manila”. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Manila, the park feels like a hidden getaway to enjoy nature and be immersed in tranquility.
Arroceros Forest Park is located at 659 A. Antonio Villegas Street, Ermita, Manila City.
UP Diliman’s Sunken Garden – A Go-To on UPD
@pnglnn0 a day well spentt <33 #picnicdate #upsunkengarden #dateideas ♬ Spring Snow – 10CM
A favorite of students, alumni, and visitors, the UP Diliman Sunken Garden is one of the campus’ most famous spots thanks to its open field and tree-lined roads that make it one of the few areas where a chill reprieve from city life is possible. Any UPD student can tell you how special it is to stay at the Sunken Garden after a hard day of classes, but anyone is free to be there, especially with the Academic Oval becoming a popular destination for the city’s joggers.
Sunken Garden is located inside UP Diliman, which is located at Roxas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City.
Jaime C. Velasquez Park – A Park for the Salcedo Girlies
There’s a lot to do at Salcedo Village. But aside from the coffee shops, cafes, trendy restaurants, and boutiques, there is Salcedo Park, or the Jaime C. Velasquez Park. Amidst the concrete of Makati’s condominiums is this park, which is a favorite of residents, as it feels like a miniature oasis of open space where people can walk, jog, hang out, or just sit on its benches to pause. Also, the park gets extra busy on Saturdays as it is where the popular Salcedo Market is located, and it also serves as the home of the yearly Art in the Park.
Jaime C. Velasquez Park is located at 1227 Toledo Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.
La Mesa Ecopark – Nature and Recreation in Quezon City
True to its name, the La Mesa Ecopark is a park where nature, open spaces, and greenery take center stage amidst the hecticness of Quezon City. There are a host of activities on offer here, from walking, jogging, biking, sports, picnics, water-based activities, and other recreational hobbies. It should be noted, though, that some activities require a fee while others don’t, so it’s best to check first before heading to the park.
La Mesa Ecopark is located at Brgy. Greater Lagro, District V, Quezon City.
Paco Park – Over 200 Years of History
Paco Park, which is also called Paco Cemetery, has over two centuries of stories behind it. During the 1800s, it served as a burial ground for cholera epidemic victims. Jose Rizal’s remains were also laid to rest here for a time after his execution, as were those of other historical figures of that period. These days, though, it has become a recreational park and garden and historical landmark that you may have seen before thanks to it being a popular wedding venue and its use in movies and TV shows.
Paco Park is located at General Luna St., Paco, Manila City.
Legazpi Active Park – Staying Active in the Metro
When one thinks of Makati, buildings, offices, and busy roads often come to mind. But the city is also home to a handful of pristine parks, such as Legazpi Active Park. Located at the heart of Legazpi Village, the private park is a go-to for unwinding at the end of the day, a place to get some exercise and physical activity, or a general resting spot.
Residents and visitors are welcome here to take in the trees, grass, walking and jogging routes, and quiet comfort of nature. Chances are you may have already been here, as this is where the Legazpi Sunday Market is held. Also, if you do find yourself in the area, you may also visit Washington Sycip Park, which is just a few steps away and has a reputation for being one of the more serene parks in the Metro.
Legazpi Active Park is located along Rada Street in Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center – For Fun and Research
No, it is not a zoo. Instead, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is a protected area in Quezon City where visitors can do various recreational activities, take in scenic views, and escape urban life, even for just a couple of hours. The area is also known for the many species of flora and fauna that can be found here, which is why it is also used for research and educational purposes by scientists and students.
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is located at Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.
Marikina River Park – Riverside Unwinding
During the sunnier days when the forecast calls for clear skies, consider visiting the Marikina River Park. It’s located along and around the river’s banks, making it an ideal spot for jogging, running, cycling, and even a handful of sports. If you’d like, you can also just find a spot and take in the view as one of the rare parks in the city with direct access to a river, when it isn’t raining, of course.
Marikina River Park is located at 300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina City.
Featured Image: National Parks Development Committee (via Website)
Photos: National Parks Development Committee (via Website), Make It Makati (via Instagram and Facebook), Arroceros Forest Park (via Facebook), La Mesa Ecopark (via Facebook), New World Makati Hotel (via Website), Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (via Facebook),
Frequently Asked Questions
Rizal Park stretches from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard in Ermita, Manila City, offering lawns, benches, walkways, and grassy fields near Manila Bay, alongside many surrounding historical structures.
Arroceros Forest Park, located near Manila City Hall, earns the nickname for its concentration of trees, plants, and greenery, offering a tranquil, atmospheric escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Paco Park, also called Paco Cemetery, once held the remains of Jose Rizal after his execution, along with other historical figures from the 1800s.
Yes. While it’s a favorite of UP Diliman students and alumni, anyone can visit the Sunken Garden, and its adjacent Academic Oval has become a popular jogging destination for the wider city.
Jaime C. Velasquez Park hosts the Salcedo Market on Saturdays and the yearly Art in the Park, while Legazpi Active Park hosts the Legazpi Sunday Market.
