What are the best cities in the Philippines?
- Cebu City
- Makati City
- Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
- Manila
- Paranaque
As an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has numerous features that make it attractive for tourists and residents alike. Whether it’s the hospitable and English-fluent locals, rapidly developing economy, beautiful tropical weather, stunning white-sand beaches, or low cost of living, it won’t be hard for anyone to consider moving to this Southeast Asian country. So for this article, we list down the best cities in the Philippines, from the financial hub of Makati City to the well-preserved natural haven of Cebu.
As more and more people fall in love with the Philippines, there has been an exponential growth in its real estate industry and alongside its tourism industry. The best cities in the Philippines are typically determined based on the presence of financial and lifestyle hubs. The top cities should also be safe, have renowned schools, basic infrastructure, master-planned residential communities, accessible transportation, efficient traffic management, and environmental efforts.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit or the best cities to live in the Philippines, we’ve listed five of them below.
Cebu City
Dubbed as the Queen City of The South, Cebu City truly lives up to its title as one of the best cities in the Philippines with its vibrant business districts. Many major local and multinational corporations can be found in Metro Cebu. Residents and tourists can access plenty of luxurious residential projects, restaurants, schools, and high-end shopping malls. Aside from the myriad of career, educational, and leisure opportunities, Cebu City is also home to some of the most scenic natural attractions in the Philippines.
In the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards survey of Condé Nast Traveler, Cebu was hailed as one of the best islands in Asia. Cebu garnered a score of 95.73, outranking Palawan at 95.22. You should not miss out on immersing in the delicious food, exciting tours, and world-class beaches in Cebu such as those in Bantayan Island, Moalboal, Malapascua Island, Camotes Island, and Sumilon Island. Some of the other attractions in Cebu include the Kawasan Falls, Temple of Leah, and Sirao Garden.
Makati City
Home to a wide array of skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and shopping malls, Makati City is another great city in the Philippines. Makati is the country’s financial hub, so you can expect to be offered endless business opportunities in this city. Living in Makati also ensures a dynamic urban lifestyle. In this posh city, affluent locals gather to immerse in the vibrant dining scene and open, green parks dotted with sculptures.
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Bonifacio Global City also called BGC or The Fort is one of the best cities in the Philippines. Similar to Makati, BGC is a well-known financial and lifestyle district. Here, the top corporations are headquartered such as Alliance Global Inc, Globe Telecom and Google Philippines. The city has experienced rapid commercial growth over recent years, with the rise of numerous high-end shopping malls, dining options, and other luxurious establishments. All of these present a posh lifestyle for residents.
Some of the top Taguig condominiums are the One Uptown Residences, Uptown Ritz, St. Moritz Private Estate, and St. Mark Residences. BGC is also home to some of the most prestigious schools in the Philippines such as International School Manila, British School Manila, and Korean International School.
Manila
As the capital of the Philippines, Manila is still one of the country’s best cities. While many people may argue that Manila is congested, this does not change the fact that the city offers a convenient lifestyle. Every essential establishment, whether service shops, malls, restaurants, hospitals, banks, university, or multinational companies, are just a few minutes away. Not to mention, Manila is nearby all other central cities like Makati, Quezon City, Alabang, and Ortigas. Major highways are accessible to get to and from places.
Manila is a cultural hotspot with plenty of historical landmarks and monuments. Locals and tourists visit the Rizal Park, Intramuros, EDSA Shrine, and Quiapo Church in Manila to get a glimpse of the rich culture of the Philippines.
Additionally, with the continued development efforts of the local government, Manila is being transformed to have its old glory back. Residents can expect to benefit from clean and passable, green spaces and parks, connected districts, and efficient urban planning. When looking for a place to live in Manila, you can check the Kingsquare Residential Suites. This residential haven developed by Megaworld Manila will surely allow you to live life to the fullest in the modern Metro with luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and play area.
Paranaque
A welcome contrast from the other cities in the Philippines we’ve listed in this article, Paranaque offers residents and visitors the best of both worlds: a relaxing South lifestyle and a leisurely urban lifestyle. Here, there are plenty of cozy leisure spots, green spaces, quiet and private subdivisions, and schools.
While Paranaque is mainly known for being serene, it is also being continuously developed to offer the best experiences for visitors. Travel just a few blocks away and you’ll come across commercial and business districts. Paranaque City is also where airports in Manila are located. For those looking for an exciting time, 5-star hotels, casinos, theaters, and the biggest malls in the Philippines are in Paranaque. Visit the Kingsford Hotel and Resort World Manila!
If you’re wondering where to live in the Philippines, you might want to consider the Gentry Manor condominium. This project is poised to offer a glamorous Broadway-type lifestyle as it is surrounded by the entertainment hubs of Paranaque.
Key Takeaway
The best cities in the Philippines include Cebu, Makati, Taguig, Manila, and Paranaque. Depending on your ideal lifestyle, you’ll find that each of the cities in the Philippines will offer you something unique.
