Hidden Gems of Caloocan: A Tourist’s Guide

Seeking a new adventure? Explore Caloocan, where nature, culinary culture, and history come together. Enjoy peaceful strolls through lush parks, visit historic landmarks, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Sounds good? Then, a condo in Caloocan might just be the perfect place for you.

Situated on the Northern side of Metro Manila, Caloocan offers the ideal mix of relaxation and urban convenience. Once a small barrio in Tondo, it witnessed significant historical events like the “Cry of Balintawak,” where Gat Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros tore up their cedulas as an act of defiance against colonial rule.

Over time, changes in administrative boundaries led Caloocan to lose some barrios and sitios which shaped its current layout, resulting in two separate areas: North and South Caloocan City.

Today, Caloocan has evolved into a dynamic city promising great potential in tourism. Its unique appeal lies in the diverse range of tourist spots, from historical landmarks to breathtaking natural attractions, making it a must-see destination for tourists. Explore Caloocan’s hidden gems and see why it’s a must-visit destination.

Tourism in Caloocan: Rediscovering local gems

As mentioned, Caloocan offers a unique blend of historical and cultural attractions, natural attractions, and more. When visiting this City, don’t miss exploring these local gems for an unforgettable stay!

Historical and cultural attractions

Once considered a seat of the revolution, Caloocan provides a glimpse into Filipino history and piety across the Spanish regime, American rule, and later on the Japanese occupation. Here are some historical tourist spots in Caloocan, you must see.

1. San Roque Cathedral

The San Roque Parish began as a tiny visita or a chapel built in 1975 in Libis Aromahan, Caloocan, by Fray Manuel Vaquero. It is home to the revered images of San Roque and the Nuestra Señora de la Nieva, believed to have been brought by the Augustinian Recollects from Talavera, Spain.

During the Spanish era, the churchyard served as a meeting place for the Katipuneros, and in 1899, sheltered General Antonio Luna during the Filipino-American Revolution. On June 28, 2003, Pope John Paul II elevated the San Roque Parish into the “level and dignity of a cathedral.”

2. La Loma Cemetery

Opened in 1884, the La Loma Cemetery is one of the oldest gravesites in Manila. The Capilla de San Pancracio, a chapel inside La Loma, was used as a fort by Filipino fighters in the Filipino-American war. Now, it is the resting place of prominent figures like Marcela Agoncillo, principal seamstress of the Philippine flag, and Maria Lorena Barros, founder of the Malayang Kilusan ng mga Bagong Kababaihan, among others.

3. Bonifacio Circle Monumento

At the intersection of Rizal Avenue and EDSA stands the City’s main landmark, Bonifacio Circle Monumento. This piece was created by the Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino and commemorates Gat. Andres Bonifacio’s Cry of Resistance against the Spanish occupation in 1896.

If you are a history buff, Caloocan is a must-visit destination. The city offers a unique glimpse into the past, with each site weaving a distinct story into the wide tapestry of Philippine history and heritage. A visit that you’ll surely enjoy!

Now, if you’re more of an adventure junkie, Caloocan also has nature tourist spots that are perfect for you.

Natural attractions

Reconnect with nature and take some time to unwind or to go into a new adventure. Here are some great places in Caloocan that are perfect for both thrilling adventures or relaxing escapes from city life.

Photo courtesy of RDNE Stock Project via Pexels

1. Caloocan Nature Park

Stroll around 2,200 square meters of lush greenery at Caloocan Nature Park in North Caloocan. This park is home to four Heritage trees as accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Tangisang-Bayawak, Narra, Dita, and Antipolo. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities from swimming to hosting events in the park’s function hall or Pavilion, all while taking in the beauty of nature.

2. Glorietta Park and Amphitheater

Glorietta Park and Amphitheater is an urban park located near the borders of barangays 187 and 188 within the former Tala Estate in North Caloocan. This 568.75-square-meter park has a seating capacity of 1,500+ people and is one of the venues in the city showcasing local talents and skills. It is one of the three city-owned parks managed by the Caloocan Parks Administration Services.

3. Luzviminda Resort

Located in North Caloocan, the Luzviminda Resort offers amenities like swimming pools, a basketball court, cottages, and accommodations for overnight stays, making it an ideal destination for family gatherings, company dinners, or a relaxing weekend getaway.

After an exciting day exploring these parks, why not take the adventure further by diving into the many flavors of Caloocan? In the next section, get ready to indulge in various local delicacies and immerse yourself in the rich food culture the city has fostered throughout the years.

Culinary experiences

Caloocan offers a rich culinary experience ranging from local favorites to street food selections. Learn the ins and outs of its vibrant food culture in this section.

1. Local favorites

Among long-standing Caloocan favorites is Boy Ching Woo, one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Manila established in 1939, known for its Buttered Chicken and Lechon con Tokwa. Located at J. Rodriguez St., Caloocan City, this iconic restaurant opens from 9 AM to 9 PM daily.

If you want a unique food experience, visit the Hideout Bar and Restaurant, which offers open-air seating, in-teepee dining, and live comedy nights, making it a fun spot to relax with family and friends.

2. Street food scene

If you enjoy sampling local flavors while strolling the streets, Caloocan's vibrant food scene is for you! From lugaw (rice porridge) to street-style fried chicken, there's a variety of food to enjoy and love. For the ultimate street food experience, be sure to check out the lugaw from Kuya Baning’s Lugawan, pork head sinigang from Kanto Otso, sweet kakanin (Filipino desserts) from Angelique and John’s Merienda, and, of course, street-style-fried chicken from Mang A’s Fried Chicken!

Just a quick caveat though. When trying out new food and new places, always prioritize safety, take note of your allergies, and observe temperance in eating to reduce gastrointestinal risks.

3. Food festivals and events

As bright and colorful as the food scene in Caloocan is, it sure knows how to celebrate good food! Experience its cuisine all in one place by joining events like the October Food Fest, where local businesses showcase their specialties.

Shopping and markets

Caloocan offers easy access to diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls. Traditional markets, like the Maypajo Public Market are perfect for finding fresh produce and local goods at affordable prices, providing an authentic taste of the Caloocan food scene.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer modern conveniences, Caloocan has malls, like the Victory Central Hall and SM City Caloocan, both opening at 10 AM daily. These shopping centers can cater to your diverse needs from shopping, dining options, and entertainment, making them a one-stop shop for both locals and visitors.

After a day’s worth of exploring, you'll need a comfortable place to rest. Let’s delve into the range of accommodations available in Caloocan and see if you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget, whether you’re looking for a cozy guesthouse or a full-service hotel.

Accommodation and transportation

An important part of exploring new places is ensuring you get proper rest. After all, it’s hard to truly relax on vacation if you aren’t sleeping comfortably. So, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in how refreshed you feel during your trip.

While hotels were once the main options, Manila now has a growing selection of alternatives to hotel accommodations, like short-term apartments, serviced units, condos for lease, and home rentals. These alternatives provide flexible options, offering visitors more ways to experience the city.

Traveling around Caloocan is easy with various options like buses, taxis, or trains. Your choice largely depends on your preference, budget, and time available. With approximately 400 buses and numerous bus stops, buses are easily accessible but your travel time can be affected by traffic congestion. In this case, planning ahead and checking updates from the Public Safety and Traffic Management Department of Caloocan City can help ensure a smoother journey.

If you prefer to travel by train, you may access updated train schedules on PNR’s facebook page for updates and changes in schedules. As for taxis, you may use ride-hailing apps like Grab as an alternative to hailing one at taxi stops.

New recreational areas

But wait, the excitement does not stop there! After much anticipation, efforts to reopen the historic Plaza Rizal have finally come to fruition, restoring yet another iconic landmark to the city’s growing list of must-visit tourist spots.

Reopened to the public in July 2023, the Plaza Rizal was said to have been donated during the American period by the veteran and philanthropist Don Santiago Araneta in memory of his son. It was also dubbed “one of the most elegant plazas” at the time.

While the park fell into neglect as it was dwarfed by residential and commercial buildings, its new and restored version houses a statue of Rizal on a concrete platform and new places of recreation for the city’s residents and tourists. These include a tennis court and physical exercise equipment.

Indeed, Caloocan offers a wide range of sights for various tourists. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or even just a leisurely traveler, you’ll find plenty of things to explore. With its diverse attractions, convenient accommodations, and accessible transportation, Caloocan may just be the perfect destination for your next weekend or vacation.

Caloocan as a tourist destination

Caloocan City is currently an appealing destination for both domestic and international tourists, and it’s poised to become an even more appealing investment hub because of its strategic location, robust infrastructure projects, and development projects.

Among the notable development projects proposed by the city are the Skyway Stage 3 and LRT Line 1, these projects enhance community benefits such as ease of transport and facilitating commerce. All in all, the city’s vibrant mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and food culture make it a prime spot for tourism and investment alike.

Key takeaways

With so many attractive tourist spots in Caloocan, choosing which ones to visit can be a challenge. To help you navigate your options, here are some quick tips for selecting your perfect weekend or vacation getaway.

• Choose spots that match your trip’s purpose—be it for relaxation or enrichment. Visit tourist attractions that align with your travel goals. This way, you'll feel rewarded, rather than regret not achieving your desired experience or missing out on what truly matters to you during your travels.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things. Feeling adventurous? Go all in! Embrace new experiences and let the places’ stories and culture form part of a fond memory. You can do this simply by checking out new food stalls and trying out new activities.
• Check accommodations and transportation availability. After a day of adventure or relaxation, it is important to come home to a comfortable and safe place. Locate the best accommodations that fit your lifestyle and your budget. Choose accommodations that are near your destination, and fit your lifestyle and budget. Lastly, familiarize yourself with local transportation options for a worry-free stay.

Remember these tips and you’re all set to embark on your new adventure to Caloocan City. But, if you are interested in condo living and not just a quick weekend getaway, you may explore articles on condo leasing on our official website or download the DMCI Homes communities application for iOS and Android.

To find the right condo unit and investment for you, you may reach out to us through our social media pages: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.