Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Sometimes, all you need is a relaxing day outdoors, good food, and great company. While Metro Manila is known for its bustling city life, it also hides a few gems where you can unwind and enjoy a peaceful picnic. Whether you're looking for a scenic park, a quiet garden, or a riverside retreat, these spots offer the perfect setting for a laid-back weekend.
Also read: 10 Best Free Things to Do in Manila in 2025
Image credit: Ayala Triagle Garden | official FB page
📍 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Entrance Fee: Free
Things to Do: Enjoy a picnic, take a stroll, dine at nearby cafés
What’s Special: A peaceful green space in the middle of Makati’s business district, perfect for unwinding without leaving the city. This park is known for its landscaped gardens, well-paved walkways, and an ambiance that blends nature with the modern skyline. During the holiday season, it transforms into a magical light show spectacle.
Image credit: Luneta Park | official FB page
📍 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila
Entrance Fee: Free
Things to Do: Picnic, visit historical monuments, enjoy the musical fountain show
What’s Special: One of the most iconic landmarks in the Philippines, blending history and leisure with a vast open space for relaxation. The park is home to the Rizal Monument, a tribute to national hero José Rizal, and features beautifully landscaped areas, a large open field, and a children’s playground.
Image credit: Lamesa Ecopark | official FB page
📍 La Mesa Eco Park, Novaliches, Quezon City
Entrance Fee: ₱50 for adults, ₱40 for Quezon City residents, ₱20 for students and senior citizens
Things to Do: Picnic, biking, boating, swimming, nature walks
What’s Special: A lush eco-park with various activities and a refreshing escape from the city’s noise. Nestled near the La Mesa Watershed, this park offers vibrant flower terraces, an orchidarium, and a mini-forest where visitors can enjoy fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
Image credit: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center | official FB page
📍 Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Elliptical Road, Quezon City
Entrance Fee: ₱30 for adults, ₱15 for students
Things to Do: Picnic, wildlife viewing, lagoon sightseeing
What’s Special: A peaceful nature park with a serene lagoon and a mini-zoo featuring rescued animals. The park serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for native wildlife, making it an educational yet relaxing spot for visitors looking to connect with nature.
Image credit: Blue Bay Walk | official website
📍 Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City
Entrance Fee: Free
Things to Do: Picnic, walk by the bay, dine at nearby restaurants
What’s Special: A modern park near Manila Bay with a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of dining options. This urban open space is designed with well-maintained lawns and contemporary architecture, making it a stylish yet laid-back picnic spot with a refreshing sea breeze.
Image credit: Quezon Memorial Circle | official FB page
📍 Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City
Entrance Fee: Free (some attractions inside may have separate fees)
Things to Do: Picnic, bike rental, playground, visit the Quezon Memorial Museum
What’s Special: A massive park with diverse attractions, making it a great spot for families with kids. The landmark is centered around the towering Quezon Memorial Shrine and features botanical gardens, playgrounds, and food stalls, offering something for everyone.
Also read: 10 Fun Things to Do in Manila Alone
Pack a picnic blanket and comfy cushions for extra relaxation.
Bring easy-to-eat food like sandwiches, fruits, and snacks.
Don’t forget to bring a trash bag to clean up after your picnic.
Check the weather forecast before heading out.
Arrive early to secure the best spot, especially on weekends.
Whether you prefer a park with a historical touch, a coastal breeze, or a lush green setting, Metro Manila has plenty of picnic spots for a laid-back weekend. So grab your basket, round up your loved ones, and enjoy a relaxing day in the city’s best outdoor spaces!
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