In other countries, public parks are places where people can spend their day.
However, in Metro Manila, that may not always be the case. If you’re meeting friends and loved ones, or just looking for somewhere to hang out, the first place to consider is a mall or a café. Open spaces exist, but you don’t always think of them first.
Photo: Shutters, RioHondo
Still, there are parks around the metro that are open to the public and don’t require an entrance fee. Some are large and well-known, others are smaller and more neighborhood-based, but they all offer a place to step outside and spend time outdoors.
Here are a few worth visiting:
Rizal Park
Photo: Ernest Malsin
Rizal Park stretches from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard, with sections that feel slightly different depending on where you enter. Near the entrance of Roxas Boulevard is the Rizal Monument, often surrounded by tourists and school groups. Further in, there are open lawns where people sit on mats, fly kites, or stay under the trees. The Chinese and Japanese gardens are also within the complex, offering quieter corners than the main field.
Arroceros Forest Park
Photo: Shutters
Arroceros is located along Antonio Villegas Street, near Manila City Hall. It’s small compared to most parks, but once inside, the tree density immediately stands out. Walkways cut through the greenery, with benches placed in shaded spots.
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Photo: RioHondo
Found at the intersection of Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas, Ayala Triangle Gardens sits right in the middle of the business district. The looped walking path is a common route for joggers early in the morning and after office hours. There are restaurants in the area, making it an ideal spot for those who want to eat and then enjoy the greenery.
Jaime C. Velasquez Park
Photo: RioHondo
Located in Salcedo Village, this park is surrounded by residential condos and small restaurants. On Saturdays, it becomes the site of the Salcedo Market, where food stalls and local vendors set up early in the morning. On regular days, it’s much quieter, with people walking dogs, sitting on benches, or meeting loved ones nearby.
BGC Greenway Park
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BGC Greenway Park runs through parts of Bonifacio Global City, connecting streets such as 5th Avenue and 26th Street. Instead of a single enclosed space, it functions as a linear park with walking and jogging paths. Trees and landscaped areas separate it from the main roads, making it a common route for people moving around BGC on foot or by bike.
Marikina River Park
Photo: Judgefloro
Marikina River Park is often used for biking and jogging, especially in the late afternoon when the temperature drops. There are also designated spots for sports and recreation, with open spaces where groups gather or families spend time together. The park follows the Marikina River, with paved paths running along its banks.
UP Diliman Sunken Garden
Photo: Arius1998
At the center of the UP Diliman campus is the Sunken Garden, a wide open field surrounded by academic buildings and tree-lined roads. It’s commonly used for informal sports, picnics, and campus events. The surrounding Academic Oval is also a popular route for joggers and cyclists throughout the day.
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You are forgetting QMC Quezon Memorial Circle.
What about ninoy aquino wildlife park, north ave near elliptical road.
Also quezon memorial circle
Both are close to each other