Davao City Life in Davao
Part of the Davao travel guide — see every topic in All Davao Guides.
Davao City is the largest city in Mindanao and one of the largest cities in the Philippines by land area. It is known for being clean and orderly, with strict local rules. The city has green parks, busy markets, modern malls and good food. This guide covers how to spend time in the city, local rules to know and travel safety advice.
Parks and green spaces
People's Park is a large public park in the city centre. It has gardens, paths, fountains and sculptures by a local artist that show the cultures of Mindanao. It is a pleasant place to walk in the morning or evening. Magsaysay Park, near the water, is known for its fruit stalls. On the hills above the city, Jack's Ridge is a viewpoint with restaurants where you can look over Davao at night. In the highlands to the south, Eden Nature Park has gardens, cool air and outdoor activities.
Night markets and food
In the evening, night markets in the city sell grilled meat, seafood, fruit, snacks and cheap clothes. Roxas Avenue has long been known for its night market. Grilled tuna is a local favourite, because the nearby city of General Santos is a major tuna port. Try tuna belly, jaw or kinilaw, which is raw fish in vinegar. Davao also has many cafes and restaurants serving local coffee and cacao. Malls such as SM Lanang and Abreeza have large food courts.
Local rules
Davao City has some strict rules that visitors should know. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned in public places, and fines apply. Firecrackers are banned in the city all year. There are speed limits on city roads, and drivers follow them closely. You may see security checks at the entrances of malls, hotels and public buildings. These are normal, so be patient and let the guard check your bag. Following local rules makes your visit easy, and most people find the city calm and orderly.
Travel advisories
Several countries have travel advisories that cover parts of Mindanao. The level of advice can differ between Davao City and other areas of the island. Before you travel, read your own government's latest travel advice for Davao and any other places you plan to visit. Follow local news, register with your embassy if that is possible, and ask your hotel or tour operator about current conditions. Plan your routes in advance, and avoid travelling to areas your government advises against.
Getting there and around
Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves Davao City, with flights from Manila, Cebu and other cities, and some international routes. The airport is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre by car. Taxis and Grab are easy to find in the city. Jeepneys are cheap, but their routes can be hard to understand at first. Traffic can be heavy at rush hour. Davao is a good base for trips to Samal Island, the Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Nature Park.
Davao City Life at a glance
| Getting there | Francisco Bangoy International Airport, about 20 to 30 minutes from the centre |
|---|---|
| Hours | Parks open in daytime; night markets in the evening |
| Cost | Cheap to moderate |
| Best time | Rain is possible all year; Davao is usually south of the main typhoon tracks |
| Safety | Check your government's travel advice before you go |