11 Best Things to Do in Legazpi City, Philippines

Legazpi City proudly dubs itself “the city of fun and adventure,” and it certainly lives up to the name. This city is renowned for being home to Mt. Mayon, a 20-million-year-old active volcano that offers both thrilling escapades and a rich historical backdrop. During your stay, you can explore the volcano’s base through activities like ATV tours, hiking, and photography. As you capture breathtaking vistas, you will delve into its active history, marked by eruptions that have, in the past, devastated entire communities and laid waste to villages.

Named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, Legazpi City boasts a wealth of history and culture waiting to be discovered. You will have the opportunity to visit landmarks that pay homage to the diverse nationalities that have, at one time or another, called this island home or a place of refuge. Sites such as the Franciscan church, the Spanish pier, and the Japanese tunnels offer glimpses into the city’s layered history. Whether you are seeking adventure, historical insights, shopping, or culinary delights, Legazpi City will undoubtedly earn a well-deserved spot on your list of best places to visit in Philippines.

Cagsawa Ruins Park

Constructed in 1587, then tragically destroyed in 1646, later reconstructed in 1724, only to face destruction once more in 1814, along with the loss of thousands of native lives – this Franciscan church holds a wealth of harrowing tales.

On a clear day, the silhouette of Mt. Mayon provides a majestic backdrop for the Cagsawa Ruins, with nothing but a vast expanse of vibrant green rice fields separating them.

The church ruins embody the essence of a mysterious thriller film, with the decaying brick structure adorned by rebellious greenery sprouting from its crevices, set against a backdrop of serene nature, evoking a sense of purity and wholesomeness.

This unexpected discovery ignites the imagination, offering opportunities for quirky ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ style photos or simply allowing you to stand in awe of the marvels that encompass this ancient site.

Vera Falls

Discover the breathtaking beauty of this mesmerizing waterfall nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of two majestic volcanoes, situated on the opposite side of Mt. Mayon. Embark on a captivating journey through charming small towns as you make your way to this hidden gem.

You will rent a car or join a tour group to embark on a 40-minute journey from the heart of Legazpi.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant travel experience of exploring small towns and indulge in the local cuisine by requesting your driver to make a pit stop for a delightful meal.

Once you arrive at the car park, you will begin a journey through a lush jungle trail. Descending a staircase consisting of 100 steps, you will be guided towards the breathtaking Vera Falls.

Japanese Tunnels

As you may know, the Philippines offers a rich travel experience with a historical backdrop. During World War II, the country witnessed a Japanese invasion that left its mark on the landscape, including remnants of infrastructure that can still be explored today.

When traveling to Oriental-Legazpi, one of the fascinating attractions to explore is a Japanese-dug tunnel dating back to 1941. In the past, travelers could journey through the tunnel that extended all the way to city hall.

Today, the travel route is not quite as lengthy but still provides a sufficient amount of exploration space to make your heart race. Explore the winding passage where the ceiling varies in height from 3 to 4 feet.

It is located in a remote destination, a hidden jungle tunnel that the Japanese believed would remain undiscovered.

Pacific Mall

Immerse yourself in the everyday local life by shopping or browsing at Pacific Mall.

While the mall is not sprawling, it offers all the essentials you might require flip-flops, backpacks, sunscreen, and more.

Additionally, there’s a Robinson’s Supermarket, where you can conveniently replenish your snacks and toiletries.

However, the primary draw of Pacific Mall is its culinary offerings! Numerous small food stalls serve a mix of Filipino and Western-inspired dishes, alongside pots brimming with authentic Legazpi cuisine. Here, you can simply point and choose your preferred dishes.

Mayon Volcano National Park

As you travel through Legazpi, the majestic presence of Mt. Mayon will captivate your attention at every turn, enticing you to venture closer and satisfy your growing curiosity.

You have the option to explore the scenic trails surrounding the volcano, embark on an exhilarating ATV adventure, or join a thrilling Jeepney tour that will transport you to the nearest point to the observatory. There are numerous ways to have a more intimate experience with this incredible natural marvel.

When visiting Mt. Mayon, travelers can witness the awe-inspiring sight of a majestic volcano. The peak of this active volcano often emits a mesmerizing puff of smoke, creating a picturesque scene with a delicate cloud hovering just above it.

The travel destination is incredibly picturesque, resembling a beautiful painting. The starting point of your journey is surrounded by vast stretches of flat plains, picturesque rice fields, meandering creeks, and majestic rivers, all beckoning to be discovered and experienced.

Daraga Church

The church’s breathtaking beauty is truly awe-inspiring. Situated on a hill, with the stunning Mt. Mayon as its backdrop, this impressive white architectural marvel bears a striking resemblance to the enchanting castles seen in beloved Disney films.

However, exploring its history uncovers the fact that this church has been a strong symbol of faith in the community since it was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773.

Throughout its long and eventful history spanning 230 years, the church has been a silent observer of numerous significant events. These include a devastating volcanic eruption in 1814 that tragically took the lives of 2,000 individuals. Additionally, the church has stood strong through centuries marked by political turmoil, conflicts, invasions, and unethical practices.

Quitinday Underground River

Visiting Legazpi is well worth it just to experience the Quitinday Underground River. Hire a driver for the short 30-minute drive, and upon arrival, embark on a 500-meter walk along a jungle path until you reach a small watering hole. At first glance, it may seem like there’s not much to see, but this is only the beginning.

For just ₱100, an on-site tour guide will take you on a rafting adventure through the underground river. As you journey through, you’ll witness a complex network of natural caves that have been sculpted by water erosion. Some of these caves are accessible on foot, complete with small waterfalls at your feet.

Others can only be traversed by raft, like the Calabidongan Cave, also known as the “Cave of Bats.” And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a cliff dive into a pool of pristine aquamarine water.

Lignon Hill Nature Park

Atop a 156-meter-high hill in Legazpi City, you’ll encounter the most adventurous, free-spirited, and daring souls.

Embrace the thrill by taking a ride on the 320-meter-long zipline, soaring down the mountain while enjoying the incredible vistas of Mt. Mayon to your left and the lush green plains far below.

Lignon Hill Nature Park, perched at this lofty height, provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the valley and serves as an ideal vantage point for witnessing both sunrise and sunset.

For those who prefer a more active approach, you can hike up the steep hill at any time via the Kapit Tuko Trail (Lizard Grip Trail), which will take you just 10 minutes. However, be forewarned, it’s quite a challenging ascent.

Albay Park and Wildlife

Albay Park and Wildlife offers everything necessary for an unforgettable day, catering to families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

This wildlife sanctuary houses a diverse collection of over 300 animals, representing 75 different species. Among them, you’ll encounter rare creatures such as the Philippine Hawk Eagle, as well as iguanas, pythons, deer, pigs, crocodiles, and many more.

One fascinating aspect of this place is a museum featuring preserved animals, including a two-headed baby Carabao and a Megamouth Shark.

For an enjoyable park exploration, consider renting a bicycle and touring the grounds, which are adorned with shady trees perfect for taking a break. You can also venture out onto the lagoon in a small boat, rent a cottage for a quick nap or an overnight stay, or try your hand at fishing on designated days.

Albay Capitol Atrium Art Gallery

Discover your artistic side at Albay Capitol Atrium Art Gallery. Although the space may be limited, it is effortlessly filled with impressive exhibitions. You’ll encounter a variety of artwork created by talented local artists.

Experience a vibrant array of artistic expressions, from captivating paintings and mesmerizing photographs to captivating live music and stunning body art. Immerse yourself in the creative process as you witness artists bringing masterpieces to life before your very eyes.

This location is an ideal spot to visit and engage with talented artists who are eager to interact with visitors to the museum.

Legazpi Boulevard

Legazpi Boulevard provides breathtaking vistas of Mt. Mayon, which are enhanced by the shimmering lake that mirrors the vibrant hues of the setting sun. However, there are countless other delights awaiting exploration.

Take a seat at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes that grace the boulevard, offering stunning vistas. Engage in a refreshing 3-kilometer jog or participate in the city’s vibrant athletic events, such as the Mayon Triathlon, Ultramarathon, and dragon boat Festival.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Legazpi City: Best Areas & Hotels