Naga City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Naga City will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

ABOUT

Established as a town in 1575, Naga, then named Ciudad de Nueva Cáceres (New Cáceres City), was the third oldest Spanish royal city in the Spanish East Indies.  Presently, Naga is a key city in the Bicol Region being the center of trade, business, finance, education, commerce, and medicine.

The city goes by several nicknames.  One is the Queen City of Bicol and the other is the “Heart of Bicol” as it is located in the central part of Bicol Peninsula.  It is also called “An Maogmang Lugar” (The Happy Place) and “One of the Seven Golden Cities of the Sun”.  The city is known among Catholic devotees for the shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia thus its other nickname the “Pilgrim City of Naga”.

Aside from its religious and cultural attractions, Naga City is also blessed with natural attractions such as mountains, waterfalls, and ecology parks.

Location

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Naga City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Naga City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Naga City:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Naga City …

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Naga City.

1 | Peñafrancia Basilica

Peñafrancia Basilica, also called Peñafrancia Minor Basilica or Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, attracts thousands of Catholic devotees every year being one of the largest Marian pilgrimage sites in Asia.  This place of worship Naga earned the nickname “Pilgrim City”.  The church structure was completed in 1981 and enshrines a centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary.

2 | Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Formally called Metropolitan Cathedral and Parish of Saint John the Evangelist, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is of Spanish Romanesque Revival style.  The present church structure was completed in 1843 although the diocese was established in 1595.  The cathedral has a cruciform plan and is made of stone and galvanized iron for roofing.  The structure was damaged by a typhoon in 1856 and an earthquake in 1887 but it has been restored and repaired to welcome devotees from anywhere in the country and the world.

3 | San Francisco Church

In addition to the two churches mentioned above, another place of worship to visit in Naga is San Francisco Church.  The original structure was once the oldest church in Bicol Region but it was bombed in World War II leaving it in ruins until rebuilt in early 1950s.  The church has a rough-looking exterior but its interior is painted white and has stained-glass windows.

In front of the church is the Plaza Quince Martires which features a monument to honor the 15 martyrs who were shot by a firing squad for their role during the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish.

4 | Porta Mariae

Latin term for “Marian Gate”, Porta Mariae is an arch erected to commemorate the 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  The arch is 18 meters wide, 4 meters deep, and 11 meters high with a central portal that can easily accommodate eight persons while the two smaller gates on the sides can accommodate three persons.  On top is the 10-foot brass image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and two angels.

5 | Mount Isarog National Park

Aside from churches and pilgrim sites, Naga City is blessed with natural attractions, too.  Mount Isarog, an active stratovolcano, became a protected area under the natural park in 2002.  The park covers more than 10,000 hectares and is home to endemic flora and fauna such as the Isarog shrew rat, Isarog cloud frog, Mount Isarog forest skink, and many others.  The park also houses several waterfalls and springs.

6 | Malabsay Falls

Malabsay Falls is one of the waterfalls found in Mount Isarog National Park.  The 40-foot waterfall is enclosed by cliffs and boulders and is surrounded by lush vegetation.  It has a natural pool where you can take a refreshing swim after a short walk through the wooded area leading to the falls.

Other waterfalls found in the park are Nabuntulan Falls and Secret Falls.

7 | Naga City Ecological Park

The park is great for everyone, even for families with small children as it has playgrounds and gardens on top of the garden maze which is a popular attraction of the park.  The park is also home to various exotic plants and orchids.

8 | Peñafrancia Museum and Shrine

The two-storey museum houses a collection of devotional writings, crowns, and other items with significance to the Catholic faith.

Other museums to visit in the city are Museo ni Jesse Robredo, Museo del Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres, and University of Nueva Caceres Museum.

NOTE: The Peñafrancia Festival occurs annually in Naga City the 3rd Sunday of September.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Naga City.

1 | Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill

Bob Marlin Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Naga City specializing in Bicolano cuisine.  It is most known for its crispy pata which has been recognized as one of the best in the Philippines based on the poll conducted by the Department of Tourism.  Located in the business district of Naga City, the restaurant has a homey ambience and laid back vibes perfect for spending time with family and friends over good food.  Other dishes to try are dinuguang baka, kare kare, laing, pinanga, and Bicol express.

2 | Red Platter

Red Platter is a semi-fine dining restaurant located in Naga City’s most popular dining destination.  It serves an array of cuisines including Asia and Western in addition to Bicolano.  Customers review about their kare kare but their halo halo, buko pandan, cakes, and other sweet treats are equally good.

3 | Geewan

Geewan is a carinderia-style restaurant where you can point (turo-turo style) the dish you want among the dishes being displayed.  It specializes in Bicolano cuisine although it serves other Filipino dishes as well.  The restaurant is affordably-priced which is perfect for students, budget travelers, and those who are with a large group.  Don’t miss their kare kare, pinangat, lechon kawali, and lechon paksiw.

4 | Chef Doy’s Gourmet Restaurant

This homegrown restaurant takes pride in its Bicolano and Filipino fusion dishes such as kare-kareng lechon kawali, bangus sa bayabas, pininyahang manok sa gata, and batang-batang pusit, the restaurant’s bestselling appetizer.  The space of the restaurant is a bit small but it has a friendly ambience and warm Filipino hospitality that makes one’s dining experience truly lovely.

5 | Grissini Ristorante

As the name implies, Grissini Ristorante offers high quality food to provide customers with authentic Italian dining experience.  The restaurant has a peaceful and friendly ambience in addition to good service.  Try their Ravioli di spinaci, Porchetta con patate, and Italian feast.

6 | The Coffee Table

The Coffee Table is a homegrown food establishment specializing in local coffee although it also serves other favorites such as pasta, cakes, sandwiches, and crepes.  Customers are raving about their spicy pili affogato so make sure to try it during your visit.

7 | Graceland

For affordable yet satisfying meals, head over to Graceland in SM City Naga.  The fast food restaurant offers Filipino favorites such as lumpia, adobo, Bicol express, and many others. 

8 | Bigg’s Diner

Bigg’s Diner is homegrown from Naga and has a few branches in the city.  It’s been serving good food in the city since 1983 and is known for its Western-style food choices as well as retro-inspired decorations.  The restaurant is known for its burgers but it also serves local dishes such as Bicol express and lumpia.

9 | Casa Soriano Family Heirloom Cuisine

The restaurant boasts of heirloom recipes handed down from one generation to another.  It offers Filipino dishes with influences from Spanish, French, and Italian cuisines.  The restaurant has two dining setups – the air-conditioned area and the garden where one can enjoy the garden view. 

10 | 1st Colonial Grill

Originating from Albay, 1st Colonial Grill serves Filipino cuisine, particularly Bicolano dishes.  It claims to be the home of the first sili (chili pepper) ice cream in the country.  Additionally, the restaurant has come up with other ice cream flavors representing the region such as pili, latik, pineapple, cacao, carmelado, and tinutungan na bigas (toasted rice).  Aside from ice cream, dishes to try include tinapa fried rice, buko chopsuey, and pork sisig.

KNOWN FOR: Kinalas, a noodle soup dish with strips of beef or pork and thick sauce made from brains of a cow or pig.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Naga City.

1 | RedDoorz near Colgante Bridge (Budget)

2 | CBD Plaza Hotel (Mid-Range)

3 | Villa Caceres Hotel (Luxury | Resort)

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Naga City or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Villa Caceres Hotel is the best property to experience this destination.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.  AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, Booking.com, and AirBnB. 

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Naga City in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:  20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Naga City.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Naga City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid  
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips  

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
2. Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
4. Skyscanner (flights)
5. Rome2Rio (transportation)
6. Agoda (accomodations)
7. Booking.com (accomodations)
8. AirBnB (accomodations)
9. Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Naga City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Naga City or in the Philippines in general.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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