Plizio Visual Lab

Davao City

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°1
Davao City (Philippines)
ℹ️

Practical info — Davao City

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Observe strict local laws: there is a total smoking ban in public areas and an alcohol sales ban starting at midnight.
  • Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the country; tap water here is potable, which is rare in the Philippines.
  • The city is famous for Durian fruit. Try it at the stalls near Magsaysay Park, but never bring it into hotels or taxis.
  • Visit the Philippine Eagle Center on the outskirts of the city to see the majestic national bird.
  • For a great view of the city at night, head up to the Jack's Ridge viewpoint.

🍽 Food

🍽
Durian Treats

If you find the raw fruit too strong, try durian ice cream or candies in souvenir shops or malls.

🍽
Grilled Tuna Panga

Davao is known for fresh tuna; try grilled tuna jaw (panga) at local grill houses.

🍽
Sinuglaw

A local favorite combining grilled pork belly (Sinugba) and fish ceviche (Kinilaw).

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Aldevinco Shopping Center

The go-to place for souvenirs, traditional Mindanao tribal fabrics, and pearls.

🛍
Bankerohan Public Market

A massive market for fresh fruits (especially pomelo and durian) and local breakfast spots.

🧘
People's Park

A beautifully landscaped urban park featuring sculptures by local artists, great for a relaxing afternoon.

🧘
Eden Nature Park

A mountain resort just outside the city with cooler air, pine forests, and gardens.

Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area and serves as the primary urban center for the island of Mindanao. Located along the shores of the Davao Gulf, the city is flanked to the west by the foothills of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country. Officially founded in 1848 during the Spanish era, it evolved into a significant economic hub during the 20th century. Davao is nationally recognized as the "Durian Capital" and is a leading producer of tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples for global export. A unique highlight of the city is the Philippine Eagle Center, dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle. Unlike many other major Philippine cities, Davao is renowned for its cleanliness, public safety, and the strict enforcement of local ordinances. The city's cultural diversity is celebrated annually through the Kadayawan Festival, which honors indigenous traditions and the bounty of nature. Today, Davao City stands as a thriving hub for commerce, education, and tourism in the southern Philippines.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727282828282828282827
Rain mm204133122117179218204193188241155172

Geography

Population
2,814 (2017)
Coordinates
7.19070, 125.60000

Facts

  • Davao City has a land area of approximately 2,444 square kilometers.
  • Nearby Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters.
  • The city was founded in 1848 by Don Jose Oyanguren.
  • Davao is recognized as the world's largest exporter of organic bananas.
  • The Kadayawan Festival is celebrated annually during the third week of August.
  • The city is home to the only conservation center for the endangered Philippine Eagle.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Davao City (1)

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish📍 landmark

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish serves the Christian faithful within the bustling urban environment of Davao City.

Frequently asked questions

What is Davao City known for?
It is known as the Durian capital of the Philippines.
Can you visit Mount Apo?
Yes, it is a popular destination for hikers, but requires good fitness.
Is Davao safe?
Davao is generally considered one of the safest major cities in the country.
Which fruits should one try?
Try fresh mangosteen and pomelos in addition to durian.
How do you get to Davao?
Best by flight from Manila in about 2 hours.
Davao City: where is it located?
Davao City is located in Philippines.
Davao City: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Davao City: why is it worth visiting?
Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area and serves as the primary urban center for the island of Mindanao.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Philippines →

Nearby cities

More places