Philippines · 2026 itinerary
Davao 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Davao: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A central city park with free Wi-Fi, statues by local artist Kublai Millan, and a small orchid garden. Popular with joggers and families on weekends.
🕐 Mon-Sun 5:00-21:00
Free entry💡 Visit late afternoon when the heat drops and locals come out. The Wi-Fi is reliable enough for basic browsing.
Hotels near People's Park →The city's main cathedral, built in the 1940s, with a distinct modern facade and a peaceful interior. Site of many local events and the final resting place of a local archbishop.
🕐 Mon-Sun 6:00-20:00
Free entry💡 Step inside for air-con and quiet during midday heat. The adjacent plaza often has cheap street food vendors in the evening.
Hotels near San Pedro Cathedral →Fly-O-Grill · ££
Gerry's Grill · ££
Deeper Into Davao
A compact museum with exhibits on indigenous tribes, local textiles, and Davao's history. Entry is around 50 pesos for adults.
🕐 Mon-Sat 9:00-17:00
💡 The 30-minute guided tour is included in the fee and adds context you'd miss on your own. Go early on weekday mornings when it's empty.
A well-kept park housing hundreds of crocodiles, plus other animals like tigers and birds. Entry is low-cost, not free, but worth it for the feeding shows and educational exhibits.
🕐 Mon-Sun 8:00-17:00
💡 Go for the 10am or 3pm feeding sessions to see the crocs leap for meat. Skip the overpriced snacks inside and eat at a nearby carinderia after.
Swiss Deli
Paterno's
Final Favourites & Departure
A mountain resort with gardens, forest trails, and panoramic views of the Davao Gulf. Entry is roughly 100 pesos, which includes a shuttle ride and access to ba
💡 Take the first shuttle at 8am to avoid crowds. Pack a picnic lunch—eating at the on-site restaurant is pricey and average.
C5
New Asia Restaurant
Getting Around Davao
Multicabs are covered, fan-cooled minibuses that run fixed routes. They're cheaper than jeepneys but slower. For We R Inn, look for a multicab with signs for 'Matina' or 'Quimpo.' They stop anywhere along the route – just wave them down.
For We R Inn, take a jeepney with 'Quimpo' or 'F. Torres' on the side panel. Drop off at the corner of Quimpo Blvd and F. Torres St. Pay the driver as you board or pass your fare forward. Have small bills or coins ready – drivers rarely have change for PHP 50.
Grab is the most reliable ride-hailing app in Davao. The pickup point is outside arrivals. Avoid surge pricing by booking immediately after landing. Often cheaper than metered taxis and you get a fixed fare upfront.
Skip the yellow airport taxis at the official queue if you're on a budget – walk 50m outside the terminal gate and flag a white metered taxi. Confirm the driver uses the meter or agree a price before getting in. We R Inn is about 8 km from the airport, near the corner of Quimpo Blvd and F. Torres St.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Davao?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like People's Park and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Davao?
See our full best time to visit Davao guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lispher Inn, Hotel Elena. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.