Weekend in Quezon City

A 27-hectare park built around the Quezon Memorial Shrine, a 66-meter mausoleum housing the remains of President Manuel L. Quezon. Paths for jogging, cycling, and walking; a small

Tip: Go on a Sunday morning before 9am when the main road is closed to cars and locals flood in for zumba and tai chi. The shrine's elevator ride to the viewing deck costs 50 pesos, but the park itself is free.

A 22-hectare wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden inside the city. Has a small zoo with endemic animals (Philippine eagles, crocodiles, deer), a butterfly pavilion, and jogging

Tip: The zoo area charges a 10-peso entry (about 20 cents). Bring your own water — the canteen inside is overpriced. Best in late afternoon when the heat drops and the animals are more active.

A 3D trick-art museum with over 50 interactive murals painted on floors and walls. You pose for photos that look like you're falling into waterfalls or being chased by dragons. Well-lit, spacious, and

Tip: Bring a friend with a wide-angle lens or a phone with a good camera — the staff know the best spots but won't shoot for you. Weekday mornings are empty. Entrance: 500 pesos (around $9), but kids under 4 get in free.

A museum on the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, housing over 10,000 pieces of Filipino art from the 19th century to the present. Housed in a mid-century modernist building with high ceil

Tip: Entrance is 50 pesos for adults, free for students with ID. The museum shop sells affordable prints by local artists. Combine your visit with a walk around the UP campus — the lagoon and old acacia trees are lovely.

A 35-hectare forest reserve at the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Has marked trails (easy to moderate), a river for swimming, and basic cottages. The main draw is the quiet, with the city noise fading

Tip: Day-trippers pay 300 pesos (around $5.50) — that includes a guided walk and use of the changing rooms. Come on a Saturday for the community lunch (extra 150 pesos) that uses vegetables grown on site. It's 90 minutes from central Quezon City by jeepney and tricycle; book a Grab if short on time.