Originally envisioned as the country’s national capital to replace an overcrowded Manila, QC served this role from 1948 until 1976. Today, it remains the seat of the country’s legislature and other important government offices.
Designed with wide avenues and large green spaces, Quezon City is a planned city that showcases a compelling mix of old and new, and wealth and poverty. While it boasts luxurious gated communities and modern central business districts like Eastwood, it also faces issues with overcrowding and informal settlements.
The city has multiple, scattered commercial centers rather than a single downtown area.
- Cubao: A grand and traditional commercial area home to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, shopping malls like Gateway Mall, and the artsy Cubao Expo.
- North EDSA: A glitzier area known for large malls such as SM North EDSA.
- Eastwood City: A modern, integrated community featuring high-end offices, restaurants, and shopping.
For tourists and residents alike, Quezon City offers a variety of attractions:
- Quezon Memorial Circle: A large national park and shrine housing a towering monument and mausoleum for President Manuel L. Quezon. The park is a popular spot for leisure, exercise, and family outings.
- La Mesa Ecopark: A massive green sanctuary where visitors can enjoy nature through hiking, fishing, and boating. It is part of the La Mesa Watershed, a vital water source for Metro Manila.
- University of the Philippines Diliman: The sprawling campus of the country’s premier state university is a destination in itself, offering wide open spaces and distinctive architecture.
- Art in Island: An interactive 3D art museum where guests can pose for unique and creative photographs.
Quezon City is known as the “City of Stars” because it hosts the headquarters and studios of major broadcasting networks like ABS-CBN and GMA Network.
QC continues to be a bustling, vibrant, and multifaceted hub of the country, blending its rich history with modern development.