BGC Philippines, also known as Bonifacio Global City, holds a special place in both of our hearts. This is the city where Jam and I first met, where we had our first date, and yes, even our first kiss, a bit much to admit, but true. It is also the city where we grew closer after being separated during our long distance years, meeting back up here in person for the first time. Jam lived and worked in BGC for many years, so in a lot of ways, this city is where our story really begins. We keep coming back, and we keep loving it every time.

Why BGC Philippines Feels So Different

BGC is unlike most of the Philippines, and that is part of what makes it worth visiting. It is modern, walkable, and polished, with wide tree lined streets, rotating public art installations, and a skyline that feels more like Singapore or Hong Kong than the rest of Manila. If it is your first time in BGC, here is everything we think is worth doing, seeing, shopping, and eating.

planning your visit to bgc Philippines

Even with only a weekend or a couple of days to spare, BGC Philippines is worth adding to your Philippines itinerary. It fits easily alongside a longer trip through the country, and it does not take much time to see and enjoy what makes it special.

If you want to bundle your flight and hotel together, you can check flight and hotel packages here. And if you are based in Manila and need a rental car for the rest of your trip, you can book one here.

Getting to BGC and Getting Around

The easiest way to get to BGC Philippines is to take a Grab from the airport. It is the ride hailing app almost everyone in Manila uses, and it takes the guesswork out of fares or explaining where you are headed.

Walking Around BGC

Once you are in BGC, you barely need a ride. It is one of the most walkable districts in Metro Manila, with wide sidewalks and covered linkways connecting many of the malls, kind of like Chicago, where we lived for over a decade before moving to Colorado.

On a recent trip, my sister and I even lugged our luggage around the city after checking out of our hotel, exploring a bit before our flight, and it was completely manageable on foot.

Taking the Bus

City buses also run set routes through BGC and connect to other parts of Metro Manila. If you are headed to BGC Arts Center, for example, get off at the bus stop near the arts center along 9th Avenue, or the Fort Strip and RCBC bus stop along 26th Street, and cross over to the venue.

When You Actually Need a Grab

The only time you really need a Grab is heading from one side of BGC to the other, or venturing out to a different part of the city entirely. Otherwise, plan on walking most of your visit.

Where to Stay

There is no shortage of good accommodation in BGC Philippines, whether you want a hotel or something closer to a home base for a longer stay.

We often prefer booking a room or a Vrbo inside a condo building instead of a straightforward hotel room. It usually means a complete accommodation with a full kitchen and more space, which makes a real difference once you are staying more than a couple of nights.

BGC Hotel Recommendation

On a more recent overnight stay in BGC, which we wrote about in Manila to Iloilo from abroad, my sister and I stayed at Red Planet Hotel, and we would recommend it for a short stay. If you are after something longer term with more amenities then Book BGC condos and Vrbos instead.

Get Connected: eSIM

Staying connected makes getting around so much easier, whether you are looking up directions, booking a Grab, or just keeping in touch while you are out and about. Grab an eSIM with Airalo before you land so you are online the moment you touch down.

Things to see & Do in BGC Philippines

Shopping in BGC

Shopping is one of the obvious draws of BGC Philippines, and there is a mall or shopping strip for pretty much any mood you are in.

SM Aura

One of the bigger malls in BGC, with a wide mix of local and international brands, plus a solid food court if you need a quick bite between stores. And if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, there is SM Aura Sky Park on the 5th floor, pictured below. Highly recommended to check out.

Market! Market!

A more budget friendly, laid back mall, good for local finds and cheaper eats without losing the BGC convenience.

Photo: Ralff Nestor Nacor via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Uptown Parade

An open air shopping and dining strip with a more relaxed, upscale feel, great for an evening walk even if you are not buying anything.

Photo: Denmarkpostrano via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bonifacio High Street

The heart of BGC, an outdoor stretch of shops, restaurants, and green space that is easily one of our favorite places to just walk around, day or night. There is also plenty of seating if you just want to sit and relax, and it is one of our go to spots to hang out.

Uptown Mall

A high end mall with a curated mix of luxury and international brands, plus a solid lineup of restaurants and cafes if you want to sit down for a proper meal. There is also a cinema on site, and if you want a breather, head up to the rooftop Uptown Bonifacio Sky Park for landscaped gardens, seating, and skyline views.

Venice Grand Canal Mall

On the other side of the area sits this one of a kind mall, built around an actual indoor canal complete with gondola rides and Venetian style architecture. It is unlike anything else in the Philippines and worth the trip on its own.

If you would rather stay right by Venice Grand Canal Mall instead of BGC proper, there are several hotels and condo stays just steps from the canal, worth a look if this is the part of the area you want to be based in.

Museums and Art

The Mind Museum

A hands on science museum that is genuinely fun for adults, not just kids, with interactive exhibits covering everything from the human body to outer space. There is also a dinosaur fossil on display, which is pretty cool to check out. Definitely worth it, and you can book your tickets ahead of time here.

Happy World Museum Miracle Art

On the 4th floor of Market! Market! is a photo illusion art gallery, full of playful trick art displays designed for pictures. It is a fun stop if you want a few creative photos to remember the trip by.

Stained Glass Dome at Venice Grand Canal Mall

Find this beautiful Tiffany glass dome tucked inside the mall, a stunning stained glass ceiling that makes for one of the prettiest photo stops in BGC.

Beyond Borders, Peaceful Voyage Mural

Tucked at the corner of 26th Street and 5th Avenue is one of our favorite hidden gems in BGC, a massive mural called Beyond Borders, Peaceful Voyage. Painted in the style of a traditional Korean bookshelf painting, it is filled with symbols and landmarks representing ASEAN countries and Korea, a tribute to the friendship shared across the region. It is easy to walk past if you are not looking for it, but it is absolutely worth the short detour for photos.

Coming Into Being Sculpture at BGC Arts Center

Right outside the BGC Arts Center, in the open air Alveo Central Plaza on 26th Street, stands Coming Into Being, a bronze sculpture by Filipino artist Daniel dela Cruz. Installed in 2017, it shows a figure rising up among rebar and scaffolding, a quiet tribute to the construction workers who built BGC from the ground up. The first time I saw it, I thought it was truly amazing, so it is definitely worth a stop.

Where to Eat in BGC

BGC has one of the best food scenes in Metro Manila, and these are the spots we keep going back to.

Manam

Modern Filipino comfort food, always a solid choice whether it is your first Filipino meal or your hundredth.

Nono’s

A neighborhood favorite of ours, relaxed and easy to come back to whenever we are in the area. We like coming here with friends.

Wildflour Cafe

Our favorite spot for brunch, always busy for a reason, but the pastries and coffee alone make the wait worth it. What really drew me in the first time, though, was a cluster of wooden chairs suspended right from the ceiling, a striking little design touch tucked into the space that caught my eye before I had even tried the food.

Keizo

A great choice when we are craving Japanese food, consistent and satisfying every time. It is our go to spot for ramen, and whenever we are in BGC we make a point to go here, for old times sake.

Marugame Udon

Just as much as we love ramen, we also love udon, and this is one of our favorite places to get it.

Kpub

Looking for Korean BBQ? This is the place. I went here on a trip with my dad and cousin, and we really liked it, a great spot for all you can eat Korean BBQ.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

This is actually where Jam and I had our first date, so it holds a nostalgic spot for us. It is a reliable coffee stop scattered around BGC, perfect for a slower morning or an afternoon break between shopping stops, and since it stays open late, it doubles as a great hangout spot too.

Where to Relax

Burgos Circle

Home to a giant tree art installation that has become one of BGC’s most recognizable spots, surrounded by restaurants and bars, great for an evening out.

Kasalikasan Garden

A quiet, green pocket of the city, a nice place to slow down for a bit if BGC’s pace starts to feel like a lot. We found this by chance and thought what a nice hidden gem in BGC.

A Unique Bookstore Stop

Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street

More than just a bookstore, this location has a striking art installation made entirely out of books, a great photo stop even if you do not end up buying anything.

Free Concerts and Mall Shows

BGC has a habit of pulling in bigger names than you would expect for a free show. Market! Market! in particular has hosted international acts like The 1975, LANY, and K-pop groups like KATSEYE and UNIS, right in its outdoor activity area, alongside major local acts. My cousin and I once caught a free concert outside one of the malls, and it is honestly worth checking what is scheduled while you are in town, you never know who might be playing.

Grocery Runs

If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen and prefer cooking some of your own meals, The Market Place Central Square is the grocery store I always go to in BGC, with a solid international and imported goods section. You will find it inside Market! Market! as well as Forbes Town Center, so it is easy to reach no matter where you are staying. SM Aura also has its own SM Supermarket if you want another option.

Final Thoughts

BGC Philippines is not just a stop on a Philippines itinerary for us, it is personal. Between the shopping, the food, the art, and the quieter green corners, it is a city built for wandering, and one we will keep coming back to for the memories as much as everything there is to do. If you are planning more time in the country, take a look at our other Philippines guides for more places worth adding to your trip.

More From the Philippines