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Global Traveller

30 Nov 2023 - 4 min read

Discovering Marikina: 8 Hidden Gems in the Shoe Capital of the Philippines

Markina, in the Philippines, is a city that offers such beautiful charm. One of its main attractions is its captivating blend of urban life and nature. The city has green parks and wide open spaces, such as the Marikina River Park, where all Filipinos can enjoy a picnic, bike ride, or simply relax along the beautiful river.

Apart from that, Marikina is also known as the center of leather shoes in the Philippines, offering high-quality products and innovation in the world of shoes. This makes Marikina popular among buyers looking for high-quality leather shoes.

With its stunning natural attractions and thriving shoe industry, Markina is a popular destination for Filipinos looking for the perfect combination of nature and rich local culture.

Best Marikina Tourist Spots

What are the most popular tourist spots in Marikina, in the Philippines? Here are some of the famous tourist spots in Marikina worth visiting.

1. Marikina River Park

Address: 300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Marikina River Park, which starts from under the A. Bonifacio Bridge in Barangay Malanday offers a variety of entertainment for anyone who comes. Youth groups often use the Chinese "pagoda"-shaped building to practice theater performances there.

Meanwhile, across the river, the Zonta Club Gazebo is also popular among young people. Nearby is the Marikit-Na statue, 40 feet high on the riverbank, depicting the city's feminine figure, built-in 2011 by Arch.

For your stay, you can consider Santorini Hotel, located 1.91 km from Marikina River Park, which is also close to the National Museum of the Philippines, Rizal Park, and Fort Santiago. This place is suitable for those of you who have a lot of itineraries when visiting Marikina City.

Santorini Hotel

8.9

3 Dama De Noche Street

₱ 2,887.50

2. Shoe Museum of Marikina

Address: 315, 1800 J. P. Rizal St, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 07:30 AM to 04:30 PM

The Marikina Shoe Museum, formerly the Marikina Footwear Museum, opened in 2001 to celebrate the heritage of Marikina's shoe industry. The city is famous for its collections, including shoes gifted by Imelda Marcos, former First Lady, from local shoe manufacturers.

The museum showcases local and international brands by displaying more than 800 pairs out of a total of 3,000 pairs. Apart from that, the museum also displays historic photos of former President Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda with world leaders.

For a comfortable stay near the museum, consider the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, located just 2.75 km away. The hotel offers close proximity to tourist attractions and has an excellent Eastwood Cafe on the ground floor, ideal for a variety of dining occasions.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel (Newly Renovated)

8.8

17 Orchard Road, Bagumbayan

₱ 3,937.58

3. Riverbanks Center

₱ 2,887.50 1800 Riverbanks Ave, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM | Friday, from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Riverbanks Center is an attractive shopping and recreation center in the Philippines. The center offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment for its visitors. You can explore outlets selling affordable products, sample delicious dishes at the Riverbanks food area, or enjoy entertainment at the airpark rides and cinema.

Stay at The Studio 18 Residences because it is only 1 km from this shopping center. The location is one block from the Katipunan LRT and many restaurant options near the university.

The Studio 18 Residences

8.6

18 General Capinpin Street San Antonio Village, Barangay San Antonio

₱ 1,852.50

4. Kapitan Moy Residence

Address: 323 J. P. Rizal St, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Kapitan Moy is the ancestral home of the Guevera family, symbolizing feudalism. It is surrounded by the Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned and boasts beautiful architecture featuring stairs, capiz windows, large doors, and railings. In addition to its historical significance, Kapitan Moy is the birthplace of the first pair of shoes in 1887.

Nowadays, the house is a Marikina cultural center where various events occur. Below is the Kapitan Café and Piano Bar, while the upper floor serves as an event space. This location is ideal for those seeking to explore the cultural center of Marikina.

Stay at Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis, which is 3.2 km from the location. The hotel is located in the Acropolis area, close to business centers, shopping centers and major tourist attractions, making it easy to access various activities and important places in Manila.

Microtel by Wyndham - Acropolis

8.7

E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C5) Barangay Bagumbayan

5. Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned

Address: J.P. Rizal, Corner V. Gomez St, Marikina, 1801 Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 04:00 AM to 09:00 PM | Sunday, from 07:30 AM to 09:00 PM

Our Lady of the Abandoned Church is a historic Roman Catholic church in Marikina, Philippines, founded in 1700 by the Augustinians. This church survived damage caused by natural disasters that occurred in Marikina City.

The church is famous for housing an image of Mary with the Papal seal and a miraculous event during World War II, where a nearby unexploded bomb was thought to be the protection of the Virgin Mary.

One place to stay that you can choose is the Sogo Cainta Hotel, which is only 1.53 km from the location of this church. This hotel provides easy access to various places in Manila and its surroundings.

Hotel Sogo Cainta

7.7

Imelda Avenue

₱ 1,244.88

Tips to Visit Marikina City for Filipinos

Before visiting Marikina City, you need to make several preparations, such as:

1. Check the Weather

Be sure to check the weather forecast before leaving for Marikina. The city can experience heavy rains and flooding in the rainy season, so it is important to prepare appropriate clothing and footwear.

2. Prepare the camera

Marikina City has many interesting and beautiful tourist attractions, such as Marikina River Park and the Shoe Museum. Make sure to bring a camera to capture precious moments during the trip.

3. Check tourist attractions' opening hours

Check the opening hours of tourist attractions before leaving for Marikina. Some places may have different opening hours on holidays or weekends.

Marikina Public Market is also a great place to sample local culinary and Filipino specialties. This market reflects daily life and Marikina culture, so it is worth a visit to experience the vibrant local atmosphere.

Here are eight of the best tourist attractions in Marikina that will dazzle you with their natural beauty, culture, and recreational activities. From Marikina River Park to Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, this city offers an extraordinary experience.Start your trip to Marikina and book travel tickets with Traveloka for convenience and the best deals. Explore the charm of Marikina City and enjoy an unforgettable adventure!

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