Cubao Hotels

The commercial area of Cubao, in Quezon City, Philippines, is a place for the adventurous shopper, party-goer and art-enthusiast. Whether you are looking to find shops for good deals or unique finds or to dine and party in cool places, Cubao is your next must-explore destination.

Cubao is the famous location of the Smart Araneta Coliseum or the Big Dome, the Ali Mall which is named after the boxer Muhammad Ali, the Farmer’s Market, and of many bus terminals which can practically get you everywhere else in the Philippines.

How to go    

By plane

The nearest airport to Cubao is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). If you are arriving by plane from a province or from abroad, make sure that your flight lands you at NAIA. From there, you can take a taxi to a nearby bus terminal or directly to Cubao, which will be more expensive.

By boat or ferry

There is no direct water transport that will bring you anywhere near Cubao. If you take a boat or a ferry from anywhere in the Philippines, it will most likely bring you to Batangas port. From there, you will take a bus going to Cubao.

By land transportation

They say wherever you are in the Philippines, there is always a bus or jeepney you can ride going to Cubao. Whether you are coming from outside or within Metro Manila, just go to the nearest bus or jeepney terminal and find your ride to Cubao. You can also take the LRT-2 or MRT-3, which both have Cubao station stops. If you are traveling on your car, driving along EDSA is the simplest way to get there.

Getting Around

The best way to go around Cubao is by walking. Malls and shops are more often than not linked to each other by a covered sidewalk, pedestrian lanes and overpass. There are tricycles available if you already have too much to carry to your next stop or back to the terminal.

Tourist Attractions

Cubao caters to a wide variety of interests that its visitors may have. There are at least three major malls to visit and various retails shops and specialty boutiques for a shopper to find what he is looking for. There is also Manila’s largest and cleanest wet and dry market, the Farmer’s Market. There is also a recent tourist attraction, the Art in Island, a 3D and interactive museum.

Top Things To Do

Check out the events at the The Big Dome or the Smart Araneta Coliseum. As one of the biggest indoor venues in the Philippines, it is often the venue for big concerts of local and foreign artists and live sports games. There could be an evening concert or a basketball game that you might be interested to see after a day of exploring Cubao.

Satisfy the artist, or at least the art-enthusiast in you by visiting the art galleries and novelty shops at the Cubao Expo. Visit also its neighbor, Art in Island 3D Museum then rest and have coffee at The Warrior Poet Art Café.

Explore Cubao’s Time Square Avenue where Gateway Mall, SM Cubao, Ali Mall, Shopwise Supercenter and Rustan’s are located along with numerous fast-food restaurants, casual dining places and night clubs.

Where To Eat

Cubao offers a variety of tastes for food lovers. Four Season’s Hot Pot City, Bellini’s, Farmer’s Market Dampa are must-try dining places. Fast-food restaurants are also scattered around the area for those who do not wish to be interrupted from their shopping itinerary just to eat.

Nightlife

Aside from watching the last full show of a movie at the mall, dining, drinking or partying at the different bars and restaurant in the are other options. The outer area of the Gateway Mall, around the Araneta Center, the Manhattan Parkview, and the Cubao Expo are saturated with establishments that are open until late at night or until the sun rises the next day.

Where To Stay

Most hotels within the commercial area of Cubao are decent budget hotels and are just within walking distance from the malls. If you’re looking for an accommodation right in the middle of Cubao, Eurotel and Hotel Novotel Manila are the easiest to find being near the Araneta Center.

If you prefer a place a bit further from the shops, try Kabayan Hotel and other apartelles located across Aurora Blvd. Luxury hotels are within short traveling distance from Cubao.

Travel tips  

• Prepare an itinerary, a list of places and shops to visit, to make the most out of your day in Cubao. Prepare for possible impulse buying as you roam around.

• While walking around Cubao, take the necessary precautions to keep your carried valuables safe.

• Dress comfortably. Bring a jacket or anything to keep you warm should you decide to stay out until late at night.