Ortigas Center Hotels

About Ortigas Center

Experience the best that Metropolitan Manila has to offer in the bustling and vibrant Ortigas Center, one of Manila’s liveliest and fastest growing Central Business Districts. Ortigas Center is located in the borders of three cities: Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, making it easily accessible as public transportation options are plentiful. 

Ortigas Center is an entertainment, commerce, nightlife, cultural, and gastronomic hub all rolled into one. The area is home to numerous religious sites, hotels, shopping malls, art galleries, museums, and some of the best food haunts Manila has to offer. 

Climate and Local language in Ortigas Center

Being a tropical country, the weather in Ortigas Center is hot and humid. 

Rainy season in the Philippines typically lasts from June to November. During these months the climate in the Philippines feels humid. If you’re planning to visit during these times, be warned: it is not uncommon for flooding to occur during the wet season. 

The dry season in the Philippines typically lasts from December to May. 

The best time to visit Ortigas Center would be between January to April, where the weather is moderately breezy with minimal rainy days. 

The main language spoken in Ortigas Center is Tagalog. English is also widely spoken in Ortigas Center and by extension, Manila. Being the cultural melting pot of the Philippines, people from all over the country move into the Metropolitan Manila area, and brought with them their languages and local dialects, such as Cebuano and Ilocano. 

How to get to Ortigas Center

Ortigas Center is situated between three cities: Pasig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City, making it easily accessible from major roads and transportation hubs. You can get there with buses, jeepneys, MRT, and taxi cabs.

Via Bus

From the north, get on a bus with the EDSA route heading to Ayala or Baclaran and alight in Ortigas Center. 

From the south, get on a bus with the EDSA route heading to Monumento or Fairview and alight in Ortigas Center.

Via Jeepneys

From Mandaluyong City, hop on jeepneys heading to Starmall EDSA Shaw. 

Via Metro Railway Transit (MRT) along EDSA

From Quezon City, the MRT Line 3 will get you to MRT Ortigas Station. 

From the Manila Metropolitan Area, you can take the LRT Line 1 to EDSA. From there, walk to Taft Avenue MRT Station and disembark in MRT Ortigas Station. 

Via Taxicabs

Probably the most convenient yet expensive option is to hire a taxicab and go straight to Ortigas Center. 

Tourist Attractions in Ortigas Center

The Podium

Truly a reflection of Ortigas Center’s status as one of the fastest growing CBD areas of Manila, The Podium offers an upscale and elegant dining and shopping experience. It boasts a fine selection of coffee shops, upscale eateries, as well as a premier art gallery showcasing some of the Philippines and the world’s renowned artists. 

SM Mega Mall

Part of experiencing the metropolitan and bustling capitals of Southeast Asian countries is visiting its multi-storied, massive indoor shopping malls. Ortigas Center’s SM Mega Mall is a must visit when you are in the area. It is the third biggest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 13th biggest shopping mall in the world. 

If you have a penchant for fashion shopping, don’t miss out on SM Mega Mall’s latest extension,The Mega Fashion Hall of SM Mega Mall hosts some of the world’s most renowned fashion brands. Fun fact: SM Mega Mall has the most cinema halls and screens in the Philippines.

Shangri-La Plaza 

As the premier CBD center of Manila, Ortigas Center boasts some of the best shopping malls in the Philippines. Besides SM Mega Mall, one popular shopping destination in Ortigas Center you can visit is Shangri-La Plaza. It is owned by Kuok Group of Companies which also owns and operates world renowned hotel chain brand Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. 

The mall is also connected with Shaw Boulevard MRT Station so it is a popular interchange station for commuters. You can find more upscale international brands and restaurants in Shangri-La Plaza.  

Capitol Commons / Estancia

For a more upscale dining and shopping experience, you can check out Estancia. It is located just a little outside of Ortigas Center. Though it is comparably smaller than the other malls in the area, Estancia hosts some of the more high-end international brands. Estancia is known for its dining rather than its shopping. There are a few cafes and restaurants you can check out to chill, and it is also less crowded than the other shopping centers in the area. 

Ortigas Foundation Library and Museum 

If you are looking for a cultural experience, the Ortigas Foundation Library and Museum is a must-visit destination. The museum showcases a collection of Philippine art, historical documents, and artifacts that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage.

The Capitol Commons Park and Estancia Park and Garden  

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Ortigas Center has several parks and green spaces to explore. The Capitol Commons Park is a popular destination for jogging, picnics, and outdoor concerts. The Estancia Park and Garden is also worth a visit, featuring a variety of plants and flowers, as well as outdoor art installations.

Meralco Liwanag Park 

One of the most iconic landmarks in Ortigas Center is the Meralco Theater, which has been a venue for various concerts, plays, and events for decades. The theater's grand architecture and rich history make it a cultural landmark in the city.

The Metrowalk Complex

For those who want to experience the city's nightlife, Ortigas Center offers a variety of pubs, bars, clubs, and lounges. The Metrowalk complex is a popular destination, featuring a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Come to the Metrowalk Complex if you’re looking for places to hang out in, have a few drinks with live music.

Places to Eat in Ortigas Center

Foodies will also enjoy Ortigas Center, which has become a hub for gastronomic delights. From high-end restaurants to food markets, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. 

Asian Development Bank Food Court

The Asian Development Bank Food Court is a local favorite, where you can sample different cuisines from across the region. You can find a wide variety of food ranging from local Filipino cuisine and neighboring Southeast Asian cuisine. It is also one of the more affordable food haunts in Ortigas Center. No visit to the Philippines is complete without snacking on some ube (taro) snacks, and ADB Food Court is famous for their ube and chocolate crinkle!

La Cabrera Manila

If you’re looking to find some proper Argentinian steak cooked to perfection, La Cabrera Manila is the answer. Choose from a variety of delectable Argentinian fare and fine Malbec to pair with your food. This restaurant offers an upscale yet cozy dining experience, and the tag is more on the pricier side.

Las Flores

Tapas bar located in The Podium, perfect for sharing plates so make sure you come with a group of people. Locals rave about Las Flores’ paella, a Valencian dish of round-grain rice with seafood or meat toppings cooked in chicken broth and olive oil.

Jollibee Meralco Ave

Arguably one of the Philippines’ biggest cultural exports, you can always count on Jollibee to serve you with reliably delicious fried chicken, spaghetti, and other Filipino fares.The nearest Jollibee from Ortigas Center is situated on Meralco Ave.

Moonshine Public Urban Bar & Moonshine Kitchen

Looking for a nightcap after dinner? Moonshine Public Urban Bar & Moonshine Kitchen is one of the most popular casual pubs you can find around Ortigas Center, and is a favorite spot for young professionals in the area to hang out in. Moonshine Public Urban Bar & Moonshine Kitchen is famous for their caramel beer. 

Besides cocktails and beers, this is a place you shouldn’t miss out because they are also famous for their local Filipino dishes. Try out their kare kare, fried tawilis (sardines), and angus beef sisig. Beware that the place could get crowded as the night goes on, so if you’re here to eat and want to avoid the crowd, we would recommend you to come early.

Travel Tips to Ortigas Center

• Best time to visit Manila, and by extension, Ortigas Center, is between January to April, where the weather is usually temperate
• Filipinos are accepting and tolerant people, but do exercise caution to dress modestly, as is typical when visiting Southeast Asian countries
• Do not underestimate the heat and humidity of tropical country cities. Dress in breathable clothes and prepare for sun protection by bringing hats, sunglasses, and SPFs. 
• Buy and wear mosquito repellents for extra protection, as dengue fever is still quite common in Manila area.