Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila by land area, and it was built as a planned capital, which shows in its wide roads and separated government, university and residential zones. It is the country's media centre, home to major broadcasting networks and universities, and it carries the nickname "City of Stars".
For a visitor, the city is not one single centre but a collection of districts spread across a large area, from the government and university zones in the centre to the northern edges at the foothills of the Sierra Madre. Addresses and directions still use traditional area names such as Cubao, Diliman and New Manila, even though these have since been subdivided. This guide covers which of those areas make sense as a base, and what each one is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in Quezon City
1. Diliman
Diliman is the civic and academic heart of the city. It holds the first National Government Center, where national government departments and agencies are mostly situated, and it grew around the campus of the University of the Philippines, which moved here from Manila as part of the city's original plan. The area is leafy and spread out, with the university grounds, government offices and the surrounding residential streets giving it a calm, purposeful character.
This suits first-time visitors who want a central, well-known base and travellers whose trip is tied to the university or government business. Expect a mix of campus-area accommodation and residential streets rather than a dense tourist strip. Because the area is large and its sights are spread apart, plan on using transport to move between the university, the government centre and the rest of the city.
2. Cubao
Cubao is one of the traditional areas of the city that is still commonly used in addresses and directions, and it functions as a major commercial and transport hub within Quezon City. It is a busy, built-up district with a strong everyday commercial life.
It suits travellers who want to be on a transport node and within reach of shopping and entertainment, and it can work for budget-conscious visitors who prefer a lively, central location. Expect a dense urban environment with the noise and activity that come with it.
3. New Manila
New Manila is another of the traditional areas still used in addresses, and it sits among the city's older residential districts. It is known as a quieter, established neighbourhood rather than a commercial centre.
This suits visitors who want a residential base away from the busiest parts of the city, including families and travellers staying longer. Expect mostly residential streets and a calmer atmosphere, with the trade-off that you will rely on transport to reach the city's main institutions and commercial areas.
4. Batasan Hills
Batasan Hills holds the second National Government Center, where the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the seat of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, is located. It is a government-focused area rather than a leisure district.
It suits travellers whose visit is tied to the legislature or government business, and anyone who wants to be close to that part of the city. Expect an institutional setting; for general sightseeing you will be some distance from the university and media districts.
5. Novaliches
Novaliches lies in the northern part of the city. It was carved out of Caloocan during the city's northward expansion, which divided Caloocan into two non-contiguous parts. The city's northern side reaches the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range, and the La Mesa Watershed Reservation, the largest watershed in Metro Manila and a designated protected area, lies in this northern zone.
It suits travellers who need to be in the north of the city or want access to its greener, elevated edges. Expect a more peripheral location, with longer journeys to the central districts such as Diliman.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: look in the busier commercial and transport-oriented districts, where simpler accommodation and everyday services are concentrated.
- Mid-range: the university and government zones and the established residential areas offer a quieter base with a wider choice of comfort levels.
- Splurge: the city's main commercial and institutional districts are where you will find the largest and most polished places to stay.
Best area for a first visit
Diliman is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the city's original planned core, close to the main government centre and the university that shaped Quezon City's layout, and it gives you a clear, recognisable starting point for exploring the rest of the city. From there you can reach the commercial districts and the northern areas as your plans require.
Frequently asked questions
How is Quezon City laid out for a visitor?
It is a planned city, and its key institutions are grouped rather than gathered in one centre: national government departments and agencies are mostly in the first National Government Center in Diliman and the second in Batasan Hills. Traditional area names such as Cubao, Diliman and New Manila are still used in addresses and directions even though they have since been subdivided.
Which areas of Quezon City are commonly used as addresses and directions?
Cubao, Diliman and New Manila are among the traditional areas that remain in common use for addresses and for giving directions, alongside the city's administrative barangays.
What is in the northern part of the city?
The northern part of Quezon City lies at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range and includes the La Mesa Watershed Reservation, the largest watershed in Metro Manila and a designated protected area. Novaliches, carved out of Caloocan during the city's northward expansion, is in this part of the city.
Where are the city's government institutions located?
National government departments and agencies are mostly situated in the first National Government Center in Diliman and the second National Government Center in Batasan Hills, where the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the seat of the House of Representatives, is located.
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