What Roxas Boulevard Looks Like Today?

Famously known as the roadway that runs along the shoreline of Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard, a trademark of Philippine tourism, stretches from Manila to the cities of Pasay and Parañaque in the south. Roxas Boulevard not only is a multi-lane, major thoroughfare but also replete with the country’s historic landmarks and tourist attractions. If you could plan one day to visit Roxas Boulevard today, whether on a solo adventure, a fun time with family, or a reunion with your balikbayan friends, here’s a morning-to-night itinerary that explores its history, culture, and food.

Daybreak along the Boulevard

Start your day early and set off on foot with a Manila Bay walk. Wondering where is an excellent spot to witness the sunrise? You’re already at the right place. Stroll along parts of the 2-kilometer stretch of the coastline, taking in the old and new infrastructure, uncovering historical markers and statues, viewing the bay’s expansive waters, and enjoying the sea breeze. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, experience slow-paced moments of leisure with a sight of people jogging or working out together and coming across a kalesa a.k.a. horse-drawn carriages.

Breakfast: Get your coffee fix with a side of ensaymada or pan de sal at Gourmet Cafe (formerly the Library Cafe). Enjoy a good view of Manila Bay and the boulevard’s streets while dining at one of the coffee shop’s alfresco tables. The cafe is situated on one side of the historic Ramon Magsaysay Center.

You can also try this classic and well-known restaurant that you should revisit or visit if you have not been. Café Adriatiaco, with its French-Mediterranean façade, still stands to this day at the corner of Adriatico Street. It was once a cool spot for meetups and hangs in the 80s for drinks, but now this place is an icon, and guests visit for nostalgia. Order their famous adobo rice and a cup of espresso or hot chocolate.

Morning Exploration

Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Roxas Boulevard today by starting off at The Manila Hotel. Its historical significance and central location make it a must-visit destination and a perfect gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The hotel opened in 1912, making it the oldest hotel in the Philippines. It has also been a site of many important events such as the place where US General Douglas MacArthur commanded his post during World War II. Famous personalities like Michael Jackson, former US President Bill Clinton, and Nelson Mandela have visited this hotel, too. The Manila Hotel’s old-world charm, with wooden ceilings and huge chandeliers, is still as alluring as ever. Accents of Filipino design abound in the lobby and rooms such as solihiya and capiz shells. Visit restaurants like Café Ilang Ilang that features an extensive selection of buffet offerings from around the globe and the enchanting Champagne Room famous for its lavish décor that has become the perfect spot for a romantic date. The Champagne Room serves signature European dishes like veal with port wine sauce, fresh mushroom ricotta ravioli, and roast US prime rib with potato au gratin. Coffee and bibingka (rice cake) is also served at the Lobby Lounge for that mid-morning snack. The Manila Hotel is a good place to bring the entire family for a reunion or a celebration.

Lunch: A longstanding favorite in Manila and a family-run decades-old restaurant, The Aristocrat’s signature chicken barbeque and java rice with peanut sauce, and their other bestselling Filipino dishes (lumpiang shanghai, kare-kare to name a few) will satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to try their iconic Torta de Los Reyes for dessert! Their flagship branch still stands on Roxas Boulevard today and intersects the corner of San Andres Street.

Afternoon Exploration of Roxas Boulevard Tourist Attractions and Historial Landmarks

Discover one of the oldest and most historic districts of Manila: the walled city of Intramuros. Within the centuries-old, still-standing walls lie buildings, houses, churches, cobblestoned roads, and museums that have been preserved. Most of its architecture are iconic landmarks and museums such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and San Agustin Church. Intramuros is popular with balikbayans as well as matured and seasoned travelers who want to explore historical Manila.

Make sure to pass by the Manila Cathedral, too. It is officially known as The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It is another noteworthy place found inside the walled city of Intramuros. Enter a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation inside the Cathedral’s spacious enclaves and vaulted ceilings.

Before sunset, indulge the art aficionado in you. Spend an hour or so at one or two of the several museums near the boulevard like the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History. Revisit iconic works of Juan Luna, Felix Resurrección Hidalgo, and Guillermo Tolentino or learn about the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Philippines.

Surround yourself with the beauty of old Manila and take a tour at Palacio de Memoria. Explore this restored pre-war mansion’s galleries of antiques and rooms, its garden and an aircraft on the mansion grounds.

End the Day, the Manila Way

Cap off your day with the world-famous Manila sunset. Giving you a front and center view of the unending grandeur of Manila Bay, the sunset gives off a spectacular show of colors in the sky and it is undeniably a breathtaking treat to the senses.

You can also end the day with a show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or more commonly known as CCP. The theater was built in 1966 to help promote and preserve the best of Filipino arts and culture. For over 50 years, the CCP continues to work with various institutions to further the local creative industry that preserves tradition and enriches the Filipino heritage. World renowned companies have performed here like Ballet Philippines, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Check out the schedule of live performances and exhibits at their website.

Or why not conclude with a little thanksgiving at the Malate Church? Titled the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, this site has been around since the 1500s. Imagine the vast history of this church to what it is today. The revered statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as Our Lady of Remedies was brought from Spain in 1624 and stands at the altar. The Mexican baroque style architecture is also something to behold. This kind of architecture style believes that an empty space is a wasted space so you’ll find every exterior corner of this church has been carefully filled with pillars and arches. It’s a sight worth visiting and appreciating.

Dinner: Be sure to check out Admiral Hotel Manila. Its rooftop restaurant called Admiral Club offers panoramic views of the bay while indulging your food cravings. When it’s time for a nightcap, look no further and head down to the hotel’s speakeasy bar Ruby Wong’s Godown.

For local cuisine, there’s no need to travel far. Just around the bend of Julio Nakpil and Jorge Bacobo Streets in Malate, you’ll find this old home that is a by-reservation Filipino restaurant Purple Yam. This house has been around since 1949 and was rebuilt four years after it was bombed during the war. Now a private dining space, what makes this restaurant special is the ingredients they use: locally sourced and chemical-free. Iconic local dishes are served for lunch and dinner like the sinigang. Theirs is made differently with grilled sea shrimps cured in miso with a light sea broth soured with Roselle. The beef mechado bao is not to be missed. It is a fusion of our Spanish and Chinese heritage with the combination of braised beef with roasted tomatoes and pickled onions on a homemade toasted bao bun. The interiors are also very homey and guests get that intimate, cozy dining experience. They can also enjoy looking at artwork by renowned National Artist Botong Francisco.

Whether you prefer a leisurely day immersed in art or indulging in a culinary journey, Roxas Boulevard is that ideal place to visit or even call home. Residing in Patio Madrigal will showcase the vibrant cultural heritage this side of town has to offer. The artistic atmosphere matches the lifestyle of the Patio Madrigal community where creativity and inspiration flourish. Enjoy the blend of modern conveniences and historical charm, while being surrounded with like-minded individuals who appreciate the finer things in life. Explore what Patio Madrigal has to offer and take a look around Roxas Boulevard today.