1. Book a stay at Munting Talao-Talao Beach Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Lucena may not be the ultimate beach destination in Quezon but it is home to quite a few beach resorts that are just as worthy of visiting. One such beautiful place in Lucena City is Munting Talao-Talao Beach Resort. This resort is built by a public beach and is one of the go-to of the locals during the summertime. When visiting the city, why not make this resort your accommodation? There are beachside loungers where you can curl up with a book all day. Kayak and float rentals are available here too.

Munting Talao-Talao Beach Resort

Address: Talao-Talao Rd, Lucena, 4301 Quezon

Website: Munting Talao-Talao Beach Resort

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

2. Eat chami at Cafe Antigua

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the best eateries and tourist destinations in Lucena City, Cafe Antigua is a must-visit if you want to try out chami, a local culinary delight that captivates the taste buds for several reasons. This beloved dish is characterized by its irresistible blend of flavours and textures, featuring stir-fried egg noodles tossed with a medley of savoury ingredients such as succulent shrimp, chicken, tender pork, and an array of stir-fried vegetables.

The dish is expertly seasoned with a symphony of spices and condiments that infuse it with a harmonious balance of umami and a hint of sweetness. The result is a delectable masterpiece that leaves diners craving for more.

Cafe Antigua

Address: WJP7+27G, Quezon Ave, Lucena, 4301 Quezon

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

3. Admire the display at Museo Diocesano de Lucena

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Just over 30 minutes from Lucena City is Tayabas, Quezon. This is where you’ll find the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. The church is where Museo Diocesano de Lucena is housed. This museum displays statues of the apostles and different religious events. From time to time, Museo Diocesano de Lucena will hold seasonal exhibits such as Canonically Crowned Marian Images. They also hold parish tours and holiday visits often attended by pilgrims and devouts from other town parishes.

Museo Diocesano de Lucena

Address: Lopez Jaena Street, Tayabas, 4301 Quezon

Website: Museo Diocesano de Lucena

4. Shop at Pacific Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You can start with some shopping in Lucena. The Pacific Mall in Lucena Quezon province is one of the largest and most famous in the Philippines. This Lucena tourist spot was built in around 2003 and has all kinds of stores for your need and fun both. From varied choices like shopping for jewellery, clothes, footwear accessories, to gifts and supermarkets, there is nothing you can’t find here. The place attracts thousands of tourists and visitors for shopping or even just window shopping for that matter. It also has a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a multiplex on the premise.

Pacific Mall

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: Pacific Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm

5. Relax in the Perez Park

If you are looking for some greenery and don’t know where to go in Lucena, head to the magnificent Perez park. The lush green park with colourful gardens and a playground is totally blissful. The park is divided into four sections - playground section with food stalls, rock monument section with fishpond, shrine section with fishpond and a multicoloured jet fountain section. The presence of such gorgeous landscapes makes it one of the most beautiful parks here. Visit this park to have some time away from the brick and mortar world and relax and rejuvenate yourself.

Perez Park

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: Perez Park

Opening hours: 24/7

6. Buy fresh fish at Lucena Fish Port Complex

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy a tour of the Lucena Fish Port Complex that is a large multi-storey complex selling seafood. Although a commercial establishment, the complex has large individual customers who visit to procure fresh fish for the household. This government-owned complex has contributed to the country’s food security by supporting an environmentally sustainable and competitive fishing industry through technologically advanced post-harvest facilities and infrastructure. There’s a good refrigeration system too which makes it the best place to buy some fish in Lucena.

Lucena Fish Port Complex

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: Lucena Fish Port Complex

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm (closed on Sat - Sun)

Price: 20 to 30 USD

7. Visit Saint Ferdinand Cathedral

When in Lucena, you can also take a tour of the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral which is over 100 years old. This historical site will take you on a time travel for sure. The construction is said to have begun in the 19th century and completed with absolute beautification and architecture work. The massive structure soon becomes a major landmark of Lucena and also a common meet up place. Lots of people pass by the Patio of St. Ferdinand Cathedral every day, while some also offer prayers. Near this Lucena City tourist attraction, you can also find food joints.

Saint Ferdinand Cathedral

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, the Philippines

Website: Saint Ferdinand Cathedral

8. Head to Botanical Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Botanical Garden in Lucena is another place to visit on your next visit. The garden is lined with lush green tropical trees and flowers and a great place to connect with nature. It lies in the heart of the city and is thus easily accessible. The lovely playground for kids, the walking stone trails and the refreshing fountain in the centre make it all so beautiful to watch. Come in the evenings to catch the glimpse of nature-friendly crowd and locals. There are some other nice places to hang out nearby too.

Botanical Garden

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

9. Wander in the SM City Mall Lucena

The other famous mall in Lucena is SM City Mall located right on the Maharlika highway in Lucena city. The state of the art mall will truly impress you with its facilities and structure. Not only a large mall, but it is also the first Supermall in the province of Quezon. From cheap to expensive, you can find all kinds of stores here, so you can literally shop till you drop. It is ideally a great place to hang out with your family, in a prime location, surrounded by national landmarks, fashion stores, parks and fantastic bars and restaurants.

SM City Mall Lucena

Address: Maharlika Highway cor Dalahican Road Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City, Quezon, Lucena, 4301 Quezon Province, Philippines

Website: SM City Mall Lucena

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

10. Explore Eco Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spend some time at Lucena Eco Park to get some fresh air in your holiday time and also connect with nature. The park is decorated with stone structures and landscaped gardens making is absolutely gorgeous. The serenity and the relaxing vibe are very appealing and rejuvenating. Surround yourself with trees in the heart of the city, have a great time with your family or friends at this tourist destination in Lucena City.

Eco Park

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

11. Taste cakes and the frappes at Eduvigis Coffee Bar and Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are looking for a good place for hunger pangs, visit the Eduvigis Coffee Bar and Restaurant and indulge in some delicious cakes and frappes. The multi-cuisine restaurant is one of the most Instagrammable places in Lucena and serves delicious baked goods, light bites as well as lunch and dinner. They offer almost everything you would look for like rice meals, pasta, sandwiches, coffees, cakes and even cocktails. Try some baby back ribs, sizzling seafood gambas, and cordon bleu with rice, or try chef’s favourites like chicken parmigiana, tuna veggie pasta and ham, and egg panini. The restaurant’s cool vibe and kids menu make it a great family dining spot.

Eduvigis Coffee Bar and Restaurant

Address: 31 Magallanes St, Lucena, 4301 Quezon Province, Philippines

Website: Eduvigis Coffee Bar and Restaurant

Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)

Price: 20 USD

12. Show your music talent at DZAB Bar & Dine

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Dzab Bar & Dine is a lively bar where you can bring your friends to have a good time. Go for karaoke with drinks and jam with fellow music patrons. The bar also offers DJ’s, Acoustic Band And KTV where you can also jam and play the displayed acoustic instruments to show your talent to the crowd. Sounds exciting right, well they also have a multi-cuisine menu so you can try some delicious meals to go with your cocktails and music!

DZAB Bar & Dine

Address: Trinidad St, Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: DZAB Bar & Dine

13. Enjoy karoake nights at Chikkos KTV Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The bar and grill Chikkos KTV bar is a famous neighbourhood place in Lucena for parties and great evenings. It opens at four in the evening and stays alive up till the wee hours in the morning, so visit without time constraints. Known for some of the hottest parties and ambience, Chikkos KTV bar has both indoor and outdoor seating for an enjoyable time. You can have a nice karaoke night with friends or watch a live band here with refreshing drinks and cocktails.

Chikkos KTV Bar

Address: 4301, Lucena, Quezon, Philippines

Website: Chikkos KTV Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 3am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 4 am

Price: 30 USD

14. Party at ROAD 62 Bar and Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for a place to hang out in the evenings in Lucena with great music and European vibe? This is it. The Road 62 Bar and Restaurant is built where the original “Lutong Bahay ni Inay ” was located, which was a cosy diner. Now it is a famous full-fledged bar with a range of cocktails on the menu and a sophisticated ambience to go with. This is also a good place for date nights or just to grab a drink before a dinner party. The restaurant also takes bookings for special occasions and parties so bring it on.

ROAD 62 Bar and Restaurant

Address: 62 P. Gomez St, Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: ROAD 62 Bar and Restaurant

Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)

Price: 50 USD

15. Dine at the scenic MJD Urban Escape Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If it is not just dining but healthy dining you are looking for then MJD Urban Escape Farm and Restaurant might be the place for you. Here they appreciate the value of healthy organic food for your wellness! A casual place to dine and some delicious healthy food both come together here. The restaurant also has parking available and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner since 2012. Gift your loved ones a healthy treat here.

MJD Urban Escape Farm

Address: Lucena, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Website: MJD Urban Escape Farm

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 8pm; Mon: 9am - 8pm

16. Try pork binagoongan

A national favourite of Lucena in terms of food is the Pork Binagoongan. The pork is prepared in a Filipino style and eaten with rice for lunch or dinner. Found in almost all the restaurants, it is a speciality in the Philippines. It is very similar to Pinatisan which is cooked with patis (fish sauce). In this dish, the meat is braised in bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Some recipes also add pineapples, chilis, or coconut cream to balance the flavours. The dish is quite salty with a strong umami flavour, which is why it is always paired with white rice.

Catalino's Restaurant

Address: 2497 Villa Javierto Gulang Gulang Lucena City, Tayabas - Lucena Road, Gulang Gulang Lucena City, 4301 Quezon, Philippines

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

There is still more to Lucena

If the city of Lucena has not impressed you already there are many more things to do as well. Whether you are interested in scenic beauty or historical significance, there are countless tourist spots in Lucena that will grab your attention. If you need more information on any of these or if you liked any, then please let us know by dropping us a line below. Bon Voyage!