Top 15 Things To Do In Tagbilaran City, The Philippines

1. Explore the National Museum of Bohol

Housed in an old city library, the National Museum Bohol features some of the most treasured relics from the archaeological exploration and excavation of sites of the Anda Peninsula. Be amazed by the uniqueness of Boholano art, know the “Alamat”, listen to folklores on how the famous Chocolate Hills were formed, or learn about the history of the province as you visit this museum.

National Museum Bohol

Address: Old Capitol Complex, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue corner JS Torralba Street, Poblacion, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Website: National Museum Bohol

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

2. Check out the amazing architecture of St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish

Filipinos are very known to be very religious. The traces of the Spanish regime that lasted for more than three centuries here, can still be seen from the majestic churches that are found all throughout the country. And despite being partially damaged by an earthquake in 2013, the St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish in Tagbilaran has still preserved its beautiful façade. You will surely love the artwork on its ceilings and the altar itself.

St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish

Address: Bohol Circumferential Rd, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

3. Enjoy shopping at Island City Mall

Filipinos are also known to be avid mall-goers. What makes the city of Tagbilaran unique among other cities in the Philippines, is that all of the malls here are locally built and owned. You cannot spot malls like SM, Robinsons or Ayala Malls in Tagbilaran. One of these homegrown malls is the Island City Mall. The mall features both high-end and local shops, a department store, and a supermarket.

Island City Mall

Address: Rajah Sikatuna Ave, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Website: Island City Mall

Opening hours: 8:30am - 9pm (daily)

4. Take kids to World Of Fun

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

The World of Fun, also known to the locals as “WOF”, is every Filipino’s favourite amusement venue. WOF centres are found at every mall in the Philippines and are always full of kids and adults playing for tickets and stuffed toys. WOF has a lot of arcade games, karaoke booths, photo booths, and even bump cars that will surely bring fun to everyone.

World Of Fun

Address: Alturas Mall, B Inting St, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Website: World Of Fun

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

5. Dance the night away at Atmospheres Nightclub

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

Any kind of trip won’t be complete without dancing and partying. Go dance the night away while you’re in Tagbilaran at the newly-opened Atmospheres Nightclub. The ambience is vibrant and they have the best local DJs to play some party music. They also have an impressive lineup of shows and performances from both local and international performers, so be sure to check out their website before visiting. A large variety of food and cocktails are on offer and the staff is courteous and helpful. Wednesdays are Ladies Night and Thursdays are for Gents, and the nightclub offers many specials. You can also hold private parties here as prices are reasonable and VIP reservations are allowed.

Atmospheres Nightclub

Address: Ground Floor, The Metrocentre Hotel & Convention Center, Carlos P. Garcia Ave, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Website: Atmospheres Nightclub

Opening hours: 6pm - 3am (daily)

6. Discover Bohol's history at National Museum Tagbilaran

The National Museum Tagbilaran is a smaller museum in the city that features some interesting items from the ancient past. The museum showcases five artificially deformed skulls, the 500-year old remains of a Boholana, and some photos of cave paintings that were found at the Anda Peninsula.

National Museum Tagbilaran

Address: Tagbilaran North Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

7. Visit Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House

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

Visiting heritage houses is incredibly surreal. But what if you get to visit a heritage house and a presidential house at the same time. This heritage house in Tagbilaran was formerly occupied by Carlos P. Garcia, the eighth president of the Philippines. Before he became a president, he was first a member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Bohol’s 3rd district, a governor of Bohol and a senator of the Philippines. His house now contains most of his memorabilia and some items he had personally used when he was still alive.

Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House

Address: A. Hontanosas Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

8. Take a stroll in Tagbilaran City Park

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

Spend your afternoon visiting the very peaceful Tagbilaran City Park. The park features a monument of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, and the Instagram-worthy lettering that says “I ❤ BOHOL”. Rest a while amidst the green environment and take a breather while in Tagbilaran. There’s also a lot of fast food cafes and food peddlers around the park, in case you got hungry during your sojourn.

Tagbilaran City Park

Address: Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

9. Try Filipino food at Payag Restaurant

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

Get a taste of authentic Filipino cuisine at the Payag Restaurant. The restaurant serves the best of the Philippines’ grilled dishes like the chicken and pork barbeque with rice at an all-you-can-eat buffet! For dessert, why don’t you try the famous halo-halo? You should definitely visit the Payag Restaurant and sample its delicious dishes.

Payag Restaurant

Address: 18 CPG East Ave., Center Matig-A St., Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

10. Check out the Spanish architecture of Bohol Provincial Capitol

There’s certainly a rich Spanish heritage in the Philippines. A lot of Spanish influence can be seen in its old buildings and government offices. Be amazed by the intricate Spanish designs at the old Provincial Capitol of Bohol.

Bohol Provincial Capitol

Address: Provincial Capitol, C. P. Garcia Ave., Cor. J. Torralba St., Tagbilaran City 6300

Website: Bohol Provincial Capitol

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

11. Savour authentic Boholano chocolate at Dalareich Chocolate House

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

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Since it started as a small family business in 1994, the Dalareich Chocolate House in Tagbilaran has now grown into a large chocolate house and is gaining popularity among locals and tourists. We assure you that their prized Ginto chocolates come from the best cacao beans from all over Bohol, and not just from the Chocolate Hills itself! You should also try their tableya (hot chocolate drink). They use high-quality ingredients to prepare their chocolates and its definitely a treat you shouldn’t miss.

Dalareich Chocolate House

Address: 0091J 6300, Bukid Dr, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Website: Dalareich Chocolate House

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm

12. Explore underwater life at Mabaw Reef

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

When you speak of marine life in Bohol, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the amazing island of Panglao. But if you want to explore a thriving sea life without leaving the city, then Mabaw Reef is the perfect place for you. Aside from snorkelling activities underwater, you must also try riding a pump boat or having lunch while on a floating hut above the reef.

Mabaw Reef

Address: Dote St, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol

Website: Mabaw Reef

13. Catch a movie at Movie Suites Tagbilaran

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

For an amazing movie night with your friends and family, you should definitely try watching a film at the Movie Suites Tagbilaran. The movie theatre offers a great viewing experience and high-quality entertainment in the city. There are private airconditioned rooms for you to enjoy all the latest flicks on high-definition screens and Dolby sound quality.

Movie Suites Tagbilaran

Address: Ma. Clara Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm

14. Have a few drinks at Martin's Music & Resto-bar

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

Enjoy a night bonding with friends over drinks and live music at Martin’s Music & Resto-bar. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Martin’s Music & Resto-bar is everyone’s favourite hangout place in Tagbilaran City. Their great drinks and cocktails are best enjoyed with the popular Filipino “pulutan” like the sisig, chicharron and roasted peanuts.

Martin's Music & Resto-bar

Address: MH Del Pilar and Gallares Sts., Tagbilaran City, 6300, Bohol

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

15. Shop for souvenirs at Islands Souvenirs

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

You’ll surely want to bring a piece of Tagbilaran and Bohol as you go back home. The best place to shop for souvenirs is Islands Souvenirs. They sell colourful Bohol shirts, stuffed mini tarsier keychains, fridge magnets, bags, and a whole lot more at very affordable prices. You can also buy some of Bohol’s best products like the famous peanut kisses, kalamay, and ube jam.

Islands Souvenirs

Address: Island City Mall, Rajah Sikatuna Ave, Dao, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol

Website: Islands Souvenirs

Opening hours: 8:30am - 9pm (daily)

Explore Tagbilaran City now

Tagbilaran City and the whole Bohol Province in the Philippines has a lot of natural and manmade attractions for everyone to visit and enjoy. The city can be accessed by plane from Manila and Cebu City to the newly-opened Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Make sure to put the city on your next-places-to-visit list. Enjoy!