Things To Do in Davao City
The best things to do in Davao City are visiting the Philippine Eagle Center, exploring San Pedro Cathedral and Museo Dabawenyo, eating durian and fresh seafood, taking a day trip to Samal Island, and, in August, joining the Kadayawan Festival. Davao also works as a base for nature trips, including the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo.
This guide covers the main Davao City tourist spots, local food, day trips, festivals and practical tips. Details that change often, such as fees, hours and festival dates, are marked so you can confirm them before you go. Last reviewed in November 2026.
Quick Answer: Top Things To Do in Davao City
| Activity | Best for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine Eagle Center | Wildlife and conservation | Malagos, Baguio District |
| San Pedro Cathedral and Museo Dabawenyo | History and culture | City center |
| Malagos Garden Resort | Nature and family outings | Malagos area |
| Davao Crocodile Park | Wildlife and kids | Davao City |
| Eden Nature Park | Cool-weather nature day | Davao City highlands |
| Samal Island | Beaches and island hopping | Short ferry ride from the city |
| Roxas Night Market | Street food at night | Roxas Avenue area |
| Kadayawan Festival | Culture and parades | Citywide, every August |
| Mount Apo | Serious hikers | Trails from Davao City and nearby provinces |
Historical and Cultural Places To Visit in Davao City
San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest and most recognized church in Davao City. The original structure dates to 1847, according to a June 2026 report from the Philippine Information Agency. That first church was a nipa and bamboo building. It was rebuilt in the 1900s.
The cathedral sits in the old city center, so you can pair it with other downtown stops in one morning.
Museo Dabawenyo
Museo Dabawenyo is the easiest way to understand the city’s mixed heritage. It is a place to learn about the area’s complex cultural heritage, with a small art collection beside the exhibits.
Go here before you visit festivals or tribal-village style attractions. It gives useful background on the people of the region.
D’ Bone Collector Museum and People’s Park
Grab’s attraction list and Filipino travel blogs both mention D’ Bone Collector Museum, a natural history stop. People’s Park is a popular city park for a relaxed walk. Opening hours and entrance fees at these places are not consistently published, so check with the venue on the day.
Best Nature and Wildlife Attractions in Davao City
Philippine Eagle Center
The Philippine Eagle Center is the most famous attraction in Davao City. It is run by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and is found in Malagos, Baguio District. It focuses on the conservation of the Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird.
Recent listings give ₱150 as the regular conservation or entrance fee and daily opening hours of about 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The foundation’s own social posts have shown slightly different opening times (8:30 am) and older posts show lower fees. Confirm current fees and hours with the Philippine Eagle Foundation before you go.
Practical tips:
- Bring water, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. Forest paths can be muddy.
- Keep your camera flash off near the birds.
- Go in the morning if you want to combine it with Malagos Garden Resort on the same day.
Malagos Garden Resort
Malagos Garden Resort is a common pairing with the Eagle Center. The earlier version of this post and several tour listings mention bird encounters, a butterfly area and a chocolate museum. Activities can change, so check what is open on your date.
Davao Crocodile Park
Davao Crocodile Park is a family favorite. Visitors can feed crocodiles, and the park also keeps other animals such as tigers, pythons and peacocks. Animal shows and night programs may vary by season, so confirm the schedule with the park.
Eden Nature Park
Eden Nature Park and Resort is known for its high elevation and cool breeze. It suits travelers who want a cooler break from the city. Listings mention walking trails, gardens and picnic areas. Activity availability and prices vary, so check before booking.
Things To Do in Davao City for Food Lovers
Davao is known for its fruit. Durian is the area’s most famous fruit, and it can be an acquired taste. If you are curious but cautious, try a durian-based sweet instead of the fresh fruit first.
A simple food trip can include:
- Durian products and pasalubong. Lola Abon’s in Matina, a well-known pasalubong shop, sells durian-flavored sweets. Older blog posts quote very low prices, but those are outdated, so check the shelf price.
- Bankerohan Public Market. It is a food destination for local flavors.
- Roxas Night Market. Grab’s top-10 list and local blogs include it as a street food stop in the evening.
- Fresh seafood and grilled dishes. Seafood restaurants are a staple of a Davao City food trip. Ask locals or your hotel for current favorites, since restaurants open and close often.
Prices and menus change quickly, so this guide does not list dish prices.
Things To Do in Davao City at Night
Davao’s night scene is more relaxed than party-focused. Roxas Night Market is the most mentioned evening stop, with food stalls and casual shopping. Cafes, restaurants and live music spots are scattered around the city. Check each venue’s social media for events and hours.
Festival season changes this. During Kadayawan, the city adds concerts, bazaars and a projection mapping show at City Hall (see below).
Day Trips From Davao City
Samal Island
Samal Island is a short ferry ride from Davao City, as the Philippine Airlines Davao guide describes it. It is known for beaches, clear water and island hopping. The dry season, usually December to May, is the best time for beach days. Our Samal Island guide covers ferry fares, fees and the bridge status.
Book boat transfers and resorts early during holidays and festival weeks. Check ferry and island-hopping rules with the operator, since schedules and requirements can change.
Mount Apo
Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines, at about 2,954 meters. Many visitors pass through Davao on the way to climb it. Climbing it takes planning:
- Seasonal closure. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) closed Mt. Apo Natural Park to trekking and camping from June 1 to August 31, 2026, for its annual off season. SunStar Davao and GMA News reported it. Recreational climbs were scheduled to resume in September 2026. Operators in some listings say the park reopens each September, but confirm current trail access and permits with DENR or a licensed operator before booking. The 2027 closure dates were not yet confirmed at the time of writing.
- Permits and guides. A third-party guide published in 2026 reports that licensed guides are mandatory and daily slots are limited. Fees vary by trail and operator, so this guide does not quote them.
- Trails. Reported routes include Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan, Kidapawan and Tamayong. The Tamayong trail starts in Calinan, within Davao City.
- Fitness. Treat it as a demanding multi-day climb, not a casual hike.
If you plan to visit North Cotabato’s side of the mountain, read our guide to Kidapawan City Charter Day.
Davao City Festivals and Events
Kadayawan Festival (August)
Kadayawan is the city’s biggest cultural celebration. It is a month-long thanksgiving festival that honors Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic communities through music, dance, art and agricultural abundance. Read our full Kadayawan Festival guide.
Kadayawan 2026 (confirmed by official reports):
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Festival period | August 7 to 31, 2026 |
| Misa Pasasalamat | August 6 |
| Opening (Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo), Magsaysay Park | August 7 |
| Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation | August 13 |
| Pamulak ug Indak-Indak Parade and Grand Showdown | August 16 |
The 2026 theme was “We are one, KadayaONE!”, according to SunStar Davao. The city tourism office reported about 206,506 tourists during the 2025 festival.
Kadayawan 2027 dates: pending official confirmation. Festival dates are usually announced a few months ahead, so check the City Government of Davao and the Kadayawan Festival social pages.
For 2026, city security officials listed items banned at Kadayawan events, including backpacks, umbrellas and alcohol. The 2027 rules may differ, so check before you attend.
Araw ng Dabaw (March)
Araw ng Dabaw marks Davao City’s charter anniversary on March 16. The 2026 celebration was the 89th. March 16, 2026 was declared a special non-working day in the city. The 2026 parade was moved to March 28, according to Rappler.
The 90th anniversary falls in 2027. A social media post lists activities from March 1 to 14, 2027, but this is pending official confirmation.
For a wider view of festivals across the country, see our complete guide to festivals in the Philippines. If you travel in December, you may also like our guide to Philippine Christmas traditions.
Things To Do in Davao City With Kids
Good options for families include:
- Philippine Eagle Center for a short, educational visit. The center’s official channels describe it as a family-friendly destination, with children supervised at all times.
- Davao Crocodile Park for animal viewing.
- Malagos Garden Resort for outdoor space and animal and garden activities.
- People’s Park for a free-feeling, open-air break in the city.
- Museo Dabawenyo for a short, indoor history stop on a hot or rainy day.
Check age rules, fees and show times with each attraction before you go.
Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Davao City
Costs change, so use this list as a starting point rather than a price guide:
- Walk the San Pedro Cathedral area and nearby historic streets.
- Browse the Roxas Night Market and Bankerohan Public Market.
- Visit People’s Park.
- Look for free public events during Kadayawan, such as street performances and bazaars. Some events may be ticketed.
- Buy pasalubong at local shops and compare prices.
Sample Davao City Itineraries
These itineraries use only attractions covered above. Confirm opening hours before you go.
1 day in Davao City (city center)
- San Pedro Cathedral
- Museo Dabawenyo
- People’s Park
- Pasalubong shopping
- Dinner and a walk at Roxas Night Market
2 days in Davao City
- Day 1: the city center plan above.
- Day 2: Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort in the morning, then Davao Crocodile Park or Eden Nature Park.
3 days in Davao City
- Days 1 and 2: as above.
- Day 3: Samal Island day trip, or a guided Mount Apo climb if it is open and you have booked a licensed operator.
Practical Tips for Visiting Davao City
- Best time to go. The climate is tropical and humid year-round, so any time works. For beaches, the dry season (December to May) is better. For culture, plan around Kadayawan in August or Araw ng Dabaw in March.
- Getting around. Taxis are the easiest and quickest way around, and jeepneys are a local alternative. Ride-hailing apps may also be available.
- Getting there. Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves the city. There are regular flights from Manila and Cebu.
- Book ahead in festival weeks. Hotels, island trips and tours fill up during Kadayawan.
- Check travel advisories. Review your government’s current travel advice for the Philippines and Mindanao before you book.
- Confirm everything time-sensitive. Fees, hours and trail access change. Use official pages or call the venue.
Planning other trips? See our guides to things to do in Cebu City, Manila, Quezon City, Tagaytay City, Bacolod City and Angeles City. You can also browse more in our Things To Do category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Davao City?
The best things to do in Davao City are the Philippine Eagle Center, San Pedro Cathedral, Museo Dabawenyo, Malagos Garden Resort, a Samal Island day trip and a food trip with durian and seafood. In August, Kadayawan Festival adds parades and cultural events.
How many days do you need in Davao City?
Two to three days covers the main attractions. One day is enough for the city center. A second day suits the Malagos area, and a third works for Samal Island. A Mount Apo climb needs extra days and advance booking.
What is Davao City famous for?
Davao City is known for the Philippine Eagle, durian, the Kadayawan Festival and its closeness to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.
When is Kadayawan Festival in Davao City?
Kadayawan is held every August. The 2026 festival ran from August 7 to 31, with the main parade on August 16. Dates for 2027 are pending official confirmation.
Is Mount Apo open for climbing now?
Mt. Apo Natural Park is closed to trekking each year from June to August, and the 2026 closure ended on August 31. Climbs were scheduled to resume in September 2026. Trail conditions, permits and slots can change, so confirm with DENR or a licensed operator before you book.
What can you do in Davao City at night?
Visit the Roxas Night Market for street food, find live music and cafes, or catch Kadayawan evening events in August. Check venue pages for current hours.
Sources
- Philippine Information Agency. “Davao City’s Calle San Pedro Historical Exhibit Opens.” 2 June 2026. pia.gov.ph/news/davao-citys-calle-san-pedro-historical-exhibit-opens/
- SunStar Davao. “Kadayawan 2026 Pamulak, Indak-Indak Set on August 16.” 10 July 2026. sunstar.com.ph/davao/kadayawan-2026-pamulak-indak-indak-set-on-august-16
- City Government of Davao. “PSSO to Deploy 19k Security Personnel for Kadayawan Festival 2026.” 23 July 2026. davaocity.gov.ph/peace-and-order/psso-to-deploy-19k-security-personnel-for-kadayawan-festival-2026/
- SunStar Davao. “Mt. Apo Natural Park Starts Annual 3-Month Closure.” 1 June 2026. sunstar.com.ph/davao/mt-apo-natural-park-starts-annual-3-month-closure
- GMA News. “Mt. Apo Natural Park Will Be Closed for Three Months.” 2 June 2026. gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/989889/mt-apo-natural-park-off-season/story/
- City Government of Davao. “March 16 a Special Non-Working Holiday.” 26 February 2026. davaocity.gov.ph/tourism/march-16-a-special-non-working-holiday/
- Rappler. “Davao Charter Day Celebration Shifts Focus to Duterte at 81.” 28 March 2026. rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/davao-city-charter-day-celebrate-rodrigo-duterte-birthday/
- Philippine Eagle Center information site and Philippine Eagle Foundation social posts. philippineeaglecenter.com
- Philippine Airlines. “Best Davao Travel Guide.” 14 September 2026. philippineairlines.com/ph/en/explore/philippines/davao-guide.html
- Grab. “10 Best Attractions in Davao City, Philippines to Visit.” 21 January 2026. grab.com/ph/attractions/davao-city/
