Shopping In The Philippines - A Complete Guide

Shopping is one of the most fun things to do while traveling to the Philippines. It is a great way to discover and explore the country's heritage. The Philippines is a nation that is both modern and rooted in its culture and traditions. The local markets are crowded and hubs of local goods and produce. On the other hand, malls are destinations for big brands. Yet, both shopping experiences intermingle and interact with each other. Malls can be crowded and local markets may sell brands too. Manila, of course, remains the leading shopping destination in the Philippines, boasting large hustling markets, as well as massive modern shopping malls. Besides, the National Capital Region of the Philippines is not too far behind with its many shopping centers that are also modern architectural delights. Also, Cebu is a renowned shopping stop for tourists. 

Popular Markets in the Philippines

In most major cities in the Philippines markets is a standard feature. While some markets operate on all days, others are weekly. Also, interestingly, most of the local markets in the Philippines are food markets. These are great places to buy dried food items as souvenirs and enjoy local cuisine. Here is looking at some of the most famous markets across the nation.

Markets in Manila

1. Divisoria Market 

Manila is by far one of the best shopping destinations in Philippines. The Divisoria Market tops the list for its reasonably priced excellent goods. The market is one of the most crowded and crazy places to venture into. The market offers a wide range of products. The best among them are textiles, clothes, bags, accessories, electric goods, footwear, jewelry, souvenir shops, and more. There are hundreds of shops inside about 4-5 plazas and even outside on the streets. The shops sell retail goods, but most are priced at wholesale rates. You can also buy cheap in bulk! The market has to be explored on foot and half a day can easily pass by navigating the different shops. This market is perfect if you know how to haggle. Besides, the food outlets are also a great way to try out the local cuisine and street food.

Location: 557 M.De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila
Timings: Open from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM every day.

2. Quiapo Market 

The Quiapo Market is near the Quiapo Church in Manila. It is a great place to shop for affordable kitchen wares, plates, dinner sets, and more. The market also sells daily products, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and more. The Quiapo Market is also quite crowded, much like the Divisoria Market. Also, you can haggle here to reduce prices even further.

Location:313, 1001 Palma St, Quiapo, Manila
Timings: Open on all days from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

3. Baclaran Market 

The Baclaran Market is a great place to shop for clothes and household items. Located beside the Baclaran Church, this market is relatively cleaner and less crowded than the other markets in Manila. However, it is most crowded on Wednesdays, so it's best to try exploring the market on other days of the week. The stalls within and outside plaza sell reasonably cheap goods at wholesale rates. The makeshift stalls also sell bags, shoes, accessories, electronic goods, and more. Also, like many other local markets in the Philippines one needs to be careful of valuables while navigating through the plazas and shops.

Location: Roxas Blvd., Baclaran, Metro Manila
Timings: The market is open every day from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Saturdays, it is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

4. Taytay Rizal Tiangge 

Tiangge means a flea market or bazaar. The Taytay Tiangge is another famous flea market in Manila. One can find many shoes, fashionable clothes, bags, accessories, and more. Again, the prices are low and the market is perfect if you want to buy in bulk. The snack and food stalls around the market are an added attraction.

Location: Taytay, 1920 Rizal, Philippines
Timings: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

5. Cartimar Market 

Cartimar Market is located in the Pasay district of Manila. This market has operated since the 1950s and is a hub for designer jeans, chocolates, perfumes, pets, books, and more. It is especially worth a visit for bookworms, for there are various novels, college books, art books, and more at reasonable prices.

Location: Cartimar Avenue, Pasay, Metro Manila
Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Other local markets in Manila include the Quinta Market (known for its excellent halo-halos) and St. Francis Square, a cheaper alternative to the larger malls in the city. There is also the Teindesitas in the CBD area of Manila which sells Filipino brands, local foods, furniture, home décor, etc.

Other Markets in Philippines

6. Marikina City, National Capital Region of Philippines

Marikina City is also called the ‘shoe capital of the Philippines.’ The region specializes in making and selling shoes. Besides, other leather goods, such as bags and belts are also available here. Take a walk along J.P. Rizal Street or the streets around the Conception City Hall for excellent stores selling shoes and leather goods.

Location: J3MW+7C9, Captain Venciong St., Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila
Timings: Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

7. Salcedo Saturday Market, Makati

The Salcedo Saturday Market is situated in Luzon. This market too is a foodie’s hub where shop after shop is known for selling local mouthwatering dishes. However, the market is also a center for Filipino foods and other international cuisines. Also, one can shop for fresh vegetables and other eateries here too. Besides, you can pick up souvenirs such as dried mango packets, dried fish, etc.

Location: Salcedo Village, Jamie C Velasquez Park, Makati, Metro Manila
Timings: The Salcedo Saturday Market, as the name suggests, is open on Saturdays only from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.9. 

8. Legazpi Sunday Market, Makati

The Legazpi Sunday Market is located in the Corinthian Mall area in the Makati district. It is best known for its sumptuous foods, ranging from kebab pizzas to traditional Filipino dishes like cheese sticks. Besides the food, one can also shop for crafts, arts, and souvenirs, such as manga posters, batik fabrics, tribal textiles, and more.

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Timings: It is open on Sundays from 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM.

9. Carbon Market, Cebu

Cebu, just like Manila is a popular shopping destination. The Carbon Market is an old marketplace that has existed for around 100 years. The market is popular for clothing, house décor, religious goods, vegetables, meat, and more. Besides, there are local food outlets and restaurants to try out different assortments of snacks and meals. Also, one of the most popular attractions of the Carbon Market is the horse carriages that take people around the market. It's quite a unique experience to travel on the horse cart as you go about your shopping. Though the market is more popular amongst locals, tourists are also often seen venturing into it. However, one must be aware of petty crimes, such as pickpockets and snatching of bags. It is best to be careful and avoid carrying any expensive or valuable items.

Location: 59 MC Briones St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Timings: Opens every day from 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM

10. Taboan Public Market, Cebu

No matter how long you plan a stay in Cebu, visiting the Taboan Public Market is a must if you are a seafood lover. The best about this marketplace is its food. The local Cebu food is a food lovers delight and the market offers some of the most delicious danggit, a fish delicacy. Besides, one can try dried mangoes, chorizos, and other seafood delights. However, beware that the market does smell of fish! So avoid visiting this market if you are on the way to the airport or plan not to go to your hotel for a shower.

Location: Cebu City, Cebu
Timings: Opens every day from 4:00 AM  - 7:00 PM

11. Malatapay Market, Dumaguete City

The Malatapay Market is quite a revelation as it offers a quiet, relaxed shopping experience. The market sells various goods including fresh vegetables, fruits, dried fish, and shrimp. Besides, one can also shop for clothes, household items, and livestock! The animal market sells horses, pigs, cows, and more. Also, a little further from the market is a local beach that takes one to Apo Island and Siquijor. Restaurants and stalls around the beach offer local cuisine and snacks.

Location: 46F6 + XM5, Malatapay Road, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental
Timings: The market is open only on Wednesday from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

12. Baguio City Public Market, Baguio

The Baguio City Market is also called the Wet and Dry Market. This is because it sells products ranging from food items like seafood, meat, and poultry to chocolates and other locally made bric bracs. However, this is an evening market where all the action begins after sunset. Prices here are also cheaper and it remains one of the best places to shop for ‘pasalubongs’ or souvenirs.

Location: Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio, 2600 Benguet
Timings: The market opens after 7:00 PM and some stalls are open 24 hours a day. The

Some of the other local food markets include the D’Talipapa Market in Boracay Island, Luzon’s Maginhawa Food Park, and J.J. Supermarket in Angeles City.

Malls in Philippines

The Philippines is a tourist destination and hence has several large malls that are fantastic shopping hubs. The malls are places where international and local brands both have outlets. Besides, there are cultural shows, eatery outlets, restaurants, and more. Here is a list of some of the most famous shopping malls across the Philippines that will cover all your shopping needs.

Shopping Malls In Manila

SM Mall Of Asia

Located on Manila Bay Front SM Mall of Asia is one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines.

Timings:  It is open on all days from 10:00 AM  - 10:00 PM.

Robinsons Place Mall

Robinsons Place Mall is located in the center of Manila City. It also has theatres, shops, boutiques, restaurants, etc.

Timings: It is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM   - 10:00 PM.

SM City Mall

The SM group of malls is found all across the Philippines. The malls also feature the SM chain of businesses, including Food Courts, Appliances, Supermarkets, and more. The SM City Mall is located at the Natividad Almeda-Lopez Corner in Manila.

Timings: It is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

SM Mega Mall

This mall is located at the EDSA Corner and consists of two shopping malls that are connected by a bridge.

Timings: It is open on all days from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

168 Shopping Mall

168 Shopping Mall is a popular shopping destination in Manila’s Chinatown.

Timings: It is open on all days from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Shangri-La Plaza

Located on EDSA corner, this plaza is connected to the Shangri-La Hotel. It houses several boutiques, homeware stores, and restaurants.

Timings: It is open from Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On Fridays from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:00 AM t- 9:00 PM.

Greenhills Mall

Greenhills Mall is one of the oldest malls in Manila. It is located on Ortigas Avenue and hosts cultural festivals yearly.

Timings: If is open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM and from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Other Malls in Philippines

Greenbelt Mall - Makati

The Greenbelt Mall is located at the Ayala Center in Makati. It is one of the most luxurious malls in the country.

Timings: On Friday and Saturday it is open from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM and from Sunday to Thursday it is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Ayala Center - Cebu

This mall is located in the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City. It was the first Ayala Mall located outside of Manila.

Timings: It is open every day from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Venice Grand Canal Mall – Taguig City

The Venice Grand Canal Mall is a lifestyle mall located in the township of Megaworld Corporation in Taguig City. It is designed in accordance with the canals in Venice and is often deemed as a romantic adventure as visitors can sit in gondolas and explore the mall.

Timings: It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and Friday from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Some other malls in the Philippines include the Abreeza Mall in Davao City, the D’Mall in Boracay, SM City Mall Iloilo, the Festival Mall in Alabang, and more.

What To Buy in Philippines

The Philippines is a perfect blend of the modern and traditional, the international and local. The malls are hubs of branded goods, whereas the local markets sell Filipino goods that are locally produced. Some of the items that are a must-pick from the Philippines include:

• Dried Mangoes, dried fish
• Clothes, textiles, and fabrics
• Guitars and other handcrafted musical instruments
• Ube and strawberry jams
• Chocolates
• Handwoven baskets
• Pearls and other jewelry
• Coffee
• Toys and souvenirs, such as a toy jeepney
• Salakots, bags, and other accessories
• Home décor items and kitchenware

Shopping Tips

• Most local stores and markets are up for further haggling and lowering prices. You can bargain since most of the sellers will quote a higher price.
• Beware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in crowded markets. It is advisable not to carry valuables and too much cash.
• Markets are also centers of exceptional snacking and dining options. Plan your shopping trip so you can also explore the different tastes and dishes of the country locally.
• Bulk buying is common in the Philippines. Also, the prices for bulk goods will be lower.
• The local markets will be crowded. Thus, be prepared for the bustle, heat, noise, and smell. Yes, many local markets specialize in dried fish and shrimp items and are known to have a distinct smell.
• If visiting the local markets, wear comfortable walking shoes as the markets have to be traversed on foot. 

Overall, the shopping experience in the Philippines is full of excitement. The variety of goods that one can buy and reasonable pricing is one of the major attractions of shopping in the country. Besides, the unique local products make the shopping experience even more special.