· PH

Marikina

Marikina, Philippines

Step into Marikina: Where History Meets Modernity in a River Park Escape the bustling metropolis of Manila and discover Marikina, a vibrant city with a small-town heart. Nestled along the scenic Marikina River, this hidd…

#Marikina#Philippines#urban#shoe capital#flood-prone
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Marikina.

Top Hotels in Marikina

Top Flights to Marikina

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Marikina.

Tours

Explore Marikina River Park

A scenic park along the Marikina River, perfect for family outings and picnics.

Visit Marikina Shoe Museum

Discover the rich history of the city's shoe industry at this unique museum.

Shopping

Shopping at SM City Marikina

A large shopping mall offering a wide variety of retail stores and dining options.

Shoe Shopping at Marikina Market Mall

Find locally-made footwear and souvenirs at this lively market.

Riverbank Mall Discount Shops

A shopping destination for discounted apparels and goods.

Farmers' Market Day at Loyola

Every Sunday, local farmers gather to sell fresh produce and crafts.

Outdoor

Hiking at Mount Parawagan

A popular hiking destination offering beautiful cityscape views.

Marikina Sports Center

A hub for sports enthusiasts offering various facilities and activities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Marikina.

Currency
₱ | PHP | Philippine Peso
Population
496,000
Languages
Filipino, English, Tagalog

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Marikina.

What people love

Marikina, located in the Philippines, offers several perks for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Marikina include:

  1. Shoe Capital of the Philippines: Marikina is renowned for its local shoemaking industry, earning it the title of "Shoe Capital of the Philippines." Visitors can explore numerous shoe stores, factories, and museums dedicated to the art of shoemaking.

  2. Marikina River Park: This scenic park along the Marikina River provides a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, bike rides, and picnics while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

  3. Culinary Delights: Marikina boasts a diverse culinary scene with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls offering delicious local and international fare. Foodies will appreciate the opportunity to savor unique dishes and flavors.

  4. Marikina Sports Center: Sports enthusiasts can visit the Marikina Sports Center, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts various sporting events and activities. Visitors can engage in recreational sports, fitness classes, and competitions.

  5. Cultural Attractions: Marikina is home to several cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historical sites that showcase the city's rich heritage and traditions. Travelers interested in history and culture will find plenty to explore in Marikina.

Overall, traveling to Marikina offers a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and recreational activities, making it a compelling destination for tourists seeking a unique and enriching travel experience.

What to know

Traveling to Marikina, Philippines, like any destination, may have some potential drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider:

  1. Traffic congestion: Marikina, being a highly populated city, experiences heavy traffic at certain times of the day, particularly during rush hours. Navigating through the city's roads may be challenging and time-consuming.

  2. Limited public transportation options: While Marikina has public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles, the options may be limited compared to other cities in the Philippines. This could make getting around the city more difficult for tourists.

  3. Limited tourist attractions: Marikina is known for its shoe industry and the famous Marikina River Park, but it may not have as many tourist attractions compared to other popular destinations in the Philippines. Visitors looking for a wide variety of activities and sights to see may find Marikina lacking in this aspect.

  4. Weather conditions: Like many parts of the Philippines, Marikina can experience unpredictable weather patterns, including heavy rainfall during the rainy season. Travelers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and plan their activities accordingly.

Overall, while Marikina offers its own unique charm and attractions, visitors should be aware of the potential cons mentioned above to have a more informed and enjoyable travel experience.

Marikina, officially known as the City of Marikina, is located in the Philippines within the National Capital Region. It is known for its cobbler industry and is often referred to as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines."

Early History

  • Pre-Colonial Era: Before the Spanish colonization, the area now known as Marikina was part of a region inhabited by the native people called the Tagalogs. It was a fertile valley that supported agriculture and was intersected by the Marikina River.

  • Spanish Colonial Period: Marikina was established as a town by the Spanish in 1630, during which it was part of the territory administered by the Augustinian friars. The Spanish introduced Christianity, and religious structures such as the Jesus dela Peña Chapel were constructed.

American and Japanese Occupation

  • American Period (1898-1946): After the Spanish-American War, Marikina came under American control. During this time, the shoe-making industry began to flourish due to the influence of American demand and technologies.

  • World War II: The Japanese occupation during World War II brought hardship to the residents, with many people suffering under the harsh rule and the area being a site for guerrilla resistance.

Post-War Development

  • After World War II, Marikina continued to grow as an industrial hub, especially noted for its shoe manufacturing, which became the backbone of its economy. The annual "Sapatos Festival" celebrates this heritage.

Modern Era

  • Cityhood: Marikina was officially declared a city on December 8, 1996, by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223. The transformation into a city was driven by substantial economic growth and urban development.

Significant Events

  • Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009: Marikina was severely affected by Typhoon Ondoy, which caused massive flooding, displacement of thousands of residents, and significant damage to property.

Notable Figures

  • Shoe Industry Pioneers: Individuals such as Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevara are instrumental in the development of the shoe industry in Marikina. He is often credited as the "Father of the Shoe Industry" in the Philippines.

Important Landmarks

  • Marikina Sports Center: Known for its track and field facilities, it is a significant venue for national and international sporting events.

  • Marikina River Park: This is a popular recreational area that also serves as a flood control measure.

  • Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish: A significant cultural and religious site in Marikina, it reflects the city's deep Catholic heritage.

  • Shoe Museum: This museum houses the largest collection of shoes in the world, including some from former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Cultural and Economic Contributions

  • Marikina's contribution to the Philippine economy through the shoe industry remains significant. The city's commitment to maintaining its cultural heritage while promoting modern urban development is evident in its community programs and infrastructure projects.

Marikina continues to be a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, industrious population, and resilient spirit.