Marikina City is the county’s “Shoe Capital” manufacturing 70% of the shoes in the Philippines. With one of the wealthiest local governments in the nation, this formerly rural community is now one of Metro Manila’s most progressive cities. The city was able to expand its tourism sector along with its growth as an economic hub. On the cutting edge of urban modernization is the very charming old city of Marikina. Additionally, its financial assets are spread out across the entire area. It has a developing economy, modern malls, historic homes, sizable green parks, and amiable locals. Meanwhile, the Southern part is where most businesses and commercial facilities are located. But that’s not the only reason this place is popular. During the Yuletide Season, they fill up the Marikina River tents with affordable merchandise and street foods. On the other side of the banks are carnivals and exciting rides for everyone.
Riverbanks Center Carnival
Riverbanks Center in Marikina City is well-known for having the most outlet stores, where name brands are guaranteed to be significantly cheaper than in regular mall stores. What’s nice about this is that you can choose to buy branded and overrun items inside the mall or test your bargaining skills in the bazaar outside. This is also the best place to buy quality but affordable shoes for gifts, personal use, or business. Now that Christmas Season has arrived, the yearly tiangge or bazaar and carnival are open again.
Moreover, you can find cheap finds of merchandise ranging from clothes, shoes, home decor, and more! It also has different kinds of rides and fun attractions to try such as horror trains and roller coasters. Now, locals and people residing from nearby cities flock to the place to bring their family, lovers, and friends to hang out and have fun here in Riverbanks, Marikina City. The tickets for the rides are ranging from Php 50 (1 USD) per head. This is a great place to go to for a one-stop shop, especially for gift hunting. After shopping and riding, visitors also opt to replenish themselves by eating street foods or lounging and drinking in the resto-bars in the area. Live bands are also playing in the food court late at night.
- Riverbanks Mall is open from 10 AM – 9 PM
- The tiangge or the bazaar is open 24 hours. Depends on the vendors on how long they will stay open.
- Rides are usually available from 4 PM until 3 AM.
Riverpark/Ilog Tiangge
Following the banks of Marikina’s River, on the other side is the River Park, or what the locals know as the ilog. An 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) section of the Marikina River is home to a network of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational facilities. For many years, Marikina residents as well as those from neighboring cities in Metro Manila have frequented this area for jogging, biking, fishing, and outdoor recreational activities. Similar to Riverbanks, you can find a bazaar or tiangge on one side of the river where you can find cheap merchandise and street foods. Meanwhile on the other side, (just a bridge away) is where you can find the rides and perya or fair where some traditional side street small gamble games like color game, and coin toss can be found.
- The tiangge or the bazaar is open 24 hours. Depends on the vendors on how long they will stay open.
- Rides are usually available from 4 PM until 3 AM.
- Check this out if you’re looking for more places to go here in Marikina City.
Attractions nearby Marikina Riverbanks and Riverpark
- SM Marikina
- Shoe Museum
- Marikina Sports Center
- Marikina Public Market
- Freedom Park
- Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned
- Book Museum cum Ethnology Center
- Philippine Science Centrum
- Jesús dela Peña Chapel
- Crave Park
- Clock Tower Arch
- Museum of Miniatures
