Things to Do in San Juan: Where to Go, Eat, & Stay
Tucked right in the heart of Metro Manila, San Juan City is a vibrant urban pocket full of history, shopping, and culinary gems. Despite being the smallest city in the National Capital Region, San Juan offers a unique blend of the old and new—colonial-era churches and revolutionary landmarks sit just minutes away from bustling malls, street food stalls, and hidden dining spots.
Here's your complete guide on where to go, eat, and stay in San Juan City.
About San Juan City
San Juan City is a small, landlocked, highly urbanized city in the heart of Metro Manila (NCR), Philippines, with a land area of approximately 5.95 square kilometers (2.30 sq mi). It is bounded by Manila to the west, Quezon City to the north and east, and Mandaluyong to the south.
The city is characterized by its commercial and residential status, featuring upscale shopping centers like Greenhills and historical sites such as the Battle of Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine.
San Juan City Map
San Juan City has 21 barangays: Addition Hills, Balong-Bato, Batis, Corazon De Jesus, Ermitaño, Greenhills, Halo-halo (St. Joseph), Isabelita, Kabayanan, Little Baguio, Maytunas, Onse, Pasadeña, Pedro Cruz, Progreso, Rivera, Salapan, San Perfecto, Santa Lucia, Tibagan, and West Crame.
Top Tourist Spots in San Juan City
Museo El Deposito, San Juan
San Juan City is known for being the historical site of the first battle of the Philippine Revolution, the Battle of Pinaglabanan, and is also famous for its modern commercial hub, the Greenhills Shopping Center, known for bargaining and pearls.
The city, though small, blends its rich historical past, visible in landmarks like the Pinaglabanan Shrine, with its vibrant shopping and modern lifestyle offerings.
Here are the top tourist attractions and places to go in San Juan City:
▪ Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine: A public park and shrine commemorating the Battle of Pinaglabanan on August 30, 1896.
▪ NHCP Museo El Deposito: A museum featuring an underground reservoir and the Carriedo waterworks during the Spanish era.
▪ NHCP Museo ng Katipunan: A historical museum dedicated to the Katipuneros and the underground reservoir.
▪ Fundacion Sanso: An art museum showcasing the works of Spanish-born Filipino artist Juvenal Sansó.
▪ Ronac Art Center: A hub for contemporary art and retail, with the Secret Fresh Gallery, Uratex Mattress Gallery, sneaker stores, and bars.
▪ GH Mall: Greenhills’ newest mall for shopping, dining, and hanging out, connected to Promenade, Theater Mall, and Greenhills Shopping Center.
▪ Santolan Town Plaza: A small mall with restaurants, shops, arcades, supermarket, and a cinema.
▪ Corner House: An indoor-outdoor commercial space with lots of restaurants and cafes.
▪ Santuario del Santo Cristo: Baroque-style church built in 1602 to 1604 by the Dominicans.
All of these places have free entrance, so you don’t have to worry about entrance fees!
If you’re riding a bike, you can also take this historical bike trail provided by the San Juan City Government.
Where to Eat in San Juan City
San Juan City is filled with hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are worth trying. You can find multiple Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino restaurants here in the city.
Here are the top restaurants in San Juan City:
▪ Charlie Wanton Special
▪ Guevarra’s
▪ Buffet Town
▪ Seva
▪ Tori Tori
▪ Tomo Japanese Dining
▪ 717 Deli
▪ Grand House
▪ Moon Rabbit Cafe and Restaurant
▪ Greyson’s Dimsum and Noodle House
▪ Francesco’s
▪ Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food
▪ Sicilian Roast
▪ Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant
▪ Menya Kokoro Ramen Izakaya
Hotels and Accommodations in San Juan City
If you’re planning to stay the night in San Juan City, here are your top hotel options. Most hotels in San Juan City are located in Greenhills:
▪ Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern
▪ Summit Hotel Greenhills
▪ Madison 101 Hotel + Tower
There are also a lot of vacation rentals and Airbnbs around the area. Just make sure to bring your own toiletries and portable bath towel, just in case they don’t provide essentials.
How to Get to San Juan City
San Juan City is very accessible, thanks to its central location within Metro Manila. Here are several ways to get there:
By Train (MRT & LRT)
▪ MRT Line 3: Get off at Santolan-Annapolis Station if you’re heading to Greenhills or the nearby malls.
▪ LRT Line 2: Get off at J. Ruiz Station or Gilmore Station, which are closer to residential barangays and historical spots.
By Bus or Jeepney
Major roads such as Ortigas Avenue, N. Domingo Street, and Aurora Boulevard pass through or near San Juan. Ride a jeepney or bus with signage that includes destinations like Greenhills, Quiapo, Cubao, or Ortigas. Just ask the driver to drop you off at San Juan.
By Car or Ride-Hailing Apps
San Juan is easily reachable via EDSA, Ortigas Ave., or Aurora Blvd. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, InDrive, JoyRide, or Angkas for door-to-door convenience.
Note: Some destinations like Pinaglabanan Shrine, Museo ng Katipunan, and Fundacion Sansó are within walking distance of each other. Plan your route to maximize your visit without hopping from one vehicle to another.
Google Maps is your best friend!
Explore San Juan Today
San Juan City may be small in size, but it packs a big punch in charm, culture, and convenience. San Juan proves itself to be more than just a pass-through city; it’s a destination in its own right.
So the next time you’re planning a quick escape or a cultural day tour, consider making San Juan your next urban adventure.
Enjoy!