Bonifacio Global City (BGC), also known as The Fort, is one of the Philippines’ premier business and lifestyle districts.
This 240-hectare commercial hub lies at the heart of Taguig and is just a few-minute drive from Makati, Pasig, and other major cities in Metro Manila.
With its regal skyscrapers, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and endless choices for leisure and shopping, it’s no wonder that this bustling city boasts a popular image on social media, as well as, thousands of local and foreign tourist visits per month.
If you’re planning to visit BGC this weekend, here are 7 (rated) things you can do to make your visit more worthwhile.
7. Take a Stroll at Burgos Circle
Although best known for its dining options and cafes, Burgos Circle also has a park in the middle of the busy BGC. This park is adorned with many trees and benches perfect for a relaxing stroll surrounded by nature.
The area is also pet-friendly so you can find many locals walking and playing with their pets on the grass. The street art around the vicinity is a nice surprise as well.
The Verdict: 3 / 5 stars
The park can be crowded at times. There are times when some pet owners do not clean up after their pets, reducing the park’s cleanliness.
6. Blow Your Mind with the Exhibits at the Mind Museum
Whether you want to learn more about new scientific discoveries or freshen up what you have learned in school, the Mind Museum is the place to be.
The Mind Museum’s 1.2-hectare space presents science in over 250 interactive exhibits through five interconnected stores: Atom, Earth, Life, Universe, and Technology.
The main highlight of the Mind Museum is that its displays encourage a certain level of interaction from you, which makes learning about science more fun.
The Verdict: 3.5 / 5 stars
The exhibits are highly interesting. Some exhibits, however, are broken or under maintenance which limits your exploration only to certain areas.
5. Have a Sumptuous Dinner at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a Michelin-starred restaurant originally from Taiwan.
It is most famous for its Xiao Long Bao (soup and meat dumpling), and it is a must-try when visiting. These dumplings are made out of meat and a soup broth exploding in flavors. They are freshly made inside the restaurant every day.
The beauty of BGC is that it allows you to taste famous foreign food without leaving the country. With Din Tai Fung, for example, you don’t anymore have to go to Taiwan to experience the world-best Xiao Ling Bao.
The Verdict: 4 / 5 stars
Except for their Xiao Long Bao, their other dishes are a hit or miss. There are also always long lines outside the restaurant, especially during peak times.
4. Have a Hearty Brunch At Little Flour Cafe
You might have heard of the social media favorite Wildflour Café, but have you tried its sister cafe, Little Flour?
Little Flour Cafe is an all-day brunch cafe that combines Wildflour’s best-selling pastries, coffee, and drinks with Filipino-inspired favorites such as rice bowls and local pies. From their hearty breakfast meals down to the desserts, everything is purely Filipino.
Located on the ground floor of World Plaza, Little Flour is a great place to catch up with your friends and family for brunch in a calm atmosphere. Its interiors have a rustic feeling similar to being welcomed in a Filipino home.
The Verdict: 4.3 / 5 stars
The ambiance and food are amazing, but their servings are too small for the prices they are charging.
3. Experience Western-Style Shopping at Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio High Street (BHS) is the first street retail district in the Philippines.
The concept of shopping in the country mainly happens in malls, but BHS allows you to browse through lines of flagship and designer stores on the street, out in the open – similar to the shopping experience in Paris or New York.
BHS’ rich lineup of stores is enough to quench all of your shopaholic desires. From high-end to local brands of fashion, beauty, home, and technology. BHS has it all.
The Verdict: 4.5 / 5 stars
It offers a unique shopping experience, but the streets are too narrow to accommodate both shoppers and visitors simply hanging around the area.
2. Take a Coffee Break at harlan + holden coffee
Located in the premier Bonifacio High Street, harlan + holden coffee is popularly known to be the first in the country to be a cashless coffee shop.
This landmark cafe is highly visited by locals and tourists alike for its elegant minimalist interior design that makes sipping on your coffee even more luxurious.
If you want to take a quick coffee break while touring BGC, consider visiting harlan + holden coffee for a unique take on your usual cup of joe.
The Verdict: 5 / 5 stars
Although the price points are a bit on the expensive side, the cafe’s futuristic ambiance and high-caliber coffee make it worth your every peso.
1. Pamper Yourself with a Teeth-whitening appointment at The Smile Bar
After a long, busy week of hard work, it’s only fitting that you pamper yourself with a little bit of self-care. Having bright and white teeth is a form of self-care as it boosts your confidence and self-image.
Located in Uptown BGC, The Smile Bar prides on its advanced teeth whitening technology that allows you to have your brighter and whiter teeth in as fast as 20 minutes.
The Smile Bar offers a variety of packages depending on what fits your needs best. They are also known for their competent and accommodating staff, so you are sure to be well taken care of during the whole process.
The Verdict: 5 / 5 stars
The facilities are spacious and well-maintained. Staff carefully orients you with the whole process so you know exactly what will be done for your teeth. Many previous customers can attest to the fast service time and effective results.
With its green sceneries and a wide array of shopping and entertainment choices, BGC is truly a one-of-a-kind business and lifestyle area in the country. Visit BGC this weekend and experience shopping, dining, and entertainment like never before.