Roxas City

Lungsod ng Roxas

The vibrant capital of Capiz province, famous as the seafood capital of the Philippines with excellent fresh seafood restaurants and markets. The city offers beautiful Spanish colonial churches, local museums, and serves as a cultural hub for Northern Panay.

Things to do

• Panay Church — A stunning Spanish colonial baroque church built in the 18th century, featuring intricate stonework and religious artifacts that showcase Roxas City's deep Catholic heritage.
• Capiz Museum — A modest but informative museum displaying local history, pre-colonial artifacts, and exhibits on Capiz province's cultural development and maritime heritage.
• Roxas City Public Market — The bustling heart of the city's seafood trade where you can witness the early morning fish auctions and purchase fresh catch directly from fishermen.
• Baybay Beach and Waterfront — A scenic coastal area along Panay Gulf ideal for sunset viewing, casual strolls, and experiencing the city's maritime character and fishing community.
• Seafood Restaurant District along JM Bormeo Street — The famous strip of open-air and casual restaurants serving grilled squid, shrimp, crab, and other fresh seafood cooked to order at competitive prices.
• President Roxas Park and Monument — A central public plaza honoring former Philippine President Manuel Roxas, offering shade, local food vendors, and a glimpse into the city's political history.

Food to try

• Grilled Squid (Inihaw na Pusit) — Fresh local squid charred over open flames and seasoned with simple spices, a signature Roxas seafood experience best enjoyed at waterfront stalls.
• Crispy Dried Dilis (Dilis Kinilaw or Tuyo) — Tiny dried anchovies that are either eaten as a crunchy snack or cooked into savory dishes, a staple protein in the local diet.
• Fresh Shrimp and Prawn Dishes (Hipon) — Giant prawns and shrimp caught locally and prepared grilled, buttered, or in garlic sauce at the city's numerous seafood restaurants.
• Kinilaw na Tanigue — Raw tanigue fish cured in vinegar and coconut milk with ginger and chili, a traditional Visayan ceviche-style dish showcasing local catch.
• Sinigang or Tinola with Fresh Fish — Traditional Filipino soups made with fresh local fish or seafood, vegetables, and aromatic broth reflecting Capiz's abundant marine resources.
• Lechon (Whole Roasted Pig) — A festive specialty available at markets and restaurants, particularly popular during local celebrations and family gatherings in the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit the market early — Arrive at the public market before 7 AM to see the liveliest fish auctions and enjoy the most vibrant local atmosphere before the heat builds.
• Respect fishing traditions — Roxas City's identity is deeply tied to fishing; speaking respectfully about the livelihood and challenges of local fishermen shows cultural awareness and courtesy.
• Catholic observances are important — The city maintains strong religious traditions with church activities central to community life, so being respectful during religious celebrations and at churches is expected.
• Haggle gently at markets — Light negotiation over prices is normal and expected at public markets and seafood stalls, but maintain a friendly tone as part of the local shopping culture.

Nearby

• Concepcion Lighthouse — 17 km
• Kalibo (MIMAROPA) — 44 km
• Islas de Gigantes — 58 km
• Mararison Island — 73 km