🏙️ Lucena City Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Go & How to Get There

🚍 First Stop: Lucena City, Quezon Province

Lucena City, the capital of Quezon Province, is always my first stop whenever I travel to Marinduque. It may not have massive tourist attractions, but it holds a nostalgic charm—especially for someone who passes through it every time I go home.

Did you know? The Talao-Talao Port in Dalahican, where RoRo vessels to Marinduque dock, is located right here in Lucena.

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🏛️ A City With Many Names

Before it became Lucena, the city was known as:

• Oroquieta
• Cotta
• Buenavista — coincidentally, the same name as my beloved hometown!

I didn’t know this until I started digging deeper during my trip—just another reason I felt instantly connected.

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🚌 Center of Transportation in Quezon

Lucena’s Grand Central Terminal is the transportation hub of the province. Here you’ll find:

• Jeepneys and tricycles going to nearby towns
• Vans and buses heading to Dalahican Port or Kamay ni Hesus
• And even local food stalls if you're hungry while in transit

🚦 Tip: Some jeepneys also pass along the highway, so you don’t always need to go into the terminal.

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🎭 Fiestas and Festivals

Like most Filipino towns, Lucena takes festivals seriously. Every May, they celebrate:

🎉 Pasayahan sa Lucena
A Mardi Gras-style festival featuring:

• Colorful street parades
• Symbolic floats
• Live performances
• And lots of food!

🍜 Chami Festival
Lucena is also known for its special chami, a savory noodle dish. During the Pasayahan, the city holds a Chami Cook-Off!
Sadly, I missed both—so that’s another reason to return!

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📍 What to See in Lucena City

If you find yourself in the town proper, here are a few places worth visiting:

🏛️ 1. Quezon ProvincialCapitol
Known locally as “Kapitolyo”, this historic government building still carries the name Tayabas Provincial Capitol. It’s a landmark you can’t miss—it has a huge sign and sits at the heart of the city.

🌳 2. Perez Park
Located right across the Capitol, this park is a local favorite for:

• Picnics 🍱
• Jogging 🏃
• People-watching 👀
• Or just relaxing under the trees 🌴

🕊️ 3. President Manuel L.Quezon’s Memorial
Right beside the Capitol and the park, you’ll find a monument of the former president. When I visited, dried flowers surrounded the statue—clear signs of respect and remembrance.

⛪ 4. St. Ferdinand Cathedral
Situated along the road to the Capitol, I only got a glimpse of this church from the jeepney window. I planned to stop by after my Capitol visit, but it was already closed. Another reason to come back!

👉 [Read my full blog here>>]

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🛏️ Where to Stay in Lucena

Luxury / Mid-Range Hotels

• Queen Margarette Hotel – Downtown
  • 3.5★, central location with spa, restaurant, free Wi‑Fi and 24‑hr front desk
  • Great for both business and leisure travellers.
• Meaco Royal Hotel – Lucena
  • 3★, modern, near Perez Park & Quezon Convention Center, free Wi‑Fi and parking
  • Highly praised for cleanliness and service: “Room was very clean and the staff was amazing”

Family-Friendly & Business-Ready

• Quezon Premier Hotel – Lucena
  • 3★, features two outdoor pools, restaurant, business centre, parking, free Wi‑Fi
  • Ideal for families and work travellers; rates start around $24–27/night.

Boutique & Value Picks

• Urbantel Hotel
  • 3★ boutique, “very good” rating, centrally located
  • Stylish with modern rooms—great value (~$28/night).
• Sto. Niño Residences Lucena City
  • 3★, well-rated (~8.2/10), spacious rooms with balcony & terrace, free Wi‑Fi
  • Family- and pet-friendly; rates ~$23–60/night.

Budget & Local Flavours

• Citilink Hotel
  • Budget-friendly (~$22/night), “very good” reviews
  • Simple, clean, suitable for short stays.
• Hotel Rosita
  • Cozy with garden and terrace, breakfast included, great guest reviews (~8.0)

🧭 Choosing What Works for You

Preference	Best Picks	Why
Central + Business	Queen Margarette, Meaco Royal, Urbantel	Near hotels and business centers
Family & Leisure	Quezon Premier (pool), Sto. Niño Residences	Pool, spacious rooms, kid‑friendly
Budget-Conscious	Citilink, Hotel Rosita	Clean, affordable, local charm
Boutique Experience	Urbantel, Sto. Niño	Stylish interiors, personal touches

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🗺️ How to Get to Lucena City from Manila

There are plenty of buses that run from Metro Manila to Lucena, depending on your exact destination. Here’s my usual route:

🚍 Preferred Bus: Jac Liner
✔ Comfortable, new buses
✔ Free Wi-Fi onboard
✔ Safe and reliable

🚌 Bus Terminals in Manila

JAC LINER
📍 Buendia Terminal: Donada St. corner Buendia, Pasay City
📞 (02) 404-2073
🕒 Regular Trips: 2 AM–10 PM | Midnight Trips: 11 PM & 12 AM

📍 Kamias Terminal (Cubao): 2 Mapagmahal St. cor. EDSA
📞 (02) 928-6140 | Open 24 Hours

JAM LINER
📍 Buendia Terminal: 2124 Taft Ave., Pasay City
📞 (02) 831-8264
📱 0915-231-5443

📍 Kamias Terminal (Cubao): 831 EDSA, Kamuning
📞 (02) 990-1289
📱 0906-894-4758
🌐 www.jam.com.ph

🪧 Look for signboards that say:

• “Lucena City/Grand Central”
• “Lucena/Dalahican”

🎫 Bus Fare (Manila to Lucena): ₱209.50 (as of latest trip)

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🚨 Travel Tip

During holidays or long weekends:

• 🎫 Go directly to the terminal to ensure you get a seat
• 🚦 Roads in Quezon may be under construction—expect delays

🧳 Once you arrive at the Grand Central Terminal, you can easily catch a jeep or tricycle to nearby attractions or your hotel.

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✨ Lucena may not be a tourist hotspot, but its strategic location, cultural gems, and small-town charm make it worth visiting—especially if you're on your way to Marinduque or Kamay ni Hesus.

From festival energy to quiet parks and the scent of chami in the air, Lucena welcomes you like a long-lost friend.

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💬 Share Your Experience!

Have you visited Lucena City or attended Pasayahan? Got a favorite spot or travel tip?
💌 Drop a comment below! Let’s help fellow travelers discover the hidden beauty of Quezon Province.

✈️ Need help planning your Lucena + Quezon itinerary? I’d be happy to help! Just ask. 👇