Stretching over 7.6 kilometres along the coastline, Roxas Boulevard is one of the most beautiful roads in Manila, with stunning sunsets and lines of coconut trees revealing the best of the Philippines. It is an important thoroughfare connecting the west of the city, hosting eight lanes of traffic alongside the wide pedestrian boulevard. Roxas Boulevard is a centre of entertainment, dining and nightlife, and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful view of the setting sun over the South China Sea.
The most popular activity of Roxas Boulevard is simply to walk and appreciate the coastal scenery of Manila Bay, and there is further natural beauty in Rizal Park, located in the north of the promenade. The area has many cultural attractions to enjoy, including the Rizal Museum, the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Library, all between impressive hotels and important government buildings. The exclusive Manila Yacht Club is also located along the Boulevard, which is a hub of lively daytime activity and the setting of many beautiful and impressive boats, for those wanting to explore the waves. Roxas Boulevard is best for a delicious meal with a sunset view, and visitors can easily find somewhere to eat along the seafront, such as in one of the famous hotels, before exploring the local nightlife.
Drivers can easily access Roxas Boulevard, as it is one of the main roads in the city, reached along the Coastal Road from the south, or via Padre Burgos from the north, with various parking facilities along the thoroughfare. Via public transport, visitors can journey towards Libertad Station along most LRT-1 lines, and from there take a local jeepney bound for Baclaran, then the stop called Mabini is only a short walk away.
Built in 1912, the original purpose of Roxas Boulevard was to beautify the city, as part of an early 20th Century architectural trend called the City Beautiful Movement. Designers planted lines of trees in patterns to occasionally restrict the seaside view, in order to add an air of mystery and suspense for walkers along the promenade, and enable a greater appreciation of the beautiful view. Locals called it “Lover’s Boulevard” and, although major developments have popularised the area, it retains its grand aesthetic and enticing energy still today.