Top attractions include Mount Apo, the Philippine Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park, People's Park, Davao Crocodile Park, and Samal Island with its idyllic beach resorts.
The ideal time to visit Davao is during the dry season from December to May, with the Kadayawan Festival in August being a highlight for cultural experiences.
Adventure activities include mountaineering at Mount Apo, white-water rafting down the Davao River, wakeboarding at Deca Wakeboard Park, diving, snorkeling, and island hopping around Samal Island.
Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines for tourists, with a low crime rate and a comprehensive security system. However, it's always advised to take standard precautions when traveling.
Tourists can experience the Kadayawan Festival celebrating the region's cultures, visit tribal communities like the T’boli or Bagobo, learn about the Durian fruit industry, and explore the city's various museums and temples.
Davao offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, catering to various preferences and budgets. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Tourists can travel around Davao using taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, and buses. For convenience, renting a car or hiring a taxi for a day is also an option. Ferries are used for trips to Samal Island.
Davao's cuisine features fresh seafood, exotic fruits like durian and pomelo, and regional dishes such as ‘kinilaw’, a local raw fish salad. Visitors should not miss trying the popular ‘sinuglaw’, a mix of grilled pork belly and kinilaw.
Davao offers both traditional and modern shopping experiences, from bustling markets like the Bankerohan Public Market to upscale shopping malls such as SM Lanang Premier and Abreeza Mall.
Aside from the Kadayawan Festival, Davao celebrates the Araw ng Dabaw in March, marking the city's foundation day; the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao, a Christmas celebration; and various other cultural, religious, and harvest-related festivals.
