UP Sunken Garden — Attraction in Quezon City

A Green Oasis Rich in Culture - Come Prepared!

The UP Diliman Sunken Garden is truly a gem within Metro Manila! It's this wonderfully vast, open green space that feels like a breath of fresh air away from the city buzz. Perfect for just about anything – picnics with friends or family, throwing a frisbee, watching impromptu football games, jogging, or simply finding a spot under a shady tree to relax and unwind. The energy is always great, buzzing with student life and community vibes. A Few Practical Tips: Definitely bring your outdoor essentials! A good picnic blanket or mat is a must if you plan to lounge on the grass. Comfortable clothes, water, and maybe some sun protection are wise too, especially if you're there during the hotter parts of the day. Also, heads-up for weekend visitors or during special events: the Academic Oval often closes to vehicles. This means if you're booking a Grab or Angkas, they might not be able to enter the immediate Oval loop for drop-off/pickup, so plan accordingly – maybe arrange to meet them along University Avenue or near one of the accessible entry points. Beyond the Green: What makes the Sunken Garden extra special is the palpable sense of history and culture around it. It's flanked by iconic departmental buildings like Palma Hall, Malcolm Hall, and Benitez Hall, each with its own story. As you walk around the Oval, keep an eye out for the various sculptures and even murals near the colleges – reminders of UP's rich artistic heritage, complementing the famous Oblation nearby. Overall, the Sunken Garden offers a unique blend of relaxation, recreation, and culture. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a beautiful open space in the city – just remember to plan ahead for...

We went for a run at the Sunken Garden in UP Diliman earlier, and honestly, it was such a nice break from the usual. The whole vibe there is super chill—lots of open space, big trees for shade, and a flat loop that’s easy on the legs. It’s the kind of place where you can just zone out, run at your own pace, and not feel like you’re in the middle of the city.

But the best part? The cats! There were so many of them just hanging out—on benches, under trees, sometimes just lying in the middle of the path like they owned the place (which, to be fair, they probably do). It gave the whole run a really laid-back, friendly feel. A few even looked like they were cheering me on. Or judging my form—who knows?

If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic spot to get a few laps in—or even just walk, stretch, or sit on the grass—it’s definitely worth checking out. Just don’t be surprised if you make a few furry friends...

What's not to love? The UP Sunken Garden - - the entire UP Diliman Campus, even, has its green charm - - trees provide a canopy against the harshness of the sun and the expanse of grass is an oasis in the crowded mega-metropolis that is Metro Manila. I walked by on a Saturday afternoon and the Sunken Garden reminded me of the Luneta of my childhood, a place to run and play tag without the fear of getting run over by a jeep, a place to throw a Frisbee without smashing a window or fly a kite without the string getting entangled with high tension wires, a place to yell and laugh, a place to sit and just be still. All that green soothes like balm on a frazzled soul. Walking on the grass, even in sneakers, made me think, human feet were never designed to walk on concrete pavements - - they were made to walk on soft earth and...