LIST: Places in Metro Manila that Are Car-Free on Weekends

Pasig City launched its People’s Street project in 2021, initially designating Emerald Avenue as a car-free zone from 6:00 AM on Saturday until 9:00 PM on Sunday. Six months after the project was launched, the local government created more People’s Streets. Besides Emerald Avenue, these streets in Pasig are also closed to traffic on Sundays and turned into outdoor spaces for exercise, play, or relaxation: East Bank Road (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays), Caruncho Avenue Westbound (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays), M.H. Del Pilar (6:00 AM to 12:00 NN on Sundays), and Lopez Jaena Street (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays).

Location: Muntinlupa

Enjoy car-free Sunday mornings from 5:00 to 10:00 AM at the Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City. Filinvest City implemented the car-free project in 2021 and continues to provide hassle-free exercise and fun recreational activities for its community. To complete the experience, go to Filinvest City’s Central Park and Great Lawn, which are open for public use. You can find bike and e-scooter rental stations and various foods and drinks. Park-goers can also enjoy other amenities for recreation and fitness, including a playground and outdoor exercise equipment.

Location: Taguig

Since 2021, Fifth Avenue in Bonifacio Global City has been car-free, dubbed “My Street High Street”. It is open for walking, running, and playing freely every weekend from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Besides exercising, you can also enjoy al-fresco restaurants and fairs, where you can dine and shop on the ground without worrying about cars on the roads.

A bonus tip! If you’re looking for more car-free places in Bonifacio Global City, you can check out BGC Greenway Park, a 1.6 km public space, the longest linear urban park in the metro, designed for walking, running, and playing freely.

Location: At the center of the new Mandaluyong CBD and bordered by main thoroughfares, EDSA

Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City has implemented a car-free scheme on Sunday mornings since 2023. The stretch of Mayflower Street from United Street to Shaw Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Sundays. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, cycling, pet walking, and roller skating. When you’re not working out, you can enjoy Greenfield District’s central park, where residents and visitors come together to relax, socialize, and connect.

Location: Makati

Makati launched its car-free scheme in 2023 at Ayala Avenue, aiming to make Makati the most livable and family-friendly city in the Philippines. On Sundays, Ayala Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The 2.3-kilometer stretch from Courtyard Drive to HV Dela Costa/Salcedo Street is closed during this time, both westbound and eastbound. Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in the Ayala Triangle Gardens are also closed for fitness activities. Health buffs, yoga classes, and fun activities are expected in the area.

Location: Manila

If going carless in cities is a trend, then Roxas Boulevard is all for it. Roxas Boulevard is joining the list of pedestrian-friendly cities under the "Move Manila Car Free Sundays" ordinance, starting May 26, 2024. According to this ordinance, motor vehicles cannot enter the stretch of Padre Burgos to Quirino from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM on Sundays. The boulevard will have two lanes for cyclists and one lane for joggers. Apart from the health benefits, the local government of Manila also aims to reduce air pollution, particularly along Roxas Boulevard, one of the area's main roads.

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