Roxas Night Market stretches across several blocks of Roxas Avenue and operates from around 6:00 PM until midnight. During this time, the street is closed to vehicles and fully opened to pedestrians. The entire area transforms into a dynamic open-air marketplace, where hundreds of vendors set up food stalls, thrift shops, massage booths, and souvenir stands.
The atmosphere is electric yet laid-back. There is no formal entertainment here—just the natural charm of street life, the sizzling of grills, the friendly haggling of shoppers, and the laughter of families and friends sharing meals under the night sky. It’s a genuine slice of Filipino urban culture.
A Journey Through Filipino Street Food
One of the biggest draws of the Roxas Night Market is its vast selection of Filipino street food. From traditional grilled meats to sweet local desserts, every craving is catered to. Here are some favorites you can expect to find:
Grilled Favorites
Vendors line up rows of skewered meats like chicken barbecue, pork belly, isaw (intestines), chicken feet, hotdogs, and even exotic items like balut (fertilized duck egg). These are freshly grilled over charcoal and served hot.
Seafood Galore
Davao is known for its access to fresh seafood, and the market reflects that. You can enjoy grilled squid, shrimp, crab, and tuna belly cooked on the spot. Each dish is often marinated in native spices and paired with vinegar or soy-based sauces.
Local Delicacies
The market is also a great place to try regional specialties. Durian, famously called the “King of Fruits,” is available in many forms—raw, in candies, as ice cream, or in shakes. You’ll also find kakanin like suman, biko, kutsinta, and other sticky rice treats wrapped in banana leaves.
Drinks and Desserts
To cool off from the tropical heat, try a tall glass of halo-halo—a mixed dessert with crushed ice, sweet beans, jellies, milk, and ube. Fresh fruit shakes and sago drinks are also popular choices, especially mango, watermelon, and banana.
The food is affordable, with most items costing just a few pesos, allowing visitors to try a variety without spending much.
Ukay-Ukay Shopping and Bargain Hunting
Beyond the food section lies the ukay-ukay zone, where secondhand clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories are sold at incredibly low prices. Many of these items are imported branded goods, and shoppers can often find real treasures hidden in the piles.
For fashion enthusiasts and thrift lovers, this is paradise. Haggling is welcome, and sellers are usually friendly and patient. It’s not unusual to see students, young professionals, and even tourists rummaging through the racks in search of a stylish bargain.
There are also booths selling new items such as cellphone cases, handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and T-shirts with Davao-themed designs.
Outdoor Massage for a Perfect Ending
One of the unique features of Roxas Night Market is the row of massage therapists offering services right on the street. After a long day of exploring or shopping, visitors can sit on reclining chairs and enjoy foot massages, back massages, or even full-body therapy under the stars.
The therapists are licensed and well-trained, offering quality service at budget-friendly rates. The experience is both relaxing and memorable, and it’s something you rarely find in other night markets across the country.
A Safe and Family-Friendly Environment
Despite its popularity and crowd size, Roxas Night Market maintains a reputation for being clean, safe, and well-organized. Security personnel are present throughout the area, conducting bag checks at entrances and ensuring order among vendors and guests. There are also designated waste bins and cleanup crews that work overnight to maintain hygiene.
The market has become a family-friendly destination, welcoming people of all ages. Whether you’re visiting with kids, going on a date, or exploring solo, the market offers a welcoming and inclusive vibe.
Tips for Visiting Roxas Night Market
Go early if you want to avoid long lines, especially at the food stalls.
Bring cash, as most vendors do not accept cards or mobile payments.
Travel light, since the area gets crowded and it’s easier to move around without bulky bags.
Stay alert for your belongings, as with any busy public place.
Try something new—even if you’re unsure about a dish, the market is all about discovery.
Final Thoughts
Roxas Night Market is not just a place to eat or shop—it’s a place to connect. It connects people to the flavors of Filipino cuisine, to the rhythm of street life in Davao, and to the traditions and creativity of the local community. For travelers, it offers a chance to experience Davao in its raw, authentic form. For locals, it’s a nightly ritual that represents comfort, culture, and joy.
If you ever find yourself in Davao City, make sure to spend an evening at Roxas Night Market. Wander through the crowd, taste the flavors, shop with the locals, and take in the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a memory you’ll carry long after you’ve left the city.
