5 Clean Wet Markets in Metro Manila for a Neat Buying Experience

Location: W. C. Paz Sta. Elena, Marikina City 1800 Marikina City

Recognized as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” the City of Marikina is one of the most highly urbanized cities in the country. It is also a member of the Alliance for Healthy Cities initiated by the World Health Organization. The city proves that it believes in the importance of its constituents’ health by maintaining the cleanliness of its public market same as other wet markets in Metro Manila.

The Marikina Public Market is located at the heart of Brgy. Sta. Elena is notable for being one of the well-maintained Metro Manila wet markets. Here you can find various market needs, from fish and meat, fruits and vegetables, to clothes. Fun fact: the movie “The Bourne Legacy,” starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz, shot a motorcycle scene in this market! It shows that even non-locals recognize clean wet markets in Metro Manila when they see one!

How to get to the Marikina Public Market: From Cubao, ride an FX bound for Marikina with any of the following signs: “SSS,” “Parang, NGI,” or “Montalban/ Antipolo / Sta. Lucia / Metro East.” Get off at Marikina Sports Center, and from there, and the market is within walking distance.

Location: General Araneta Avenue, Araneta Center

Farmers Market isn’t exactly a market composed of farmers but of regular vendors selling varied produce, of which there are hundreds to choose. This wet market in Metro Manila has its own “Timbangan ng Bayan,” or a weighing scale that customers can use in case they want to double-check the weight of the items they bought. Unlike other wet markets in the Philippines, the walkways here are wide and neatly tiled, so there’s no need to worry about squeezing in between loads of people.

This Metro Manila wet market is also home to a satellite campus of the Center for Culinary Arts, which offers short courses that run for 13 days. Nothing like having a comfortable buying experience in this wet market in Metro Manila while learning how to cook sumptuous meals at the same time!

How to get to Farmers Market: Whether you’re coming from the north or south, ride the MRT and get off at Cubao-Araneta Station. Exit the station on the northbound side, and you’ll find Farmers Market to your right.

Location: Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila

Historically, as it is rich in different products such as vegetables, fruits, and fish, Quinta Market was built at the same time as Divisoria and was the central wet market in Manila. The market was since demolished and renovated, and on April 2017, Mayor Joseph Estrada officially inaugurated it as Quinta Market and Fishport.

The facilities have been upgraded, making buying wet and dry products more convenient for the customers. This Manila wet market now has its own food court, and the restrooms are now air-conditioned. Also, there is now a second floor that serves as a parking lot that can accommodate up to 100 vehicles.

How to get to Quinta Market and Fishport: From SM North EDSA, ride a jeepney to Balintawak. Get off at Munoz, where the Roosevelt Station of the LRT-1 is located. Ride the LRT-1 and exit at Carriedo Station. From here, the wet market in Manila is just 450 meters away.

Location: Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City

One remarkable thing about the Seaside Wet Market is its location. Erected near fishing ports, the market is always abundant in fresh seafood supplies. Customers can choose among stalls and stalls of seafood, and they can either take it home or have it cooked in nearby restaurants which have their own specializations in seafood delicacies: Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, and the like. This Manila wet market has oysters, shrimp, and crabs; you name it!

How to get to this wet market in Manila: Ride the MRT to Taft Station. Exit the station on the southbound side, and then ride a bus or a jeepney headed to the SM Mall of Asia. Get off at the mall entrance, walk left along Pacific Drive, and turn right to Marina Way. Walk straight ahead until you reach Seaside Boulevard. You’ll find the Seaside Wet Market to your right.

Location: San Andres St. Malate, Manila

The vibrant colors of fruits will immediately give you a warm welcome when you step into the streets of San Andres Market. Like the Quinta Market, this wet market in Manila also had a major reconstruction last 2016, giving it a more modern and neat look. It’s even air-conditioned now, making it more encouraging for people to head on down here.

This Manila wet market is known for selling imported and exotic fruits such as guyabano (soursop) and durian. While you’re there, pay a visit to Auring’s Tapa, a highly recommended food stall that sells only the best, most tender tapa in Malate!

How to get to this wet market in Manila: Ride the LRT-1 and get off at Quirino Station. Exit the station on the side where the Marc 2000 Tower is. From here, you can walk straight along San Andres Street to get to the market or ride a jeepney. The market is found 350 meters from Quirino Station.

Cleanliness is and will always be next to godliness, or so the old saying goes. While it is always nice to embrace the Filipino concept of wet markets, keep in mind that even these places reflect the country’s culture. Better to keep it remarkably clean!