A must-visit for coffee lovers and design enthusiasts. Grounded serves up some of the best iced Americanos and iced matcha lattes in town, all in a beautifully minimal space full of concrete, soft neutrals, and chill vibes.

Tucked away and full of charm, Luway Luway is a small, laidback café that instantly makes you slow down. They serve up the best smoothie bowl we had in El Nido, made with super fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a quiet morning or a mid-day recharge.

Oceanside coffee at its finest. Hama Coffee has the best view to enjoy your coffeein El Nido—right over the bay—making it the perfect spot to sit back and take it all in.

We first discovered Dayo in Coron and loved it so much, we had to go again in El Nido—and that says it all. Great coffee, a cozy vibe, and the kind of spot you just naturally gravitate back to.

Maremegmeg offers beachfront daybeds (no need to be a hotel guest!) with postcard-worthy views over Vanilla Beach. The vibe is super relaxed, the cocktails are great, and it’s ideal for a slow day in the sun. They don’t have a lot of daybeds and umbrellas, so be early! Close to this spot is the well-known El Nido zipline, if you're up for some adventure during a chill beach day.

A scenic scooter ride led us to Nacpan Beach—long stretches of sand and so many palm trees. The road there is beautiful, but if it’s rained recently, watch out for some muddy patches near the end! We strolled along the shore, and even got lucky enough to witness baby turtles being released—so cute.

When the rain hit, we took it as the perfect excuse to unwind indoors—and Oriental Spa was just the spot. Housed in a beautiful building with the sweetest staff, the spa offers a wide range of treatments. We went for a group massage (all four of us together!) and left feeling completely relaxed and recharged. Rainy day turned spa day = no regrets.

Tricycles buzz through the lively streets, ready to take you anywhere—but we loved exploring on foot. Downtown El Nido is full of charm, with plenty of spots for souvenirs, evening drinks, and tasty dinners. The perfect place to soak up the local vibe and end the day.

One of our favorite dinners—and a total surprise find! We had crispy tuna bites that were out of this world, plus the curry and pad thai, all absolute 10/10s. Open all day, this spot serves a delicious mix of Asian dishes in a nice, open space with a relaxed vibe. Definitely a must-try!

A super nice beach bar located in El Nido’s Townsquare Heritage District, surrounded by fun shops and restaurants. With a mix of cozy tables and lounge chairs right by the water, it’s the perfect spot to sip Aperols, play UNO and unwind.

The bar at Maremegmeg Beach Club, The Beach Shack is a great spot for a quick lunch right by the water. They serve tasty cocktails, fresh salads, and satisfying lunch options. The vibe is super cozy—and with a DJ booth set up, it looks like they throw some fun parties too!

Tucked away in downtown El Nido, Basil brings a cozy slice of Italy to the Philippines. You’ll be asked to take off your shoes before entering—adding to the relaxed, homestyle feel. Their pastas and pizzas hit the spot, so if you’re craving Italian comfort food on your trip, this is the place to be.