Welcome Arch and Downtown City Proper, Business Center, Centro, including Plaza Rizal in — San Pablo, Laguna by Ramon FVelasquez
San Pablo, Laguna: The City of Seven Lakes and Endless Stories
Nestled at the foothills of Mount Banahaw and Mount Makiling, San Pablo City is one of Laguna’s most underrated gems. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard to impress you—yet somehow does. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who simply wants to slow down, San Pablo has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled into a quieter, greener version of home.
About San Pablo
- Part of the CALABARZON region
- Landlocked component city
- Barangays: 28
- 2020 Census: 285,348 residents
- Land Area: 197.56 sq. kilometers (76.28 sq. miles)
A City Built Around Water and Wonder
San Pablo is famously known as the City of Seven Lakes, and these lakes are more than just scenic spots—they’re woven into the city’s identity.
Here’s a quick look at the seven:
| Lake | Vibe | Why Visit |
| Sampaloc Lake | Urban + Scenic | Jogging paths, cafés, and a stunning view of Mt. Banahaw |
| Palakpakin Lake | Local + Laid-back | Home to tilapia and fish pens—great for photography |
| Mojicap Lake | Quiet + Hidden | A peaceful escape for reflection |
| Pandin Lake | Eco-tourism favorite | Bamboo raft lunches, crystal-clear water |
| Yambo Lake | Untouched + Serene | Often paired with Pandin for twin-lake tours |
| Calibato Lake | Wild + Mystical | Surrounded by legends and lush greenery |
| Bunot Lake | Rustic + Charming | Known for coconut plantations and calm waters |
Each lake has its own personality and visiting all seven feels like flipping through different chapters of the same story.
by VA Arthur
A Food Scene Rooted in Tradition
San Pablo’s culinary identity is simple, hearty, and proudly local.
Some must-try favorites:
- Puto Seko – Crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect with coffee
- Kesong Puti – Soft, salty white cheese made from carabao’s milk
- Buko Pie – Laguna’s iconic pasalubong, with San Pablo offering some of the best versions
- Tilapia and freshwater dishes – Straight from the lakes to your plate
And if you’re wandering around Sampaloc Lake, you’ll find cafés and small restaurants that blend local flavors with modern comfort food.
A City with Deep Roots
San Pablo is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, with a history stretching back to the Spanish colonial era. You’ll see this heritage in:
- The San Pablo Cathedral, with its centuries-old architecture
- Ancestral houses scattered around the city center
- Long-standing traditions and festivals that bring the community together
Despite its growth, San Pablo has held onto its small-city charm—something that’s becoming rare these days.
by CityGems
Slow Travel at Its Best
What makes San Pablo special isn’t just the lakes or the food—it’s the pace of life.
Here, mornings start with mist rolling over the water, afternoons are for leisurely walks, and evenings feel like they were made for storytelling. It’s a place where you can breathe a little deeper and move a little slower.
If you’re coming from Manila, the city is just a few hours away, but it feels like a different world entirely.
Why San Pablo Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
San Pablo isn’t flashy. It doesn’t overwhelm you with tourist traps or towering attractions. Instead, it invites you to rediscover the joy of simple things:
- A quiet lake at sunrise
- A home-cooked meal
- A community that feels familiar even if you’re new
- Nature that’s close enough to touch
by Yummy PH