The Ultimate Lacson Street Playbook

 

Where to sleep, shop, feast, and wander along Bacolod’s celebrated Tourism Strip

 

Why Lacson Street Matters

Running north-south through the heart of Bacolod, General Aniceto Lacson Street is more than a traffic artery—it’s the city’s official “Tourism Strip.” Every October its six-lane expanse turns into a mile-long street party during MassKara, but the buzz lasts year-round thanks to an enviable concentration of hotels, malls, restaurants, bars, and pocket attractions.

 

Stay: Accommodations for Every Budget

 

Upscale:

L’Fisher Hotel (14th Street): driving instructions; Seda Capitol Central (North Capitol Road, directly connected to Ayala Mall): driving instructions; and Citadines (Barangay Bata): driving instructions.

 

Boutique Chic:

Stonehill Suites (Corner 27th Street): driving instructions, and Avenue Suites Hotel & Spa (12th Street): driving instructions.

 

Value Pick:

Go Hotels (inside Robinsons Place): Driving instructions.

The distance is measured from Bacolod Public Plaza (km 0). Rates are 2025 walk-in/online median prices—expect festival surcharges.

Insider tip: Book early for the MassKara peak (third–fourth week of October); most Lacson hotels sell out six months in advance.

Other options

 

Shop: Malls & Mini‑Hubs
Eat & Drink: Tried‑and‑True Bites
See & Experience

Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon (Instagram-famous carabao statues flanking a man-made lagoon; sunset jogging & weekend food trucks), Negros Museum (curated sugar-industry memorabilia, kid-friendly mini-train, rotating art exhibits), Art District, and the Masskara Festival most of all.

 

Moving Around & Local Hacks
  • Jeepney codes you’ll see on placards: “Bata‑Libertad” (north loop), “Mandálagan” (mall belt), and “Shopping La Salle” (university zone). All ply Lacson.
  • Grab & taxis are plentiful, but traffic tightens 4–7 p.m.—walk the shaded sidewalks instead.
  • Most ATMs cluster around 16th to 18th Sts.; 7‑Eleven branches offer cash‑in for e‑wallets.
  • Dress light but carry a shawl—restaurants crank up the air‑con.

 

Sample 24‑Hour Itinerary
Time Activity
09:00 Breakfast kansi at Sharyn’s, short walk to Capitol Lagoon for photos
11:00 Quick Negros Museum browse (1 hr)
12:30 Check in at Seda or Citadines; lunch at 21 Restaurant.
14:00 Retail therapy at Ayala Malls & adjacent pop-up Negros Showroom
17:00 Sunset coffee + cake at Calea
18:00 Casual stroll north to Art District; browse murals
19:30 Chicken Inasal dinner at Chicken House
21:00 Craft cocktails at Vue (Stonehill Suites) or beer at The Greedy Pig.
23:00 Nightcap pastry take-away from Felicia’s; back to hotel

 

Lacson Street’s magic lies in its density—you can roll out of bed, shop, museum‑hop, feast, and party without ever hailing a ride. Whether you’re a MassKara veteran or a first‑timer hunting for the city’s best desserts, this two‑kilometer corridor keeps the “City of Smiles” beaming long after the festival confetti has settled. Pack comfy shoes and an extra stomach, and let Lacson do the rest.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY; JET, SET, GO!

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: READY, JET SET, GO!

The Best Malls in Bacolod City: Their Stores, Services, and Other Utility Offerings for a One-Stop Shopping and Service Experience

If you don’t plan your route and the tasks you need to do at each stop, navigating Bacolod City can be hard. Fortunately, Bacolod City has various shopping centers to suit different tastes and needs. Here are some of the best malls in Bacolod City, along with details on their locations, store options, restaurants, services, and government facilities.

 

SM City Bacolod

SM City is located in the downtown area of Bacolod City, specifically in the reclamation area on Rizal Street. It features over 300 retail outlets, including national and international brands such as Skechers, Bench, Levi’s, Guess, and Marks & Spencer. ​

For your dining options, the mall offers a wide array of dining establishments, from fast-food chains like Jollibee and KFC to local favorites such as Felicia’s Pastry Shop. The newly renovated food court features a diverse range of cuisines, including Italian, Korean, and Filipino, with options such as Sbarro, Mr. Kimbob, and Casa Ilongga. ​

It also provides services and government facilities at your convenience.

Directions.

  • Bacolod Express Service Office (BESO): A one-stop-shop government service center on the third floor, offering services like business name registration, building permits, fire safety certificates, health IDs, and more.
  • SM Supermarket: Provides grocery shopping needs.​
  • Cinemas: State-of-the-art movie theaters for entertainment.​
Robinsons Place Bacolod

This three-level shopping center, located on Lacson Street, features over 120 retail outlets, including national brands such as Bench, Artwork, and Handyman. ​

Various food establishments are also available, including Jollibee, KFC, Shakey’s, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, and a diverse food court serving a wide range of cuisine.

Additionally, nearby government facilities and services are available to assist you.

Directions.

CityMall Mandalagan

Also in Lacson Street, Brgy. Mandalagan is CityMall Mandalagan, which offers a selection of retail outlets, including a branch of SM’s Savemore Supermarket and UNO, a mini-department store that provides affordable products.

A choice of dining options is also never far behind, offering budget-friendly options such as Mang Inasal, Chowking, Jollibee, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, and Highlands Vietnamese Coffee. ​

Directions.

Services and Facilities:

  • Playground: A free play area for children on the second floor.​
  • Cinema: A cinema section at GM Cordova Ave. (Buri Road) corner Lacson St., Bacolod City. ​
Ayala Malls Capitol Central

Located on San Sebastian Street is Ayala Malls Capitol Central, hosting a variety of retail outlets, including national brands like Skechers, Bench, and Marks & Spencer, as well as local boutiques. ​

The mall also features a lifestyle food court with diverse dining options, including local and international cuisines.​

Directions.

Services and Government Facilities:

  • Cinemas: The mall includes modern movie theaters that provide a cinematic experience.​
  • Play Areas: Facilities like Chops Children’s Park and Kira’s Box play lounge for children.​
Gaisano Grand City Bacolod Mall

At Burgos Extension, Bacolod City, is the Gaisano Grand City Bacolod Mall, a budget-friendly mall offering a department store, supermarket, and various retail outlets.​

The mall also features fast-food chains such as Jollibee, Greenwich, Pizza Hut, and Chicken Deli, as well as local eateries. ​

If you are eager to buy pasalubong or craving the delights of Bacolod, you will find BongBong’s Pasalubong Center here, which offers a variety of Filipino pastries and delicacies.

Directions.

 

Villa Angela Estates

If you’re going for a much simpler itinerary, Villa Angela Estates is for you. Located on Lacson Street, Villa Angela Arcade features establishments such as the Grand Royal Spa, a branch of the Social Security System, and Savemore Market.

You’ll also never have to go far when the urge strikes; the Villa Angela Strip offers various food establishments, including artisan and homegrown restaurants.​ The place also provides services and government facilities, including BPO facilities and banking services from various banks for financial transactions.

These malls not only provide diverse shopping and dining experiences but also offer essential services and facilities, making them integral parts of Bacolod City’s commercial landscape.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: REST STOPS, HIDEAWAYS & HAVENS