St. Francis Square

St. Francis Square: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Metro Manila

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: The Significance of St. Francis Square in Metro Manila

St. Francis Square, nestled in the heart of Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, stands as a vibrant symbol of commerce, culture, and community life in Metro Manila. Established in the late 1990s and completed in 2011, this mixed-use complex has grown from a quiet corner of agricultural land into a bustling destination for shoppers, entrepreneurs, employees, and tourists. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Julia Vargas Avenue and Bank Drive provides easy access to major thoroughfares like EDSA and Shaw Boulevard, and the MRT Ortigas Station is just a short walk away (St. Francis Square Official Website, Wikipedia).

The complex is best known for its extensive tiangge mall—a fully air-conditioned, multi-level bazaar that champions Filipino entrepreneurship by offering affordable retail space to small vendors. This creates a dynamic, community-driven atmosphere that attracts bargain hunters and supports micro-businesses from across the city (Ortigas Online). In addition to its retail appeal, St. Francis Square regularly hosts cultural events, fashion shows, and concerts, further cementing its role as a social and cultural hub.

With a broad selection of dining options and essential services—including pharmacies, banks, and wellness centers—St. Francis Square is more than just a shopping destination: it’s a convenient and lively meeting point for residents and visitors. Its proximity to landmarks like SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza, and The Podium expands the possibilities for exploration within Ortigas Center (Mall Stores Directory, Trek Zone). Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and offering free admission, St. Francis Square is accessible to all and welcomes visitors to experience its unique blend of affordability, community, and urban excitement (Lamudi).

Introduction and History
Visiting Hours and Entry Information
Amenities and Facilities
Shopping Experience
Dining Options
Accessibility and Transportation
Special Events and Photo Spots
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Travel Tips for Visitors
Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting Hours and Entry Information

Operating Hours:
St. Francis Square is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, accommodating both early shoppers and evening visitors.

Ticket Information:
Admission is free; there are no entrance fees or tickets required to enter the mall, tiangge, or public spaces.

Amenities and Facilities

St. Francis Square is designed for convenience and comfort, offering:

Mall Facilities: Four fully air-conditioned floors with escalators, elevators, wide corridors, and accessible restrooms. Ample parking is available in both open lots and basement levels, serving private vehicles and UV Express transport (Mall Stores Directory).
Office & Leisure: The BSA Twin Towers within the complex feature amenities such as swimming pools, a gym, children’s playground, jogging paths, and function rooms—primarily for residents and tenants (Wikipedia).
Health & Community Services: Onsite pharmacies (e.g., Mercury Drug), the St. Francis Generic Drugstore, and a Free Doctor’s Clinic are available, along with regular medical missions supporting community health (St. Francis Square Official Website).

Shopping Experience

Tiangge Mall: Hundreds of stalls offer affordable clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, gadgets, and novelty items. This bazaar-style marketplace is a haven for bargain hunters and exemplifies the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit (Ortigas Online).
Department Store & Supermarket: The second-floor department store and basement supermarket offer groceries, household items, and daily essentials (Find Glocal).
Specialty Shops & Services: Bookstores, electronics, remittance centers, beauty salons, and wellness providers round out the retail mix.

Dining Options

Food Court & Fast Food: The third-floor food court features Filipino and international cuisine from vendors such as Kuya’s Fresh Lumpia and Bento Express. Popular chains like Jollibee and McDonald’s are also present (Mall Stores Directory).
Local Delicacies: Outdoor food stalls offer authentic Filipino street food, perfect for a quick snack or casual meal (Find Glocal).

Accessibility and Transportation

Public Transport: St. Francis Square is within walking distance of the MRT Ortigas Station and EDSA Carousel bus stop. Jeepneys, buses, and UV Express vehicles serve the area, making it easily accessible from surrounding cities (Wikipedia).
Private Vehicles: Multiple parking options are available, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours.
Pedestrian Access: Wide sidewalks and crosswalks connect the mall to SM Megamall, The Podium, and other nearby sites.
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms ensure inclusive access (Mall Stores Directory).

Special Events and Photo Spots

St. Francis Square hosts a variety of events, including fashion shows, concerts, community medical missions, and job fairs. During holidays, festive decorations create excellent photo opportunities in the mall’s atrium and outdoor areas near the BSA Twin Towers.

Nearby Attractions

SM Megamall: Extensive shopping and entertainment options.
The Podium: Upscale retail and dining experiences.
Shangri-La Plaza: Premier shopping and leisure destination.
Greenfield District: Lifestyle hub with restaurants, bars, and events (Trek Zone).
Ortigas Center: Offices, hotels, and cultural sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the opening hours of St. Francis Square?
A: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, entry is free for all visitors.

Q: How do I get there via public transport?
A: Take the MRT to Ortigas Station, then walk or take a short jeepney/taxi ride.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, with both open and basement lots (fees may apply).

Q: Are pets allowed in the mall?
A: Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No official tours, but visitors can explore independently and join events as available.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Best Times: Weekdays are less crowded; weekends and holidays may feature special events.
Cash: Recommended, as many stalls may not accept cards.
Shopping: Bargaining is common at tiangge stalls.
Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas.
Accessibility: Facilities for persons with disabilities are available.

Visual Experience

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Conclusion and Call to Action

St. Francis Square embodies the convergence of commerce, culture, and community in Metro Manila. Its accessible location, affordable retail options, and vibrant events make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re seeking great shopping deals, diverse food experiences, or a glimpse into Filipino entrepreneurial spirit, St. Francis Square offers it all within a lively, inclusive environment.

Download the Audiala app for personalized guides and exclusive offers, and follow St. Francis Square on social media for the latest news and events. Plan your visit today and discover what makes this landmark a cornerstone of the Ortigas Center experience!