Davao City, the premiere city of Mindanao, is located in the northeastern part of the province, at the head of the gulf. In terms of land area, Davao City is the world's largest city (244,000 hectares).

Davao’s main streets are San Pedro Street and Claro M. Recto Avenue, which intersect at San Pedro Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. These streets are bounded by many department stores, banks, inns and restaurants. The seat of local government is also located at San Pedro Street. Davao’s Chinatown is situated at Ramon Magsaysay Avenue near St. Ana Warf.

Davao has everything from white sand beaches, to exotic fruits, excellent handicrafts and fresh seafood.

The colourful artistic heritage of Davao stems from the rich culture of its tribes. For the Bagobos, aesthetics is the meticulous carving of weapons; the elaborate decoration of inlaid metal boxes with bells; and the ornamentation of their abaca fibber dress with embroidery, shells, beads and metal discs. The Mandayas, on the other hand, have a solid tradition in weaving. To produce their famed coarse textured cloth, abaca fibber is coloured with earth dyes and woven on a backstrap loom. The final product is embroidered with bright-coloured threads in geometric patterns. Some elements of tribal folklore are also included in the designs. The Mansakas, together with the Mandayas, are also expert silversmiths. They craft weapons, breastplates and dress accessories. Davao is also a harmonious blend of Christian and Muslim cultures. However, its most stunning cultural aspect is definitely its ethnic art that encompasses music, dance, religious ritual, dress and ornamentation.

Dining in Davao is a delightful experience because of the culinary expertise of its cross-cultural population. The gourmet will have a grand time sampling the varied gastronomic fares, from native to Chinese, Japanese, American and European cuisines. Davao is known for its seafood, particularly the "bariles" yellow fin (tuna) which is cooked over hot coals. "Inihaw na panga" (Grilled tuna jaws) is a favourite dish even in Manila. Other tuna parts like bagaybay or assorted internal organs, bihud or roe and tails are skewered and barbecued. Other specialties are pigek, a marine fish delicacy of Mindanao; pusit (cuttlefish), sugpo (large prawns) and kinilaw or marinated raw fish. Of course, Davao's exotic fruits should not be missed: the odoriferous but delicious durian which can also be enjoyed in candy preserves; the hairy red rambutan; the mangosteen; the green mandarin; and the perennial Davao sweet pomelo.

The Davaoenos love to celebrate. There are Catholic processions, tribal dances, parades, ethnic shows and horse fights held throughout the year. There are two main festivals, The "Araw ng Dabaw" celebrations every March and the "Kadayawan Festival" in August.

Davao is a sportsman's dream paradise. One can play golf or tennis, go diving or fishing and enjoy spelunking or mountain climbing.

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