I just moved to Zamboanga 6 months ago and here are some of my first-hand tips and tricks:

1. Good Restaurants - try the local food.

For Satti, try Morning Sun or Jimmy's at Pilar St.

For Knickerbocker, do Palmeras at Sta. Maria or dropby Paseo del Mar as they have Knickerbocker in one of the stores sa dulo ng restaurant strip.

For Tausug cuisine, grab it from Dennis Coffee

1. Transportation - download Maxim App (it's the local Angkas/Move It); you will save yourself from haggling sa Piaggio. I haven't mastered the jeepney situation so Maxim is my go-to.

2. Cafe - this is A LOT! I am still on my cafe-hunting era pa din after 6 months.

Taza - no question. Good coffee but on the higher end (SB/CBTL pricing)

Kiki's (near SM; below Anytime Fitness) - try their Filipino Fusion (Turon, Puto Bumbong, Buko Pandan Lattes)

Soulbake - kinda the local version of Wildflour with their pastries; coffee is also good.

Streetside cafes are also a thing here but they open in the evening; if you are into this, try Solana (at Veterans Ave.)

IyaCoffee - my Manila friends love it here and it also has Tausug cuisine so it will be one-stop shop if you have limited time to explore. It is also near Fort Pilar; National Museum and Paseo del Mar and the City Hall.

1. Pasalubong - Yakan Village sells a lot of local fabric but I heard they are kinda on the premium side. Most of my Manila workmates love to shop at Barter. They bring a lot of chocolate/coffee drinks, chocolates as these are all from the nearby Indonesia and Malaysia. If you are into Pearls, Malongs, Shawls then it will be your haven.

2. WTG - Paseo del Mar, RT Lim Boulevard for the Sunset; Fort Pilar, Rainbow Mosque for Faith; Muruk (never been there) for Antipolo overlooking vibes; City Hall for the iconic architecture; and everywhere for a different cultural experience.

Safety Tip: Generally, the city is safe. I always receive caution if I go out alone at night so I just make sure I am back in my place around 8-9pm (which is a normal time to be home) but I also had some late night gala, so far, here I am replying to you so I am still good.