Vigan City

Vigan City is one of the most historic cities in the Philippines. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and preserves a large number of Spanish colonial architecture and culture. It not only has rich historical sites, but also unique local cuisine and traditional handicrafts. The following is a travel guide to Vigan City, including introductions to major attractions, how to get there, and where to stay to help you better plan your trip.

Key attractions

Calle Crisologo: This is one of Vigan's most famous streets, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial-style architecture. The cobblestone pavement and old buildings here give you a feeling of traveling back in time. You can stroll here, visit old shops, buy handicrafts, and take a traditional kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) tour.

Night view of Calle Crisologo

St. Paul's Cathedral: This cathedral is one of Vigan's important landmarks and has a typical Spanish colonial architectural style. It is the religious center of Vigan and its solemn interior is worth a visit.

St Paul's Cathedral at night

Vigan Heritage Village: Learn about Vigan's history, culture, and life during the Spanish colonial period. The museum has many exhibits that showcase Vigan's traditional arts, handicrafts, and local history.

Syquia Mansion: This historic building was once one of the residences of the President of the Philippines and has now been converted into a museum. Furniture, artworks, and historical artifacts from the 19th century are on display here.

Bantay Bell Tower: Located in the outer city of Vigan, this bell tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. You can climb the bell tower to enjoy the beautiful views of the surroundings.

Vigan River: You can take a boat trip along the Vigan River and enjoy the peaceful waterway.

How to get Vigan City ?

Fly: You can fly to Manila or Cebu first, and then fly from these big cities to the nearby Laoag Airport. Laoag Airport is about an hour's drive from Vigan.
Bus: From Manila, you can also choose to take a bus directly to Vigan. It takes about 7 to 8 hours.
Car rental/charter: If you plan to go from other cities, you can choose to rent a car or charter a car, which will be more convenient and flexible.

Transportation in the city: The urban area of ​​Vigan Old Town is not large, you can choose to walk or take a local kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). This traditional horse-drawn carriage is very suitable for playing in the streets of the old town and experiencing the nostalgic atmosphere.

What to do in Vigan City ？

Corsa Tour: A traditional horse-drawn carriage tour is a great way to experience Vigan's old-school atmosphere. You can take a corsa tour along Calle Crisologo to experience the way of travel in the past while admiring the Spanish-style buildings on both sides of the street.

Handicraft Shopping: Vigan is a famous place for handicrafts, especially Vigan wood carvings, traditional weaving, and porcelain. You can buy a variety of exquisite souvenirs in the shops along Calle Crisologo.

Vigan Street Food: Try Vigan's special snacks, such as:

• Empanada (Filipino fried cake): The empanada here is known for its crispy outside and tender inside, and rich fillings.
• Longganisa: This is a sausage and one of Vigan's traditional delicacies.
• Bagnet: This is a local fried pork, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique taste.
• Vigan's Kalesa Ice Cream: A very special ice cream with a rich and creative taste.

When is the best time to go?

• December to February is the dry season in Vigan and the most comfortable travel season. The weather is cool and pleasant at this time, suitable for going out.
• May to October is the rainy season in the Philippines, and you may encounter thunderstorms, so it is best to avoid going during this period.
• The Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival in January every year is a grand celebration in the ancient city of Vigan, during which there are traditional dances, music performances, street parades, etc., to experience the local traditional culture and enthusiasm.

Where to stay?

Vigan has many accommodation options for tourists, ranging from traditional homestays to modern hotels:

• Casa Rica Hotel: It offers comfortable accommodation close to major attractions for easy travel.
• Vigan Plaza Hotel: Located in the city center, this hotel offers traditional Filipino-style rooms in a quiet environment, suitable for families or couples.
• Hotel Felicidad: This hotel has Spanish colonial architecture and modern facilities, perfect for tourists who want to experience the historical atmosphere.

What attractions are nearby?

If you have time, you can arrange a day trip to the surrounding areas. Paoay Church is another nearby World Heritage Site that is also worth a visit. You can also go to Pagudpud to enjoy beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.

Travel Tips

1. Wear comfortable shoes: Since Vigan’s streets are mostly cobblestone, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for long walks.
2. Bring cash: Although some places in Vigan accept credit cards, some small shops and vendors may only accept cash, so it is convenient to prepare cash in advance.
3. Respect local culture: Vigan has a strong historical and religious atmosphere. Please be quiet and respectful when visiting churches and historical sites.