Vigan City Tourist Spots | Ilocos Sur, Philippines

VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES

Here’s your updated travel guide to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. This guide covers top tourist spots, list of hotels and links to the booking site for your easy booking; and other relevant pieces of information which are helpful for you when planning your trip to the city.

WHY VISIT VIGAN CITY

Vigan City is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines found in the Ilocos Region. Its establishment can be traced back to the 16th century and considered as the most intact planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.

The architecture of the city manifests the mixture of cultural elements from the Philippines, China, and even Europe.

The well preserved Calle Crisologo paved with cobblestones… Vigan City Tourist Spot

VIGAN CITY TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO IN ILOCOS SUR

VIGAN CITY HERITAGE HOUSES

The place is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the preservation of almost 200 houses, and various structures that bring any tourist in the past era. Most of the old houses in the place are still used by the descendants of the original owners while others were converted into museums and galleries.

CALLE CRISOLOGO

The most popular tourist spot in Vigan City is the Calle Crisologo. The 500-meters street running along 5 blocks is a display of rich culture and antiquity. The street is paved with cobblestone matching the heritage houses lining on both sides. No modern vehicles are allowed to enter the street except for the Calesas. Walk along Calle Crisologo during night time, the place has a different charm when the sun is out. Dining along the Street of Calle Crisologo is another exciting experience.

Must Read:

• VIGAN CITY HERITAGE VILLAGE
•  CALLE CRISOLOGO AND THE DANCING FOUNTAIN OF VIGAN

The Monument of Leona Florentino right in front of the museum…  Vigan City Tourist Spot

LEONA FLORENTINO HOUSE

Located at the beginning of Calle Crisologo is Leona Florentino House. The structure is the 1797 ancestral house of Leona Florentino, a respected literary figure in the Philippines. The structure also houses The Vigan’s Tourism Center. They also have the Cafe Leona which offers various authentic local dishes and delicacies. Right in front, is a small park hosting the statue of Leona Florentino.

FATHER BURGOS MUSEUM

I’m sure you have heard about the “GOMBURZA”, an acronym for Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora. GOMBURZA were the three priests who were accused of supporting the rebellion during the Spanish time and were executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Luneta) by strangulation using a metal collar.

Visiting the Father Burgos Museum will illuminate in you the link between the Catholic religion brought by the Spaniards and the history of the place. The museum is the ancestral house of Jose Burgos and Florencia Garcia, Father Burgos parents.

The museum charges a minimal fee used for its maintenance and is open to the public from Tuesdays up to Saturdays, they close during lunchtime. For larger groups, you may schedule your visit during weekends and holidays.

The author at Crisologo Museum – Vigan City Tourist Spot

CRISOLOGO MUSEUM

The century-old mansion turned into a museum is owned by Floro S. Crisologo. The tragic event in his life was the inspiration for opening the museum. Floro Crisologo was shot dead by an unidentified gunman inside the St. Paul’s Cathedral on October 1970.

The Crisologo Museum is open for public 7 days a week. No entrance fees are collected but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the place.

Must read: CRISOLOGO MUSEUM AND SYQUIA MANSION

The Syquia Mansion showcasing not only the memorabilia of President Elpidio Quirino but the elegant furniture and fixtures collection of the Syquia’s – Vigan City Tourist Spot

SYQUIA MANSION OF PRESIDENT ELPIDIO QUIRINO

The Philippines’ sixth president, Elpidio Quirino was born in Vigan. The Syquia Mansion turned museum houses the extensive memorabilia of President Quirino as well as showcasing elegant furnishings and grand wooden furniture. The mansion is actually owned by his wife, Dona Alicia Quirino. The mansion hosted several President’s functions during his term as president.

 EXPERIENCE PAGBURNAYAN

“Burnay” an earthenware jar made from the place is very popular among local and foreign guests. The Burnay Industry can be traced back to pre-colonial times brought about by the China immigrants who settled in Vigan City. This art of making Burnay using clay fashioned into the desired shape by the skillful hand of the potter. After which the pieces are placed inside a kiln made from bricks and clay.

Must Read: MY PAGBURNAYAN EXPERIENCE

Bantay Church, Vigan City Tourist Spot

BANTAY CHURCH AND BELFRY

Another historical structure found in Vigan City is the Bantay Belfry. Can be reached just 10 minutes from the city proper and located at Bantay District, hence the name Bantay Belfry.

It is said that the belfry which was built in 1591 was used as the watchtower of the place to know any attacks from the enemies. Any visitor can climb the tower and amazing vistas of the surrounding places.

On the same location is the 1590 St. Augustine Church with a deep reddish-brown, neo-gothic façade. The church building is one of the oldest surviving churches in Ilocos Sur.

Must Read: BANTAY BELFRY AND TINUBONG

CALESA RIDE FOR A MORE AUTHENTIC TOUR IN VIGAN CITY

Visiting various UNESCO Heritage Village would be more dramatic when you ride the Calesa (horse-drawn carriage). The latest price I knew was PHP 150/hr (this might have increased already). Before taking the Calesa it would be best to negotiate first with the driver and choose one that is the Department of Tourism accredited. One Calesa can bring up to four (4) persons.

a portion of the beautiful landscape of the Baluarte  – Vigan City Tourist Spot

 BALUARTE ZOO

Another tourist attraction in Vigan City is the Baluarte privately owned by Chavet Singson. From the complex, you will see Chavit Singson’s grand multi-story house sitting on the hill.

Must Read: BALUARTE

ABEL ILOCO

Another popular product of Ilocos is the Abel Iloco. This traditional woven product is known to be colorful and strong that is made from yarns of cotton or “sagut” sourced from various places in northern Luzon. The process of making the Abel labor-intensive and weavers must have the skills in manipulating the wooden handloom.

 Hidden Garden – Vigan City Tourist Spot

HIDDEN GARDEN

The hidden garden is one place where people visit in the area. The garden also offers nice cuisines and delicacies.

 

The Dancing Fountain – Vigan City Tourist Spot

EXPERIENCE VIGAN CUISINES

Empanada, and longganisa… just a few of the iconic local dishes. When visiting the historic city, don’t forget to try their cuisines offered in various establishments found at the place. Ilocano cuisines can be distinguished by the sweetness, sourness or saltiness of the food. For the adventurous travelers, the food stall or carinderias in the Vigan City Public market are a nice place for gastronomic adventures. Try the bagnet, longganisa, Ilocos crispy dinuguan, and pinakbet along with a bottle of basi or local sugarcane wine.

Another must-try delicacy in Ilocos Sur is their Tinubong. Tinubong is a ground malagkit (sticky rice) stuck inside a bamboo. To eat the Tinubong, one must literally smash the bamboo to break it and eat what is inside. 

 

Tinubong, Ilocos Sur’s native delicacy

TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

• Wear your most comfortable attire when traveling.
• Visiting Tourist Attractions of the place may require some walking, it would be best to wear your comfortable walking shoes.
• You don’t want to get burnt by the heat of the sun, so wearing sunscreen is highly recommended.
• During my last visit I had a difficulty of finding one so to be sure, bring it before leaving your home.
• You might also want to bring a foldable umbrella, especially when visiting the place during the wet season.
• There weren’t much of mosquitos during my visit to Vigan City, but for those who are highly sensitive, just bring a small bottle of Insect repellant Lotion with you.
• You will surely take a lot of photographs during your trip, so don’t forget to bring your camera with extra memory cards.
• You will be hitting the road most of the time, so don’t forget to bring your power bank to keep your mobile phone alive.
• While drugstores are found in the area it would still be best to bring your own medicine especially if you have some maintenance.

Pin Me! Calle Crisologo, Vigan City Tourist Spot

 

GETTING AROUND VIGAN CITY TOURIST SPOTS

While the Calesa is a nice mode of transportation reaching quite a distant destination can be reached easily through a tricycle. It would be best to negotiate first with the driver regarding the fare before hopping in. Of course, the air-conditioned Van is very comfortable when visiting several places, especially during the summer. Several Van for rent is available in the city. Just ask your hotel where to contact them.

HOW TO GET TO VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

The nearest airport in Ilocos Sur is the one found in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. From Laoag, take a bus going to Vigan City.

There are buses traveling from Manila to Ilocos Sur such as Partas Buses, Dominion Bus Lines, Aniceto Bus, and Viron Transit. Travel time from Manila is approximately 8 10 hours covering 408-kilometer ride.

BUS COMPANIES CONTACT DETAILS:

PARTAS TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, INCORPORATED
816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Telephone Numbers: +63 (2) 7257303 | +63 (2) 7249820 | +63 (2) 4101307 | +63 (2) 4145097 | +63 (2) 7251756 | +63 (2) 4162809 | +63 (2) 4146094

Vigan, Bus Terminal
Alcantara Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: +63 (77) 7222933 | +63 (77) 7222935

PARTAS BUS SCHEDULE AND FARE (http://www.phbus.com/partas-bus/) as of 2017
Route: Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

First Class : 7:00 PM – Php 665.00
Deluxe : 10:00 PM – Php 805.00
First Class:10:00 PM – Php 665.00

DOMINION BUS LINES
Terminals :
Quezon Avenue, Vigan City – Tel. # +63 77 722-2084
Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila – Tel. # +63 2 7414146

MARTINEZ TRANS
Terminal:
Candon – Tel. # (077) 742-6007

VIRON TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
Terminals:
Quinarayan, Narvacan – Tel. # +63 77 722-2053
Dapitan, Sampaloc, Manila – Tel. # +63 2 7416588

CANDON BUS LINE
Terminal:
Candon – Tel. # +63 77 742-6087

Vigan City Tourist Spot

LIST OF HOTELS IN VIGAN CITY

You can book a room with any hotels below. Just click the link and it will bring you to the booking site.

CHEAP HOTELS IN VIGAN CITY

Casa Rica Hotel
88 Quirino Blvd. corner Abaya st., Pantay Daya,  Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Balai Mestizo Travelodge
Barangay Capangpangan, Pantay Daya,   Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

NSCC Plaza Hotel
Caoayan,  Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2702

OveMar Resort Hotel
Paratong, Sta. Catalina,   Ilocos Sur, Philippines

My Vigan Home Hotel
14 Plaridel corner Bonifacio Streets, Pantay Daya,   Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Vigan Ergo Hotel
Ergo Building, J. Alcantara St., Pantay Daya, Philippines, 2700
 

Hotel Veneto de Vigan Annex
Bonifacio, Pantay Daya , Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Damejos place
Flores Street, Cabaroan Daya, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2700

MEDIUM TO HIGH PRICED HOTELS IN VIGAN CITY

Metro Vigan Inn Bed & Breakfast Hotel
Bayubay Norte, San Vicente, San Vicente,  Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2726
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

MelSol Hotel
National Highway, Bantay,  Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2727

Hotel Luna
De Los Reyes Corner Gen, Luna St., Pantay Daya
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Gordion Hotel 
V. Delos Reyes corner Salcedo Sts., Pantay Daya,  Philippines
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

CM Star Suites
E. Arranz Street, San Julian Sur, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2700

West Loch Park Hotel
Manila North Road, Sto. Domingo, Town Proper,  Philippines

BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Hotel Felicidad
9 V de los Reyes St corner Florentino St, Pantay Daya,  Philippines, 2700
 

Escolta’s Homey Lodge
Crisologo St., Town Proper, Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

One Vittoria Hotel
National Highway, Cabalanggan, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2727

Metro Vigan Fiesta Garden Hotel
National Highway, Guimod,  Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2727
 

Cordillera Inn
29 Mena Crisologo Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, 2700
BOOK A ROOM HERE AND GET THE BEST DEAL

Must Read: LIST HOTELS AND INNS IN VIGAN CITY

Bantay Bellfry, Vigan City Tourist Spot

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