ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOTS + DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
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Best Iloilo City Tourist Spots
Here’s a list of Iloilo City Tourist Spots.
The province of Iloilo covers a majority of the southeast portion of Panay Island. With 42 municipalities and two cities, Iloilo is one of the most fabulous places that must be visited in the Visayas group of islands. The city of Iloilo is the highly urbanized area in the province. While the rest of the municipalities maintain the natural beauty and heritage of Iloilo Province. Here is a list of the best things you can experience in Iloilo.
Iloilo City Tourist Spot
HERITAGE SITES [ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOTS]
Rich in history, Iloilo is known for its heritage sites that can be seen throughout its city. You can find heritage buildings in Calle Real, Plaza Libertad, and Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds. Some of the tourist spots that you must visit are the Lizares Mansion, Casa Mariquit, and Balay nga Bato (Camiña house). Among other well-known heritage sites are the centuries-old churches in the districts of Jaro and Molo.
Must Read:
Miagao Church (Iloilo City Tourist Spot)
CHURCHES [ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOTS]
There are a lot of historical churches in Iloilo, aside from the famous Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church. One of the highly visited churches in Iloilo is the Miagao Church, which is listed as a World Heritage Site in UNESCO. If you plan to explore other old churches, some of the most notable ones can be found in San Joaquin, Guimbal, Tubungan, Tigbauan, Leon, Alimodian, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, and Passi City.
Must Read (Iloilo City Tourist Spot)
The Famous Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo Tourist Spot/Attractions is held every January in honor of Sto. Nino
FESTIVALS [ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOTS/ATTRACTIONS]
The best time to visit Iloilo is during their festivals. The occasion gives high energy to tourists and participating in the feast will leave you with happy memories. They have the Jaro Fiesta, Paraw Regatta Festival, and the famous Dinagyang Festival. The Dinagyang Festival is the most visited festival among Iloilo’s feasts. Every January, you will find Dinagyang Ati performers who will dance to the beat of drums, making the event truly worth the experience.
Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang Festival is one of the most spectacular in the Philippines. Held every January in time for the celebration of the feast of Sto. Nino. The festival highlights include Ati-Ati Tribe Competition, the Kasadyahan Festival, the foot, and fluvial procession, and the religious sadsad or religious street dance.
Must Read (Iloilo City Tourist Spots/Attractions)
BEACHES AND ISLANDS [ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOTS]
The beautiful and refreshing beaches of Iloilo will make you want to stay. Whether you are in the northern or southern coast of the province, you should not miss the chance to stop at some of the beaches. If you are in the north part of Iloilo, you can have fun in the sand and water from Islas de Gigantes , Sicogon, Conception, and Ajuy. In the coast of southern Iloilo, head to the gray sand beaches of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, or Miagao. Otherwise, you can check the marine sanctuaries of San Joaquin.
Must read (Iloilo City Tourist Spot):
Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo City Tourist Spot which attracts thousands of visitors annually
HIGHLANDS
If you are changing your pace or in search of a mountain adventure, then head to the central mountains of Iloilo. You will appreciate the views, the hiking activity, and the sense of fulfillment it brings to the soul. The best highlands experience can be fulfilled from Igbaras, Bucari, Janiuay, Lambunao, and Calinog.
LIFESTYLE CENTERS
Since the start of the rapid urbanization, lifestyle centers have increased in Iloilo City. You can spend your time leisurely at The Shops in Ayala Atria Iloilo, Smallville Complex, Robinsons Place Iloilo, SM City Iloilo, Iloilo Business Park, or Plazuela de Iloilo. There are a great variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities that you can do on your trip.
FOOD
Iloilo is well-known for their native Ilonggo dishes, seafood, La Paz Batchoy, and Pancit Molo. One of the best places to get the authentic taste of La Paz Batchoy is at the La Paz Market of Iloilo City. And if you are lucky, you may meet some of the locals who will open their homes for you just so you can eat their famous dishes.
Must Read
Iloilo Esplanade, Iloilo City Tourist Spot
ILOILO RIVER ESPLANADE [ILOILO CITY TOURIST SPOT]
If you want to take a breather from the urban life of the city, then head to Iloilo River Esplanade. There is a riverside walkway where you can have a peaceful and leisure walk while enjoying the beautiful view of landscaped promenade and river. One of the best times to visit this place is during the late afternoon.
NIGHTLIFE
The fast urban development of Iloilo proves that there is also a great nightlife waiting for you in your visit. There are bars and dance clubs that you can go to. One of the best places in Iloilo to experience these are in Smallville Complex.
NEARBY GATEWAY DESTINATIONS
Once you are finished with your tour of Iloilo, why not jump straight to the other nearby tourist destinations? From Iloilo, you can head to Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Bacolod or even the rest of Negros Occidental. Or just go ahead and enjoy the rest of your vacation at the famous beaches of Boracay.
There are many places you can tour and activities that you can revel in while you are in Iloilo. Rich with delicious food, heritage sites, and even shopping districts, you will be at loss as to what you should do first. Do not think twice about taking a trip to the province because every new place you go to is an adventure.
Mararison Island
Must Read:
- Kalibo, Aklan Travel Guide
- Roxas,Capiz Travel Guide
- Guimaras Travel Guide
- Antique Travel Guide
- Bacolod Travel Guide
- Negros Occidental Travel Guide
- Land of Sweet Surprises
- Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Murcia, Don Salvador Benedicto + Panaad sa Negros Festival
- Lakawon, Carbin Reef, Suyac island + Panaad sa Negros Festival
- Negros Occidental Travel Guide | Bacolod, Sipalay, Cauayan + Panaad sa Negros Festival
- ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES | TRAVEL GUIDE + ITINERARY
- NEGROS OCCIDENTAL ATTRACTIONS
- FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES
- 27 DAVAO TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO
I’ve never seen Dinagyang festival but I want to see it. Maybe next year.
ohh! I am soo excited for this. I live in Iloilo and I cannot wait!
I've never seen the Dinagyang Festival but I'd love to do so one day. It's kinda too late already for me to make travel plans for next month but we'll see if I can go in 2016. 🙂
I've never been in a festival like this, hoping to visit one next year.
I’m sure a lot of people would be watching Dinagyang Festival. It’s loaded with activities the makes it really festive.
looks like this would be another one great festival. i wish i will get the chance to see it in person 🙂
Iloilo I am coming for you.. Can't wait!
Dinagyang is one of the festivals I'd like to take my kids to see. I, myself, have not been to one as I'm a late-bloomer on anything cultural. Thanks for the schedule. I'll ask my husband if he can take off so we can go experience this.
This is one of the festivals I would like to attend but I can't because of school schedule 🙁 I'm sure a lot of tourists and locals will be at Dinagyang Festival and it would one of the great ways to start the year. 🙂