Things To Do
in Vigan
Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage city located in the Philippines known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The city's cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and unique blend of Spanish and Asian influences attract tourists from around the world. Vigan is famous for its horse-drawn carriages called kalesas, which are a popular way to explore the city's charming streets.
Visitors can also enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine, shop for local handicrafts, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Vigan.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Calle Crisologo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll along the cobblestone street while admiring the Spanish colonial architecture.
Head over to the Vigan Heritage Village to explore local shops and art galleries. Enjoy a traditional Vigan empanada for lunch from a street vendor.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing river cruise along the Mestizo River. Enjoy the sunset views and the illuminated heritage buildings along the waterfront.
Visit the Bantay Bell Tower for a panoramic view of Vigan and the surrounding area. Then, explore the nearby St. Augustine Church to appreciate its architecture.
Stop by the Syquia Mansion to learn about the rich history of prominent families in Vigan. Take a guided tour to see antique furnishings and historical artifacts.
Enjoy a cultural show highlighting Vigan's heritage at a local theater. Savor a traditional dinner featuring local dishes like longganisa and bagnet.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site status, attracting tourists.
- Vibrant local cuisine, including famous dishes like Vigan longganisa and empanada.
- Friendly and hospitable locals, making visitors feel welcome.
- Variety of local crafts and products, such as inabel textiles and pottery.
- Tourist areas can be crowded, especially during peak seasons.
- Limited accessibility for some parts due to narrow streets.
- Infrastructure may not be as developed in comparison to larger cities.
- Weather can be humid and prone to typhoons during certain seasons.
- Economy mainly reliant on tourism, which can affect stability.
Best Activities in Vigan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a stroll through Vigan's heritage village and explore the well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like Calle Crisologo and Syquia Mansion.
Experience a traditional mode of transportation while touring the historic streets of Vigan in a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), offering a unique way to soak in the city's charm.
Rent a bike and pedal around Vigan to discover its scenic landscapes and rural surroundings, including rice fields, rivers, and the coast, providing an active way to appreciate the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Vigan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Vigan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding areas
Features well-preserved Spanish colonial houses and cobblestone streets, perfect for photo opportunities
Known for its charming old-world atmosphere, great for capturing the beauty of Vigan's heritage
Food in Vigan
Vigan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food, Vigan empanada is a deep-fried turnover filled with a mixture of grated green papaya, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, Vigan longganisa (local sausage), and egg. It is often served with a vinegar-based dipping sauce. Recommended places to try Vigan empanada include the food stalls along Plaza Burgos and Calle Crisologo.
Must-Try!
Bagnet is a deep-fried crispy pork belly dish that is a staple in Vigan cuisine. It is typically served with a side of rice and native vinegar dip. One of the best places to savor authentic bagnet is at Kusina Felicitas, a well-known restaurant in Vigan.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Vigan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Plaza Burgos is a bustling area known for its vibrant food market and street food stalls. Here, visitors can indulge in a variety of local delicacies, including empanadas, okoy (shrimp fritters), and Vigan longganisa.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Vigan, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, and by deferring to their judgment in decision-making.
When visiting Vigan, it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for the local culture and customs.
It is important to observe and respect traditional practices such as participating in local festivals and ceremonies, and embracing local customs and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Vigan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Vigan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Vigan, tipping is not a common practice but is appreciated in restaurants, especially for exceptional service. It is not expected in other service industries, but small gestures of appreciation are welcomed.
In Vigan, cash is the primary mode of payment, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. However, major hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash for transactions in Vigan.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Vigan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Vigan is during the dry season when the weather is sunny and ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities. This period also coincides with the town's major festivals such as the Viva Vigan Festival in May and the Longganisa Festival in January.
During the wet season, Vigan experiences frequent rainfall and tropical storms. While this may affect outdoor activities, it can also provide a unique atmosphere for exploring the city's cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture in a different light. Visitors can also take part in the Raniag Twilight Festival in October, which features colorful lantern displays and cultural performances.
Vigan at Night
Hiking in Vigan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located just a few kilometers from Vigan, Caoayan Hills offers scenic trails with a mix of lush vegetation and stunning views of the surrounding areas. It's ideal for both beginner and experienced hikers.
A challenging hike that rewards adventurers with breathtaking scenery and panoramic views. It's famous for its lush landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
While primarily known for its unique rock formations, the area also offers hiking opportunities along the coastal paths where hikers can enjoy the stunning ocean views and the natural beauty of the coastline.
This area features easy hiking trails along the riverbanks, providing a relaxing nature walk experience with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the serene landscapes.
Though not a traditional hiking spot, the area surrounding the potteries offers walking paths where visitors can experience local arts and crafts while enjoying the countryside's scenic beauty.
Aiports
How to reach Vigan by plane.
The main international airport serving Manila and the surrounding metropolitan area.
An international airport located in Angeles City, Pampanga, serving as a secondary gateway to the Philippines.
The main international airport serving Cebu and the Visayas region, known for its extensive international connections.
An international airport serving Davao City and the Davao region, providing access to various destinations worldwide.
An international airport in Kalibo, Aklan, serving as a gateway to the nearby tourist destination of Boracay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Ilonggo people, known for their distinct dialect and rich cultural heritage, represent a significant demographic group in Vigan.
The Ilocano community, the largest ethnic group in the Ilocos Region, influences much of Vigan's culture and traditions.
Descendants of Spanish settlers and local natives, this group has a historical presence in Vigan and contributes to the city's colonial legacy.
Members of the Chinese Filipino community, involved in business and trade, play an important role in Vigan's economy.
Other local ethnic minority groups contribute to the diverse cultural tapestry of Vigan.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Vigan, played in various local courts and organized tournaments.
A traditional sport popular in the region, resembling volleyball but played with a rattan ball and players use their feet, head, knees, and chest to touch the ball.
Volleyball is widely played among youth and in community events, often featuring local league competitions.
Motorcycle racing events attract many participants and spectators, showcasing local talent and enthusiasm for motorsports.
Running events and marathons are organized periodically, promoting health and fitness among the community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vigan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Vigan's cuisine is meat-centric, several restaurants and cafes in the city offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Places such as Kusina Felicitas and Café Leona provide options like pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew), vegetable lumpia, and meat-free pasta dishes. It's advisable for vegetarians and vegans to communicate their dietary preferences to the restaurant staff for customized meals.
Finding gluten-free options in Vigan may require prior communication with the restaurant or café. However, many establishments are accommodating and can prepare gluten-free versions of local dishes upon request. Emphasizing the need for gluten-free preparation and inquiring about ingredient details is recommended to ensure a safe dining experience.