Vigan - Discovering Philippines

Travelling to Vigan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Vigan, a pretty good destination in Philippines (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Vigan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Vigan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Philippines, here's everything to know about Vigan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Vigan

Vigan is a historic city located in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is famous for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its delicious local cuisine, including the famous Vigan longganisa and empanada. Some popular attractions in Vigan include the Calle Crisologo, the Vigan Cathedral, and the Bantay Bell Tower. It is an ideal destination for those interested in history, culture, and delicious food.

What to visit in Vigan

Vigan, located in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Here are some of the tourist attractions in Vigan : 1. Calle Crisologo: This historic street is lined with colonial-era houses and cobblestone streets. It's one of the main attractions in Vigan and takes you back in time.
2. Bantay Bell Tower: This tower was built in 1591 and was used as a watchtower during the Spanish era. It now stands as a symbol of Vigan's rich history and offers a panoramic view of the city.
3. St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral was built in 1800 and is one of the biggest and most impressive churches in the Ilocos region.
4. Plaza Salcedo: Named after the Spanish conquistador, Juan de Salcedo, this plaza is surrounded by important colonial structures such as the Provincial Capitol Building and the Archbishop's Palace.
5. Baluarte: This is a wildlife sanctuary and a petting zoo rolled into one. It's a great place to come and take a break from the city noise and enjoy meeting animals such as tigers, elephants, and birds among others.
6. Crisologo Museum: This museum offers an interesting look into the life and times of the Crisologo family, a prominent political family during the Spanish and American colonial periods.
7. Syquia Mansion: This house is a perfect example of how wealthy Ilocanos lived during the colonial period. Inside are fine examples of antique furniture, figures and Rosaries.
8. Mindoro Beach: If you want to take a break from the city, Mindoro beach is an excellent place to go swimming, surfing, or just to relax in the sun and sand. Overall, Vigan is a city rich in history and culture with a lot of fascinating things to see and do. It is definitely a city worth visiting for anyone interested in history and culture.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Philippines, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Vigan.

When to go on holiday to Vigan

The best time to visit Vigan, Philippines is generally between November and February when the weather is coolest and driest. March to May is the summer season and is usually hot and humid, while the monsoon season brings occasional heavy rains from June to October. It's best to avoid the typhoon season which is from July to September. However, keep in mind that Vigan is a popular destination, so expect crowds and higher prices during peak season.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Vigan

There are several ways to get to Vigan, Philippines: 1. By Air: The nearest major airport to Vigan is the Laoag International Airport. From there, you can take a bus or a van to Vigan city proper. The travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. By Land: Vigan is easily accessible by land from Manila, which is around 408 kilometers away. The most comfortable way to travel to Vigan is by taking a private car or a rented van. If you prefer public transportation, there are daily buses that travel directly to Vigan. You can check with Partas Bus Company for schedules and rates.
3. By Sea: Another way to get to Vigan is by taking a ferry from Manila to Laoag City, which is around 90 kilometers away from Vigan. From Laoag, you can take a bus or a van to Vigan city proper.
Overall, the most convenient way to get to Vigan is by taking a direct flight to Laoag International Airport, followed by a bus or a van to Vigan.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Vigan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Vigan

Vigan, a city in the northern Philippines, is known for its rich culinary heritage. Here are some of the typical foods of Vigan with a short description for each of them: 1. Vigan Longganisa - A local sausage made from ground pork that is mixed with spices like garlic and vinegar. It is typically sweet and salty, and is best served with garlic rice and eggs.
2. Bagnet - A pork belly dish that is deep fried to perfection. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and is usually served with a dipping sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili peppers.
3. Sinanglao - A soup made with beef innards like tripe, liver, and intestines. It is typically seasoned with ginger and vinegar, and is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
4. Empanada - A fried pastry that is filled with ground meat, shredded vegetables, and egg. It is best enjoyed with vinegar or chili sauce.
5. Pinakbet - A vegetable stew made with squash, eggplant, okra, and bitter melon. It is typically cooked with pork belly or shrimp paste, and is best served with steamed rice.
6. Calamares - A fried squid dish that is dusted with flour and seasoned with salt and pepper. It is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
7. Tupig - A sweet rice cake that is made with glutinous rice, grated coconut, and brown sugar. It is traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal.
You can find general info about typical foods in Philippines here.

Is Vigan an expensive destination for tourists?

Vigan is generally considered an affordable destination in the Philippines. However, the cost of your trip will depend on your personal preferences and travel style. Accommodations, food, and transportation options vary in price depending on your budget.
There are budget-friendly accommodations available in Vigan, such as guesthouses and backpacker hostels. Local food in Vigan is also inexpensive, and there are plenty of street food options to choose from. However, if you choose to dine in upscale restaurants, the prices may be higher.
Transportation expenses can be minimized if you opt for walking around the city or renting a bicycle. However, if you choose to hire a tricycle or car with a driver for city tours, it may cost more.
Overall, Vigan can be an affordable destination if you plan and budget your trip accordingly.

Where to find accomodation in Vigan

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Vigan, Philippines are generally the city center and nearby streets. Some popular options include Calle Crisologo, Mena Crisologo Street, and Plaridel Street. These areas are known for their historic architecture and proximity to Vigan's famous landmarks, museums, and restaurants. Visitors can find a range of accommodations, including hotels, lodges, and guesthouses that offer comfortable and affordable stays.
You can check hotel prices at Vigan here:
Booking.com

Is Vigan a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Vigan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. The local authorities take measures to ensure the safety and security of visitors, and crime rates are relatively low. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling at night or in less crowded areas. It is also a good idea to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding flashy displays of wealth and keeping your valuables secure.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Philippines here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Vigan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Vigan the most?

Vigan is a perfect destination for all types of travelers. It is a place for couples, young people looking for fun, families, and even solo travelers who are looking for a historical and cultural experience.
Couples will enjoy the charming and romantic atmosphere of Vigan's cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and heritage buildings.
Young people looking for fun can experience the lively nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine and live music.
Families can enjoy various activities with their kids, such as visiting museums, riding the Kalesa or horse-drawn carriage, and riding bikes in the city's surroundings.
Moreover, Vigan's historical and cultural sites, such as the Calle Crisologo, Bantay Bell Tower, and the Baluarte, provide a unique experience for all types of travelers.

How to get around Vigan

In Vigan, you can use different transportation options to move around the city. These include tricycles, calesas (horse-drawn carriages), and bicycles. Tricycles are the primary mode of transportation and are ideal for short distances. Calesas are more expensive but offer a unique experience for tourists who want to explore the city's historic landmarks and streets. Some hotels and resorts also offer bike rentals for those who prefer to explore the city on their own.

What to see around Vigan

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Vigan: 1. Bantay Bell Tower - a historical bell tower located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur 2. Pagburnayan Pottery - a pottery center in Vigan where you can watch and try making pottery 3. Crisologo Museum - a museum which houses the memorabilia of the late Philippine congressman Floro Crisologo 4. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse - a historical lighthouse located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte 5. Paoay Church - a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Baroque architecture located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte 6. La Paz Sand Dunes - a natural sand dune formation in Laoag, Ilocos Norte where you can try sand boarding or take a 4x4 ride 7. Hidden Garden - a garden located in San Fernando, La Union that features a collection of plants and garden decorations 8. Baluarte Zoo - a mini-zoo located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur where you can see different animals such as tigers, camels, and birds.
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