Vigan Travel Guide - Food, Places and More!
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| A Vigan Travel and Food Guide by A Not-So-Popular Kid |
If you want to be mesmerized by the Filipino-Spanish heritage, you have practically two famous places to go to. The first one is in Intramuros of Manila City, and the other one is Vigan City of Ilocos Sur. Lately, Vigan is becoming a smashing hit when it comes to local travel; hence, I came up with this blog post to guide you in your travel.
The photo above is Calle Crisologo particularly the area near Irene's Vigan Empanada
I tried making this guide as intuitive and concise as possible by adding three sections namely "Places to Visit", "Where to Stay" and "Where to Eat". Each item under the category has a brief summary, but in case you want to know more about the place or restaurant, just click on the images or the link to be redirected to a separate post which will unravel more specific details.
Sunset gives Calle Crisologo that alluring charm making it one of the popular destinations in Vigan
The ones included here are limited to those that I was able to pay a visit myself. Hopefully, you will find this guide helpful in your travel!
Post last updated on 01/04/2025
Places to Visit
Calle Crisologo - the street of Heritage
The main attraction in Vigan is the Calle Crisologo! It's the heart of the well-preserved Spanish-Filipino Heritage in this city! In the morning, it has a spirit of a marketplace (wherein you can buy your souvenirs). In the night, it becomes quiet and tamed which is perfect for admiring the beautiful structure and design of the Spanish Era vestiges.
The main attraction in Vigan is the Calle Crisologo! It's the heart of the well-preserved Spanish-Filipino Heritage in this city! In the morning, it has a spirit of a marketplace (wherein you can buy your souvenirs). In the night, it becomes quiet and tamed which is perfect for admiring the beautiful structure and design of the Spanish Era vestiges.
The Bell Tower and The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
If Legazpi has the Cagsawa Ruins, Bantay City (which apparently is strictly not Vigan, but very near to) has the bell tower. The good thing about this tower is that you can climb the stairs inside, and have a view of the beautiful landscape.
If Legazpi has the Cagsawa Ruins, Bantay City (which apparently is strictly not Vigan, but very near to) has the bell tower. The good thing about this tower is that you can climb the stairs inside, and have a view of the beautiful landscape.
Plaza Salcedo - for the dancing fountain
If you haven't witnessed a dancing fountain (i.e. synchronized to the music), then grab the opportunity to watch one here! There are two shows during weekends (7:00 pm and 8:00 pm), and only one during weekdays (7:00 pm). The Plaza Salcedo is usually one of the locals' favorite hanging out place. It can be considered as the Rizal Park of Vigan.
If you haven't witnessed a dancing fountain (i.e. synchronized to the music), then grab the opportunity to watch one here! There are two shows during weekends (7:00 pm and 8:00 pm), and only one during weekdays (7:00 pm). The Plaza Salcedo is usually one of the locals' favorite hanging out place. It can be considered as the Rizal Park of Vigan.
Baluarte - a place for witnessing wildlife
If you want a close encounter with animals, you may want to drop by the Baluarte. You will see there some horses, parrots, deer, ducks, tiger, ostrich and more!
Open from Monday to Sunday. 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
If you want a close encounter with animals, you may want to drop by the Baluarte. You will see there some horses, parrots, deer, ducks, tiger, ostrich and more!
Open from Monday to Sunday. 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Where to Stay
I'll update this when I get the chance to try some place new.
Metro Vigan Inn - a friendly budget hotel
If you are traveling on a relatively tight budget, you may want to consider this very affordable yet decent place to stay. The rooms are just simple, but they are definitely comfortable for grabbing some rest. Plus, the facilities are great including free Wi-Fi, water heater, TV and cool air-conditioning unit!
Budget needed: at least P1,000 per person inclusive of breakfast
If you are traveling on a relatively tight budget, you may want to consider this very affordable yet decent place to stay. The rooms are just simple, but they are definitely comfortable for grabbing some rest. Plus, the facilities are great including free Wi-Fi, water heater, TV and cool air-conditioning unit!
Budget needed: at least P1,000 per person inclusive of breakfast
La Casa Blanca Hotel - White House of Vigan
If you happen to have a budget, one of the better ones to stay at is La Casa Blanca Hotel because it's located right at the heart of Calle Crisologo. That means you get to indulge on the best part of Vigan. Also it has a wonderful lobby, and a fancy ambiance. If you don't plan to stay here at this hotel, I still suggest you drop by for a coffee or snack so that you can check the place out.
If you happen to have a budget, one of the better ones to stay at is La Casa Blanca Hotel because it's located right at the heart of Calle Crisologo. That means you get to indulge on the best part of Vigan. Also it has a wonderful lobby, and a fancy ambiance. If you don't plan to stay here at this hotel, I still suggest you drop by for a coffee or snack so that you can check the place out.
Budget needed: at least P6,000 per night but may accommodate 3-5 pax depending on the room
Where to Eat
Irene's Vigan Empanada - a tourist's favorite
This is found along Calle Crisologo which makes it popular among tourists. It's convenient and you'd get to try one of the must-try delicacies of Vigan.
What to order: Empanada
This is found along Calle Crisologo which makes it popular among tourists. It's convenient and you'd get to try one of the must-try delicacies of Vigan.
What to order: Empanada
Metro Vigan Cafe - in-house restaurant of the inn
Try something different with the amazing dishes of Metro Vigan Cafe. They serve the best (as far as I am concerned) Kare-Kare! Plus, all these great dishes come at affordable prices!
What to order: Kare-Kare, Bagnet Sisig, Crispy Bagnet and the fish dishes
Try something different with the amazing dishes of Metro Vigan Cafe. They serve the best (as far as I am concerned) Kare-Kare! Plus, all these great dishes come at affordable prices!
What to order: Kare-Kare, Bagnet Sisig, Crispy Bagnet and the fish dishes
The Hidden Garden - beautiful sight and delectable dishes
If you want to have a breather, just make sure you'll visit this place. You will be immersed to the grandeur of nature, and be mesmerized by the landscape design of the place. Plus, you will enjoy some tasty snacks and dishes here in this place.
What to order: Empanada and Bagnet
If you want to have a breather, just make sure you'll visit this place. You will be immersed to the grandeur of nature, and be mesmerized by the landscape design of the place. Plus, you will enjoy some tasty snacks and dishes here in this place.
What to order: Empanada and Bagnet
Señorita Dulce - House of Food
This place serves dual purpose. First one is indulgent dining, and the second one is purchasing food souvenir or pasalubong.
What to order: KBL Pasta with Longganisa Bits, Mikki Special, Bibingka and Cassava
This place serves dual purpose. First one is indulgent dining, and the second one is purchasing food souvenir or pasalubong.
What to order: KBL Pasta with Longganisa Bits, Mikki Special, Bibingka and Cassava
Cafe Uno - Coffee, Cakes, Pasta and More!
This restaurant can be found in a street perpendicular to the historical Calle Crisologo. This is considered to be a top place to dine in Vigan according to TripAdvisor.
What to order: Okilas Dinardaraan, Kare-Kare and Bagnet Sisig
This restaurant can be found in a street perpendicular to the historical Calle Crisologo. This is considered to be a top place to dine in Vigan according to TripAdvisor.
What to order: Okilas Dinardaraan, Kare-Kare and Bagnet Sisig
Marsha's Delicacies - favorite food souvenir stop
If there's something really famous for desserts and pasalubongs here in Ilocus Sur (specifically in Bantay which is just a neighboring city), it will be this shop.
In my opinion, this is the equivalent Pendy's Store of Bacolod.
What to order: Bagnet, Sukang Ilonggo, Vigan Longganisa, Royal Bibingka, Cassava
If there's something really famous for desserts and pasalubongs here in Ilocus Sur (specifically in Bantay which is just a neighboring city), it will be this shop.
In my opinion, this is the equivalent Pendy's Store of Bacolod.
What to order: Bagnet, Sukang Ilonggo, Vigan Longganisa, Royal Bibingka, Cassava
Have a Happy Travel! I hope this post serves its purpose for your planned travel here in Vigan or more generally, Ilocos Sur. I have visited the place for about five times in my lifetime, and these are the ones that stood out somehow. Do recommend other places here in this awesome place by commenting them below. I'd be happy to hear from you!
