Vigan, Ilocos Sur – A Historic and Cultural Gem of the Philippines

Vigan: A Historic and Cultural Gem of the Philippines

Vigan is a city in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, that is famous for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, culture, and history. It is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Cities in the world, and one of the New7Wonders Cities of the world. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the reasons why you should visit Vigan, as well as some of the best places to see and things to do in this charming city.

Why Visit Vigan?

There are many reasons why you should visit Vigan, but here are some of the most compelling ones:

• Vigan is a living museum of the Spanish colonial era, where you can see and experience the fusion of Filipino, Chinese, and European influences in its architecture, culture, and cuisine. You can walk along the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, where you can admire the ancestral houses of the mestizo district, which are made of brick, wood, and capiz shells. You can also visit the historic landmarks of the city, such as the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Plaza Salcedo, and the Plaza Burgos, which showcase the religious and civic aspects of the colonial society.
• Vigan is a gateway to the natural and cultural wonders of the Ilocos region, where you can explore the diverse and rich heritage of the northern Philippines. You can join a guided tour to the nearby towns and provinces, such as Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Sinait, and Ilocos Norte, where you can see more historical and cultural attractions, such as the Bantay Bell Tower, the Baluarte Zoo, the Crisologo Museum, the Syquia Mansion, and the Quirino Bridge. You can also visit the natural attractions of the region, such as the Abra River, the Tirad Pass, the Pagudpud Beach, and the Bangui Windmills, which offer scenic and adventurous experiences.
• Vigan is a culinary destination, where you can taste the authentic and delicious flavors of the Ilocano cuisine, which is influenced by the local produce, the climate, and the history of the region. You can savor the famous dishes of Vigan, such as the empanada, a deep-fried pastry filled with egg, cabbage, and longganisa (local sausage), the bagnet, a crispy pork belly dish, the pinakbet, a vegetable stew with shrimp paste, and the sinanglao, a sour soup with beef innards. You can also try the local delicacies of Vigan, such as the chichacorn, a crunchy corn snack, the royal bibingka, a rice cake with cheese and coconut, and the basi, a fermented sugarcane wine.

How to Get to Vigan?

Getting to Vigan is easy and convenient, as there are many ways to reach the city from Manila and other nearby provinces. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• By plane: The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Vigan is by flying directly to its airport, which is located about 15 km from the city center. There are daily flights from Manila to Vigan, operated by Philippine Airlines, the only airline that serves the destination. The flight time is about an hour and a half. You can book your tickets online through the Philippine Airlines website¹ or through travel agencies. From the airport, you can take a tricycle or a van to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 200 to 300 pesos per ride.
• By bus: The cheapest and most accessible way to get to Vigan is by taking a bus from Manila or other nearby provinces. There are many bus companies that offer trips to Vigan, such as Partas, Dominion, Farinas, and Viron. You can board the bus at various terminals in Manila, such as Cubao, Pasay, Sampaloc, and Monumento. The fare is around 600 to 800 pesos per person, depending on the bus company and the destination. The travel time is about 8 to 10 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. The bus will drop you off at the Vigan Bus Terminal, which is located near the city center. From there, you can take a tricycle or a jeepney to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 20 to 50 pesos per ride.
• By car: Another way to get to Vigan is by driving your own car or renting one. You can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and exit at Tarlac City, then follow the MacArthur Highway until you reach Vigan. The travel time is about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. You can also take the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and exit at Rosario, then follow the Manila North Road until you reach Vigan. The travel time is about 5 to 7 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather.

Where to Stay in Vigan?

Vigan has a lot of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays, depending on your needs and wants. Here are some of the best places to stay in Vigan, based on customer reviews and ratings:

• Hotel Luna: If you want to splurge on a luxury stay, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Luna, which is the first and only museum hotel in the Philippines. Hotel Luna offers elegant and spacious rooms and suites, with modern amenities and artworks by Filipino masters. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the outdoor pool, the spa, the fitness center, the restaurant, and the bar. You can book your stay online through the Hotel Luna website² or through travel agencies.
• Vigan Plaza Hotel: If you prefer a more affordable and cozy stay, you can opt for Vigan Plaza Hotel, which is one of the oldest and most popular hotels in Vigan. Vigan Plaza Hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms and suites, with traditional amenities and antique furniture. You can also enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services, such as the garden, the cafe, and the souvenir shop. You can book your stay online through the Vigan Plaza Hotel website³ or through travel agencies.
• Grandpa’s Inn: If you want to experience a more authentic and rustic stay, you can choose Grandpa’s Inn, which is one of the most charming and quaint inns in Vigan. Grandpa’s Inn offers exquisite and spacious rooms and suites, with vintage amenities and wooden accents. You can also enjoy the inn’s facilities and services, such as the courtyard, the restaurant, and the bakery. You can book your stay online through the Grandpa’s Inn website⁴ or through travel agencies.

What to Do in Vigan?

Vigan has a lot of activities and attractions to offer to its visitors, from history to culture to adventure. You can enjoy walking tours, carriage rides, pottery making, and weaving, or join festivals, events, and shows. You can also explore the nearby towns and provinces, such as Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Sinait, and Ilocos Norte, which offer more sights and experiences to discover. Here are some of the best things to do in Vigan, that you should not miss:

• Calle Crisologo: The most iconic and must-see attraction in Vigan is the Calle Crisologo, which is a four-block street lined with ancestral houses of the mestizo district. You can walk along the cobblestone street and admire the architecture, culture, and history of the Spanish colonial era. You can also shop for souvenirs, antiques, and handicrafts at the various stores and stalls along the street. You can also ride a calesa, a horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy a tour of the city. You can book your calesa ride online through Klook or at the Plaza Burgos. The rates range from 150 to 300 pesos per ride, depending on the duration and the destination.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: Another prominent and must-see attraction in Vigan is the St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. The cathedral was built in 1790 and features a Baroque-style facade, a three-tiered bell tower, and a silver tabernacle. You can visit the cathedral and admire its interior, which showcases the religious and artistic aspects of the colonial society. You can also attend the mass and join the prayers and rituals of the local faithful. The cathedral is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance is free.
• Crisologo Museum: If you are into history and culture, you should not miss the Crisologo Museum, which showcases the life and legacy of the Crisologo family, one of the most influential and prominent families in Vigan. The museum is housed in the ancestral house of the late Congressman Floro Crisologo, who was assassinated in 1970. You can see the memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs of the family, as well as the bullet-riddled car and the blood-stained clothes of the congressman. You can also learn more about the history and politics of Vigan and the Ilocos region. The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the entrance is free.