We will tell you all the Vigan tourist spots and things to do in Vigan that you can try. Vigan is a city in the Philippines located in Ilocos Sur. It’s known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture.
And because of its beauty and its well-preserved Spanish-era streets, Vigan has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, so if you go there, you will experience the ancient feels of the city. You can not just enjoy the view, but Vigan can also make your tummy happy with the delicacies they have!
Read here our travel guide where to stay in Vigan
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagine if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.
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BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
GETTING TO VIGAN BY BUS FROM MANILA
If you are getting to Vigan from Manila by bus. There are buses that are en-route directly to Vigan like Viron, Ancieto and Partas bus. The ride will take at least 8 hours on the road and will costs around 700 PHP. This is perfect if you want to enjoy the sight seeing on the way to Vigan.
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TRANSPORTATION AROUND VIGAN
The main transportation around Vigan is tricycle. There’s also a calesa, or a carriage that will be pulled by a horse. You can ride a calesa while exploring and sight seeing around Vigan. Prices for an hour around Vigan can be 200-300 PHP and it can fit until 4 people maximum. There are jeepneys vans or buses for longer distances.
Vigan isn’t a big city and you can go walking to most of the places.
ATM’S IN VIGAN
There are a number of ATM Machines in Vigan, but most are in the town area. There are different banks as well. There are also hotels that has ATM machines nearby the vicinity but it is still advisable to always bring cash for emergencies. There are also exchange offices if you are bringing cash.
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DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT VIGAN
For budget or DIY travelers, you’ll surely choose cheaper options especially when it comes to accommodation. before, Vigan used to be expensive to go to, but since the place began one of the best destination for travelers, foreign or local, DIY or budget travel is now very possible.
Including accommodation, food, transportation and some entrance fees on the side, you can go around Vigan for a day for 1500 PHP or even less!
With 1500 PHP can be a good budget with food, transportation and accommodation plus entrance fees to some spots since msot of them are with donation or free of charge.
You can go for local food for 50-70 PHP in local carenderias and around 150 PHP in local restaurants in Vigan where you will find Filipino and Western food.
For accommodation a budget room would cost minimum 1000 PHP ($20 USD) and you can go up to 5000 PHP. There are Airbnb options starting from $15-25.
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VIGAN TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN VIGAN
If you want to explore Vigan and its charming colonial beauty, there are a lot things to do in Vigan. You can either book a tour package but of course, a DIY trip is also possible! Here are the activities and things you can try to do while you are in the beautiful place of Vigan.
1. EXPLORE PLAZA SALCEDO (VIGAN PLAZA)
The first in the list of Vigan tourist spots is Plaza Salcedo. The Main Plaza is Vigan is the first thing that we saw. It’s really beautiful for waking around. Next to Vigan Plaza you will find a few places to eat street food and restaurants around.
2. SAINT PAUL CATHEDRAL (VIGAN CATHEDRAL)
Vigan Cathedral is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle. Vigan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and it’s located closed to Crisologo Street and Plaza Burgos.
3. PLAZA SALCEDO FOUNTAIN SHOW
Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo at 7 pm during weekdays and during the weekends there is a second show qt 8 30 pm. It;s so beautiful and is one of the Vigan tourist spots that you can’t skip.
4. VISIT SYQUIA MANSION
The Syquia Mansion is a Majestic, 19th-century stone mansion that features grand, opulent rooms, period furnishings & art. The Syquia Mansion tour is free, but a donation may be given to the caretaker.
5. VISIT FATHER JOSE BURGOS’ HOUSE
Padre Burgos House or also called National Museum, is the ancestral house and birthplace of priest patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. It is one of the notable historic structures of Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is a two-story structure located near the Provincial Capitol and close to St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
6. EXPLORE CRISOLOGO STREET
Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions, you will surely feel like you’ve been transferred to a different place, rather, to a different time!
Full of souvenirs and picturesque everywhere, you feel like walking around old towns in Spain. You can’t miss in the list of Vigan tourist spots.
7. VISIT CRISOLOGO MUSEUM
This Museum is the house of the late former politician Floro S. Crisologo. It is now turned into a museum with memorabilia & furniture. The Crisologo Museum is found along De Los Reyes Street in Vigan.
8. VISIT BALUARTE CHAVIT SINGSON
Baluarte Chavit Singson or Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur Philippines that is owned by Chavit Singson. Baluarte is just ten minute drive from Vigan City. It features a number of live animals like ostrich, tigers, lions, ducks, camels, kangaroos, and deers among others that lives peacefully at the zoo.
There is also a butterfly garden and a gallery which showcases the owner’s collection from his trip to Safari. There is no entrance fee. Operating hours is 6AM to 6PM.
9. CRUISE MESTIZO RIVER
Mestizo River is a stream and is located in Province of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos, Philippines. Mestizo River has so much importance in history in Vigan. It was used to transport goods in the old times.
10. EXPERIENCE PAGBURNAYAN
Pagburnayan Jar Making is also a well know activity that most tourists that visits Vigan wants to experience. It is located in Brgy. Pagburnayan in Vigan. Pagburnayan is a place where they used the old and authentic methods in pottery.
The root word “burnay” is an earthenware jar crafted by potter’s hands with the aid of a potter’s wheel. It uses fine sand (anay) as a tempering material and fired at a high temperature in a huge brick-and-clay ground kiln that make it is harder and more durable than other terra cotta.
11. ABEL WEAVING
The Abel is the traditional woven used in Vigan. The Abel cloth is strong and colorful. Abel is made from yarns of cotton or sagut from the North Luzon where they are growing of this plant.
12. RIDE A CALESA
Experience riding the colonial era’s way of transportation! Kalesa is a horse-drawn carriage used during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.
Up to this day, Kalesas can be seen anywhere in Vigan City and it’s one of the must experience activity while you are there. You can ride it for 200-300 PHP for an hour to move around these Vigan tourist spots.
13. VISIT BANTAY BELL TOWER
The Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. The church was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. It is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity.
Bantay Bell Tower is one of Vigan’s most iconic structure. Built in 1951, you can see the panoramic view of Vigan in this historical tower.
VIGAN TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN VIGAN (OUTSIDE THE CITY)
14. MINDORO BEACH
This beach is located in Barangay Mindoro, located five kilometers east of the town center. The beach, which faces the West Philippine Sea, has dark but fine sands. It’s also one of the favorite places to go to by the the tourists because like most places on the Philippines in west coast, it offers a beautiful view of the sunset.
There are cottages where guests can chill and rest. One of the features that grabs the attention of the people visiting is the concrete breakwaters that looked like giant jackstones.
15. VISIT THE TWIN BRIDGE
Twin Bridge Quirino Bridge and Banaoang Bridge are located 15 kilometers far from Vigan crossing along the Abra River. Nowdays are only one of the Vigan tourist spots but it’s not used since it was damaged with the typhoon.
If you like adventure you can try the zip line in Vigan for 300 PHP one way. And there are also kayaks and you can climb and do rappeling.
VIGAN TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN VIGAN FOOD TO TRY IN VIGAN
16. TRY LONGANIZA
Vigan longanisa is an Ilocano sausage delicacy with plenty of garlic and spices in the mixture. This longganisa is distinct from other native longganisa version because it is small and plump, it is not sweet unlike how the more popular longganisa tastes like.
Instead, The way to describe its taste is, it is spicy, salty, tangy and garlicky. You can see longaniza everywhere as street food, in local carinderias and restaurants in Vigan.
17. TRY EMPANADA
The Vigan empanada is much in keeping with the Vigan people’s love for vegetables in their cuisine. It is similar to a thin taco that is fried to a crisp, with vegetable and meat filling. Rice flour is used for making the crust or the shell.
The galapong or rice flour dough is made a day before it is used so it is a must taste if you are in Vigan. Empanadas with meat and vegetables you can find them everywhere. For 35 PHP as street food you can taste a good ones!
18. TRY SINANGLAO
Sinanglao is beef or carabao innards boiled in beef soup stock. The seller would then slice the innards and coagulated blood in your bowl and pour the boiling stock flavored with vinegar and kamias on it. You then add leaks and onion rings, according to your taste. The best energy for visiting all the Vigan tourist spots.
19. CAFE LEONA
Cafe Leona is a good place to have dinner. We liked it the pizza. They offer different cuisines with Western food and also local choices. The price was affordable. One of the Vigan tourist spots that you can find around Crisologo.
20. BAGNET
Bagnet is the double-fried crispy pork specialty of Ilocos. It’s a cross between chicharon and lechon kawali where the lean meat is crispy but not dry and the pork skin is fried to a crisp. You’ll taste the natural taste oh so yummy taste of the pork!
21. TINUBONG
Tinubong is another unique kakanin of the Ilocanos. They usually come from Magsingal a town up north of Vigan. Tinubong is made up of ground glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar with strips of young coconut meats sealed in bamboo tubes.
Tinubong is a rice cake of sorts in Ilocos where sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk inside bamboos.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN
From modern to colonial era style hotels to budget friendly and luxury hotels, Vigan has it all for you! You can splurge on the most luxurious stay or do a DIY and be on the budget side. No matter what you choose, Vigan will still ne enjoyable, for sure.
HOTEL FELICIDAD
Set in a restored, colonial heritage house, Hotel Felicidad offer Spanish-inspired architecture and air-conditioned rooms and suites with free WiFi. Located in Vigan, the hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Each soundproofed room and suite features a flat-screen cable TV and safe. A seating area, dining table and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries are included.
Other facilities include a tour desk, airport and shuttle services at a surcharge. Free parking is also available. Hotel Felicidad Restaurant serves both local and international cuisine. Room price starts at 3000 PHP a night.
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BERMUDEZ TRANSIENT ROOMS
Bermudez Transient Rooms in Vigan is located in Vigan, within 1.8 km of Calle Crisologo. With free WiFi and private parking are available on site. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the guesthouse. Room starts at 1000 PHP a night.
Click here to check their rates and availability!
PARADORES DE VIGAN
Located in Vigan, Paradores de Vigan has a fitness center. The rooms has air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a electric tea pot, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom, rooms at the hotel also have free WiFi, while some rooms also feature a balcony.
All guest rooms in Paradores de Vigan are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hair dryer. An Asian breakfast is served at the property. Room starts at 4999 PHP a night.
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BALAY KAHEL
A garden and a terrace, as well as a shared lounge are offered in-house at Balay Kahel, which is located in Vigan, just one kilometer away from Bantay Bell Tower. The apartment is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as fishing and darts.
This air-conditioned apartment comes with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. There’s a bathroom with a bath, a bidet and free toiletries. A car rental service is available at the apartment. One night can costs 1400 PHP.
Click here to check their rates and availability!
FESTIVALS IN VIGAN
VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL
The Viva Vigan Festival of Arts is held during the first week of May. It includes dancing and music; and the highlight is the religious celebration on May 3 (Tres de Mayo), which starts with a Mass at Vigan’s cemetery chapel and continues with dancing in Crisologo Street and a kalesa parade.
VIGAN TOWN FIESTA
Vigan Town Fiesta is a week-long celebration consisting of carnivals, parades, musical extravaganzas, beauty contests and nightly cultural shows. It culminates on January 25 with the celebration of the conversion of St Paul the Apostle, the town’s patron saint.
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Hope it’s useful all the things to do in Vigan that we put together in our Vigan travel guide. Are we missing Vigan tourist spots or do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments below
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Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.