Why is Vigan City a Favorite Tourist Destination in the Philippines?

Vigan City is a favorite tourist destination in the Philippines due to its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant festivals.

Table of Contents

Cultural Attractions

Calle Crisologo and its Preserved Spanish-era Structures

Cobblestone Streets: Walking along Calle Crisologo gives you the experience of strolling through history due to its authentic cobblestone paths.
Spanish-era Houses: The area features well-preserved houses that date back to the Spanish colonial era, complete with capiz-shell windows and intricate wooden details.
Kalesas: Tourists often enjoy riding traditional kalesas or horse-drawn carriages to explore this historic area.
Shops and Cafes: Alongside the historical ambiance, visitors can also find a variety of shops selling local crafts and cafes offering traditional Ilocano dishes.

Local Museums and Cultural Centers

Crisologo Museum: This museum was once the home of the Crisologo family and now showcases artifacts related to the family and local history.
Vigan City Museum: Offering a wider range of exhibits, this museum dives into the city’s colonial past and its place in Philippine history.
Padre Burgos House: One of the oldest structures in Vigan, it’s also a museum featuring collections of religious artifacts and Ilocano revolutionaries’ memorabilia.

The Importance of Local Crafts, Like Pottery and Weaving

Burnay Jars: Vigan is famous for its traditional clay jars, known as burnay jars, created using methods that have been passed down for generations.
Pottery Workshops: Visitors can witness the creation process of these jars in local workshops.
Abel Iloko: This is a traditional woven cloth that is celebrated for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
Weaving Centers: Tourists can visit these centers to understand the weaving process and even purchase some fabric to take home.

Culinary Delights

Popular Local Foods and Where to Find Them

Vigan Empanada: This local specialty consists of a rice flour crust filled with meat, vegetables, and sometimes egg. You can find it at numerous street food stalls, especially near Plaza Burgos.
Longganisa: These are flavorful Filipino sausages that are a breakfast staple in Vigan. Many local markets and restaurants offer this delicious treat.
Bagnet: A crispy pork belly delicacy often served with a side of vegetables or pickled papaya. You’ll find it in many local eateries.
Sinanglao: This is a sour beef stew, commonly available in local carinderias (eateries).

Specialty Restaurants and Eateries

Café Leona: Located near Calle Crisologo, this restaurant is famous for its Ilocano dishes.
Lampong’s Restaurant: Known for its bagnet and other local specialties, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Kusina Felicitas: Located inside the Grandpa’s Inn, this place offers a variety of local and international dishes in a cozy, antique setting.

Culinary Festivals and Events

Vigan Longganisa Festival: A yearly festival celebrating the famous Vigan Longganisa, where you can participate in cooking competitions and taste a variety of Longganisa dishes.
Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival: This event includes a culinary street fair where vendors showcase their local dishes.
Weekend Night Market: Held every weekend, this market near Calle Crisologo transforms into a food haven where you can enjoy local Ilocano dishes.

Recreational Activities

Kalesa (Horse-drawn carriage) Rides

Historical Tour: One of the best ways to explore the Mestizo District is by taking a kalesa ride. These rides usually come with a guide who will explain the historical significance of the area.
Evening Rides: For a more romantic experience, evening kalesa rides are available. The streets are quieter, and the antique lampposts illuminate the cobblestone roads, creating a magical atmosphere.
Photo Opportunities: Don’t forget to take your camera. These rides offer numerous opportunities for capturing the charm of Vigan.

Vigan River Cruise

River Tour: A boat ride along the Vigan river offers not just scenic views but also a historical narration that reveals the story of the city’s past.
Wildlife Spotting: As you cruise down the river, you might spot local birds and other wildlife.
Special Events: The river cruise also hosts special events like firework shows during festivals, offering a unique way to partake in local celebrations.

Adventure Sports and Outdoor Activities

Mountain Biking: Vigan is surrounded by scenic trails ideal for mountain biking. Rental shops are available for gear and bikes.
Hiking: Nearby hills and mountains offer a range of hiking options for nature lovers.
Fishing: Local ponds and rivers provide peaceful spots for those interested in fishing.

Accessibility and Accommodations

How to Get to Vigan City

By Air: The nearest airport is Laoag International Airport, about 80 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Vigan.
By Bus: Multiple bus companies offer services from Manila to Vigan. The journey usually takes around 8-10 hours.
By Car: If you prefer driving, Vigan is accessible via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

Available Accommodations Ranging from Budget to Luxury

Budget Hotels: Places like Green R Hotel and Vigan Plaza Hotel offer affordable rates and basic amenities.
Mid-range Hotels: Hotels like Hotel Veneto de Vigan and Ciudad Fernandina Hotel offer a balance of comfort and affordability.
Luxury Accommodations: For those looking for a more luxurious stay, Hotel Luna offers premium services, including a swimming pool, fine-dining options, and well-equipped rooms.

Public Transport Within the City

Tricycles: These are the most common form of public transport for short distances within the city.
Jeepneys: These provide a more economical way to get around Vigan and are ideal for longer distances.
Kalesas: While more of a tourist attraction, kalesas are also a mode of public transport and are perfect for a leisurely tour of the city.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Where to Shop for Local Crafts and Souvenirs

Calle Crisologo: This historic street is lined with shops offering a variety of local crafts, from woven fabrics to wooden furniture.
Vigan Public Market: A bustling hub where you can find local produce as well as handmade souvenirs like pottery and textiles.
Rowilda’s Weaving Center: If you’re specifically interested in textiles, this is the place to go. Here you can buy Abel Iloko, a traditional woven fabric, directly from the weavers.

Popular Markets and Shopping Centers

Plaza Burgos Market: Situated near the Plaza, this market offers a variety of local foods and crafts.
Puregold Vigan: For a more modern shopping experience, you can visit this supermarket to find both local and international products.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Bars, Clubs, and Other Entertainment Venues

Café Leona: Known for its daytime offerings, this café also has a lively bar scene in the evenings.
Mindoro Beer House: Offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy local beers and spirits.

Evening Activities and Shows

Vigan Dancing Fountain: Located in Plaza Salcedo, this fountain offers nightly shows with synchronized water, light, and music.
Live Music: Many bars and restaurants host live music events featuring both traditional and contemporary genres.

Environmental Preservation

Steps Taken to Preserve the City’s History and Architecture

Building Codes: Strict building codes are in place to ensure that new structures within the historical district blend in with the old ones.
Tourist Education: Information boards and guided tours emphasize the importance of respecting the city’s heritage and environment.
Community Involvement: Local organizations actively participate in clean-up drives and heritage preservation efforts.

Eco-Friendly Tourist Activities

Cycling Tours: Biking is encouraged as a green mode of transportation, and cycle tours are available for sightseeing.
River Cleanup Activities: Tourists can participate in scheduled cleanup activities, creating a more engaging and responsible travel experience.

Festivals and Events

Popular Festivals Like Viva Vigan Festival of Arts

Street Parades: Costumed performers and dancers take to the streets, displaying local artistry and craftsmanship.
Art Exhibits: Local artists get a chance to display their work, ranging from paintings to handcrafted goods.

Seasonal Events and What to Expect During Them

Christmas in Vigan: The city is beautifully decorated with lights and traditional ‘parols’ or lanterns. Special masses and processions are held.
New Year’s Eve: A grand fireworks display is usually organized at Plaza Salcedo, creating a magical atmosphere to ring in the New Year.