According to the New 7 Wonders Foundation, the city is a World Heritage Site in that it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures remained intact, and is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture.
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ABOUT VIGAN CITY
Vigan is a city in the Philippines, on the west coast of Luzon island. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture.Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions. Near the white baroque Vigan Cathedral are Plaza Salcedo, offering fountain light shows, and Plaza Burgos, known for its street-food stalls.
Barangays: 39 (see Barangays)
Weather: 27°C, Wind E at 5 km/h, 90% Humidity
ZIP code: 2700
Weather: 27°C, Wind E at 5 km/h, 90% Humidity
ZIP code: 2700
WHAT TO PACK FOR VIGAN
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
HISTORY OF VIGAN
Vigan is (technically) an island, which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers – the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period.
Vigan was an important coastal trading post in pre-colonial times. Long before the Spanish galleons, Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea came to Isla de Bigan through the Mestizo River that surrounded the island.
On board were sea-faring merchants that came to barter exotic goods from Asian kingdoms in exchange for gold, beeswax and other mountain products brought down by natives from the Cordilleras.
Immigrants, mostly Chinese, settled in Vigan, intermarried with the natives and started the multi-cultural bloodline of the Bigueños.
WHY VISIT VIGAN?
Vigan City has been a dream local destination for me after I got to tour Intramuros in 2013. I love history and visiting historic places like Vigan gives me a joy and a mental satisfaction by me witnessing or going these places that has been mentioned on history books.
So if you are like me (not so history junkie), visiting Vigan might be a good choice to learn and to unwind at the same time.
HOW TO GET TO VIGAN CITY
Manila to Vigan by Land
Vigan is an 8-9 hour travel from Manila. Take a bus from Cubao or Pasay from Metro Manila. Partas and Florida Bus are two of your options. The trip will pass through NLEX (North Luzon Expy) and the roads going north via provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan and La Union.
Manila to Vigan by Air
The nearest airport with regular commercial flight is Laoag in Ilocos Norte. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer flights daily routing Manila-Laoag and vv. Vigan is just a 2-hour bus ride from Laoag City.
For airfare and transportation, you may check PISO FARE promos or you can directly compare air, sea and land travel fare and prices here:
Clark to Vigan by Land
For those who are coming from Clark, you can go straight to Dau Bus Terminal via shuttle or jeepney. There are buses passing by the terminal from Manila going to Vigan.
Check bus ticket rates via 12go Asia:
Check bus ticket rates via 12go Asia:
Before traveling, you might want to check the live weather forecast and updates to make your trip even easier and safer for you. You can also get the latest report for land traffic in Metro Manila and major parts of the Philippines.
WHAT TO SEE AND EXPECT IN VIGAN
Vigan City gives you a live experience and a "throwback" to the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. It's truly a living museum of the old homes and community of our ancestors in the north.
Yes, Vigan is a city, yet it doesn't look hectic and chaotic like Metro Manila or any other big cities in the Philippines. Here, you will appreciate the ambiance and the vibe of the whole place. One reason why it is considered not only a UNESCO Heritage Site but one of the New7Wonders Cities.
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BALUARTE - Vigan Travel Guide |
WHERE TO GO AND THINGS TO DO IN VIGAN
When I visited the city twice last 2012 and 2013 with friends, we did it as side-trip to Ilocos Norte. I didn't really get a chance to stay longer in here. But here are the things I've done and the places I have visited in Vigan:Tour Around Calle Crisologo and Heritage Village
Calle Crisologo, if not the most popular, is the most visited and crowded area in Vigan. Here you will find the Heritage Village where you can see houses and buildings that were built centuries ago since the reign of Spanish in the Philippines.
Today, the street is a top tourist spot in Vigan and houses bunch of shops and hotels for guests and tourists.
Visit Plaza Salcedo and watch the Dancing Fountain
Both of my visits to Vigan happened in the morning so I never got a chance to watch the dancing fountain personally.
This historical plaza named after the Spanish conqueror, Juan de Salcedo, is one of the famous tourist attractions in Vigan. The plaza is facing Ilocos Sur's Capitol and behind it is the Vigan Cathedral.
At least, I got a selfie here! :)
This historical plaza named after the Spanish conqueror, Juan de Salcedo, is one of the famous tourist attractions in Vigan. The plaza is facing Ilocos Sur's Capitol and behind it is the Vigan Cathedral.
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| SALCEDO PLAZA - Vigan Travel Guide |
At least, I got a selfie here! :)
Stop at Vigan Cathedral
It is known as Vigan Cathedral by many (just like me) but it is canonically known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration for the Historic Town of Vigan in 1999.Here you can stop and drop by. Get inside the church and appreciate its baroque style architecture (just like the one in Paoay).
Take a rest and feast at Plaza Burgos
Besides Plaza Salcedo, another plaza just across Burgos St. is the Plaza Burgos. It was named after one of Vigan's illustrious sons, Fr. Jose Burgos. Plaza Burgos is the venue for town fiesta's celebrations and family recreation.Next to the plaza is the Empanadaan where you can have a taste of Vigan Empanada and other Ilocano dishes. Plaza Burgos is also surrounded by other restaurants and fast food like Jollibee, McDonald's, Chowking and more.
Interact with the animals at Baluarte
If you are into animals, you shouldn't miss this in Vigan! Baluarte Zoo is a zoological park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is owned by Chavit Singson.The zoo and resort complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills, where the former governor’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea.
Go visit Crisologo Museum and Museo Nueva Segovia
Vigan City also houses a few museums and ancestral homes that are open to public. Two of them are the Crisologo Museum and Museo Nueva Segovia which are walking distance to Heritage Village.
Here, you will deep-dive into Vigan's past and stories of the famous persons who became part of the city's history.
OTHER TOURIST SPOTS IN VIGAN
Besides the main attraction of the city, you can also some familiar places just nearby the heritage village such as Santa Maria Church and Bantay Bell Tower.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN
Personally, I didn't get a chance to stay in Vigan even though I have already been here a couple times. However, I have noticed that there are plenty of options if you plan to spend a night in the city.
Here are the best and affordable hotels and accommodation in Vigan City:
Here are the best and affordable hotels and accommodation in Vigan City:
- Hotel Luna - Check Rates & Availability
- Ciudad Fernandina Hotel - Check Rates & Availability
- Regency Hotel de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- Paradores de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- Hotel Mercante - Check Rates & Availability
- Hotel Veneto de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- West Loch Park Hotel Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- Hotel Luna - Check Rates & Availability
- Ciudad Fernandina Hotel - Check Rates & Availability
- Regency Hotel de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- Paradores de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- Hotel Mercante - Check Rates & Availability
- Hotel Veneto de Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
- West Loch Park Hotel Vigan - Check Rates & Availability
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| Hotel Luna |
Or you can book and get discounts here:
WHERE TO EAT IN VIGAN
As mentioned earlier, there's a lot of food choices in Vigan. You can try a decent dine-in at Cafe Leona or try Vigan's streetfood where some food stalls standing near the plazas are selling their famous empanada, and others such as dinengdeng, poqui-poqui and Vigan longganisa. There are also some fast food around the area. |
| Vigan Longganisa |
BUDGET BREAKDOWN / EXPENSES
- P500++ bus fare from Manila to Vigan.
- P150/hour for a kalesa tour within the city.
- Donations when you visit Crisologo Museum.
NOTE: Prices are subject for changes.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN VIGAN
- Longganisa Festival - The Bigueños celebrate Longganisa Festival every January 22 in accordance to the cityhood of Vigan. With a colorful street dancing competition along the Calle Crisologo, this festival features one of city's products, the very well-known Vigan Longganisa. On the 25th, Vigan celebrates its town fiesta in honor to its patron saint, Saint Paul.
BEFORE YOU GO TO VIGAN
- Best time to visit is during dry season from December to May.
- There are ATMs in the town and credit cards are accepted in major establishments.
- Cellular signals are available for major networks.
- Souvenirs are sold in the town.
- Bring your own chargers/powerbanks for your gadgets.
- Go north and explore Ilocos Norte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vigan
- What is Vigan known for?
Vigan is famous for its well-preserved Spanish Colonial town, historical Vigan tourist spots, and delicious food and delicacies. Because of its charm, it has been inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. - Why do tourists visit Vigan?
Firstly, Vigan is the best-preserved planned Spanish colonial city in Asia and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List; secondly, the cobblestone streets of well-restored Calle Crisologo are traffic free which is such a relief when traveling in Asia so you can focus only on sightseeing. - Why is Vigan called Vigan?
Bigaa being Alcasia Macroniza, a giant Taro plant belonging to the Gabi family which used to thrive at the bank of the Mestizo River. From the name of the plant – Bigaa, whence Vigan derived its name. - Who is famous architecture in Vigan?
In 1572 the Spanish conquistador Juan Salcedo arrived here and renamed the city to Villa Fernandina de Vigan. Vigan remained under Spanish rule for more than 300 years. Hence the beautiful historic architecture that dots the colonial town of Vigan. - What is the old Spanish name of Vigan?
In 1572, Conquistador Juan de Salcedo attacked and secured the town, giving it the name Vigan after a native plant. He expanded the name to Villa Fernandina in honor of the Philip II's deceased son.
ALSO IN ILOCOS
- TOP 10 Must-See Sights in Ilocos Norte (Best Tourist Spots!)
- The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City
- Bangui Wind Turbines, the First Wind Farm in the Philippines
- Malacañang of the North and the Marcoses
- Patapat Viaduct - Connecting Ilocos and Cagayan Valley
- 4x4 Adventure at Paoay Sand Dunes
- Saint Augustine Church AKA Paoay Church
- La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel of Badoc
- Blue Lagoon, The Boracay of the North
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formation of Burgos
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos
- Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac
- 10 Ilocano Food That Will Make You Crave For
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| CALLE CRISOLOGO - Vigan Travel Guide |
WHAT TO BRING IN VIGAN
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
REFERENCES
- http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigan
- http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502
- http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/vigan
- http://www.vigan.ph
SEE ALSO
TRAVELING VIGAN CITY?
Check the cheapest hotel and flight rates here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below. calle crisologo calle crisologo, vigan tourist spot ilocos tourist spot la union tourist spot vigan tourist spot tagalog vigan tourist spots itinerary history of vigan city vigan map tourist spots
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