Vigan City Travel Guide
Places to Visit, Things to Do & more
Prepare to experience a mix of old-world elegance that you won't find in any place around the Philippines. A trip to Vigan City takes you right into the heart of Filipino heritage, where you can also see the traces of Chinese and Spanish cultures as well. Situated in the Ilocos Sur Province, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit place for culture vultures and heritage tourists. Moreover, it is also one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World.
As you are ready to sign up for an amazing experience, this travel guide to Vigan City will help you attain valuable insights, allowing you to have a seamless holiday experience. We have also shared some helpful travel tips that will help you complete your trip in a hassle-free manner. Scroll down below to learn more about Vigan City before visiting it.
Insights on Vigan City
| Time Zone | GMT+8 |
| Official Language | Ilokano |
| Currency | Philippine Peso |
| Population | 53,935 (as of 2020) |
| Capital To | Ilocos Sur |
| Nickname | The Heritage City of the Philippines |
Season of Vigan City
If you are planning to visit Vigan City, then you must be aware of the seasons that prevail throughout the year. Choose the best time to travel as per your preferences and learn more about the best time to visit.
Dry Season (November to May)
One of the ideal times to visit Vigan City is during the dry season, offering you abundant sunshine and allowing you to explore different iconic sites around the city. If you are looking for cooler temperatures, then prefer travelling between December and February, when you can gain an incredible experience while spending a splendid vacation in Vigan City.
| Months | Temperature (in °C) |
|---|---|
| November | 23° to 31° |
| December | 22° to 31° |
| January | 21° to 30° |
| February | 22° to 30° |
| March | 23° to 31° |
| April | 24° to 33° |
| May | 25° to 33° |
Rainy Season (June to October)
The rainy season is another time of year when you will find fewer tourists, as it brings frequent rains. It is usually advised to carry umbrellas and raincoats when visiting Vigan City during this season. However, the price of flights and accommodations usually drops during this season. But again, you need to keep your itinerary flexible to explore various points of interest around the city.
| Months | Temperature (in °C) |
|---|---|
| June | 25° to 32° |
| July | 24° to 31° |
| August | 24° to 30° |
| September | 24° to 31° |
| October | 24° to 31° |
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Vigan City is between November and May, which is an ideal time, when you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and explore the iconic attractions around different corners of the city. Visit the cultural hotspots and historical attractions testifying to the rich history of the past.
5 Best Places to Visit in Vigan City
Your trip to Vigan City will be in vain if you fail to visit some of the popular destinations located around the city. Here are the five must-visit destinations in Vigan City to offer you a memorable holiday experience.
Calle Crisologo
Take a walk down the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo, a popular street of Vigan City that holds the whispers of history. You will be surprised to see horse-driven carriages being used by the locals to preserve the old charm of the city and help the tourists explore the city in a better manner. You can also find many houses renovated into cafes, souvenirs, boutique inns, museums and many more.
Plaza Salcedo
Visit the public park of Plaza Salcedo, which represents a Spanish Colonial layout and is also known as the Luneta Park Musical Dancing Fountain. The pool and mountain in it feature a synchronised show of colourful lights and music that will make the holiday entertaining. The show begins after sunset, surrounded by darkness, allowing the lights' effect to be fully appreciated and the spectacle to be enjoyed.
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, commonly called the Vigan Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church and one of the most fascinating historic sites in Vigan city. Back in 1574, it was a mere chapel made of thatch and wood and in 1800, the final building was completed. It is advised to visit this cathedral, especially during Semana Santa or Vigan's Longganisa Festival.
Plaza Padre Jose Burgos
Plaza Padre Jose Burgos is a historic square that showcases the cultural heritage of Vigan City. You can also find the statue of Padre Burgos, a reformist priest and martyr, at the central point of the street. You also get to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil ambience on the street due to fewer crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the historic vibe of the street.
Bantay Watch Tower
Go explore the historic Bantay Watch Tower, which is considered a Colonial gem that was built back in the year 1591. Learn many stories about pirates from the locals. This historic site offers a glimpse of the past, and at present, you can gain spectacular views of the city. In 1857, this watchtower was turned into a Bell tower. However, during both World Wars, it was still used as a watchtower.
5 Best Things to Do in Vigan City
Here are the five best things to do in Vigan City during your holiday to gain memorable experiences.
- Learn how to make traditional Burnay jars using their traditional pottery style, or simply buy them.
- Visit the local cafes and eateries to experience the regional and traditional cuisine.
- Go shopping at the markets to purchase local goods, souvenirs and handicraft items.
- Explore the well-preserved historic sites around Vigan City and learn about its rich history.
- Take a Kalesa Ride while exploring different parts of the city to experience the heritage and culture preserved in this city.
Popular Dishes of Vigan City
Add a touch of local flavour to your trip to Vigan City by savouring the popular dishes. You get to taste the rich ingredients to learn about their gastronomic culture. Below are five popular dishes of Vigan City that you must try out on your vacation.
- Vigan Empanada
- Vigan Longganisa
- Crispy Bagnet
- Sinanglao
- Royal Bibingka
Travel Tips to Vigan City
In this travel guide to Vigan City, we have offered travel tips that will help you enjoy your holiday in a better manner. Here are some travel tips to help you complete your Vigan City holiday in a hassle-free manner.
- If you plan to travel during peak times, ensure you book your accommodation and flights in advance.
- Follow the local customs and traditions, and mind the cultural differences.
- Make sure you carry local currencies that will help you purchase goods and services.
- Try to keep your travel itinerary flexible to help you address the uncertainties and complete your trip pleasantly.
- Beware of scammers and pickpockets in crowded places.
How to Get Cheap Flights to Vigan City?
The most convenient way to reach Vigan City is by opting for flight service. Travelling to Vigan City is a break journey, as the city does not have an international airport. You will need to take a first flight to Laoag International Airport, from where you can choose a domestic flight service to Mindoro Airport. If it seems like a hassle to you, then why don't you approach a trusted travel agency to help you cover your flight bookings? Filipino Travel Center is a trusted travel agency that offers efficient flight services to help you travel to your favourite destination. Keep an eye on your website for exclusive flight deals and offers we occasionally provide, helping you reach your destination without straining your budget.
Conclusion
Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture of Vigan City, which is the heritage city of the Philippines. Explore the iconic attractions listed above to experience the preserved historic sites and cultures. Make sure to follow the travel tips that will help you avoid trouble and properly complete your holiday. Check out the deals and offers on our website to find cheap options, even during peak season.
FAQs
The best time to visit Vigan City is between November and May, when you get a pleasant temperature, allowing you to indulge in various outdoor activities.
Vigan City is known as the Heritage City of the Philippines.
It will take over 24 hours to fly from the UK to Vigan City.
Read Also: Travel Guide to Philippines | Travel Guide to Manila | Travel Guide to Clark | Travel Guide to Cebu | Travel Guide to Batanes | Solo Travel Guide to Philippines