Things to Do in Vigan, Philippines

Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ilocos Sur province, northern Philippines, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. This historic city transports visitors back to the 16th century with its cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) that clip-clop through the atmospheric Calle Crisologo. The city represents one of the few Hispanic towns left in Asia, showcasing a unique blend of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning. Beyond its architectural treasures, Vigan offers visitors a rich cultural experience through its traditional crafts, local cuisine, and vibrant festivals. The city is famous for its handwoven textiles, pottery, and furniture-making, with many workshops still operating using centuries-old techniques. Vigan's culinary scene features distinctive Ilocano dishes like longganisa, empanada, and bagnet, while the surrounding region offers beautiful landscapes including beaches, mountains, and historic sites that make it an ideal base for exploring northern Luzon.

Top Things to Do in Vigan

Heritage Village Walking Tour

Explore the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo and the surrounding heritage district, admiring Spanish colonial houses, museums, and shops. The best time is early morning or late afternoon when the light creates magical shadows on the historic facades. Many ancestral houses have been converted into museums, shops, and restaurants, offering glimpses into colonial-era life.

Booking Tip: Free to walk around, but museum entries cost 30-50 PHP each. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and consider hiring a local guide for 500-800 PHP for deeper historical insights. Wear comfortable walking shoes as cobblestones can be uneven.

Kalesa Ride Experience

Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Vigan's historic streets, a quintessential experience that hasn't changed for centuries. The gentle clip-clop of hooves on cobblestones creates an authentic colonial atmosphere as you pass ancestral houses and landmarks. Most rides include stops at key attractions and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Rates are typically 150-200 PHP for 30 minutes or 300-400 PHP for an hour. Negotiate prices beforehand and ensure the route includes Calle Crisologo and Plaza Burgos. Best during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon).

Traditional Crafts Workshop

Visit local workshops to see artisans creating traditional Ilocano crafts including abel weaving, pottery making, and woodcarving. Many workshops welcome visitors to observe the process and some offer hands-on experiences. The Hidden Garden and Pagburnayan (pottery district) are excellent places to witness these time-honored crafts.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits are usually free, but purchasing items supports local artisans. Hands-on workshops cost 200-500 PHP per person. Visit during weekday mornings when artisans are most active. Look for authentic workshops rather than tourist-focused demonstrations.

Bantay Bell Tower Climb

Climb the historic Bantay Bell Tower, built in 1591, for panoramic views of Vigan and the surrounding Ilocos Sur countryside. The tower served as a watchtower during Spanish colonial times and offers excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset. The climb involves steep, narrow stairs but rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around 20-30 PHP. Visit late afternoon for the best lighting and sunset views. The climb can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Bring water and wear non-slip shoes for the stone steps.

Ilocos Food Tour

Sample authentic Ilocano cuisine including the famous Vigan longganisa, crispy empanada, and bagnet (deep-fried pork belly). Street food stalls along Calle Crisologo and the public market offer the most authentic flavors, while restaurants provide more refined versions. Don't miss trying the local Vigan longganisa, which has a distinctive garlicky flavor and reddish color.

Booking Tip: Street food costs 20-50 PHP per item, while restaurant meals range from 150-400 PHP. Try multiple vendors to compare flavors. Visit the public market early morning for freshest options. Some food tours cost 800-1,200 PHP per person and include multiple stops.

Getting There

Vigan is approximately 400 kilometers north of Manila and can be reached by various transportation options. The most common route is by bus, with several companies like Partas, Farinas Transit, and Dominion Bus Lines offering direct services from Manila (Cubao or Pasay terminals) to Vigan, taking 8-10 hours and costing 600-800 PHP. For faster travel, fly from Manila to Laoag Airport (1.5 hours), then take a 1.5-hour bus or van ride to Vigan for about 100-150 PHP. Private car rentals and organized tours are also available, offering more flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

Getting Around

Vigan's compact heritage district is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, tricycles are the most common local transport, charging 10-20 PHP for short rides within the city or 150-200 PHP for hourly rentals. Kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) offer a unique way to tour the heritage area, though they're more expensive at 200-400 PHP per hour. Jeepneys connect Vigan to nearby towns and attractions like Bantay and Santa Catalina. For exploring the wider Ilocos Sur region, renting a motorcycle (300-500 PHP/day) or hiring a tricycle for day trips (1,500-2,500 PHP) provides good flexibility.

Where to Stay

Calle Crisologo Heritage Area

Plaza Salcedo District

Quezon Avenue Commercial Zone

Bantay Town Center

Mindoro Beach Area

Santa Catalina Vicinity

Food & Dining

Vigan's culinary scene centers around authentic Ilocano cuisine, with the heritage district offering both street food and upscale dining options. Calle Crisologo and the surrounding streets feature numerous restaurants serving traditional dishes in colonial-era settings, with meals ranging from 200-600 PHP per person. Street food stalls offer affordable local favorites like empanada (30-50 PHP), longganisa, and okoy, while the public market provides the most authentic and budget-friendly dining experience. Several heritage houses have been converted into restaurants, offering atmospheric dining with dishes like pinakbet, bagnet, and Vigan longganisa. For a unique experience, try dining at floating restaurants along the Mestizo River or visit local eateries in nearby towns for regional specialties.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vigan is during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures are more comfortable (22-32°C) and there's minimal rainfall. December to February offers the coolest weather, making walking tours and outdoor activities more enjoyable, though this is also peak tourist season. March to May can be quite hot (up to 37°C), but fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities and lower accommodation rates. The rainy season (June to October) brings heavy downpours that can make cobblestone streets slippery and outdoor activities challenging, though the countryside becomes lush and green. Consider timing your visit around the Longganisa Festival (January) or Vigan City Fiesta (May) for cultural experiences, but book accommodations well in advance during these periods.

Insider Tips

Visit Calle Crisologo very early in the morning (6-7 AM) or late evening for the best photos without crowds and magical lighting on the colonial facades

Try the authentic Vigan empanada at Plaza Burgos from local vendors rather than tourist restaurants - look for the ones with the longest local queues for the best quality

Combine your Vigan visit with nearby attractions like Pagudpud beaches (2 hours north) or the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation to maximize your northern Luzon experience

Things to Do in Vigan