As a travel content writer, I enjoy discovering places that offer more than beautiful views. I am especially interested in destinations where history, culture, food, and local experiences come together. Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is one of those places.

Vigan is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and rich cultural legacy, and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a different side of the Philippines. There is enough to see and do in a day in the city, from historic streets and old cathedrals to traditional ceramics and local delicacies.

In this post, I will share some of the tourist places in Vigan that you should add to your schedule. My reference for this guide is the travel article from Osmiva which presents a number of popular sights and experiences in and around Vigan.

Discovering Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and one of the most renowned historical attractions in the Philippines. The city is notable for its maintained past, with visitors able to still witness historic houses, cobblestone streets, churches and other buildings that represent centuries of history.

When I go to a place like Vigan, it’s not just about shooting images for me. It’s also a chance to learn more about the country’s past and appreciate the traditions that continue to carry on now.

If you’re considering an Ilocos trip, I suggest giving yourself enough time to see the city. You can see a few sights in a day, but there’s something nice about settling down and soaking up the ambiance of this historic location.

Bantay Watchtower

Near Vigan, one of the attractions to see is the Bantay Watchtower. It is in Bantay, not in Vigan proper, but it is typically included in an Ilocos itinerary because of its historical significance and accessibility.

The historic bell tower acted as a lookout point during the Spanish colonial days. It’s still one of the area’s iconic monuments today, and makes for a terrific setting for trip photography.

Visitors can also check out the old Saint Augustine Parish Church nearby. Travelers who like history and architecture will find the blend of the church and the old watchtower worth a stay in this location.

Baluarte

Another popular site near Vigan is Baluarte, a vast leisure and wildlife park owned by former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.

The park has various locations where guests may view animals, exhibits and giant dinosaur models. This is a place that could be of particular appeal to families and travelers with children.

One of the things that make Baluarte stand out compared to other stops in the vicinity is the diversity of experiences provided. Guests may walk the grounds, view the animal exhibits and enjoy the other attractions on the property.

Pagburnayan: Experience the Traditional Burnay Jars

One of the things I love most about traveling is discovering traditional crafts. Pagburnayan is a terrific spot to learn about one of the most famous cultural traditions of Vigan.

This location is noted for the making of Burnay jars, which are manufactured using traditional pottery methods. The jars have become a significant part of Vigan’s heritage and artistry.

What makes the experience more exciting is that guests may get the opportunity to watch how the pottery is formed and even try their hands at working with clay.

It’s experiences like this that make traveling more meaningful for me. Rather of simply seeing an attraction, you learn about the skills and traditions that comprise it.

Calle Crisologo

A trip to Vigan is not complete without a walk on Calle Crisologo.

This historic street is famed for its cobblestone road, ancestral buildings, souvenir shops and kalesas. Walking through the region feels like stepping into another time, especially when you take a moment to observe the architecture around you.

Calle Crisologo is one of the best sites for photography but I think you’ll enjoy the experience more if you’re not in a hurry. Take your time, go through the stores, sample the local snacks and soak in the ambiance.

The area is also an excellent place for shopping for souvenirs and local products for family and friends back home.

Vigan Cathedral

Another important stop is the Vigan Cathedral or Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral.

The church is located near the heart of the historic district, one of the landmarks that contribute to the cultural flavor of Vigan. Its stunning exterior and historic setting make it well worth a visit for anybody with an interest in architecture, history or religious buildings.

The cathedral is located ideally close to other famous sights for people exploring the heritage area.

Plaza Salcedo

Plaza Salcedo, one of Vigan’s most recognizable public places, located just in front of the cathedral.

The plaza is a good place to stop and rest while exploring the city. The Vigan Cathedral is nearby and the fountain is in the middle so it is an excellent area to snap pictures too.

I think this is one of those sites where you can just sit down for a few minutes and absorb the surroundings before continuing your journey.

Crisologo Museum

If you want to understand more about the history of Vigan and Ilocos Sur, then the Crisologo Museum is another excellent destination to visit.

The museum was formerly the ancestral house of the renowned Crisologo family. Inside visitors can see vintage furniture, photographs, mementos and other objects associated with the family’s past.

For me, visiting museums is always an interesting part of traveling because you get stories that you may not get by roaming around a city.

Another view of Vigan’s history and culture is provided by the Crisologo Museum.

Hidden Garden

After a few visits to historical attractions it’s a nice idea to take a break and enjoy some local food.

The Hidden Garden is a dining venue and an attraction. In addition to the restaurant, tourists can explore beautiful grounds and enjoy the pleasant surroundings.

For me these kinds of places are a great complement to a trip plan as it gives you an opportunity to slow down after walking and sightseeing for hours.

A good place to eat, relax and gear yourself for the next portion of your Ilocos tour.

What to Eat in Vigan

Another good reason to go to Vigan is to experience local gastronomy.

Some of the most popular meals and specialties that are associated with the city include Vigan empanada and bagnet. These are some of the gastronomic experiences many travelers look forward to when they visit Ilocos Sur.

Sampling the local cuisine is an important element of traveling as it gives you another option to explore the culture of a country. If you are in Vigan, food is a must whether it be at a restaurant or just buying snacks from a local shop.

Tips for Visiting Vigan

If you plan to go around Vigan, here are some basic recommendations that might help:

• Get an early start to fit in more attractions.
• Wear comfortable shoes since you may walk a lot.
• Bring water Stay hydrated, especially in warm temperatures.
• Make sure you have your camera or phone ready, as there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.
• Try some local food and items to make your trip unforgettable.
• Explore the city, respecting historical landmarks and local traditions.
• If you can, spend the nite so you may see more of Vigan at a leisurely pace.

Final Thoughts

Vigan is more than an old buildings and cobblestone street location. It is a destination where people may enjoy Philippine history, culture, traditional handcraft and local gastronomy all in one trip.

Each site provides something new, whether it is the Bantay Watchtower and Pagburnayan or Calle Crisologo, Vigan Cathedral, Plaza Salcedo and the Crisologo Museum.

Whether you’re a first timer or you’re back to discover more of Ilocos Sur, Vigan is a location worth visiting. As a travel content writer, I believe that places like these remind us that travel is not just about arriving to a destination, but also about discovering the stories, traditions and people that make each place distinct.

Reference: The listed attractions are based on and referenced from the Vigan Tourist Spots guide of the Osmiva.