Dagupan City

Welcome to Dagupan City, a vibrant coastal gem in Pangasinan, Northern Luzon, where the rivers meet the sea and the milkfish (bangus) reigns supreme! A city brimming with local flavor, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Dagupan is your perfect destination for a fun, flavorful, and festive getaway in the Philippines.

Dagupan is nestled along the Lingayen Gulf and crisscrossed by rivers like the Pantal and Calmay. This strategic location has made it a historic trading center since the Spanish colonial era. Today, the city balances coastal charm with modern vibrance, a dynamic hub of commerce, education, and coastal tourism.

• Tondaligan Blue Beach – A favorite local beach with golden sand and stunning Lingayen Gulf sunsets.
• Japanese Garden Park – A peaceful tribute to the city’s World War II past.
• St. John the Evangelist Cathedral – A historic Catholic church with neo-Gothic architecture.
• Dagupan City Museum – Dive into the city’s heritage, from ancient Pangasinense culture to its role in liberation.
• Bacayao Nature Park – Perfect for family picnics, relaxing riverside walks, and watching egrets in the wild.

The heartbeat of Dagupan is its Bangus Festival, held every April. This festival features street dancing, longest grilled bangus competitions, and culinary contests — a delicious way to honor its title as the Bangus Capital of the World. Expect vibrant costumes, upbeat drumbeats, and endless local delicacies.

People here mainly speak Pangasinan and Ilocano, but you’ll also hear plenty of Filipino and English, making visitors feel right at home. The locals are known for their hospitality and warmth, always ready with a smile and a bangus recipe to share.

Dagupan’s culinary scene is a festival in itself!

• Inihaw na Bangus (Grilled Milkfish) The city’s signature dish.
• Pigar-Pigar – A sizzling beef or carabao stir-fry served with onions and cabbage.
• Kaleskes – A bold street food dish made of beef innards in savory soup.
• Bangus Sisig and Bangus Empanada – Must-try local twists to classic Pinoy faves!

Cultural pride resonates through Pangasinense folk songs and community rondalla performances. Local musicians also dabble in pop and acoustic styles, especially during festivals and beach gigs by the bay.

• The Bangus Festival – A record-setting celebration of milkfish.
• Top-notch seafood markets – Freshest bangus straight from the source.
• Educational and medical hub – Home to renowned institutions and hospitals.
• A gateway to Western Pangasinan’s beaches and heritage towns.