Vigan City

Step into a time machine and let Vigan City, Ilocos Sur whisk you away to the Spanish colonial era! As one of the best-preserved heritage cities in Asia, Vigan is a treasure chest of cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and age-old traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vibrant city perfectly blends history, culture, and irresistible Ilocano cuisine. Whether you’re strolling down Calle Crisologo or biting into garlicky longganisa, every moment in Vigan feels like stepping into a history book, but way more fun (and delicious!).

• Calle Crisologo – The iconic cobblestone street lined with 18th-century Spanish-era houses, souvenir shops, and calesa rides
• Bantay Bell Tower – A majestic watchtower that served as a lookout during wartime and now offers panoramic views
• St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral – A classic Baroque cathedral located at the heart of the city
• Syquia Mansion Museum – Showcases the elegant lifestyle of the old Ilocano elite, including President Elpidio Quirino’s ancestral home
• Pagburnayan (Vigan Pottery Village) – Where you can get your hands dirty and shape clay the traditional way
• Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo – A dazzling nighttime display of lights, water, and music that surprises everyone

Vigan’s charm lies in its people and passion for tradition. Artisans still weave abel Iloko fabric, create burnay jars, and build with local stone and wood. Locals live with a strong sense of community, where fiestas are grand, and ancestral homes are lovingly preserved. Vigan isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel.

Ilocano is the local dialect, spoken with pride. English and Filipino are also widely used, especially in schools, shops, and with tourists. Don’t forget to say “Naimbag a bigat!” (Good morning!) to win some friendly smiles.

• Vigan Longganisa – The city’s pride: garlicky, meaty sausages that are best with sukang Iloko
• Empanada – Crunchy rice flour shell stuffed with egg, veggies, and meat
• Bagnet – Crispy deep-fried pork belly that’s sinfully good
• Sinanglao – A hearty beef innards soup with vinegar and bile (an Ilocano classic!)
• Royal Bibingka – A sticky, chewy rice cake with a golden top and nostalgic flavor

• Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival (May) – Celebrates local weaving and Ilocano heritage with street dancing and colorful costumes
• Longganisa Festival (January) – A food-centric celebration showcasing the famous Vigan longganisa
• Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Deeply spiritual with candlelit processions, reenactments, and traditional music

Vigan’s soundtrack is filled with Ilocano folk music, street serenades, and rondalla performances. Songs like Pamulinawen echo during town fiestas and special occasions, keeping the spirit of Ilocano love and resilience alive.

• UNESCO World Heritage charm
• Iconic Calle Crisologo
• Spanish colonial architecture
• Handcrafted pottery and weaving
• World-famous Vigan longganisa
• Colorful festivals and traditional music