Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

On December 2, 1999, Vigan became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List,
thanks to its unique Spanish colonial history in Asia, well-preserved Spanish monuments
and edifices, and thriving cultural heritage. When you've finally decided to drive up north
and visit, don't miss this Skyscanner list of the best tourist spots in Vigan. ## Put on your
bakya or your most comfortable walking footwear, and step back in time to a period that's
quaint, romantic and truly magical.
6 must-see tourist spots in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
1. Take an early Calle Crisologo walk

Set your alarm early, preferably before dawn. Get your camera ready, or your sketch pad,
or your notebook and pen—whatever your personal artistic tool of preference is. Just
before the dawn breaks all over the archipelago, find yourself along Calle Crisologo, sans
the hustling and bustling tourists, all shops still closed, the street mostly quiet except for
the waking sounds of nature.Snap away, or draw, or write all the details down in your
notebook. When the shops open go ahead and get satisfy your shopping itch with
souvenirs, antiques, and hard-to-find jewelry. This is one magical experience you’ll want
to treasure forever.

2. Dine at Cafe Leona for a mouthwatering longganisa meal

This world famous restaurant was named after poetess Leona Florentino, the Mother of
Philippine women’s literature. Her ancestral home is now a busy restaurant, which all
tourists to Vigan City cannot afford to miss. This is where you must eat the Vigan
longganisa and bagnet, although their menu also carries Filipino, Japanese, Italian and
Thai cuisine. Cafe Leona is located along Calle Crisologo, so it’s the perfect spot for your
breakfast (or lunch, or dinner)!

3. Cruise along Mestizo River

Soak up on history and get fascinated by the rich history of Vigan City via the River
Cruise. The cruise lasts for 45 minutes as you float by five tableaus, each telling a chapter
of Vigan’s story: its discovery, to the conquest by the Spanish, to the present. This has
got to be the most relaxing and beautifully visual history lesson you’ll ever get—
something you might have missed out on back in school! Just visit the Ilocos Sur
Tourism Office (it is right beside Cafe Leona along Calle Crisologo) and inquire about
the Vigan River Cruise. Make sure to ask about a free shuttle ride to Mestizo River!
Bring your cameras and sunblock!

4. Witness Abel weavers at their craft

Rowilda’s Loomweaving was established in 1989 by Manong Dominic Panela. Their

showroom is located in Camanggaan. They create the finest hand-woven Abel-Iloko
products like table runners, shawls, hand towels, table napkins, dress materials , pillow
cases, bathrobes and blankets. There is a Zen-like quality in the weavers’ focus and laser
precision. "You are suspended in a state of timelessness," as one tourist described. "There
is a music to their movements and then suddenly, before your eyes, a beautiful blanket
emerges!"

5. Bantay Bell Tower is worth the climb

Aside from the aerobic benefits, Bantay Bell Tower offers you postcard perfect scenery, a
musical cacophony of bells ringing, the wonderful expanse of the sky, and tall, brick
edifice that has been a witness to Vigan’s centuries of history. It stands beside the
Sanctuary of the Nuestra Señora de La Caridad, one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur,
where mass is still held regularly in one of its ruins.

6. Visit Baluarte

Fond of animals? For every Juan’s favorite price of zero pesos, you can set foot
inside Baluarte, and catch a sight of a variety of animals from the Philippines and
other countries. Owned by Chavit Singson, Balaurte also offers an animal
museum and an interactive wildlife show that takes place every afternoon.