Top 10 Things to Do in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Heading to Ilocos Sur this weekend? If so, visiting Vigan City should be on top of your mind! This ancient town is included in the “7 Wonders City” and must-visit Hispanic towns in the Philippines. The main attraction of the place is the cobblestone streets where endless amazing sights can be witnessed by both local and foreign tourists.
If you haven’t been to this UNESCO-declared “World Heritage City” yet, here are the top 10 things to do in Vigan City:
- Calle Crisologo – If you are a morning person, you will be amazed by the magical view of Calle Crisologo during early hours. This renowned cobble-stoned street provides a spectacular sight of ancestral residences built during the Spanish period.
- City tour via kalesa – As the mode of transit in the early days, the kalesa or carriage is still used in Vigan City to relive the past and offer classic transportation for locals and visitors.
- Syquia Museum – When you enter the Syquia Museum, you will quickly get a historical atmosphere while looking at some of the few treasured items during President Elpidio Quirino’s stay in this ancestral home. The place is an excellent embodiment of historical beauty with high-ceiling rooms, hardwood floors, antique furniture, and a lot more to see.
Filipino actors Tom Rodriguez and Lovi Poe outside Bell Tower Church | Source: LoviPoe.net 4 .Bell Tower and the Church – The Bell Tower serves as the “Guardian of the City” with plenty of historical highlights to reminisce. It’s built from bricks in the northeastern part of Vigan with a perfect overlooking view from the green hill. And from here, you can also visit St. Augustine Parish to utter some prayers.
5. Dance Fountain Show – This attraction has been popular among tourists with laser light show to enliven the night. You can find this at Plaza Salcedo with amazing lagoon and building on the background.
6. Pagburnayan Factory – This is the famous Vigan Jar factory in the city. If you want to see beautifully crafted jars with various classic designs, this is the place to see.
7. Museum Hopping – Aside from Syquia museum, you can also visit Father Burgos’ museum. The museums will bring you back to the Spanish colonial times with valuable items displayed in the mansions.
8. Buy souvenirs and pasalubong – Your weekend getaway won’t be complete without buying souvenirs from the local shops along Vigan city streets. You can even get a glimpse of live Abel loom weaving to know how it’s actually done. There are lots of pasalubong like table napkins, blankets, shawls, and place mats to buy from these souvenir shops so you’ll have something to give your family back home.
9. Food trips – There lots of local foods to try in Vigan such as malunggay pan de sal, okoy, sinanglaw, pancake sandwiches, French toastwiches, longganisa, and many more.
10. Taking a stroll in the city plaza – Check out Plaza Burgos and try their empanada. You can either try Evelyn’s or Irene’s for the best empanada in Vigan City. The difference is with the dough use. One is crunchy while the other is soft and gristly. But there are lots of other local dishes you can eat at Plaza Burgos. All you need is to explore the city plaza with your friends.
Take a look at this short video with a simple tour of Vigan City:
For more hotel options, search and book discounted rates of Vigan hotels here.
Source/s:
http://www.senyorita.net/2012/10/the-syquia-mansion-in-vigan-ilocos-sur-elpidio-quirino/
http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/ph-travel/33398-vigan-weekend
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