Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Sophie King, John Santos
17/08/2025
Pinkmean Creative, Pexels
Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines, renowned for its exceptionally preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, offering visitors a unique journey back in time. It provides a distinct blend of Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish cultural influences, appealing to those seeking historical immersion and a charming, relaxed atmosphere.
Calle Crisologo, Vigan's main historical street, serves as a central social hub, featuring numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops that become lively in the evenings. Plaza Burgos offers a relaxed setting with food stalls where locals and tourists can gather. Additionally, Plaza Salcedo hosts a colorful water dancing show at night, surrounded by commercial establishments. For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, BarTech on Calle Crisologo provides live music and a diverse menu, ideal for social gatherings.
Top 6 Things to do in Vigan
Visitors to Vigan can immerse themselves in historical exploration, cultural experiences, and traditional crafts.
1. Explore Calle Crisologo
Wandering along Calle Crisologo is an essential Vigan experience, as it serves as the heart of the city's preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The cobblestone street is lined with ancestral houses, now housing various souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is particularly enchanting in the early morning when quiet, and at night when illuminated by antique lamps, creating a timeless atmosphere. Taking a leisurely stroll here allows one to appreciate the intricate details of the heritage buildings and soak in the historical ambiance.
Cost: Free to walk around. Costs for shopping, dining, and coffee vary.
Transport: Calle Crisologo is the central area of Vigan's heritage district and is easily explored on foot from most central accommodations. No cars are allowed on the street, making it pedestrian-friendly.
2. Experience a Kalesa Ride
A ride in a kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, offers a unique and charming way to explore Vigan's historic streets. This leisurely mode of transport provides a perspective on the city's well-preserved architecture, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped back in time. Kalesa drivers can take visitors to various key landmarks within the heritage district and slightly beyond.
Cost: Approximately PHP 250 for a tour around the old city, or around PHP 150 per hour.
Transport: Kalesas are readily available near popular tourist areas like Calle Crisologo and Plaza Burgos. Rides typically start from these central points and cover the main heritage attractions, which are generally walkable distances but more enjoyable by kalesa.
3. Visit Bantay Bell Tower and St. Augustine Parish Church
Perched on a hill just outside the city center, the Bantay Bell Tower offers panoramic views of Vigan and its surrounding areas. This historical belfry, built in 1591, served as a watchtower during various historical periods. Adjacent to the tower is the St. Augustine Parish Church, featuring a blend of Spanish and Ilocano architectural styles. Climbing the bell tower is recommended for the scenic vista.
Cost: Entrance is free, though an optional donation is often accepted.
Transport: The Bantay Bell Tower is located north of the city center, across the Govantes River. It is not directly walkable from Calle Crisologo. A tricycle ride from the heritage district to Bantay is a common and affordable option. Tricycle fares within Vigan are typically around PHP 20-30 per head, but for Bantay, it might be slightly more, requiring negotiation with the driver.
4. Witness the Pagburnayan Jar Factory
At the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, visitors can observe the traditional art of pottery making, a craft that has been passed down through generations. Skilled local craftsmen demonstrate the creation of 'burnay' (clay jars) using age-old methods, including a manual kick wheel and firing in an open kiln. There is often an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at pottery making.
Cost: Observing the process is generally free. There might be a nominal fee or donation for a hands-on pottery experience.
Transport: The Pagburnayan Jar Factory is located slightly outside the main heritage core. It can be reached by a short tricycle ride. Tricycle fares within the city limits are generally around PHP 20-30 per head, with a negotiated rate for longer distances or dedicated tours.
5. Watch the Plaza Salcedo Dancing Fountain Show
As evening falls, Plaza Salcedo transforms into a vibrant spectacle with its musical dancing fountain show. This free, 30-minute display of lights, water, and music is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. It provides a lively end to a day of historical exploration and offers a relaxing atmosphere.
Cost: Free.
Transport: Plaza Salcedo is centrally located within the heritage district, directly opposite the Vigan Cathedral and easily walkable from Calle Crisologo.
6. Visit Syquia Mansion Museum
The Syquia Mansion Museum is a well-preserved ancestral home that once belonged to the family of former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino's wife. Exploring its interiors offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent Filipino family during the Spanish colonial era, showcasing historical artifacts and antique furnishings.
Cost: A nominal entrance fee may apply, but specific costs are not consistently available in recent reviews.
Transport: The Syquia Mansion is located within the heritage district and is accessible by walking from Calle Crisologo or by a short kalesa ride.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
