10 Things To Do In Vigan
Quick answer: The top things to do in Vigan are strolling Calle Crisologo, riding a kalesa, watching the dancing fountain at Plaza Salcedo, visiting the Hidden Garden, trying pottery at Pagburnayan, seeing Baluarte Zoo and the Bantay Bell Tower, catching sunset at Mindoro Beach, and eating longganisa, bagnet and empanadas.
Vigan is a colonial town in the Ilocos Sur province of the Philippines, famous for its cobblestone streets. It is officially recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities and is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines with its structures intact. Here are 10 things to do in Vigan.
10 Things to Do in Vigan
1. Stroll Through Calle Crisologo
Also known as the “Vigan Heritage Village”, Calle Crisologo is at the heart of Vigan’s inscription on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The 500-metre cobblestone street is lined with Spanish-era ancestral houses, with five short blocks crossing it.
2. Ride a Kalesa
Step back into the Spanish era and explore the heritage city on a horse-drawn carriage, known locally as a kalesa. You can hire one by the hour from Calle Crisologo or near the main square, Plaza Salcedo.
There is no better way to explore Vigan than riding a kalesa.
3. Visit the Vigan Dancing Fountain
The dancing fountain in Plaza Salcedo is a must to witness the amazing fusion of water and light dancing in the middle of the square. The one-hour show starts every evening at seven.
Get there a bit early to find a spot, as it usually gets crowded.
4. Get Lost in the Hidden Garden
As the name suggests, the Hidden Garden is secluded from the city and has a relaxing ambience. You can buy some plants or savour Ilocano delicacies at the restaurant inside.
5. Try Moulding a Pot at Pagburnayan Pottery
Pagburnayan in Vigan is well known for its pottery, and trying it yourself is a unique and memorable experience. A potter will be happy to demonstrate his skills and may even walk you through the pottery.
6. Visit Baluarte Zoo
Baluarte Zoo is privately owned by local politician Chavit Singson, and it reflects his pride, as all the animals belong to him. Many animals roam freely through the walking areas.
At the time of writing there was no entrance fee, and the zoo was open every day from 7 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
7. Enjoy the Backdrop at the Bantay Bell Tower
The Bantay Church and Bell Tower are a 20-minute walk from the iconic Calle Crisologo. The church is among the oldest in the region, and its resplendent neo-gothic façade is reminiscent of Spanish architecture.
Bantay means “to guard”, and the town is named after the belfry. During the Spanish era, the bell tower was used as a watchtower against raiding pirates.
8. Watch the Sunset at Mindoro Beach
The quaint Mindoro Beach is 5 kilometres south of the city centre. It is usually less crowded and is the best place to watch the sun set over the blue water of the South China Sea.
9. Savour Local Delicacies at the Vigan Public Market
Vigan is famous for longganisa (native pork sausages) and bagnet (deep-fried crispy pork). The market, in the city centre, sprawls out in the evening.
10. Snack on Empanadas
A Vigan empanada is a rice-dough pastry stuffed with meat, cheese and vegetables and deep fried. It is something you can’t afford to miss while in Vigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vigan famous for?
Its cobblestone streets and intact Spanish colonial architecture, especially along Calle Crisologo, which led to its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What time is the Vigan dancing fountain show?
The one-hour show at Plaza Salcedo starts every evening at seven. Arrive early, as it gets crowded.
What food should I try in Vigan?
Longganisa, bagnet and Vigan empanadas are the local favourites.
How far is the Bantay Bell Tower from Calle Crisologo?
About a 20-minute walk.
Conclusion
From kalesa rides and heritage streets to pottery, sunsets and street food, these things to do in Vigan show off the best of this Spanish colonial town. Give yourself time to wander, eat and soak up its history.
Oh no! We were in the Philippines a couple of months ago but missed Vigan. Unfortunately, we had not even heard of it before today. 🙁 This gives us a good reason to go back and visit the Philippines again!
I’ve yet to visit The Philippines but posts like this one just stir up that wanderlust. Vigan looks like a neat town to check out. The cobblestone streets and stained glass windows look cool. Intrigued the dinosaur statues in the zoo.
Season’s Greetings! I’ve not yet been to the Philippines, so have never heard of Vigan. You’ve made it look quite enticing. Hopefully I will visit in the future.
Love your pictures. Never heard of Vigan, it’s nuts how it is SO European even though it is in the Philippines, I didn’t expect that influence to be so strong! Great list of things to do!
I would definitely like to try these , especially a pot moulding…by the way, didn’t know horse driven carriage, is locally known as Kalesa here. Learnt something new from your post 🙂
I’d love to travel on a Kalesa in Vigan! Such a cute way to get around such a picturesque city. I think looking at, as well as actually doing some pottery would be great.
I love old colonial towns, and this one looks a beauty.
It’s just a shame that many of your suggestions don’t really focus on the towns colonial past!
I was surprised to see the Empanada make an appearance in the Philippines too!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chris, as a matter of fact this post is focused on “10 things to do in Vigan”
This sounds like a fun place to spend some time! I love those dancing fountains!
superlike ….now I’m quite familiar with this place…’Vigan’
Thanks Himanshu, you gtta travel there and witness the historic Spanish architecture preserved there. You will certainly appreciate the beauty of the place.