Touring the City of Vigan

The first destination for our trip was Vigan City, the provincial capital of Ilocos Sur and the famed heritage village of the North due to its well-preserved culture as seen through the old-fashioned build of the houses and streets which are teeming with horse-drawn carriages or rickshaws called the kalesa or calesa which was the form of transportation centuries ago during the era of Spanish colonization.

Some retro restaurants

The calesa

Cobblestone path in Vigan

Tourists and locals alike flock the streets of Vigan, especially the famous Calle Crisologo, to feel the experience of traveling back through time and history as you walk along the same brick path that our predecessors have once stepped on and lived in those moments of our antiquated past.

Calle Crisologo (Crisologo Street)

Calle Crisologo

Most of the houses, buildings, and establishments in Vigan have been retro-fitted to adapt in modern times while keeping the vintage style and design, keeping its prestige and grandeur in almost pristine condition.

Here, you can even take a ride on one of the calesas and see the vicinity of Vigan which is not really as big as it may seem but it is quite rich in heritage.

Calesa tour ~15-20 minutes

For some directions, the map of Vigan

Nice backdrop for pictures

It's a door. *Vintage design and architecture*

Me. Taking a picture with the door.

Take a rest on a calesa-themed bench

We roamed the city at night and I would recommend that it would be best to tour the places at this time due to a humdinger of a nightlife that springs into vibrant enthusiasm where you can truly experience the fullest enjoyment with your family and friends.

Plus, it is not so much tiring to walk at night, with the light breeze that blows on your face and with the ease of movement through the streets. The warm glow from the street lights also give you a sense of wonder and it draws you in to get the vibe of the place.

Calle Crisologo is not only a place of vintage cultural heritage which can compare and be at par with the streets of Rome or Paris but it is also a marketplace lined with shops selling all kinds of goods and merchandise - souvenirs, antiques, artwork, furnishings, native handicraft, and food.













There are also some nice accommodation in Vigan. There were really fabulous hotels in the proximity of the town square and some along Calle Crisologo. Tourism in Vigan is definitely starting to rack up and it is becoming quite popular now. One of the best hotels in Vigan I believe would be the Heritage Mansion.

The Cordillera Inn

The Cordillera Inn

Vigan Plaza Hotel

Casa Teofila Lodge (our accommodation in Vigan)

Our homey rooms

Resto and grill @ Casa Teofila

Lastly, Vigan also has some landmarks that you can take note of. Perhaps one of the most exciting and fun event that probably happens every weekend would be a water and lights show at the Plaza Burgos.

This is where children and even adults can actually splash in the fountains and take photos amid the light show while singing and dancing to the tune of the music playing.

There is also a playground for children beside the food stalls and eateries where you can try out their specialty, the Sinanglao.

Vigan's Emblem

Burgos Shrine @ Plaza Burgos

St. Paul Memorial Church

Bell tower

Lights

Lights Show at Plaza Burgos






We definitely had a blast touring the city of Vigan and it was such a joy to see such culture and serenity within their community. It was quite a peaceful stay we had in Vigan and I hope I would be able to go back there and spend perhaps the holidays at Vigan.