February 2017

Travel back in time to the historic city of Vigan, Ilocus Sur

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  • Travel back in time to the historic city of Vigan, Ilocus Sur
    • Travel back in time to the historic city of Vigan, Ilocus Sur

    A city steeped in history, Vigan is like a page out of a history book. Its cobblestone streets paired with restored ancestral homes make it a must-see if you’re headed north of the country. In this feature, we explore Vigan’s best hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots, and show you why it deserves its title as UNESCO World Heritage Cit.

    First published in Philippine Primer Magazine February Issue Volume 011

    Where to go: a guide map

    Travel back in time to the historic city of Vigan, Ilocus Sur
    click the image to enlarge

    Where to Go in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

    St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (1)
    St. Paul was the site of several historical events, including the take-over of revolutionaries led by Col. Juan Villamor in 1896 and by American forces under Lt. Col. James Parker in 1899.
    Bantay Church Bell Tower (2)
    One of Vigan’s most iconic symbols is the Bantay Bell Tower. First built in 1591, it served as the town’s watchtower before being turned into a bell tower by the nearby church in 1857.
    Ilocos Regional Museum Complex (3)
    The Ilocos Regional Museum Complex is a set of museums all located beside the provincial capitol building in Vigan.
    Vigan’s Crisologo Museum (4)
    Wondering what an old Vigan home looked like, decades ago? Visit Crisologo Museum.
    Calle Crisologo (7)
    Walk through the ancient times as you visit Calle Crisologo in Vigan City.
    Plaza Salcedo (6)
    Named after the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo, Plaza Salcedo is both the city’s central attraction as well as its town center.

    Where to Eat

    Comedor at Hotel Luna (8)
    Nothing beats Comedor when it comes to a gastronomic Ilocano dining at best.
    Cafe Leona (9)
    The food is what keeps people coming back, even after 19 years.
    Pinakbet Farm (10)
    If you’re looking for the freshest pinakbet in Ilocos Sur, look no further than Pinakbet Farm.
    Kusina Felicitas (11)
    Kusina Felicitas started in 2004 as one of three restaurants housed at Grandpa’s Inn.
    Cafe Bigaa (12)
    Located at the corner of Florentino and Plaridel Streets, Café Bigaa used to be the main concessionaire of Vigan Plaza Hotel, one of Vigan’s pioneer accommodations.
    Bistro Amarillo (13)
    Want to dine in at a restaurant that has that Old World Spanish charm? Head now to Bistro Amarillo.
    Bistro 23 (14)
    Down for a chill time? Do it at Bistro 23!
    Worth the trip: Lilong and Lilang Restaurant (15)
    First opened in 2002, Lilong and Lilang started off as nothing more than a humble eatery that served some of the best empanada and Ilocos chicken inasal this side of Ilocos Sur.
    Café Uno (16)
    For your best breakfast in Vigan, Café Uno is your top choice.

    Where to Stay in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

    Villa Angela Heritage House (17)
    Villa Angela Heritage House is located along Quirino Boulevard and looks like a typical house in Vigan during the 1800s.
    Hotel Luna (18)
    It’s time for you to visit the only hotel-museum in the Philippines, and that is Hotel Luna.
    Ciudad Fernandina Hotel (19)
    Ciudad Fernandina is a boutique hotel at its finest.
    West Loch Park Hotel (20)
    West Loch Park Hotel’s main branch is found at Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, but it also has an annex found at Gen. Luna St. where the historic streets of Vigan are located.
    Hotel Felicidad (22)
    They pride themselves in their hotel motto: Ilocano Heritage Hospitality at its best.
    Hotel Luna Annex (23)
    Hotel Luna Annex is the boutique counterpart of the hotel-museum Hotel Luna in Vigan City.
    Hotel Salcedo de Vigan (24)
    If you have been looking for a hotel that is within reach of all tourist destinations that you can find in Vigan, check in at Hotel Salcedo.
    One Vittoria Hotel (25)
    Located at Bantay, Ilocos Sur is a boutique hotel that speaks modern elegance.
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