Vigan City On Your Own

OVERVIEW

Spend hours independently exploring historical Vigan City, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site for being the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. You will be dropped off on cobblestoned Calle Crisologo, a pedestrian-only street lined with architectural treasures, including stone homes with Spanish, Mexican and Chinese influences. Despite the different characteristics of the buildings, they blend beautifully to create a homogenous ambiance. It will be easy to find your way around Vigan City as it follows a simple grid pattern established in the 16th century. If you dine at a restaurant along Calle Crisologo, be sure to order royal bibingka for dessert as this sticky rice cake topped with melted cheese is a local favorite. While browsing the abundant shops, you will find everything from hand-woven clothing to paper-mâché horse-drawn carriages that are miniature versions of the traditional ones that still carry goods up and down the street.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage site Vigan City on your own.
• Enjoy free time on Calle Crisolgo, the street where the affluent lived in the colonial era.
• Marvel at the architectural treasures within this well-preserved historical district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.