“Vigan Travel Diaries: Calle Crisologo”

Hello everyone! If you are following me on Instagram you may have seen all those pictures I posted about my recent trip at Vigan, Ilocos Sur. My stay here in the Philippines is almost (??) over so I thought of doing some last minute short trips. My first stop was the City of Vigan which is included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage. Vigan is also a city full of tourist destinations including the famous Calle Crisologo.

Calle Crisologo is considered to be the most famous tourist destination in this city because of its Spanish Architectures. Walking down this street is like walking back during the Spanish-era here in the Philippines.

This street was named after Mena Pecson Crisologo, a writer who is one of the most respected sons of the Ilokos region.(source: https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/calle-crisologo-mena-crisologo-street.html). 

Here you will see a lot of old houses that were converted into hotels, restaurants, antique shops, souvenir shops, cafe’s and several other businesses.

 Once in Calle Crisologo, a ride on the Kalesa is a must. This was the major form of transportation back in the Spanish times so this will add more excitement on your spanish-era experience. The ride costs P150.00 for one hour.

Another must experience is to dine to a restaurant that serves authentic Ilocano food. Our kalesa driver recommended Cafe Leona.

The food experience was good. I liked their Pinakbet (Ilocano delicacy made out of different kind of fresh vegetables) and Sinigang na Hipon (Eng. Shrimp Sour Soup). Although their pork barbecue was just okay. We didn’t try their Bagnet (famous Ilocos delicacy made out of pork belly) since we have already bought ours from a store, which according to the locals is the best place to buy Bagnet since it’s fresh.

A walk at Calle Crisologo is indeed an unforgettable experience. It’s a place full of history, art and beauty.

How to get here:

From Baguio City, Take a bus going to Laoag and ask the driver to drop you off at Vigan City. We took the Partas Bus and it costs us P334.00 each. There’s Partas buses going straight to Vigan but you have to check the schedules. There was no available buses bound to Vigan when we went so we preferred to take a bus going to Laoag. Once in Vigan, you can just rent tricycles to take you on your preferred destinations.

Thank you guys for reading!

Much love❤,

Arlene Kischaen Aboli