Perfect 3-Day Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Travel Itinerary

Planning a 3-day trip to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur? This family-tested itinerary shares exactly how we spent our long weekend exploring heritage streets, local food spots, and cultural landmarks without feeling rushed.

Vigan has always been on our family’s bucket list. We carefully saved, planned, and finally made the trip happen. Since my brother lives in Aringay, La Union, Vigan was just a few hours away, making it the perfect road trip escape. Along the way, we couldn’t resist hopping out of the car to photograph charming old churches scattered along the highway. Even the journey felt meaningful.

Visiting Vigan truly feels like stepping back in time.Its cobblestone streets, Spanish-era houses, and horse-drawn kalesa rides transport you to another era. But it’s not just the heritage charm. Vigan is also known for its delicious local food like Vigan empanada, bagnet, and Ilocos longganisa. There are also plenty of affordable accommodations, making it ideal for families, seniors, and even solo travelers.

For our trip, we stayed at El Juliana, a cozy and charming place that became our relaxing home base after long days of walking and eating our way through the city.

If you’re still planning how to get there, especially from Manila, Clark, or Laoag, we shared our full travel experience and transport options here:

What to Prepare for a 3-Day Trip to Vigan

Traveling to Vigan requires a mix of practicality and a sense of adventure.

We packed:

• Light, breathable clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones can be tiring)
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Enough cash for small vendors

From Calle Crisologo to the riverside sunset, every corner felt picture-perfect, so our phones and camera were always ready.

Planning our stops in advance helped a lot, especially since we were traveling as a group. Staying near the heritage district made everything easier.

Where to Stay in Vigan

Our choice, El Juliana, was ideal for our family: cozy, clean, affordable and centrally located.

Other great options include:

• Hotel Luna – A boutique heritage hotel full of character.
• Vigan Plaza Hotel – Just steps from Plaza Salcedo.
• Calle Crisologo Inn – Perfect if you want to stay right in the historic district.
• Herencia Hotel – Affordable and welcoming.
• CBD Bed & Breakfast – Budget-friendly and family-oriented.

Choosing accommodations within walking distance of the main attractions really made our 3 days smoother.

Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Heritage & Culture

Start your adventure at Calle Crisologo, wandering along cobblestone streets lined with Spanish-era houses. The early morning light makes everything feel softer and less crowded.

We made sure to take a kalesa ride on our first day. It immediately set the tone for the trip.

For lunch, we tried Vigan empanada and bagnet at Café Leona, a classic spot loved by both locals and visitors.

Spend the afternoon exploring Plaza Salcedo. Just across the plaza, we stepped inside Vigan Cathedral for a quiet pause. The cool interiors and historic architecture offered a peaceful break from the afternoon heat. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Dancing Fountain show in the evening.

Stroll around souvenir shops, and pick up chichacorn or royal bibingka as pasalubong before returning to El Juliana for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: History & Scenic Views

We began our second day at Bantay Bell Tower. The short climb rewards you with a panoramic view of Vigan and surrounding areas. It’s one of the best photo spots in Ilocos Sur.

For lunch, we enjoyed Ilocos longganisa at a local eatery.

In the afternoon, we visited either:

• Syquia Mansion
  or
• Padre Burgos House

Both offer insight into Filipino-Spanish heritage.

We ended the day with a mini food walk around Vigan Public Market, sampling snacks and pastries.

Day 3: Family Fun & Relaxation

Our final morning was spent at Baluarte Zoo. It’s especially enjoyable if you’re traveling with kids.

After lunch at a nearby café, we slowed down. We explored hidden alleys, local art shops, and small galleries for souvenirs. These quieter moments ended up being some of our favorites.

We wrapped up our trip with a sunset walk along the riverside. By then, Vigan didn’t feel like a tourist stop anymore. It felt familiar.

Food Highlights in Vigan

• Vigan Empanada – Crispy shell filled with longganisa, egg, and vegetables.
• Bagnet – Deep-fried pork belly, crunchy outside and tender inside.
• Ilocos Longganisa – Sweet or garlicky, perfect for breakfast.
• Royal Bibingka – Soft and slightly sweet rice cake.
• Chichacorn – Crunchy snack that’s easy to bring home.

Is 3 Days in Vigan Enough?

For most families, yes.

Three days and two nights allow you to:

• Explore without rushing
• Take breaks during hot afternoons
• Enjoy local food slowly
• Balance heritage and relaxation

Final Thoughts

A 3-day Vigan itinerary is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who prefers meaningful travel over rushed sightseeing.

With heritage streets, flavorful Ilocano dishes, and walkable attractions, Vigan offers just the right balance of culture and comfort. Staying two nights allows you to explore without pressure and truly appreciate the city’s charm.

For us, it was more than just a trip. It was a reminder that some of the best destinations are the ones that slow you down.