Visiting Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

A favorite among local and international tourists, this spot is a must-visit for those visiting the Spanish colonial town of Vigan.

Taking a Walk along Calle Crisologo

During the day, Calle Crisologo looks like something straight out of a storybook. The cobblestone-paved street showcases local stores, antique shops, and cafes that all go with the architecture of the place. As you can see, its style is a fusion of Chinese, Filipino, and (mostly) Spanish design elements.

At night, the Calle looks cinematic. It exudes a timeless charm, and you should see it for yourself. It was drizzling when we visited, yet it looked even more beautiful.

If you want a tour, you can rent a calesa; it's a horse-drawn buggy that goes around the area since cars aren't allowed inside Calle Crisologo. The people who command the horses are called cocheros. A lot of them have lived in Vigan all their lives, while some were originally from different provinces (who moved there after getting married to Ilocanos).

The cocheros were really friendly. You can chat with them if you have any questions (without getting pressured to get a calesa ride).

What to See at Calle Crisologo in Vigan

You’ll find a lot of restaurants, bars, and hotels in the area. One of the ones that stood out to me was Vigan’s branch of Max’s Chicken Restaurant. Its vintage design and Capiz windows really match the whole vibe.

Look how beautiful it is at night. It had just finished raining, yet the whole area was vibrant.

Since it’s a popular tourist destination, expect to see souvenir shops that sell all sorts of things: you can get bags, chips, slippers, head massagers, keychains, and of course, snacks.

As for food options, there are plenty of restos inside the 500-meter historic street. You can choose from Señorita Dulce, The 1995 Studio, Cafe Leona, or Cafe Uno, among many others.

Inside The 1995 Studio Cafe | The Hibiscus tea comes in a massive cup

I love Ilocos empanada. I had been eating them even before I stayed in Ilocos Sur. It just tastes so good, especially with vinegar. My mom and I like the Special variant sold by Victoria’s Empanada de Iloko at Robinsons Galleria. They are generous with the fillings and take-out vinegar packets. Unfortunately, they have closed that branch.

Anyhow, if you’re going to Vigan, it’s a MUST to try the empanadas. You can take your pick from the many stalls that sell them, but the one below is from Ashtin. They serve cook-to-order empanadas and Okoy (shrimp fritters). I ordered the Double Egg variant, and it was yummy. But honestly, I still prefer the ones from Victoria's or Fariña's.

In front of Ashtin Empanada is a homey cafe called Coffee Break (we’ll try this next time).

Are you craving McDonald's? No problem, they have one just right in front of Plaza Salcedo (and it looks great from the outside).

Vigan Cathedral

When UNESCO declared the Historic Town of Vigan in 1999, this cathedral was a part of it. Unfortunately, Vigan Cathedral was damaged by the Magnitude 7.3 earthquake last July 2022, so we only stayed outside.

This lovely hotel caught my attention during our stroll. It's got a nice vibe to it. The place is called Cordillera Inn. It’s one of the beautiful accommodations within Calle Crisologo in Vigan. The rest are located on other streets such as Burgos, Florentino, and De Los Reyes.

I guess that would be all for today's blog. Make sure to check out other Food & Travel posts on this link. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

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