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Writer's pictureAndi Dela Torre Griffiths

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.


Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi

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 and locals in Vigan are friendly. You can chat with them if you want to learn a thing or two about their culture.


Calle Crisologo in Vigan City | Popular Tourist Spot in Ilocos Sur, Philippines | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi

What Else is There?


Vigan’s branch of Max’s Chicken Restaurant looks vibrant at night. It’s one of the establishments that stand out at night because of its vintage design and Capiz windows that match the whole vibe.


Max's Fried Chicken Restaurant | Calle Crisologo, Vigan | Ilocos Sur Travel | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi
Look how beautiful it is at night. It had just finished raining, yet the whole area was vibrant.

Being 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.


Antique stores in Calle Crisologo, Vigan | Ilocos Sur | Travel blogs Philippines | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi

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.


Cafe Leon in Calle Crisologo, Vigan | Traveling to Ilocos Sur, Philippines | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi
The 1995 Studio Cafe in Calle Crisologo, Vigan | Ilocos Sur | Traveling to North Luzon, Philippines | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi
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, 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.


Ashtin Empanada in Calle Crisologo, Vigan City | Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi | Philippines | Asia
Calle Crisologo in Vigan | Tourist Spots in Ilocos Sur | Philippines

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


McDonald's in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur | Solid North Travels | Memento Vivere | A Lifestyle Blog by Andi | Philippines

What Else?


Here are more photos with descriptions; for reference when you plan your next trip to Vigan.


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.


Vigan Cathedral in Vigan City (damaged during the July 2022 earthquake)

Coffee Break Vigan


Here's a coffee spot right in front of Ashtin Empanada. It looks very homey (and I love the lights). I'll try their coffee next time.

Coffee Break Vigan in Calle Crisologo | Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

The Cordillera Inn


The Cordillera Inn is an accommodation that you can find inside Calle Crisologo. The rest are located on other streets (such as Burgos, Florentino, and De Los Reyes).

The Cordillera Inn | Calle Crisologo in Vigan City | North Luzon Philippines

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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