Town in Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Vigan
Preserved Spanish-era town of cobbled streets, ancestral houses and calesa rides, with good Ilocano food. Easy and walkable for a short stay; far north of Manila and busy with day-trippers at weekends.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$479–767Comfortable, one person · ₱30,000–48,000Details
- Value for money98/100Better value than 97% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 35°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; guesthouses usually provide it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$6.4–16.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCalesa (horse carriage)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in some hotels and restaurants; cash for calesas, markets, empanada stalls and small guesthouses.Details
Where to stay in Vigan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Calle Crisologo and Heritage Village | First-timers: cobbled streets, ancestral-house inns, evening strolls |
| Plaza Burgos area | Cathedral, market, restaurants and easy walking |
| Bantay and Santa Catalina | Cheaper stays, bell tower and quieter streets |
Apps that work in Vigan
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps. Tricycles and calesas are the options; agree the fare first. Hotels can arrange vans for day trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in some hotels and restaurants; cash for calesas, markets, empanada stalls and small guesthouses. ATMs in town.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Vigan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Vigan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.