Iloilo is a city in Panay Island and is considered to be one of the culinary capitals of the Philippines because it is where dishes like La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and Bangus Inasal originated. It was founded by Spaniards back in 1566 and remnants of their time in this country, which are some of the must-sees in Iloilo, still stand today. One of the top things to do in Iloilo is to visit these sites as well as to go on adventures to discover the local gastronomy.
The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most important historical places and one of the top tourist attractions in Iloilo. This national landmark can be found in the city’s Jaro district. In 2012, it was dubbed as a National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. It’s the perfect place to visit if you need a few moments of silent prayer during your sightseeing adventures in the city.
The Senator Efrain Treñas Boulevard is a riverside strip that’s popular among locals as the perfect place to go for a relaxing walk. It spans 1.2 kilometers and there you can enjoy spectacular views of the Iloilo River and the Esplanade 2 waterfront, especially at night when the area across you is illuminated by colorful lights.
The Molo Church is one of the most popular places to visit in Iloilo. This beautiful Gothic church is referred to as the Feminist Church because all its statues, even those on the pillars and the altar area, are female. It also has a nice location because nearby is a park where you can sit down and relax or go for a lovely stroll, and a playground where kids can hang out and play. If you need to get away from the heat, you can spend a short while inside the church because it’s fully air-conditioned.
Museo Iloilo is a museum that you should visit before exploring the rest of Iloilo. This cultural institution houses numerous exhibits containing historical artifacts and artworks that chronicle the history and heritage of the city. If you take the tour, you will be regaled with insightful trivia and stories. You will leave with newfound knowledge that will make you appreciate Iloilo more as you explore it.
Camiña Balay Nga Bato is a well-preserved ancestral house in Osmeña Street that has turned into a small museum. Inside, you can take an informative tour around it where you will learn about what life was like in the 1860s and hear about the different generations of families that used to reside there as you marvel at the antiques and old photos of a bygone era. At the end of the tour, you will be treated to a cup of hot chocolate and one of the Ilonggo culinary staples, the Pancit Molo.
Casa Mariquit is one of the oldest houses in Iloilo. It was built in 1803 by Ramon Javellana. In the 1950s, it was inherited by his granddaughter Mariquit and her husband Fernando Lopez, who became the president of the country in the 1950s. Despite being old, this house is well-maintained. It’s not officially a museum, but for a small fee, you can enter it and learn about the history of the house and the love story of its owners from the staff and by checking out the antiques and photographs on display.
JM Basa Street, also known as Calle Real, can be found in the Iloilo city proper. It is a historic street that’s known for having old buildings that were built in various styles like art deco to neoclassical. It is a business hub, therefore, it is a busy street, but even with all the hustle and bustle, it’s clean and has a quaint charm to it. It’s also a good place to shop for affordable items.
The Vicente Lopez Heritage House is one of the oldest houses in Iloilo and is labeled as the city’s Queen of Heritage Houses. It was also branded by the National Historical Institute as a National Historical Landmark. The mansion and its grounds are open for tours, so you can explore the surrounding areas, the rooms of the house, and learn about the local aristocracy as you marvel at the interiors and the displays of antiques and photos of the family that owns it.
The Molo Mansion was built in the 1920s and it faces the Molo Church and the Molo Plaza. Over the years, this historic home transformed into a hub for shops where you purchase a wide variety of local items from souvenirs to shirts. On the first floor, you’ll find the famous Kultura shop, which sells clothing and other products inspired by Ilonggo culture and heritage. One the second floor, there’s a gallery where you can marvel at artworks. At the back of the mansion is a cafe where you can hangout and relax while admiring the scenery.
The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, or ILOMOCA for short, is a cultural institution that’s dedicated to showcasing the works of local artists through curated collections and exhibits. There are even sections where pieces by international artists are highlighted. The artworks inside have a wide range of styles. You will see works that not only adhere to past techniques but also ones that push the boundaries of art through experimentation.
Iloilo is best known for its well-preserved historic sites that date back to the Spanish era of the Philippines, from ancestral houses to Catholic churches. It’s also known for being the birthplace of dishes like La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo.
The best time to visit Iloilo are the months of January to May. These months are the driest of the year, making it the ideal period to go sightseeing around the city. All the more if you’re planning on going to the beaches or embark on island-hopping adventures.
There are numerous hotels in the Iloilo City Proper. Staying there means you’ll be close to many eateries, hangout spots, and many of the most famous attractions in the city.