Things To Do
in Iloilo
Iloilo City sits along the Iloilo River and blends grand colonial architecture with a lively waterfront culture. It is famed for its culinary heritage, especially La Paz batchoy, fresh seafood, and sweet mangoes from nearby Guimaras. The city center is rich with historic churches, heritage houses, and a scenic riverfront esplanade that fills evenings with activity.
With hospitable locals and a relaxed pace, Iloilo offers a friendly gateway to Western Visayas and the nearby islands.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Jaro Cathedral, known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and the iconic bell tower. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the surrounding plaza, taking in the vibrant local life and perhaps stopping for a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery. Don't forget to snap some photos of the historic structures that tell the story of Iloilo's rich past.
After lunch, head over to the Museo Iloilo, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the region's history, culture, and art. Take time to wander through the nearby Calle Real, a street lined with heritage buildings, shops, and local delicacies. Spend the afternoon enjoying some of Iloilo's famous batchoy at a local restaurant, soaking up the flavors of this beloved noodle dish.
As dusk falls, make your way to the Esplanade, a scenic riverside promenade perfect for a relaxing walk. The area is beautifully lit in the evening, and you can find families and locals enjoying the ambiance. Consider grabbing dinner at a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the soothing sounds of the water.
Begin your day with a visit to the La Paz Public Market, a bustling hub where you can sample local delicacies like lumpiang hubad and the famous La Paz batchoy. Engage with friendly vendors as you explore the various food stalls, immersing yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of Iloilo. Take your time to enjoy some breakfast treats while people-watching in this lively atmosphere.
Join a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Ilonggo dishes, guided by a local chef. This hands-on experience allows you to understand the history and significance behind each dish, from ingredients to methods. After cooking, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor and share stories with fellow participants.
Wrap up your culinary adventure with a visit to a local food festival or night market, where you can try a variety of street food and delicacies. The lively atmosphere is filled with music and laughter, making it a perfect spot to unwind. Sample some local desserts like inasal or a refreshing halo-halo while enjoying the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🥤Soft drink or local beer | $1-4 |
| 🚕Taxi or ride-hailing within town | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culinary scene with La Paz Batchoy and mangoes
- Compact city with walkable riverfront
- Friendly, hospitable locals
- Good base for neighboring destinations (Guimaras, Isla de Gigantes)
- Traffic can be heavy in peak hours
- Some areas can be crowded and noisy
- Limited high-end dining relative to mega cities
- Typhoon season can disrupt travel plans
- "Maayong adlaw" - Good day
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Pila ang presyo?" - How much is this?
- "Diin ang kasilyas?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Wala ko kasabot" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Iloilo
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic, well-kept riverfront walkway ideal for sunrise and sunset photography, with boats, modern lighting, and skyline silhouettes.
A striking Gothic-style church with colorful exteriors and a dramatic backdrop for architectural shots.
Grand neoclassical yellow facade with steps and colonial details that photograph beautifully at dusk.
Vivid market life, colorful stalls, and morning activity that capture the local daily rhythm.
Food in Iloilo
Iloilo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty pork-bone broth noodle soup with beef innards, topped with chicharrón and egg; iconic in Iloilo, best tasted at Netong’s in La Paz.
Must-Try!
A pork dumpling noodle soup featuring delicate dumplings in a clear broth; a comforting, affordable Ilonggo staple found in many city eateries.
A savory pork stew with pigeon peas and unripe jackfruit; a flavorful showcase of local ingredients.
A creamy coconut milk stew usually made with chicken or pork and nganga leaves; pairs well with steamed rice.
Guimaras mango treats, mango float, and fresh sliced mangoes are seasonal delights, especially in markets and dessert shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic marketplace where batchoy stalls, fresh produce, seafood, and snacks come to life; a great place to sample local foods.
Bustling market area with street-food stalls, grilled items, and daily-life photography opportunities.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm smile and use courteous language; show respect to elders and those in authority; modest dress when visiting churches.
Filipino hospitality is generous—accept invitations when offered and avoid rushing conversations; public displays of anger are discouraged.
Safety
Tipping in Iloilo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in nicer restaurants and a small tip for service in casual spots.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly common in larger establishments; ATMs are widely available; mobile wallets are growing in usage.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with plenty of sunshine; great for beach trips to nearby Guimaras and island-hopping, but stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
June to November brings frequent afternoon showers and occasional typhoons; plan indoor activities and carry a light rain jacket.
Iloilo at Night
Hiking in Iloilo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Nearby hillside trails and viewpoints offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Island hiking and coastal walks with sea caves and dramatic rock formations accessible by boat.
Airports
How to reach Iloilo by plane.
Located in Cabatuan, about 20-30 minutes from Iloilo City; serves domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core demographic of Iloilo with a distinct language and cultural traditions; diverse communities from nearby provinces and expatriates also contribute to the city’s mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools, courts, and street leagues; a common pastime for locals.
Popular in parks and gyms; community leagues and pickup games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iloilo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ilonggo cuisine is meat-heavy, but you can navigate by choosing vegetable dishes such as ginataang gulay (vegetables in coconut milk), pinakbet, and chop suey; ask vendors to omit pork or seafood when possible.