HomeIloilo12 Best Things to Do and Tourist Spots in Iloilo 4028 sharesWhat to do and where to go in Iloilo? Start exploring with 12 of the best things to do and tourist spots in Iloilo. By Marcos Detourista. Updated on July 15, 2016.1. Enjoy a City Tour of IloiloIloilo City is a tourist hub where the best restaurants, museums, hotels, shopping districts, and nightlife in the province await. It is most known for the annual Dinagyang Festival, exquisite heritage sites, deliciously fresh seafood, and signature Ilonggo dishes. The city is also home to many Spanish-colonial churches, grand vintage houses, and old commercial and institutional buildings dating back to its heyday as the “Queen City of the South.” View all tourist spots in Iloilo City.All things to do in Iloilo, Iloilo travel guide, how to get to & around, Iloilo hotels & resorts.2. Savor a Food TourFood is undoubtedly Iloilo’s biggest year-round attraction. Most true-blooded locals will, without fail, offer to take you to eat at local restaurants or prepare a home-cooked Ilonggo meal if they find out that you’re a first-time visitor. Don’t miss out on savoring fresh seafood and Iloilo’s native cuisine, especially its signature dishes like La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo.Hearty bowl of La Paz Batchoy at La Paz Market in Iloilo City.Jaro Cathedral in Jaro District, Iloilo City.3. Join a FestivalNot to be missed in January, the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is one of the Philippines’ biggest religious and cultural festivals that transforms Iloilo City into one big venue for spectacle and merry making. Watch thousands of Dinagyang Ati performers fill the city streets as they dance in sync to fast-paced thundering drum beats. In addition to the Dinagyang Festival, the city is also host to many exciting events like the Paraw Regatta Festival, Jaro Fiesta, and Chinese New Year.Brown-painted Ati Performer at the Dinagyang Festival held in Iloilo every January.4. Visit Iloilo’s Heritage SitesIn between food trips, visit treasured historical sights scattered over different districts in the city. Walk the streets of Iloilo City Proper to find recently restored heritage buildings along Calle Real, the city’s old central business district, and other corners of the downtown area like Plaza Libertad, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds. Head over to the districts of Jaro and Molo to visit centuries-old churches and the city’s grandest ancestral houses that have survived the test of time. To start, take a tour of the Jaro Cathedral, Lizares Mansion, Casa Mariquit, Molo Church, and Bahay Camiña nga Bato.Recently restored heritage buildings in Calle Real in Iloilo City Proper.Molo Church and Plaza in Molo District, Iloilo City.Angelicum School (Lizares Mansion) in Jaro District lit up by thousands of Christmas lights every December.5. Walk along the Iloilo River EsplanadePeaceful riverside views can be found along the Iloilo River Esplanade, a testament of the city’s desire to provide breathing spaces on its path to rapid urban development. The best time to start your leisurely walk along this landscaped promenade is during late afternoons to catch the beautiful sunset view.Iloilo River Esplanade under the dusk twilight.6. Experience Nightlife in IloiloJoin the local crowds and experience the Iloilo City’s lively nightlife scene. The most popular dance clubs and bars are located in Smallville Complex. There are also more chill spots to be found in other areas of the city.7. Get a Taste of Iloilo’s Cosmopolitan CharmsRapid urbanization and higher living standards in Iloilo City has given birth to a growing number of lifestyle centers. Get your caffeine fix or have a spa day. Take your pick from restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines at European-inspired Plazuela de Iloilo, The Shops in Ayala Atria Iloilo, Smallville Complex, SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place Iloilo, or the up and coming Iloilo Business Park.8. Discover Iloilo ProvinceVenture outside the city to experience Iloilo’s friendly countrysides and hidden gems. Iloilo Province is filled with many natural and cultural spots worth exploring. View all tourist spots in Iloilo Province.9. Explore Iloilo’s Beaches and IslandsPicturesque beaches are scattered across the seafood rich waters of Northern Iloilo where the islands of Gigantes, Concepcion, Ajuy, and Sicogon beckon. Head over to the southern coast of Iloilo to find well-preserved marine sanctuaries in San Joaquin and peaceful gray sand beaches in Miagao, Guimbal, Tigbauan, and Oton.View from Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo.Gabugaw Gamay Island in Gigantes Islands, Carles, Iloilo.10. Go Church HoppingThe towns of Iloilo are home to many centuries-old Spanish-colonial Churches of great historical and heritage value. The most famous and best preserved in the province is Miagao Church, which is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. A 20-minute drive down the coast will take you to the militaristic-inspired San Joaquin Church. Also worth visiting are the old churches and church ruins in Guimbal, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Leon, Alimodian, Dingle, Dueñas, Passi City, and Barotac Nuevo.Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church in Miagao, IloiloJaro Cathedral in Jaro District, Iloilo City.11. Cool Down in Iloilo’s Highland AreasFor nature lovers, there are many refreshing waterfalls, hiking trails, and highland areas in Iloilo’s central mountains, just waiting to be discovered. You can find these cool spots in Bucari, Igbaras, Janiuay, Calinog, and Lambunao.Highland views of Bucari in Leon, Iloilo. 12. Take an Excursion to Nearby Gateway DestinationsApart from its own collection of tourist attractions, Iloilo serves as a gateway to Western Visayas region and a favored stopover for tourists heading to the beaches of Boracay and the nearby Guimaras, Antique, Capiz, Aklan,Bacolod, and Negros Occidental.Go on a side trip to Guimaras – A 15-minute boat ride is all it takes to get to Guimaras Island from Iloilo City Proper. This province has a lot of worthwhile sights and activities to offer for visitors who are keen to enjoy its peaceful beaches, crowdless islands, biking trails, and famously sweet mangoes.Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia, GuimarasDon’t leave yet. There’s more!Comments Bobby Pepito saysApril 10, 2013 at 8:42 pmwe need video footages of the different beaches( with scenic shot) in Iloilo for a DSWD project tht we are making, if you a good quality cideo footages, pls let me know thru my e mail…willing to pay Jo saysMarch 12, 2013 at 10:28 pmDear jobelle,The nerve to tell me not to visit iloilo. Who are you? The mayor? Girl of informal settler mentality.My suggestions are not idiotic, in fact some of them are being considered. I am wishing iloilo to become progressive and economically stable so that people like us need not go placesto look for work and instead go back to iloilo and get the same opportunity in the place we were born, raised and got our education. Learn to respect the comments of others that were posted in positive ways. You remind me of my days in iloilo that their are people of mentality.. The nerve of you! antonio saysSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:55 amthis is one of the best website i’ve seen so far. so much details on iloilo tourism. Is it possible to share your website and its contents to my facebook group named Hiligaynon. Thanks. wils saysAugust 29, 2012 at 11:46 amtruly, iloilo is on its way of becoming a premiere city…however, we should not content ourselves in bringing out the best for iloilo. its always a partnership between the government and the people…if we want to make our city the best that we could ever have, then, we have to take good care of what the government have started already. this is our city…and its our responsibility! Julieth C. Cambal saysJune 1, 2012 at 4:31 amay…kanami lng sang view sans bucari leon ah…ay sobra ka ramig gid yah…kung mapuli ko sa amon ga kodog ko ka ramig mum…mayad lang kng summer medyo ramig lang pay kung tag ulan gni ay abaw ramig gid…daw sa baguio lng bala,,.. Vic saysMarch 15, 2012 at 10:01 pm@Jobelle , I get your point about preservation of Iloilo Cultural heritage and its ethnic identity that which gives Iloilo Tourist Place its substance . We should not be docile from the dictates of other people especially not coming from Iloilo , we are better left without those Shangrila , Piers , Mansions , Giant Statue of Aquino and then worship those places … thanks jobelle Vic saysMarch 5, 2012 at 9:03 pmmhai ka tigda gid sa imu ba mhai ualat saysMarch 5, 2012 at 2:27 pmnahidlaw nagid ako subong hay mapoli kami sa May dyan sa Pototan, Iloilo. halin sang 2nd year high skul, ndi na ko kapoli dyan hay tama gid ka bz kag ang budget bala.. amuna nahidlaw na ko sang akong mga parente kag lugar dira sa Iloilo. dalawon ko man ang iba pa nga lugar da pag nagpoli ko sang May. Nami gid sa Iloilo kag nahidlaw ko sa lapz batchoy ni takya. namit gid! :) Vic saysFebruary 11, 2012 at 6:48 pmHelo Jo, where you get the detailed plan ? its very lucid and 5 thumbs up , i am tounge tied , its soooooo true….. jo saysFebruary 10, 2012 at 8:51 pmI forgot ask MEGAWORLD to construct a 5,000 seater International Convention Center at the Megaworld Property.and if Phinma will do the reclaimation, aside from putting up the piers and terminal, put a commercial and recreation complex in the reclaimed land. An Ocean Park will do. jo saysFebruary 10, 2012 at 8:47 pmGive the world a brand new tourist spots of Iloilo. How?1) Reconstruct the old Fort San Pedro 2) Refurbish the Casa Espanol Ruins, couple it with a beautiful ladscape 3) Ask the owners of the Castelo Houses to repaint the entire edifice and its neighboring houses as well. 4) Ask the owners of the Masonic Temple to do the same – repaint the entire edifice and put lighting effect 5) Re – landscape the entire Plaza Libertad 6) Take out the occupants of the COA Building and transform it to a gallery. 7) Refurbish the Old Custom House, transform it to a hotel. 8) Implement the Heritage and Cultural renovation of Calle Real. 9) Construct a new “Arc” at the obelisk rotunda. – Calle Real – Spanish Arc – Iznart going to Capitol – Filipino Arc – Ledesma Street – Indian Arc – street going to Mulle Leoney – American ArcThese Arcs will represent the first group of Traders in the City. Chinese (existing), Indian, American, Spanish and Filipino Entrepreneurs.10) Change all statues around the city from miniature sizes to 15 footer statues with 5 foot base platform. – Apolinario Mabini – Maria Clara – Jose Rizal – Andres Bonifacio11) Even the Obelisk – paint it gold and put proper lighting below.12) Take out the jeepney that pass through Calle Real, convert it to a covered walk as per rendered plan.13) Build a massive basilica at the empty lot fronting Fort San Pedro – in honor of St. Peter14) Enter a PPP with PHINMA Group to reclaim the land from Fort San Pedro to International Fishing Port Complex. This area should have the following:a) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Manila b) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Davao c) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Palawan d) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Zamboanga e) Pier and Passenger Terminal for General Santos City f) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Cagayan de Oro g) Pier and Passenger Terminal for CebuThe existing Pier and Terminal at Fort San Pedro shall be for Bacolod Bound Ferries.This would mean that no more terminals in the River Area.The vacated terminals and docking area at the river or Mulle Leoney shall be converted to parks and recreation.15) Sell the old ship yard across the Custom House to a real estate company like ETON.16) Ask ETON also to develop the land infornt Gaisano Capital in Lapaz.17) Build two 12 storey tower at the old provincial jail for government offices.18) Sell old YMCA to investors, transform the area to a mall complex with 2 12 storey buidling for a office tower and hotel.19) Place statues of distinguish Ilonggo in the River Blvd. from Gaisano Capital to Prime Estate.20) Ask Prime Estate to build a river quay at the area near the river bed.21) improve street lights around the city.22) transfer Museo Iloilo to a well landscaped area.23) ask owners of old houses in Jaro to repaint the edifices and organize a once a month open houses to cater to both local and foreign tourist.24) implement the plan to renovate Plaza Jaro and Molo.25) Build a massive statue Ninoy Aquino at the foot of the avanue,26) Get Ayala to build Ayala Center at the Kapidelco Area 27) Get Gaisano to build another mall at Aquino Avenue 28) Get Robinsons to build another mall near San Agustin – High School Campus 29) Get Jose Marie Chan to develop his land infront of SM City beside SM Warehouse. 30) Get Shangri La to build a hotel and mall complex at Kapidelco. 31) Get Waterfront to build a hotel at the old Marina Restaurant 32) Get Fuego Group to build their planned mall and hotel at Kapidelco Area. 33) Get Microtel to build another Hotel at Smallville 34) Get Iloilo Supermart to build their Mall with Supermart at their lot in Aquino Avenue.Convert Aquino Avenue as a shopping district of Iloilo like Orchard Road.35) Build additional Sports Facilities at the Sports Complex area. An oval arena and stadium. Improve the Sports facilities, rebuild a new swimming complex, a new tennis courts, a new volleyball gymn and the likes.36) Ask Iloilo Doctors College to apply for University status.37) Lobby in congress to convert WVSCST to University Status 38) Ask owners of WIT to sell the school to PHINMA and convert it to University Status39) Get the Korean company to start building the planned theme park40) Get San Miguel Group or Manny Pangilinan to enter into PPP for the Trans Panay Railways.41) Get Korean or Japanese Aid to build the Iloilo – Guimaras Bridge.42) enter into a PPP with the Lopezes for the planned industrial estate in Engore, Lapaz43) enter into a PPP with SM Group to build transport terminals in the following with SM Hypermart or Savemore as Anchor Store:– Ungka, Jaro Terminal – Midsize – Tabuc Suba Terminal – Biggest – Coastal Road Terminal – Midsize – Mandurriao Terminal – Midsize – villa Terminal – 2nd to Tabuc Suba44) Ask Metropolis developer – Sta. Lucia to build commercial buildings for BPOs at Metropolis and Coastal Area.45) Ask Robinsons to create a midsize mall at Tabuc Suba area.46) Ask SM group to build more Savemore– Savemore Oton – Savemore Villa Arevalo – Savemore Molo – Savemore Mandurriao – Savemore Lapaz – Savemore Leganez47) Ask Florete Group to build more office building around KApidelco48) Ask Villahanon to go back to floriculture buisness49) Ask to government to build another flyover at Jalandoni Street and SM City50) put a river cruise along Iloilo River Jobelle saysMarch 15, 2012 at 12:41 pmDear Jo,Your detailed plan sucks, history speaks itself (Iloilo has its own identity)– why will they transform the simple way of living here according to your crab mentality and idiot idea? Don’t visit to Iloilo instead, stay in Metro Manila! You want Shangri-la and Megaworld right? Jo saysMarch 12, 2013 at 10:37 pmDear jobelle, W Hahahahahahaha a year ago i posted those wish list. A year after, most of my wish list are being considered. Who is more idiotic or of crab mentality, mine or yours? Dont stay on that mind, youll end up somewhere depressing. Look who’s talking? HahahahahaBy the way, who that hell are you to tell me, not to visit iloilo, are you the mayor? Pakita ka sa akon pag nagpauli ko da sa april, kay basi masermonan ta ka
Bobby Pepito saysApril 10, 2013 at 8:42 pmwe need video footages of the different beaches( with scenic shot) in Iloilo for a DSWD project tht we are making, if you a good quality cideo footages, pls let me know thru my e mail…willing to pay
Jo saysMarch 12, 2013 at 10:28 pmDear jobelle,The nerve to tell me not to visit iloilo. Who are you? The mayor? Girl of informal settler mentality.My suggestions are not idiotic, in fact some of them are being considered. I am wishing iloilo to become progressive and economically stable so that people like us need not go placesto look for work and instead go back to iloilo and get the same opportunity in the place we were born, raised and got our education. Learn to respect the comments of others that were posted in positive ways. You remind me of my days in iloilo that their are people of mentality.. The nerve of you!
antonio saysSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:55 amthis is one of the best website i’ve seen so far. so much details on iloilo tourism. Is it possible to share your website and its contents to my facebook group named Hiligaynon. Thanks.
wils saysAugust 29, 2012 at 11:46 amtruly, iloilo is on its way of becoming a premiere city…however, we should not content ourselves in bringing out the best for iloilo. its always a partnership between the government and the people…if we want to make our city the best that we could ever have, then, we have to take good care of what the government have started already. this is our city…and its our responsibility!
Julieth C. Cambal saysJune 1, 2012 at 4:31 amay…kanami lng sang view sans bucari leon ah…ay sobra ka ramig gid yah…kung mapuli ko sa amon ga kodog ko ka ramig mum…mayad lang kng summer medyo ramig lang pay kung tag ulan gni ay abaw ramig gid…daw sa baguio lng bala,,..
Vic saysMarch 15, 2012 at 10:01 pm@Jobelle , I get your point about preservation of Iloilo Cultural heritage and its ethnic identity that which gives Iloilo Tourist Place its substance . We should not be docile from the dictates of other people especially not coming from Iloilo , we are better left without those Shangrila , Piers , Mansions , Giant Statue of Aquino and then worship those places … thanks jobelle
mhai ualat saysMarch 5, 2012 at 2:27 pmnahidlaw nagid ako subong hay mapoli kami sa May dyan sa Pototan, Iloilo. halin sang 2nd year high skul, ndi na ko kapoli dyan hay tama gid ka bz kag ang budget bala.. amuna nahidlaw na ko sang akong mga parente kag lugar dira sa Iloilo. dalawon ko man ang iba pa nga lugar da pag nagpoli ko sang May. Nami gid sa Iloilo kag nahidlaw ko sa lapz batchoy ni takya. namit gid! :)
Vic saysFebruary 11, 2012 at 6:48 pmHelo Jo, where you get the detailed plan ? its very lucid and 5 thumbs up , i am tounge tied , its soooooo true…..
jo saysFebruary 10, 2012 at 8:51 pmI forgot ask MEGAWORLD to construct a 5,000 seater International Convention Center at the Megaworld Property.and if Phinma will do the reclaimation, aside from putting up the piers and terminal, put a commercial and recreation complex in the reclaimed land. An Ocean Park will do.
jo saysFebruary 10, 2012 at 8:47 pmGive the world a brand new tourist spots of Iloilo. How?1) Reconstruct the old Fort San Pedro 2) Refurbish the Casa Espanol Ruins, couple it with a beautiful ladscape 3) Ask the owners of the Castelo Houses to repaint the entire edifice and its neighboring houses as well. 4) Ask the owners of the Masonic Temple to do the same – repaint the entire edifice and put lighting effect 5) Re – landscape the entire Plaza Libertad 6) Take out the occupants of the COA Building and transform it to a gallery. 7) Refurbish the Old Custom House, transform it to a hotel. 8) Implement the Heritage and Cultural renovation of Calle Real. 9) Construct a new “Arc” at the obelisk rotunda. – Calle Real – Spanish Arc – Iznart going to Capitol – Filipino Arc – Ledesma Street – Indian Arc – street going to Mulle Leoney – American ArcThese Arcs will represent the first group of Traders in the City. Chinese (existing), Indian, American, Spanish and Filipino Entrepreneurs.10) Change all statues around the city from miniature sizes to 15 footer statues with 5 foot base platform. – Apolinario Mabini – Maria Clara – Jose Rizal – Andres Bonifacio11) Even the Obelisk – paint it gold and put proper lighting below.12) Take out the jeepney that pass through Calle Real, convert it to a covered walk as per rendered plan.13) Build a massive basilica at the empty lot fronting Fort San Pedro – in honor of St. Peter14) Enter a PPP with PHINMA Group to reclaim the land from Fort San Pedro to International Fishing Port Complex. This area should have the following:a) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Manila b) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Davao c) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Palawan d) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Zamboanga e) Pier and Passenger Terminal for General Santos City f) Pier and Passenger Terminal for Cagayan de Oro g) Pier and Passenger Terminal for CebuThe existing Pier and Terminal at Fort San Pedro shall be for Bacolod Bound Ferries.This would mean that no more terminals in the River Area.The vacated terminals and docking area at the river or Mulle Leoney shall be converted to parks and recreation.15) Sell the old ship yard across the Custom House to a real estate company like ETON.16) Ask ETON also to develop the land infornt Gaisano Capital in Lapaz.17) Build two 12 storey tower at the old provincial jail for government offices.18) Sell old YMCA to investors, transform the area to a mall complex with 2 12 storey buidling for a office tower and hotel.19) Place statues of distinguish Ilonggo in the River Blvd. from Gaisano Capital to Prime Estate.20) Ask Prime Estate to build a river quay at the area near the river bed.21) improve street lights around the city.22) transfer Museo Iloilo to a well landscaped area.23) ask owners of old houses in Jaro to repaint the edifices and organize a once a month open houses to cater to both local and foreign tourist.24) implement the plan to renovate Plaza Jaro and Molo.25) Build a massive statue Ninoy Aquino at the foot of the avanue,26) Get Ayala to build Ayala Center at the Kapidelco Area 27) Get Gaisano to build another mall at Aquino Avenue 28) Get Robinsons to build another mall near San Agustin – High School Campus 29) Get Jose Marie Chan to develop his land infront of SM City beside SM Warehouse. 30) Get Shangri La to build a hotel and mall complex at Kapidelco. 31) Get Waterfront to build a hotel at the old Marina Restaurant 32) Get Fuego Group to build their planned mall and hotel at Kapidelco Area. 33) Get Microtel to build another Hotel at Smallville 34) Get Iloilo Supermart to build their Mall with Supermart at their lot in Aquino Avenue.Convert Aquino Avenue as a shopping district of Iloilo like Orchard Road.35) Build additional Sports Facilities at the Sports Complex area. An oval arena and stadium. Improve the Sports facilities, rebuild a new swimming complex, a new tennis courts, a new volleyball gymn and the likes.36) Ask Iloilo Doctors College to apply for University status.37) Lobby in congress to convert WVSCST to University Status 38) Ask owners of WIT to sell the school to PHINMA and convert it to University Status39) Get the Korean company to start building the planned theme park40) Get San Miguel Group or Manny Pangilinan to enter into PPP for the Trans Panay Railways.41) Get Korean or Japanese Aid to build the Iloilo – Guimaras Bridge.42) enter into a PPP with the Lopezes for the planned industrial estate in Engore, Lapaz43) enter into a PPP with SM Group to build transport terminals in the following with SM Hypermart or Savemore as Anchor Store:– Ungka, Jaro Terminal – Midsize – Tabuc Suba Terminal – Biggest – Coastal Road Terminal – Midsize – Mandurriao Terminal – Midsize – villa Terminal – 2nd to Tabuc Suba44) Ask Metropolis developer – Sta. Lucia to build commercial buildings for BPOs at Metropolis and Coastal Area.45) Ask Robinsons to create a midsize mall at Tabuc Suba area.46) Ask SM group to build more Savemore– Savemore Oton – Savemore Villa Arevalo – Savemore Molo – Savemore Mandurriao – Savemore Lapaz – Savemore Leganez47) Ask Florete Group to build more office building around KApidelco48) Ask Villahanon to go back to floriculture buisness49) Ask to government to build another flyover at Jalandoni Street and SM City50) put a river cruise along Iloilo River
Jobelle saysMarch 15, 2012 at 12:41 pmDear Jo,Your detailed plan sucks, history speaks itself (Iloilo has its own identity)– why will they transform the simple way of living here according to your crab mentality and idiot idea? Don’t visit to Iloilo instead, stay in Metro Manila! You want Shangri-la and Megaworld right?
Jo saysMarch 12, 2013 at 10:37 pmDear jobelle, W Hahahahahahaha a year ago i posted those wish list. A year after, most of my wish list are being considered. Who is more idiotic or of crab mentality, mine or yours? Dont stay on that mind, youll end up somewhere depressing. Look who’s talking? HahahahahaBy the way, who that hell are you to tell me, not to visit iloilo, are you the mayor? Pakita ka sa akon pag nagpauli ko da sa april, kay basi masermonan ta ka