Location: Iloilo City
Top Things to do in Iloilo City
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10 Things to do in Iloilo City That You Shouldn't Miss
Iloilo City, officially the City of Iloilo (Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Iloilo; Kinaray-a: Syudad kang/ka Iloilo; Filipino: Lungsod ng Iloilo; Spanish: Ciudad de Iloílo) is a highly urbanized city on southeastern tip of Panay island in the Philippines. It is the capital city of the province of Iloilo where it is geographically situated but, in terms of government and administration, it is politically independent. In addition, it is the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area, as well as the regional center and primate city of the Western Visayas region. In the 2015 census, Iloilo City had a population of 447,992 inhabitants, with a 1.02% population annual growth rate. For the metropolitan area, the total population is 946,146 inhabitants.
Restaurants in Iloilo City
1. Jaro Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By janevi2016 - Quezon City, Philippines
Jaro Cathedral is a prominent symbol of Catholic faith of the Ilonggos. Here, you can find the famous Our Lady of Candles or the " Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria" which is enshrined on the second floor of the cathedral outside of the church. Her feast is celebrated every 2nd of February. It is the first Marian National Shrine and it is one of the most celebrated feasts by the Ilonggos where masses are held from 4:30 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening on an hourly basis. History tells that the original church was destroyed by an earthquake Caycay in 1948 and was later repaired in 1956 by the first Archbishop of Jaro, the late Arch. Jose Maria Cuenco. Furthermore, it is also the first Marian image canonically crowned personally by the Pope and saint, Pope John Paul II.
2. Agho Island
3. Camina Balay nga Bato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Mariann79 - Iloilo City, Philippines
Loved the native chocolate! Entrance is good for a no-time-limit tour after the guide has introduced you to every nooks and crannies of the historical mansion. You can stay as long as you want to enjoy the native chocolate and biscuits. There were also brochures that were handed out for free that you can read while examining closely every antique housewares that are no longer used nowadays. There were displays of various merchandise at the entrance from food to accessories to scarves. I bought two nice beaded necklaces. My friends and I took time chatting while enjoying the picture taking inside the house. A must-visit for lovers of history.
4. St Anne Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By KIMI4812 - Quezon City, Philippines
It was my last day and I invited my husband to go to an anticipated Mass at Molo Church. Beyond our expectations, the Church reflects the Spanish influence and the beautiful altar provides honor to St. Anne, Mama Mary's mother who I have learned to invoke for help and intercession. Attending the 5:00 p.m. Mass we were impressed with the beautiful Church interiors from the ceiling to the main altars. The grounds infront of the Church were also quite interesting with the Plaza and the beautiful grounds providing a park for the tourists and the locals. Beside the Church is also the Convent which provides one with a glimpse of the buildings during the Spanish times. It is made of huge cobblestones and cement that lasted over a hundred years.
5. Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By profits101 - Cebu City, Philippines
As far as Contemporary art goes, this is a an excellent museum with some of the best contemporary art I have seen outside Manila... and much of it deeper, greater in quantity, and better presented. Megaworld seems to know what they're doing, and I think in their first development outside Luzon they were looking to make a genuine landmark and stake out an area of quality and integrity for their own brand. This museum is very high quality from the architectural space to the exhibited and curated work. On the ground floor, you’ll find the “Hulot” (“space” in Hiligaynon) exhibition space, along with a Museum store. The second floor houses three galleries - one is dedicated to artists from Iloilo, Panay and nearby Negros. The third floor houses the Adoracion V. Valencia Gallery. Named after the patron’s mother, this gallery contains select pieces from Edwin Valencia’s collection, including sculptures and paintings from both local and foreign artists - really sensational work here.
6. SM City Iloilo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By LolaGo1 - Washington DC, United States
Located across from my hotel, I spent a lot of time dining and shopping here, particularly at the Food Court where Casa Ilonggo became my favorite! There are also American and Filipino fast foods restaurants located here plus other shops. SM also has a Grocery Store, a Hardware Store, etc.
7. Nelly's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
One of Iloilo City's national historical landmark, this mansion owned by the Lopez clan was built in 1928 and is located in the Jaro district of the city. It may not not be as old as the other ancestral houses in town, but this mansion is definitely one of the most well-preserved. It has a vast lawn in front of a white structure in art deco style. I was quite surprised when I called up its administrator just four hours before our visit to book a guided tour to the house and received a positive response. I thought one had to book days ahead before visiting the place. Well, I guess they didn't have many reservations for that afternoon, and so they immediately accommodated us. The lady who guided us -- Ma'm Lucia -- was very knowledgeable concerning every single detail about the house, as well about the history of the place and of the Lopez family. She guided through every single room in the house, from the main entrance up to the second floor. The place is really well-maintained .... the flooring made of tindalo wood, the narra carvings and cornices on the ceiling, the frescoes on the wall, the Chinese decors, the Italian chandeliers, the stained glass windows, the tiles on the floor and in the rest rooms, etc. She was so accommodating as we asked her information about the photos on display, the gowns once worn by the women of the house, the musical instruments, the soirees that used to be held in the grand sala, the furniture, and so forth. A visit to this place is like travelling back in time, at least to the time of the American era. It gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of the well-off and prominent Ilonggo families -- the Lopez family. Aside from the house itself, the surrounding gardens are also very interesting and offer you great spots for pictorials. By the way, both the gardens and the mansion can be rented for special occasions (like weddings). I really enjoyed our visit to this place! I just wish that they would allow visitors to take pictures of the interior of the mansion.
8. Casa Mariquit
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Mariann79 - Iloilo City, Philippines
Wanna learn about a supposed arranged marriage that was ditched by Mariquit for her one true love? Visit this place and be enthralled as the guide retells the story of Mariquit and her husband, the then Vice President of the Philippines, Fernando Lopez Sr. Their antique possessions are still preseved, including their shoes, telephones, bags, cameras, and more. You can sit down in the living room for all the time you want and look at their photo albums. Find and be amazed of the portrait of the couple whose eyes seems to follow you wherever you go. Pay an extra tip to the guide for beautiful photos. There’s an ample parking space at the back. No food is served though, just plain tour of the house with minimal entrance fee. No need to reserve or set an appointment in visiting.
9. Festive Walk Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 544joannc - Iloilo City, Philippines
Its been great experience coming to your hometown and seeing the city really change into more classy and clean place to visit. Well amazed with the new businesses around. Branded shops. Love it. Stayed at Richmonde Hotel . Really best hotel you can find to stay. Excellent service ,views and food. Totally empress. Well done iloilo. Proud ilonggo's here.
10. The Molo Mansion
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 110 reviews
The Molo Mansion is one of Iloilo City's finest old homes. It was built in the 1920's and was reopened to the public in 2015. It currently serves at the backdrop of art exhibits, markets, fairs, special occasions, and photo shoots.
Reviewed By soly329 - Santa Rosa, Philippines
Old white house. But currently owned and managed by sm. Store of kultura. It should maintain as a national park not a shopping.
