Iloilo

Panay's largest city is just right. It's big enough to offer a scaled-down version of the urban comforts you get in Manila, yet small enough to remain accessible and down-to-earth. Ilonggo, the people of Iloilo, are rightfully proud and connected to their city's past and invested in its future. Come here for fascinating history, buoyant nightlife and a side trip to rural Guimaras island.

Fading colonial architecture defines the congested old city, which is basically everything south of Iloilo River and east of its tributary, the Dungon River. The future is being cast to the north and west, in the Mandurriao district, from the riverside Esplanade and vibrant Smallville complex and on to the Megaworld Iloilo Business Park near the ever growing SM City mall.

Explore Iloilo

M
Miagao Church
Built between 1787–97, this impressive church, with its striking pyramidal towers, served as a fortress against Muslim raiders. Damaged over the years by…
C
Casa Mariquit
A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's…
N
Nelly's Garden
Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.
B
Bulabog Puti-An National Park
Spelunkers take note: this 847-hectare old-growth forest 33km north of Iloilo has dozens of caves, of which six are open to the public, all within 3km of…
M
Museo Iloilo
Offers a worthwhile display on the indigenous Ati (Negrito) people and a collection of old pinya (pineapple fibre) weavings, for which the area is famous…
C
City Hall
For the best view of the old city, climb to the roof above the 7th floor – ask the guard for permission. You'll be surprised how different it appears…
M
Metropolitan Cathedral
This impressive cathedral is the seat of the Catholic diocese in western Visayas.
S
St Anne's Church
This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…
I
Iloilo Esplanade
This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

M
Miagao Church
Built between 1787–97, this impressive church, with its striking pyramidal towers, served as a fortress against Muslim raiders. Damaged over the years by…
C
Casa Mariquit
A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's…
N
Nelly's Garden
Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.
B
Bulabog Puti-An National Park
Spelunkers take note: this 847-hectare old-growth forest 33km north of Iloilo has dozens of caves, of which six are open to the public, all within 3km of…
M
Museo Iloilo
Offers a worthwhile display on the indigenous Ati (Negrito) people and a collection of old pinya (pineapple fibre) weavings, for which the area is famous…
C
City Hall
For the best view of the old city, climb to the roof above the 7th floor – ask the guard for permission. You'll be surprised how different it appears…
M
Metropolitan Cathedral
This impressive cathedral is the seat of the Catholic diocese in western Visayas.
S
St Anne's Church
This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…
I
Iloilo Esplanade
This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Iloilo.

See
Miagao Church
Built between 1787–97, this impressive church, with its striking pyramidal towers, served as a fortress against Muslim raiders. Damaged over the years by…
See
Casa Mariquit
A massive banyan tree looms atmospherically over the entrance to this grand home built in 1803 by Philippines VP Fernando Lopez (Mariquit was his wife's…
See
Nelly's Garden
Iloilo's most famous historic home resembles the White House. You'll need to give three days' notice of your visit.
See
Bulabog Puti-An National Park
Spelunkers take note: this 847-hectare old-growth forest 33km north of Iloilo has dozens of caves, of which six are open to the public, all within 3km of…
See
Museo Iloilo
Offers a worthwhile display on the indigenous Ati (Negrito) people and a collection of old pinya (pineapple fibre) weavings, for which the area is famous…
See
City Hall
For the best view of the old city, climb to the roof above the 7th floor – ask the guard for permission. You'll be surprised how different it appears…
See
Metropolitan Cathedral
This impressive cathedral is the seat of the Catholic diocese in western Visayas.
See
St Anne's Church
This historic neo-Gothic church is interestingly sometimes referred to as 'the feminist church' because there are only sculptures of female saints on…
See
Iloilo Esplanade
This riverside walkway is a credit to the city, which had to move mountains to build it. It's 1.3km long, made of brick paving stones, and for pedestrians…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Iloilo with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.