Iloilo Travel Guide Day 1 - City DIY walking tour of Downtown

Monday, August 19, 2024

What I love about Iloilo is how much there is to explore right IN THE CITY. We did a lot in 2.5 days, but if you’re in a hurry, you can totally hit the key spots in just 1-2 days.

We started our adventure in the downtown area on day one diving into the city’s rich history and culture. I’m a huge fan of photo walks, so we ended up walking a lot that day.

Plaza Libertad
Such a fan of how Iloilo HAS GREEN OPEN SPACES. They’ve managed to keep these clean and orderly. These are also well lit at night.

Loved this waiting shed

San Jose Parish Church

Iloilo City Hall


Iloilo City has a lot of micro museums and we were able to visit four in a few hours. They are housed in beautiful heritage structures that the government renovated or restored for adaptive reuse. 

Museum of Philippine Economic History
The economic museum was built in 1905 and is the old Ynchausti y Compañia Building. It has 13 galleries and entrance is for free.

THIS SECTION IS GIVING DRAMA MY GAWD.

The Museum of Philippine Maritime History 
My favorite moment.

This museum was formerly the Iloilo Customs House.


Heritage Buildings along JM Basa Street
JM Basa Street (also known as Calle Real) is peppered with heritage structures. Some have been restored and others unoccupied. Even with the age and grit - you still see how magnificent these buildings are.

It’s giving Recto vibes without the fear – in the best way possible 😂


Roberto's Siopao
Roberto's Siopao is an Iloilo OG. It’s a go-to recommendation from locals and travel guides. The filling for the regular is similar to the asado. The bread is soft and perfectly light, not too thick. I wanted to order the jumbo but it was sold out already. If you find yourself in the JM Basa area, a stop here is a must.

Museo Iloilo
The museum might be small, but it puts the spotlight on the province. There is a P50 entrance fee and I highly encourage you to take the tour to gain a deeper appreciation of the exhibits. You’ll enjoy a mix of long-term archaeological displays and new contemporary art that changes up regularly.

National Museum of Western Visayas
This gorgeous structure built in 1911 is the former Iloilo Provincial Jail.


We got dehydrated on our first day. We didn’t expect the heat index to reach 44-46! This is the reason we had to cut our DIY tour short. Distance wise, 1-1.5 km is easily something I can walk. However, the heat made it difficult especially since we didn’t have an umbrella. So learn from us and prepare wisely.

Dinner at All Things Green's Healthy Kitchen
We opted to refuel our bodies with dinner that was the opposite of indulgent. Healthy Kitchen is a spot where you can eat well and enjoy every bite.  Read the full review HERE.


And that, ends day 1! Stay tuned for the remaining days to complete the 5-day itinerary guide.


📍 Plaza Libertad, San Jose Parish Church, Iloilo City Hall
Zamora Street, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City

Edificio Ynchausti Y Compañia, Ortiz Street corner J.M.Basa Street, Iloilo City

Ground Floor, Iloilo Customs House, Muelle Loney Street, Iloilo City

📍 Heritage Structures
Along JM Basa Street, Iloilo City

61 JM Basa Street, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City

Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City

Bonifacio Drive, City Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City

📍 All Things Green’s Healthy Kitchen (Across Mormon Church
Q. Abeto Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City


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