Hotels in Iloilo

Jaro's Gothic Revival cathedral stands tall with its separate bell tower, while Spanish colonial ancestral houses line the tree-shaded streets. The historic plaza buzzes with local life and showcases intricate wooden balconies and capiz shell windows. February brings the famous Candelaria Festival with colourful religious processions and traditional Filipino performances. Getting around is easy with jeepneys and tricycles, while most attractions sit within a 10-minute walk from the plaza. Local eateries serve delicious Ilonggo specialities like batchoy and pancit molo. Heritage bed-and-breakfasts in restored ancestral houses offer charming places to stay while exploring this cultural gem.

Villa de Arevalo brings Iloilo's Spanish colonial past to life through weathered stone churches, ancestral houses with capiz shell windows, and vibrant hablon weaving workshops. This historic district offers a glimpse into authentic Filipino daily life away from the city's bustle. Traditional festivals and cultural practices continue here much as they have for generations. Family-run eateries serve classic Ilonggo dishes like batchoy and pancit molo, with fresh seafood featuring prominently. Budget-friendly guesthouses and heritage bed-and-breakfasts in restored colonial homes offer intimate accommodation with traditional Filipino hospitality. Getting around is primarily by walking, with tricycles and jeepneys connecting to Iloilo City centre.

La Paz area in Iloilo serves up authentic Filipino culture with a hearty side of flavour. The iconic public market buzzes with vendors while steam rises from countless batchoy stalls, birthplace of the famous noodle soup. Between slurps of this garlicky pork broth delicacy, you can explore nearby attractions like Jaro Cathedral or stroll along the Iloilo Esplanade. Well-connected by colourful jeepneys and tricycles, getting around this culinary hotspot is a breeze. Most visitors stay in nearby Iloilo City proper and make daytime trips to experience La Paz's food scene. The area quiets down after dinner hours, making it perfect for travellers seeking real Filipino market culture without tourist markup.

History buffs will swoon over Molo, nicknamed the "Athens of the Philippines" for its striking colonial architecture. The district's crown jewel is the Gothic-Renaissance Molo Church with its unique all-female saints and coral stone facade. Spanish ancestral houses with delicate capiz shell windows line the tree-shaded streets, creating a living museum of Filipino-Chinese heritage. The area offers authentic local flavours at traditional Filipino-Chinese eateries serving pancit molo and regional delicacies. While accommodation is limited within Molo itself, most travellers visit as a day trip from nearby Iloilo City. Getting around is easy with abundant tricycles and walkable streets perfect for exploring this peaceful historic gem.