Maayong pag-abot! Welcome to Iloilo City, the "City of Love" and the original "Queen City of the South." Here, 400 years of history sit beside one of the fastest-growing cities in the Philippines. Spend the morning in a Spanish-era stone church and the afternoon in a sugar baron's mansion. End the day with a steaming bowl of La Paz batchoy by the river.
Iloilo City is the gateway to Western Visayas. From here, a UNESCO World Heritage church, the mango island of Guimaras and the white-sand islands of Gigantes are all within a day's reach. The people are Ilonggos, famous for their gentle, singsong Hiligaynon language and their warm hospitality.
- Where
- Southeastern Panay, Western Visayas (Region VI)
- Districts
- 7: City Proper, Jaro, Molo, La Paz, Mandurriao, Arevalo, Lapuz
- Language
- Hiligaynon (Ilonggo); English and Filipino widely spoken
- Airport
- Iloilo International (ILO), Cabatuan, about 19 km away
- Known for
- Dinagyang, heritage churches and mansions, batchoy, the Esplanade
- Best time
- December to May; late January for Dinagyang
Plan your trip
History & Geography
How the seven districts came to be, and where Iloilo sits on the map.
The People of Iloilo
The Ilonggos, their language, roots and way of life.
Climate & Weather
Seasons, month-by-month weather, typhoons and packing.
Getting There & Around
Flights, ferries, airport transfers, jeepneys and Grab.
Things to Do in Iloilo City
Heritage churches, mansions, museums, shopping and nightlife.
Tourist Activities & Day Trips
Church tours, Guimaras, Gigantes island hopping, itineraries.
Food & Dining
Batchoy, pancit Molo, seafood, coffee and pasalubong.
Festivals & Events
Dinagyang and the year's other big celebrations.
Where to Stay
Neighborhoods compared, with booking tips.
Travel Tips
Money, phrases, safety and emergency numbers.
Van Rental
Airport transfers and tours across Panay and Guimaras.
Dinagyang 2027: January 24
The tribes return to the streets of City Proper. Book your room early.
