Iloilo City sits on the southeastern coast of Panay island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is a historic city, and its streets reward slow walking, with well-preserved colonial architecture standing alongside everyday city life. Visitors often know it by two names: the City of Love and Panay's Queen City.
What a visit offers
- Colonial architecture. The city's older buildings are a main reason to come, and many have been kept in good condition.
- Food. Iloilo is known for its cuisine, so meals are a natural part of any day here.
- Culture and learning. As an important cultural and educational centre for the region, the city has a lively, university-town feel in places.
Planning your trip
Iloilo suits travellers who enjoy history, local food and a city that is less crowded than the Philippines' major tourist hubs. Plan at least a day or two to walk the historic districts and try the local dishes at a relaxed pace. Because the city serves as a regional centre, it also works well as a base for exploring the rest of Panay and the Western Visayas.
If you like to see how a regional city balances its past with its present, Iloilo City is well worth the trip.