Nightlife in Vigan City
If one has energy to spare at night after touring Vigan all day, there are still a few things that can be enjoyed after the sun goes down when one tours during non-festival periods. It is true that most of the establishments in Vigan close early, especially when there are no town celebrations. A little past dinner time, around eight, most of the town businesses would call it a day and people would already be in the comforts of their home. However, those near the town center would use this cooler time of the day to congregate in the two town plazas to eat, play and mingle.
Visitors can use this time to get to learn more about Vigan by interacting with the locals in the plazas. One can start in Plaza Salcedo, by relaxing near the fountain and taking night-time pictures. Then move on to Plaza Burgos and blend in with the local crowd gathered there by sampling street food and asking about them. After chitchatting with the locals or people-watching, one can walk to one of the café’s in the nearby hotels or Café Leona and have a drink there while enjoying how differently the heritage houses are dressed by the darkness of the night and the muted light of the antique-style lamps that line Calle Crisologo.
Couples are enjoined to take a romantic walk through the cobblestone street. They can have quiet bonding moments when they stop and sit in one of the wooden chairs and benches that can be found in front of the heritage houses. From there they can watch the stars and sky framed by Vigan roofs. The Philippines is known for music-loving people who will sing at a drop of a hat, so it should be no surprise that another activity that locals engage in and visitors are urged to do is karaoke singing.
For visitors who would like to watch locals and visitors do their amateur singing or themselves want to exercise their vocal cords, Café Leona has a videoke bar where they can do so. There is also the 8.88 Videoke and Halftime Sportsbar as alternative venues for a night of singing.
Some of the lodging places also have karaoke facilities. The Vigan Hotel’s Cool Spot Restaurant not only makes Ilocano cuisine available to diners day and night, they also offer the same 24-hour service for their KTV music. However, if one would like to steer clear of any possibility of being asked to sing or do not particularly find amateur singing entertaining or amusing, then a night at Sitio Bar is recommended. At Sitio Bar, visitors can enjoy the Philippines’ San Miguel beer with local and international dishes at a very affordable price. A night of drinking with your group can be enjoyed amidst its colorful atmosphere and modern music.