10 Unique Cultural Places to Visit in the Philippines

Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines, which consists of more than 7,000 islands, is a marvelous country offering a number of exclusive cultural attractions. This friendly and colourful country is famous for its good manners and warm-hearted people, history; thus, the country is among the best that tourists should visit in the Philippines if they are looking for fun and cultural experiences. Due to the indigenous roots of the Philippines and the long history of Spanish colonization, there is a wide selection of places to visit in the Philippines that will allow the tourist to understand the culture and history of the country.

Starting from the old city of Vigan to the beautiful countryside of Banaue the sites to see in Philippines are many and varied. Every place has a story of survival and innovation to share with tourists interested in the bond between the place and its residents. Discovering the Philippines’ best places to visit is not just about beautiful landscapes, but rich culture of this country too.

If you like history, if you like wildlife, if you are a traveler, if you like the Filipino hospitality, there is so much to do in the Philippines. From the colonial past feel of the walled city of Intramuros in Manila or the cultural celebrations in Cebu, the Philippines is a unique travel destination. Welcome to the series where we explore the Philippines destinations that show the cultural side of the country to become your next travel destination. Make sure to apply for your Philippines visa and start planning your journey today!

Here are the Top ten Places to Visit in the Philippines which can enhance your journey.

1. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Places to Visit in the Philippines

Vigan City is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its Spanish colonial architecture. Strolling Calle Crisologo will take you to the streets paved with cobblestones as you get to see the heritage houses which makes it one of the philippines best place to visit to know the history and culture. It is also famous for the local crafts and bits of food such as the Vigan empanada. Here you can explore the culture through art and craft and historical sites and monuments which makes it suitable for anyone looking for things to do in Philippines.

2. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces popular as “Eighth Wonder of the World” is the testimony to the loyalty of the Ifugao community. These steep mountain slopes in which the ancient Filipinos have built these terraces for rice planting for more than two millennia are among the most recognizable and sustainable agricultural practices and one of the fascinating places to visit for those who want to know about the indigenous people of the Philippines. A visit here creates a vision of the Ifugao’s ancient techniques in cultivation and the terrain that comes with it; therefore, this site’s value as a place to see in the Philippines is affirmed.

3. Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros, Manila

Part of Manila, Intramuros is the ancient center of the Philippines, which was founded by the Spaniards. It include Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, a number of museums among others. Visiting Intramuros is actually a way of knowing more about the country and I would like to say it is one of the must see places in Philippines. It is a culturally rich region of the capital where tourists can attend guided historical tours, taste traditional meals in picturesque cafes.

4. Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is one of the most important historical landmarks that were central during the Second World War. Today tourists may walk through the ruins of the buildings, visit the monuments and museums that tell the story of the island. This destination is a symbol of the great and the great price that was paid so as to attain liberty, making it among the special places to visit in Philippines. Visiting the sites with history, people can interact with the stories of the courageous people, which can be a great spiritual and cultural experience for the guests of the country.

5. Taal Volcano and Taal Heritage Town

Taal Volcano and Taal Heritage Town

Taal Volcano is an active volcano located in Batangas, but it is also considered a cultural heritage site. The place near it, the Taal Heritage Town, is literally dotted with ancestral houses and churches that reflect the past of this place. These natural and cultural endowments make it one of the Philippines’ best tourist destinations. One can gaze at the volcano in the midst of the island as well as walk through streets filled with historic architecture which makes it very important for any traveler going through the places to visit in philippines.

6. Malolos City, Bulacan

Malolos City, Bulacan

This city is also famous as the location where the First Philippine Republic had come from. Historically inclined tourists will find the Barasoain Church, where the Malolos Congress was held, quite fascinating. It is one of the places to see in the Philippines; it depicts the fight for independence. Besides historical attractions, there are cultural activities that showcase the Filipino culture and history making it easy for the guests to interact with the nation’s past is the places to see in philippines.

7. Cebu City

Cebu City

Cebu City is the Queen City of the South with a number of historical and cultural importance. The Basilica del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross are two important attractions. Cebu’s spectacular festivals like the Sinulog also contribute to the beauty of the place, which makes Cebu one of the best places to visit in philippines. It has a mix of old and new places and building, providing tourists with a glimpse of how Filipino live their lives in the present.

8. Sagada, Mountain Province

Sagada, Mountain Province

Sagada has become popular for its ‘hanging coffins’ and beautiful sceneries, it also boasts of its cultural tourism. It is interesting to learn the ways the locals bury their dead and the town is so calm and perfect for anyone who wants to spend time in learning about the culture of the people. Sagada is for sure on the list of the Philippines places to visit for those who like to see the specific cultural experience and the stunning nature.

9. Dapitan City, Province of Zamboanga del Norte

Dapitan City, Province of Zamboanga del Norte

Dapitan City holds popularity among the tourist due to its historical background and being the place of exile for the national hero Dr Jose Rizal. Tourists can spend their time in Rizal Shrine where relics from Rizal’s life are displayed. Due to its historical significance the tourist will never regret visiting Dapitan as it is a very important place in Philippine history. The city can host different cultural events and local celebrations, so people can interact with the historical background of the place and improve its position among the philippines best places.

10. Siquijor Island

Siquijor Island

Siquijor is famous for its mystic connections with sorcery and healing so it really presents a cultural travel. The island has many local festivals and traditional healing ceremonies which make many visitors to seek fun and culture. It is one of the sites in the Philippines that could be recommended for a visit because they present a different view of Filipino culture that stresses the indigenous spirituality and routines that shape the island.

Conclusion

From old monuments to native customs, there is so much to learn about Filipino culture that one may not know even exists. These cultural sites that can be visited in the Philippines not only showcase the beauty of Philippine culture but also the experience. The above destinations make some of the interesting places to visit when one is considering Philippines holidays or Philippines tourism, and one should book Philippines Holiday Packages or Philippines Tour Packages to experience the rich culture of this wonderful chain of islands. There is so places to go in the philippines therefore, the moments that you’ll spend in this rich country will be memorable.

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