7 Fun Things to Do in Iloilo City for Christmas Whether It’s Your First or Tenth Vacation

Iloilo vacations would be more exciting when you shop. When in Iloilo, there are shopping centers that can satisfy your craving for spending. A wide array of options is in your hands. Imported goods can be bought at the S&R Membership Shopping outlet, where you can find my favorites, which can rarely found in local grocery shops. For one-stop shopping destinations, there are always malls like SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place Iloilo, and CityMall.

Having a taste of the great food of Iloilo is one of the many favorite activities in the City of Love. Gastronomic districts have become popular hangout places for both locals and tourists. At Iloilo Business Park, for example, there are homegrown restaurants like DoVa Brunch Cafe and Farm to Table. You need to go somewhere else if you get hungry after a long stroll by the Iloilo River Esplanade. Restaurants popular all over Western Visayas can be found there like Punot, Latte Coffee Cafe, and Ramboys Lechonan and Restaurant. Food spots offering local and international cuisine and fast food chains have set up shop at the Ayala development project in Iloilo.

On the other hand, seafood lovers can head to the Arevalo district, about 15 minutes from the city. A long stretch of seafood restaurants awaits diners by Villa Beach. Southpoint at SM City Iloilo and Plazuela de Iloilo also have seafood spots closer to the city.

The majority of the establishments in Iloilo turn magical at night. Most educational institutions make extra effort to decorate their buildings and surroundings, giving locals and tourists a beautiful background where they can pose for holiday selfies and groupies. One fun thing to do in Iloilo City is visiting the façade of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo National High School, Iloilo Provincial Capitol, White House in Quezon Street, Central Philippine University, and Angelicum School Iloilo.

Another sight is the festival of lights at Pototan, Iloilo, dubbed the Christmas Capital of Western Visayas. Bring your children and be ready to feel like a kid again when you see the place at night. Some locals made it a point to visit the Christmas village in Pototan every year.

This holiday season, grab the opportunity to bond with your family and friends. Iloilo has many family-friendly entertainment spots for family reunions and parties. If you have kids and teenagers, try bringing them to WaterWorld Iloilo, the first waterpark in the city.

The Play Hub by the Iloilo River Esplanade is for kids who like adventure games. You may also want to explore the newest destination, the City Time Square by the Diversion Road.

Christmas vacation in Iloilo could also be your opportunity to catch up with yourself and the friends you’ve missed. The nightlife district of Smallville offers ideal venues to meet your friends. You may try visiting Angel A Resto Bar, and Lanai Grill and Sports Bar, among others. Aside from nightspots, one may also try visiting Freddy’s Bar & Grill, Bavaria Restaurant, and Brewery Gastropub.

Parties at night in Iloilo are worth experiencing. It is more about dancing than drinking.

What else is better than just staying in bed and doing nothing else? The City of Love can also provide comfort if you wish to chill out from all the stress from work and school. Cozy hotels like the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Richmonde Hotel, GT Hotel Jaro, and Punta Villa Resort can accommodate this yearning.

Rather than go somewhere else, some opted for a staycation and got a tan from the sun’s scorching heat.

Your Iloilo vacation would be more meaningful with friends and families. One way for families and friends to bond through music is through singing in a KTV room. With many KTV bars competing, prices have become more affordable for the consuming public these days. In Iloilo, there are many options like Empire KTV, Smallville 21 Hotel, Diversion 21 KTV and Resto, Highway 21 Hotel, and MO2 Annex Family KTV & Billards, among others.

This is one activity for you and your friends when you want to spend time together.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more exciting travel destinations in Iloilo this Christmas!