Iloilo is the name of both a province and its capital city. An established trading hub long before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, Iloilo remains one of the busiest seaports in the country. Here the old and new are in harmony, with well-preserved ancestral homes and centuries-old churches standing beside modern buildings. The city also offers a dynamic culinary history and boasts numerous cycling routes to burn those calories when you’re done feasting.
Things To See & Do
Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art
The first modern art institution in Iloilo province is located in a newly built colonial-style building at the Megaworld Iloilo Business Park. It houses paintings owned by former New York investment banker Edwin Valencia, who started collecting art in the 1980s.
Go cycling
Hop on a two-wheeler and explore the longest protected bicycle path in the country, which runs through Benigno Aquino Avenue in Iloilo City and connects the municipalities of Molo and Jaro. You can also take a more scenic route downtown to see buildings built in the American and Spanish periods, or plan a half-day trip to the municipality of Leon, where avid bikers go to test their limits.
Where To Dine & Drink
Seventy N Coffee + Drinkery
Formerly a hole-in-the-wall bar in a residential area, Seventy N Coffee + Drinkery has traded up and now occupies a prime spot on the lower ground floor of the shiny and brand new Greenfield commercial complex along Diversion Road. A full bar offering delicious modern cocktails awaits thirsty patrons.
Bakery by Louis
The smell of freshly baked bread inside the tiny space could entice anyone to abandon the pretense of a carb-free diet. This modern and glamorous take on the nondescript neighborhood panaderias (bakery) that Ilonggos have grown up with whips up delectables such as crusty French baguettes and Italian panini alongside sandwiches, calzones and round loaves stuffed with stringy mozzarella and topped with crusty, melted cheese.
How To Get Here! Philippine Airlines operates daily flights from Manila to Iloilo. Below is the schedule of the flight.
| Route | Flight | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| MNL-ILO | PR 2141 | 08:10 | 09:20 | Daily |
| ILO-MNL | PR 2142 | 10:10 | 11:30 |