Western Visayas · Philippines
Where to stay in Iloilo City
Iloilo City is a city in Western Visayas, Philippines, home to about 474,000 people.
- Nearest airport
- ILO17 km · Iloilo International Airport
- Currency
- PHPPhilippine peso
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Language
- English, Filipino, Taglish
About
About Iloilo City
Iloilo City, officially the City of Iloilo (Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa sang Iloilo; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Iloilo; Spanish: Ciudad de Iloílo), is a highly urbanized city in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, located on the southeastern coast of the island of Panay. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 473,728 people, making it the most populous city in Western Visayas.
Iloilo City is considered a highly urbanized city with a government separate from the province. It lies on the southern coast of Iloilo province, facing the Iloilo Strait. Along with nearby Guimaras, the city forms the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras metropolitan area. The city's history traces back to pre-colonial times as the center of Madja-as, but written history states that Iloilo originated from the town of Oton, an outpost founded by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Raids by Chinese and Moro pirates forced the relocation of the outpost to Villa Rica de Arevalo (present-day Arevalo).
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Iloilo City
See
- Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral
- Jaro Belfry
- Molo Church
- San Jose Church
- Calle Real
- Casa Real de Iloilo
- Iloilo Customs House
- Molo Mansion
- Nelly Garden
- Lizares Mansion
- Camiña Balay Nga Bato
- Casa Mariquit
Do
Like most cities and towns in the Philippines, Iloilo City celebrates many festivals throughout the year, with the Dinagyang Festival being the city’s main and most significant celebration.
- WaterWorld Iloilo
- El Dorado Waterpark
- Vertex Bouldering Iloilo
- Iloilo Golf Driving Range
- Iloilo Golf and Country Club
- Deca Wakeboard Park
- The Boat Club Iloilo
- Villa Beach
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Which part of Iloilo City to stay in
Iloilo City offers a wide variety of accommodations that cater to all types of travelers. From luxurious international hotels with world-class amenities to boutique stays that showcase local charm. Mid-range hotels provide comfortable rooms and convenient locations for exploring the city, while budget inns and hostels offer affordable stays without compromising on basic comfort. Many hotels are located in Mandurriao, near SM City Iloilo and Festive Walk, while others are in the historic downtown area, close to Calle Real and the riverfront.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Hotels in Iloilo City
34 hotels within 25 km of the centre, as recorded in Wikidata. Each name links to its encyclopedia article where there is one.
| Hotel | Opened | From centre |
|---|---|---|
| Bed and Bath Serviced Suites | 3.0 km | |
| Casa La Granja | 1.5 km | |
| Casa Tentay | 2.7 km | |
| Circle Inn - Iloilo City Center | 1.0 km | |
| City Corporate Inn | 1.0 km | |
| Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo | 2.9 km | |
| District 21 Hotel | 2.1 km | |
| Diversion 21 Hotel | 1.7 km | |
| El Haciendero Private Hotel | 2.5 km | |
| Figtree Hotel | 2.1 km | |
| Go Hotels Iloilo | 0.6 km | |
| Goldberry Lite Hotel | 1.0 km | |
| Harbor Town Hotel | 0.7 km | |
| Injap Tower Hotel | 2.2 km | |
| La Fiesta Hotel | 2.1 km | |
| Leonilas Travellers Inn RedDoorz | 0.8 km | |
| Madison Hotel PHL | 0.3 km | |
| MO2 Westown Hotel Iloilo | 1.8 km | |
| One Lourdes Dormitel | 0.7 km | |
| OYO 258 Chito's Hotel OYO Rooms | 0.9 km | |
| OYO 799 Ddd Habitat Iloilo OYO Rooms | 4.3 km | |
| Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo | 2.2 km | |
| RedDoorz @ Ledesco Avenue Lapaz Iloilo RedDoorz | 2.5 km | |
| RedDoorz @ Plaza Jaro Iloilo RedDoorz | 2.8 km | |
| RedDoorz @ Q Abeto Street Mandurriao RedDoorz | 3.4 km | |
| RedDoorz Plus @ Castle Chateau Iloilo RedDoorz | 0.5 km | |
| RedDoorz Plus @ Taft North Mandurriao RedDoorz | 2.7 km | |
| RedDoorz Plus @ Yeesort Ledesco Village Lapaz RedDoorz | 2.6 km | |
| Richmonde Hotel Iloilo | 2.9 km | |
| Seda Atria | 2.1 km | |
| Smallville 21 Hotel | 1.8 km | |
| Urban Inn Iloilo | 1.1 km | |
| Zemkamps Chalet Guimaras | 11.3 km | |
| Zuri Hotel | 2.4 km |
All 34 hotels in Iloilo City, with their history and operators
When to go
The best time to visit Iloilo City
Iloilo City has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. May is the warmest month, with average highs of 33 °C; July is the wettest, with about 457 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Iloilo City: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Iloilo International Airport (ILO), about 17 km from the city centre in a straight line; Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD, 50 km) and Roxas Airport (RXS, 102 km) are also within reach.
Getting in
The Tagbak Integrated Terminal serves as the main hub for provincial buses and vans (UV Express). It’s less than a kilometer from the Ceres Northbound Terminal and is the arrival and departure point for most routes around Panay Island. It also caters to long-distance travel to Luzon. ALPS and Philtranco operate daily overnight trips from Manila to Iloilo City, which take around 18 hours at the shortest. These routes involve a RoRo ferry crossing between Batangas or Mindoro and Caticlan or Dumangas, before continuing by road to Iloilo.
Getting around
Jeepneys are the most common and affordable way to get around Iloilo City. They are widely available, with routes connecting the bus stations, the city proper, and other districts in the city. As of 2022, routes have numbers (for example, the route connecting the bus stations in Tagbak with the city proper is Route 10). Minibus-based modern jeepneys, now operating under the government’s transport modernization program, are air-conditioned and equipped with automated fare collection systems that accept reloadable cards.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
ILO · Iloilo International Airport
BCD · Bacolod-Silay International Airport
RXS · Roxas Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Iloilo City
Eat
Iloilo City has been declared a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO and is widely regarded as the Food Haven of the Philippines. Its cuisine reflects a mix of Ilonggo creativity, coastal freshness, and rich culinary tradition. The city is most famous for La Paz Batchoy, a hearty noodle soup made with pork broth, crushed chicharon, and egg, which originated at the La Paz Public Market. Locals debate which version is best, Ted’s, Deco’s, Netong’s. Many of these establishments have multiple branches across the city, making it easy to sample Iloilo’s signature dish wherever you go.
Drink
The city offers a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of karaoke bars, beer houses, and entertainment venues. For a safe and enjoyable experience, Smallville Business Complex and Festive Walk Parade in Mandurriao are the most popular spots, featuring numerous bars and restaurants with diverse menus and a great selection of drinks.
Stay safe
Iloilo City is one of the safest cities in the Philippines, with a generally relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching are rare but can occur in crowded areas like public markets or jeepneys, so it’s still wise to stay alert and keep your belongings secure. Traffic can get busy during rush hours, especially along Diversion Road and city proper intersections, so exercise caution when crossing streets or riding motorcycles and jeepneys. At night, most areas in the city are well-lit and safe to walk around, especially in the business district of Mandurriao. However, it’s still best to avoid walking alone in quiet or poorly lit areas.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Iloilo City: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Iloilo City?
Iloilo City has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. May is the warmest month, with average highs of 33 °C; July is the wettest, with about 457 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Iloilo City?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Iloilo International Airport (ILO), about 17 km from the city centre in a straight line; Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD, 50 km) and Roxas Airport (RXS, 102 km) are also within reach.
What currency is used in Iloilo City?
Philippine peso (PHP).
Nearby
Destinations near Iloilo City
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.