How to Enjoy Iloilo with Kids

A popular tourist hotspot in the Philippines, Iloilo is known for its old buildings and Spanish colonial architecture. There are a number of churches you can explore with your kids, which will prove to be both fun and educational. Heritage homes, historical landmarks, and pristine beaches are some of the tourist highlights of the city. If you are here with your kids and want to know how to enjoy the city, this short but comprehensive guide is for you.

The best time to visit

A lot of the things you can do and see in Iloilo are found outside your hotel room, so you need to pick the right time to visit. The city experiences plenty of sunlight from November to May, but if you want the best weather, consider visiting from March to May; this is the summer season in the Philippines.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is important if you want to enjoy your time here with kids. You might not want all the comforts and facilities, but your kids need a place to come back to and relax after a long and tiring day.

The city offers a comprehensive range of accommodation options; among them is Citadines Amigo Iloilo. There are hotels and resorts ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury. When it comes to family vacations in Iloilo city, serviced apartment is a term that gets thrown around a lot.

What’s more, there are various hotel offers for those who are on a budget.

Restrictions

In the wake of the pandemic, authorities imposed several restrictions on travellers. As you are here with your kids, you should know what they are and make sure you adhere to all of them.

To gain entry into the city, you and your family need to be fully vaccinated. You might have to carry proof of your vaccination. Also, you need to have your passport with you to enter the city.

What to wear

Make sure you have the right kind of clothing for yourself and your kids. If you are planning on island hopping tours and a lot of outdoor activities, you need to wear light, breathable clothes. You also need to bring your sunglasses, sun hats, and sun lotion.

If you want to spend a lot of your time at the beaches, make sure you have wet bags so that you can keep everything away from the damp.

Getting around

You have several modes of transportation in Iloilo. The main mode of transport is taxicabs and jeepneys – a jeepney is essentially a jeep; it’s bigger than jeeps and smaller than buses. To travel a long distance, take a jeepney. To travel short distances, you can use a tricycle or a pedicab.

There are also buses and vans. If you’d rather rent a car, that option is available as well.

Things to do

Hitting the beautiful beaches with your kids is a must. This is the best way to keep your kids occupied while you lie back and relax. Most beaches in Iloilo are pristine and untouched by commercial development. So, you will have the chance to revel in some raw natural beauty.

To take a stroll with your kids while taking in the views, head to Iloilo River Esplanade. The best time to do this is in the morning and the evening at sunrise and sunset. There’s no entrance fee, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite.

Sampling street food is another thing you should do. The unique local cuisine is one of the best features of the city.

Last but not least, you should make time to visit the churches and the heritage buildings. The beautiful Spanish architecture is one of the best things about the city.