Walking around Vigan's cobblestone streets and age-old mga bahay na bato is a walk to a colourful past of Ilocos Sur's premier gem. With its Spanish era influences still evident in the architecture, art, and culture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is must-visit destination for every traveller. 

What to see: Plaza Burgos, Calle Crisologo, Pagburnayan, Syquia Mansion

San Fernando has already evolved into a bustling modern city with most of its colonial houses destroyed by the infamous Pinatubo eruption. However, there are still a few heritage houses and other historical sites continue to exist and attract many tourists. 

What to see: San Fernando Train Station, Gosioco Ancestral Home, Lazatin Heritage House, Augusto Hizon Heritage House

Malolos is witness to many historical events of the country.  Besides its intact ancestral houses, it is also home to three beautiful Spanish-era churches.

What to see: Casa Real Shrine, Barasoain Church, Kalayaan Tree,  Dr. Luis Santos art deco house,  Estacion de Barasoain y Malolos,  Malolos Historic Town Centre

Balayan's intact ancestral homes create a nostalgic atmosphere not only for tourists but for its residents as well. However, the homes are not open to public so if you have a friend who knows someone that could let you crash into his place for a night or two,  a visit in Balayan is an immersion that is one for the books.

What to see: Ancestral houses,  Balayan Presidencia, Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

Taal, one of the four heritage landmarks/towns declared by the National Historical Commission, is the best preserved Spanish era town near Metro Manila. Besides its many historical landmarks and the largest basilica in Asia, it is also home to rich Batangan traditions like the balisong and its sumptuous cuisine.

What to see: St. Martin of Tours Minor Basilica, Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine, Taal Municipal Hall, Escuela Pia,  the homes of Marcela Agoncillo, Felipe Agoncillo, Don Leon Apacible and Gliceria Villavicencio, Galleria Taal, Tampuhan Café

The best time to visit Sariaya, Quezon is during the feast of San Isidro Labrador where they hold their colourful version of Pahiyas Festical called as Agawan. What makes Sariaya unique among other heritage places is the art deco design  prevalent in the area.

What to see: Natalio Enriquez House, Rodriguez House, Gala-Rodriguez House, Sariaya Church

Malabon used to be not part of Manila but a group of separate islands off Luzon. It has a number of ancestral houses similar to those in Intramuros and a fantastic cuisine that has shapened Manila's dining culture at the onset of the 20th Century.

What to see: Museo Valenzuela, Teodoro Luna House, Paez House, Asilo de Huertanos, Pagoda-Caracol feast, San Bartolome Church

Also called as the "walled city", Intramuros was the seat of government when the Philippines was under the rule of the Spaniards. Although many houses and other historical sites have been destroyed during the Liberation of Manila in 1946, the Intramuros Administration and Department of Tourism were able to revive and restore some to its former glory. 

What to see: Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and museum, Casa Manila, Bahay Tsinoy, Ayuntamiento de Manila, Palacio del Gobernador, Puerta Real Gardens

It is one of the oldest cities in the country and home to several baroque churches made of corals and limestones. Being the home of rich sugar barons, it became the premier trading hub in the Visayas from the 19th to the early 20th Century.

What to see: Montinola Mansion,  Jaro Cathedral, Molo Cathedral, Vicente Lopez Heritage House, Casa Real, Casa Mariquit

Another heritage town declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines is the stunning city in Negros Occidental. Home  to the affluent hacienderos of Visayas, Silay's poblacion, heritage buildings, and ancestral houses transport travellers back to a time of opulent manor life.

What to see: Poblacion, Balay Negrense, Hofileña Ancestral House, Bernardino Jalandoni Museum, San Diego Pro-cathedral

Cebu's primary heritage town, Carcar is home to what are considered as the first privately-owned ancestral houses in southern Cebu. It is the centre of culture and arts in the province and hometown of renowned Visayan playwrights, musicians, and artists.

What to see: Balay na Tisa, Ang Dakong Balay, the Mercado Mansion, Silva House, Rotunda, Carcar Dispensary, Sta. Catalina School, Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church, antillan-styled houses