Summer in the Philippines is often synonymous with crowded beaches, long lines at popular tourist spots, and sweltering heat—but in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, summer takes on a different kind of magic. While most travelers flock to Pagudpud or the famous sand dunes of Paoay, Laoag itself holds an array of secret experiences that few guidebooks or social media posts reveal. From quirky historical gems to adrenaline-pumping adventures, and from culinary surprises to cultural encounters, this city offers a summer itinerary unlike any other. Here’s a list of 15 experiences in Laoag City that will surprise, excite, and inspire you to see the city beyond the usual tourist lens.
1. Explore the Haunted Sinking Bell Tower of St. William’s Cathedral
Most visitors admire the grandeur of St. William’s Cathedral for its baroque architecture, but few notice the eerie Sinking Bell Tower beside it. The tower leans gradually due to unstable soil beneath it—a phenomenon that has fascinated engineers and locals alike. Legend has it that at night, the bell tolls on its own, and those who dare to climb it may experience ghostly whispers. Visiting during the day is already captivating: the view from the top offers a panorama of Laoag City, with its patchwork of traditional Ilocano houses, winding streets, and distant mountains.
2. Dine at Hidden Carinderias for Authentic Ilocano Cuisine
Tourists often head straight to chain restaurants or well-known local eateries, missing out on true culinary treasures tucked away in back alleys. Seek out humble carinderias (small local eateries) that serve dishes like pinakbet (vegetables stewed in shrimp paste), bagnet (crispy pork belly), and longganisa (Ilocano sausage) made from recipes passed down generations. Some of these establishments have only a handful of seats but are renowned among locals. The flavors are richer and more authentic than anything you’ll find in mainstream restaurants. Pro tip: arrive early to snag freshly fried empanada—they disappear within minutes.
3. Cycle Through the Quiet Barangays
While tourists often stick to the city center or major highways, the surrounding barangays (villages) are a goldmine for immersive cycling experiences. Rent a bike and explore areas like Barit and Dingras, where the streets are lined with century-old houses, lush rice paddies, and coconut groves. The summer sun casts long shadows over golden fields, and you can witness the local lifestyle in ways cars never allow. Occasionally, farmers will wave and offer you fresh fruits like mangoes or saba bananas straight from their trees.
4. Discover Forgotten Japanese Tunnels
Few tourists know that Laoag has remnants of Japanese tunnels used during World War II. These underground networks are partially hidden and overgrown, making them ideal for urban explorers with a taste for history and mystery. Walking through these narrow passageways, you can almost feel the weight of the past—the strategic planning, the fear, and the resilience of locals during wartime. A local guide is highly recommended, both for safety and to learn the stories that official plaques don’t mention.
5. Sunrise at Paoay Sand Dunes – Off the Usual Hours
Everyone talks about the Paoay Sand Dunes for 4×4 rides, but most arrive mid-morning when the desert-like heat is unbearable. For a nearly private experience, wake up early and catch the sunrise. The shifting sands take on a golden-orange glow, and the cool morning breeze makes adrenaline sports like sandboarding or dune bashing even more exhilarating. You’ll often have the dunes almost entirely to yourself, creating an almost surreal, cinematic moment.
6. Attend a Local Sari-Sari Store Festival
Yes, you read that right. Some barangays in Laoag celebrate their local community hubs—the humble sari-sari stores—with mini festivals. These are vibrant events where locals gather to play games, enjoy street food, and sometimes organize impromptu karaoke battles. Participating gives you an unfiltered look at social life in a Philippine city, where neighbors know each other’s birthdays, gossip travels faster than the internet, and generosity is abundant.
7. Explore the Ruins of the Old Laoag City Hall
Few tourists realize that the old Laoag City Hall, now abandoned and partially crumbled, is a fascinating site for urban exploration. The structure is a testament to early 20th-century Philippine architecture, with its faded murals and crumbling staircases. Summer is perfect for wandering these halls, photographing eerie sunlight streaming through broken windows, and imagining the city’s administrative past. A quiet hour here feels like stepping into a forgotten movie set.
8. Try Ilocos Norte’s Secret Coffee Spots
The coffee culture in Laoag is understated but growing. Instead of heading to commercial cafés, hunt for hidden brew houses or roadside coffee stalls where beans are roasted locally. Some of these spots roast coffee grown in nearby Ilocos Norte highlands, and the flavor is robust, nutty, and unlike anything from a chain café. Chatting with the barista often leads to stories of the region’s history, local folklore, and even secret recipes for sweet treats that pair perfectly with the coffee.
9. Kayak or Paddleboard in Laoag River
When people think of water adventures in Ilocos, they usually picture the coast—but the Laoag River offers a serene alternative. Kayaking or paddleboarding here allows you to glide past mangrove-lined banks, spot herons and kingfishers, and enjoy the city from a completely different perspective. Early morning is ideal, when the sun rises over distant mountains and the water is glassy calm. It’s an experience that blends relaxation, exercise, and a deep connection with nature.
10. Discover Secret Murals and Street Art
The streets of Laoag hide an underground art scene that even many locals overlook. Stroll through backstreets in the city center and you’ll find walls adorned with vibrant murals depicting Ilocano legends, abstract art, or whimsical scenes inspired by daily life. Some of these murals are so tucked away that Google Maps doesn’t even highlight them, offering a true sense of discovery. Bring a camera, because these are perfect for creating unique social media shots or just capturing the city’s creative soul.
11. Visit the Antique Bookstores and Vinyl Shops
If you’re a fan of retro treasures, Laoag has some tiny bookstores and vinyl shops where old, rare books and records wait to be discovered. Summer mornings are perfect for browsing these stores: the air-conditioning keeps you cool, and the smell of old paper and vinyl is oddly comforting. Many of these shops are family-run, and chatting with the owners often leads to fascinating stories about the city’s literary and musical history. You might even find a first edition of a classic Filipino novel or a vintage 1960s vinyl record of a local folk artist.
12. Experience Traditional Weaving Workshops
Ilocano weaving, or inabel, is famous for its durability and intricate patterns. A few hidden workshops in Laoag welcome tourists to try their hand at weaving under the guidance of skilled artisans. This hands-on experience is not just about creating a souvenir—it’s an immersion into a craft that has sustained local families for generations. The summer heat may be intense, but working with looms, colorful threads, and patient guidance is surprisingly meditative.
13. Night Photography at Aurora Park
Aurora Park is often dismissed by tourists as a simple urban park, but visiting it at night reveals a different story. The soft illumination on statues, fountains, and gardens creates a magical atmosphere perfect for night photography. Families gather here in the evenings, street food vendors operate until late, and the gentle rustle of leaves adds a soothing soundtrack. For photographers, this is an underappreciated spot to capture the city’s quieter charm, far from the daytime hustle.
14. Taste Ilocos Norte’s Summer Fruit Harvests
Laoag summers are bursting with seasonal fruits: mangoes, guavas, and duhat (a local plum) ripen in abundance. Visit local markets early in the day for the freshest picks, or ask locals for secret roadside stalls where farmers sell directly from their trees. Some vendors will even let you taste the fruits before buying, and you’ll get the best prices and the most authentic flavors. A day spent sampling and discovering fruits is a simple pleasure that feels timeless.
15. Attend an Impromptu Folk Dance in Barangay Festivals
During summer, barangay fiestas often feature spontaneous folk dances in public squares. These are not staged tourist performances but genuine community celebrations. Watching—or joining—these dances offers a peek into Ilocano culture, from traditional costumes to folk songs. You may find yourself learning steps, laughing with locals, and feeling like part of the community rather than a distant observer.
Laoag City in Summer
Laoag City is often overshadowed by the famous coastal towns and sand dunes of Ilocos Norte, but the city itself is a treasure trove of hidden experiences. From haunted towers and abandoned halls to secret culinary spots and hands-on artisan workshops, Laoag invites travelers to go beyond the ordinary. Summer here is not just about escaping the heat—it’s about uncovering stories, savoring flavors, embracing adventure, and connecting with a vibrant local culture that thrives in small streets, quiet rivers, and lively community gatherings.
If you’re willing to veer off the beaten path, Laoag offers a summer journey full of surprises, unforgettable sights, and unique memories that will linger long after the season ends. It’s not just a city to see—it’s a city to experience.
If you enjoyed Summer, why don’t you check what you could do in Autumn, or maybe next Winter, what if you missed something amazing you could have done in Spring?
Maybe there is another city in Philippines that could surprise you.