Legazpi City: A Historical Philippine Destination

Legazpi City has a beautiful skyline with the waters of the Albay Gulf on one side and
the Mayon Volcano, a near perfect symmetrical conical volcano, towering over the buildings creating
a majestic scene. It is a first class city in the province of Albay situated in the heart of the
peninsula. It has a busy seaport that accommodates sea-going vessels.

General Information and History of Legazpi City

The city is named after famed Spanish conquistador and explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
During pre-Spanish times, a local chief ruled the area by the name of Gat Ibal. The once
swampland was then known as Binanuahan.

The Climate in Legazpi City

Interestingly, Legazpi City does not exactly have a pronounced or distinct dry season. This may
be due to the foundation of its volcanic mountain ranges. However, visitors should expect more
rain to fall during the months of November to January. The said months have the heaviest
rainfall for an entire year. The temperature ranges in Legazpi from 23 degrees Celsius, its
coldest, to around 33 degrees Celsius, its warmest. The warmest time in the year is around the
month of June while December is its coolest.

What to See in Legazpi City

The sights in Legazpi City include the Battle of Legazpi Monument on the corner of Rizal Street
and Quezon Avenue. There is also the Unknown Hero's Monument, which is near the harbor.
The Albay Park and Wildlife is a fine place to go for a picnic. The Japanese Tunnel was an
arsenal facility during the Second World War. Another historic sight is the Liberty Bell, which was
installed by liberation forces after World War II.

Accommodations in Legazpi City

You'll find different accommodations in Legazpi City with some two to three-star rated
accommodations. Average rates in the city range from $30, for regular rooms, to $75, for an
executive suite. Villa Angelina Hotel, along Rosario Street, is a popular place to stay. It is
situated near the city hall and some of the best restaurants in Legazpi. It has its own business
center, function hall, cafe, and bar.

Another option for visitors and tourists is the Legazpi Tourist Inn at the corner of Quezon
Avenue and Lapu-Lapu Street. Rates here are a bit cheaper and the inn is conveniently located
15 minutes away from the airport. It has secure parking spaces and its own coffee shop.

Other accommodations of note include Vista Al Mayon Pensionne along Washington Drive, La
Trinidad Hotel along Rizal Street, and Hotel Casa Blanca on Penaranda Street. If you want more
lodging options you may head on to Penaranda Street to find other hotels and inns. Some
hotels line up along this street are Albay Hotel, Rex Hotel, Mayon Hotel, Xandra Hotel, Ritz
Pension, Shirman Lodging House, Majestic Lodging House, and Catalina Lodging House.

Places to Eat in Legazpi City

There are many dining options in Legazpi City. As always, if you're looking for a quick bite, the
fastest solution will be to run off to the malls. Legazpi City has a few of prominent malls, like
the LCC Mall and Pacific Mall. You'll find your usual local and foreign fastfood stores there like
McDonald's, Jollibee, and Bigg's Diner (a home grown chain of restaurants in the Bicol Region).

Other than the malls, there other restaurants in and around Legazpi City. Other dining options
here includes Peking House on Penaranda Street for authentic Chinese dishes. For outstanding
Filipino food and a taste of Bicol's cuisine, try Waway Restaurant also on Penaranda Street. If
you're on the go and just want snacks to go then drop by Quick n' Hearty along Rizal Street.

Legazpi is a growing city in the heart of the country. The beautiful mountain range with the
Mayon Volcano serving as its backdrop is a majestic site to see. A tour of Legazpi City is a
historic one that brings one closer to the majesty of nature.

Considered as the capital of the beautiful Philippine province of Albay, Legazpi is under
the jurisdiction of Bicol Region that can be found specifically in between Masbate and Catanduanes.
Because the Spaniards occupied it during its early years, the place remains predominantly
Catholic. Right now, it has an estimated 194,580 people residing in the city.

As one of the leading protagonists of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, the local people
named the place in honor of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Although a lot of bad things transpired
between the Spaniards and the Filipinos before, the benefits of their conquest can never be
doubted. In terms of culture, Legazpi City is closely associated with Ibalong Festival, which is
one of the most popular festivities in the entire Bicol Region.

In terms of tourism, Legazpi City has in fact many things to offer to tourists and guests. Thanks
to the world-famous Mayon Volcano, the city has been exposed to numerous people who want
to have a closer glimpse at the ‘perfect cone.’ Furthermore, the place also gained enough
exposure thanks to its nearness to Donsol in Sorsogon, which is popular for the huge
population of whale sharks during peak seasons.
When in Legazpi, tourists can use the place as an excellent jump-off point to other excellent
locations, including Japanese Tunnel, Liberty Bell, and Albay Park and Wildlife. During World War
II, the Japanese soldiers used the tunnel to hide themselves as well as their weaponry against
the joint Filipino-American forces. Right now, the remains of this place is still an excellent place
to visit. Meanwhile, Liberty Bell is a great remembrance of the Philippine liberation from U.S.
forces after the World War II. In the meantime, people can enjoy the fresh air and natural
atmosphere at Albay Park and Wildlife. With almost 75 animal species present, this place is a
must-visit for nature lovers and environmentalists.

Furthermore, the wonderful location of Legazpi provides tourists and guests enough flexibility to
move around the Bicol Region. Other places that people can visit when in Legazpi are Bicol
Heritage Park, Legazpi City Museum, and Magayon Art Gallery. Additionally, they can have a
glimpse of the different local government offices and buildings, Kapuntukan Hill, and Lignon Hill.
At the same time, Cagsawa Ruins are also within view when touring the different historic places
in Bicol Region. Lastly, the place is also proximate to the beautiful beaches and resorts within
Catanduanes and Sorsogon.