Bacolod, located in the northern part of Negros Island in the Philippines, is the largest city on the island. It is also known as the "City of Smiles," and you will surely feel the friendliness of the people and the city's atmosphere when you visit Bacolod.
Where is Bacolod located?
Negros Island is an island located between Cebu Island, which is popular for its resorts, and Panay Island, where Iloilo City is located. Bacolod City is a port city situated in the northwestern part of Negros Island
Sugarcane plantations stretch along the national highway in Bacolod, and the production of coconuts and rice is also thriving..
1. San Sebastian Cathedral
"San Sebastian Cathedral" is a must-see tourist spot in Bacolod. It is a Roman Catholic church built in the late 19th century. The interior of the cathedral, which has a historical feel from its exterior, is very mystical with a white base and gold accents.
Across from San Sebastian Cathedral, there are street stalls and a park, making it a nice place to take a break. When you visit San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod, you might want to take a rest there.
Name：San Sebastian Cathedral
Address：1755 Rizal Street, Bacolod City, 6100, Negros Occidental, Rizal St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Official website URL：https://visitbacolod.com/arts-culture/san-sebastian-cathedral/
2. The Negros Museum
Originally built in 1925 as the Provincial Agricultural Building, The Negros Museum now showcases exhibits on the former Negrense lifestyle and history, as well as works by various artists. It's often included in Bacolod sightseeing tours, and listening to the detailed explanations of a tour guide allows you to deepen your understanding of the museum.
The Negros Museum also holds art seminars and other training sessions depending on the time of year. Their official website provides information on current exhibitions, so it's recommended to check it out before your visit to Bacolod.
Name：Negros Museum
Address：Gatuslao St, Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Official website URL：https://www.ncfiph.org/the-negros-museum/
3. Bacolod City Hall
This massive white building that suddenly appears as you walk through the city is the "Bacolod City Hall". It's also known as the "White House of Bacolod", and as the name suggests, it's a beautiful building with a majestic appearance. It's illuminated at night, offering a different kind of beauty from its daytime look. If you have time, it might be good to visit both during the day and at night.
Although it's located some distance from the downtown area where the cathedral mentioned above is located, the area around Bacolod City Hall is well-equipped with various shops and facilities, including spaces for jogging and dancing, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Name：Bacolod City Government Center
Official website URL：https://bacolodcity.gov.ph/
4. Vintage Glass Museum
One place you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Bacolod is the "Vintage Glass Museum," a museum of vintage glass.
The Vintage Glass Museum displays over 3,000 glass artworks. You can freely admire the intricate designs and the rare Victorian lamps in various hues, all beautifully arranged in the displays.
Some areas are organized by color, showcasing blue, green, clear, and white glass, while others feature a mix of various colors. The beauty of the collection is truly captivating.
Name：Laguerta Vintage Glasses Museum
Address：5, Lopez Jaena St, Bacolod, Negros Occidental
5. Capitol Park and Lagoon
"Capitol Park and Lagoon" is a lush state park located less than 1km north of the cathedral. With hotels nearby, it's a popular spot for morning walks among tourists staying in Bacolod.
Capitol Park and Lagoon features a man-made pond, benches, and spaces for jogging, aerobics, and dance practice. Government offices are also located within the park, and like the City Hall, they have a grand presence. The harmony between the buildings and nature creates a beautiful scene. After exploring the city, it's a great place to take a break and relax.
Name：キャピトル・パークとラグーン（Capitol Park And Lagoon）
Address：Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Official website URL：https://visitbacolod.com/arts-culture/capitol-lagoon-park/
6. SM City Bacolod
Located two blocks from the cathedral towards the sea, SM City Bacolod is a shopping center always bustling with locals. While not a prominent tourist destination itself, it's a convenient place to find everything from groceries to daily necessities. It also has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to take a break.
Unlike typical tourist spots, one of its charms is that you can get a close-up view of the daily lives of local people.
Name：SM City Bacolod
Address：SM City Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Official website URL：https://www.smsupermalls.com/
Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Bacolod
We have introduced 6 recommended spots for sightseeing in Bacolod, a city also known as the "City of Smiles". Bacolod is a place where you can easily find tourist spots with natural elements within the city. You can also enjoy interacting with the locals at restaurants, cafes, and other tourist spots and shops. Please refer to this article when planning your trip to Bacolod.