Top reasons to visit Bacolod
- City of Smiles: Bacolod is renowned for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, earning its nickname as the City of Smiles.
- Cultural Festivals: Experience lively celebrations like the MassKara Festival, showcasing the city's rich traditions and community spirit.
- Historical Attractions: Explore charming streets filled with cathedrals and historic houses that reflect Bacolod's rich heritage.
- Diverse Accommodation: Enjoy a range of lodging options, from modern hotels to cosy guesthouses, catering to every traveller's needs.
- Shopping and Leisure: Visit popular spots like SM City Bacolod for shopping and leisure activities suitable for all ages.
Find great hotels in Bacolod
Discover the vibrant charm of Bacolod with a variety of accommodation options designed to meet every traveller's needs. Whether you prefer modern hotels equipped for business travellers, inviting guesthouses for a family vacation, or serene spa-themed retreats, Bacolod offers it all. With numerous hotels and inns scattered throughout the city, you'll find the perfect base to explore the rich culture and delectable cuisine of Western Visayas.
- Park Inn By Radisson Bacolod: This 3.5-star hotel offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a touch of luxury, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travellers. Nestled in the heart of Bacolod, Park Inn features a full-service spa and pool, providing an array of relaxation options including Swedish and Thai massages. Families will appreciate the amenities tailored for children, such as complimentary cribs and highchairs, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests of all ages. With its modern design and exceptional service, this hotel is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and convenience.
- Avenue Suites Hotel: Avenue Suites Hotel embodies a serene spa-themed retreat, perfect for those looking to unwind during their stay in Bacolod. This 3.5-star property boasts an outdoor pool and a comprehensive spa offering various treatments, including massages and facial treatments. The tranquil environment encourages relaxation, with daily spa services available to rejuvenate guests. Its location within the city allows for easy exploration of Bacolod’s vibrant culture, making it an attractive option for visitors seeking both comfort and rejuvenation.
- Circle Inn - Hotel & Suites: With its 3-star rating, Circle Inn - Hotel & Suites combines practicality with a spa-themed experience, making it suitable for business travellers and leisure seekers alike. This hotel features a full-service spa and an outdoor pool, providing a range of treatments such as Swedish massages to help guests relax after a busy day. The inviting atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming environment, while its proximity to key business districts and attractions makes it a convenient choice for those visiting Bacolod.
Where to stay in and around Bacolod
Bacolod, known as the City of Smiles, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and vibrant festivities. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Bacolod City, indulge in local shopping experiences, and partake in lively celebrations like the MassKara Festival. Nearby destinations in Negros Occidental promise romantic getaways and family-friendly excursions, making this city an ideal spot for diverse travel experiences. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Bacolod caters to every kind of traveller.
- Talisay: Located approximately 11km from Bacolod, Talisay is a vibrant city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and business opportunities. The city experiences a moderate seasonal influx of tourists, particularly peaking during the months of April to May and December. Visitors flock to Talisay for its engaging shopping centres, lively amusement parks, and stunning beaches. Key attractions include historic sites that showcase the city’s rich heritage and modern civic buildings that reflect its contemporary growth. Talisay offers a delightful blend of urban excitement and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
- Mandalagan: Nestled within Bacolod, Mandalagan is a charming village that draws visitors with its unique offerings. The area sees a steady flow of tourists year-round, with peaks typically occurring in January to February and July. Mandalagan is favoured for family outings and business-related trips, featuring various shopping centres and amusement parks. Notable landmarks include a striking cathedral and historic places that provide a glimpse into the local culture. The modern civic government building is another highlight, showcasing the village's evolving landscape while maintaining its traditional roots.
- Tangub: Also situated within the vicinity of Bacolod, Tangub is a quaint village that attracts visitors throughout the year, with heightened interest from December to February. Known for its business and family-themed experiences, Tangub features several shopping centres and is home to a convention centre that hosts various events. The village's proximity to beautiful beaches enhances its appeal, offering a relaxing escape for tourists. The event conference venue serves as a hub for gatherings, making Tangub a versatile destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Things to do in Bacolod
Shopping
Bacolod offers a vibrant shopping scene, starting with Robinsons Place Bacolod, featuring a range of local and international brands. If you're up for a drive, visit SM City Bacolod, where you'll find diverse shops and dining options, perfect for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
In Bacolod, The Suites at Calle Nueva offers a serene atmosphere with spa services that rejuvenate the body and mind. Nearby, the Wellness Spa provides holistic treatments, including massages and facials, set amidst lush greenery, ideal for relaxation and unwinding.
Adventure
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Northern Negros Natural Park, where hiking trails lead you through lush forests and breathtaking views. Experience the thrill of zip-lining at Campuestohan Highland Resort, offering an exhilarating ride above the treetops and a chance to appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Nightlife
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at The District North Point, where you can find a variety of bars and restaurants. For a lively night, head to The Ruins for a unique dining experience, or enjoy cocktails at The Negros Museum Café, which often features local musicians.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bacolod
Bacolod is budget-friendly, with free attractions like the Bacolod City Government Center and San Sebastian Cathedral. For transport, opt for jeepneys and tricycles, which are economical. The best months to visit for lower prices are March and September to October, while Wednesdays often have the cheapest hotel rates. Booking a month in advance can secure better deals, and look out for last-minute offers on platforms like Expedia. Consider bundling your accommodation with flights and activities for additional savings, and use filters to find eco-friendly options that suit your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Bacolod are March and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Bacolod about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Bacolod is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Bacolod is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels at the outset. Moreover, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Bacolod hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Bacolod
Bacolod, a vibrant city in Western Visayas, is perfect for business, family, and city-themed holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including cathedrals, historic houses, and an amusement park, offering a rich cultural and outdoor experience. Notable places to visit include SM City Bacolod and Bacolod Plaza, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a blend of leisure and cultural immersion.
- San Sebastian Cathedral: Nestled in the heart of Bacolod, this stunning cathedral showcases remarkable Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. The serene atmosphere invites visitors to reflect on its cultural significance and historical value.
- Capitol Lagoon Park: This urban park offers a refreshing escape with its picturesque lagoon and lush greenery. Ideal for families, it features walking paths and picnic areas, making it a lovely spot for leisurely afternoons amidst the vibrant city life.
- Negros Museum: Delve into the rich heritage of the region at this captivating museum. With exhibits on archaeology and anthropology, it presents a fascinating glimpse into local culture, showcasing artefacts and artworks that narrate the story of Negros.
Best time to go to Bacolod
The best time to visit Bacolod is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Bacolod
Flying into Bacolod is convenient from several major airports. CEBu (CEB-Mactan - Cebu International) is situated 116km away, with nearby accommodations such as the 5-star Shangri-La Mactan, 5km from the airport, and JPark Island Resort & Waterpark, only 3km away. ILOilo (ILO-Iloilo International) is closer at 56km, featuring hotels like the 4-star Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, both 14km from the airport. Lastly, Panglao (TAG-Bohol International) is 148km away, offering luxurious options like the 5-star Henann Resort Alona Beach, 2km from the airport. Each hotel provides various transportation services to their respective airports.