Soft Luxe Travels: Calle Crisologo – Café Uno, Calesas, and Souvenirs (Part 1)

 

Calle Crisologo is one of those places where time slows down. The cobblestone streets, the ancestral houses, and the way everyday life blends with heritage make it a living museum. For us, it was more than just sightseeing—it was a soft luxe experience of stepping into history while enjoying the little indulgences of the present.

There weren't a lot of people when we went because it was still hot. Calle Crisologo starts to bustle in the afternoon well into the night. 

Souvenir Stalls & Finds

After the cobblestone path came the souvenir stalls. From woven bags and hats to hand-carved wooden pieces, every stall was brimming with craftsmanship. It’s easy to get carried away here, but I loved how everything—from simple trinkets to intricately woven bags and baskets—reflected the artistry of Vigan’s locals. These are not just souvenirs; they’re a part of the city’s living tradition.

Café Uno Stop

We had an early start that day so around 11 am, we were getting hungry. I suggested Café Uno as that's one of my dear friends suggested we try. The old-world charm of the café set the mood for the day—a place where you could sip coffee under vintage capiz windows, and hear the clip-clop of the horses' hooves hitting the cobblestones outside . I will post a review of this restaurant in my food blog soon. 

Cherry Lime Iced Tea - This was too intense for me. One sip and I told my husband that I'm not drinking it 

Avocado smoothie

Miki bagnet - soooo good!

The soup came with bread

Beef and mushroom quesadillas

Nachos

Uno Beef Burger - yum!

Mango smoothie

The ancestral feel of the outside continued well into the restaurant's interiors.

Blending ancestral architecture with modern appliance and art

Washroom and Restroom

My regular Glow Ladies know that I always check out a restaurant's bathroom. 

This one ticks all the boxes: clean, fresh-smelling, tissue, hooks for bags, art. It was a little too small though. 

The Romance of Calesas

Of course, Calle Crisologo wouldn’t be complete without the calesas. These horse-drawn carriages add so much to the atmosphere—like walking into a painting. My son loved watching them roll by, and they made the perfect backdrop for photos.

I rode a calesa in Quiapo when I was young. But back then, it was really a means of transportation to get from point A to B! Here on Calle Crisologo, it's more touristy. I asked my son if he wanted to ride. He said no. He preferred to walk and discover Crisologo's gems on foot. 

Pushing for a photo before the calesa arrived!

This was just the start of our Calle Crisologo adventure. In the next part, I’ll share more about our stroll, the little luxuries we discovered, and the beauty of slowing down in a place where the past and present meet so gracefully.