Bacolod, Urban center in Western Visayas, Philippines
Description
Bacolod is a highly urbanized city in Negros Occidental that extends across an area with residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and open spaces near the cane fields. Main roads link markets, municipal buildings, and parks in a loosely distributed layout without a dense skyline.
History
The settlement arose in 1755 on a hill and grew slowly until it gained importance under Spanish colonial rule as an administrative center. After the American occupation, the city developed into a trading hub for sugarcane in the region.
Culture
The name comes from the Hiligaynon word Bakolod, meaning a stony hill where the first families settled. Today, sugarcane farming shapes the surrounding countryside, while plazas and markets serve as meeting points for daily life.
Practical
Jeepneys run along the main roads and connect residential areas with markets and shopping zones. Taxis are available to reach more distant destinations such as hotels or restaurants outside the center.
Did you know?
Street vendors sell piaya, a flat pastry made from dough and molasses, that has been prepared here as a local sweet for generations. Restaurants outside the center grill chicken over open charcoal with a special blend of vinegar and annatto seeds.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Negros Island Region).
The Ruins
5.2 km
San Sebastian Cathedral
839 m
Paglaum Sports Complex
1.8 km
Capitol Park and Lagoon
86 m
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol
4 m
Negros Museum
34 m
Mariano Ramos Ancestral House
652 m
Jose Corteza Locsin Ancestral House
13.8 km
Cesar Lacson Locsin Ancestral House
13.8 km
Acacia Hotel
856 m
Resorts Negrense
10.4 km
Carribean Waterpark Resort
3.4 km
Rizal Elementary School Building historical marker
1.6 km
Splash Park
2.5 km
Site where Spanish Forces Surrendered in Negros Occidental historical marker
1.2 km
Jose “Pitong” Ledesma Ancestral House historical marker
13.8 km
Teodoro Morada Ancestral House
13.9 km
Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital historical marker
492 m
Manuel de la Rama Locsin Ancestral House
13.9 km
Capitol of Negros Occidental historical marker
11 m
Soledad and Maria Montelibano Lacson Heritage House
13.8 km
Cesar Lacson Locsin Ancestral House historical marker
13.8 km
Cathedral of Bacolod historical marker
838 m
Vicente Conlu Montelibano Ancestral House historical marker
13.9 km
Negros Occidental High School historical marker
1.8 km
Jose Ledesma Ancestral House
13.8 km
German Locsin Unson Ancestral House
13.9 km
Jose Corteza Locsin Ancestral House historical marker
13.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes