Jaro District is known as the "Old Iloilo" since it was originally the seat of government of the city. Most of the old and vintage homes of the city's elite are found in Jaro. It is also the religious capital of the region with the Archdiocese of Jaro prominently located in the district. The national hero, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, was born in Jaro, as with other personages such Magdalena Jalandoni, a famous Ilonggo writer.

Referred to as the "Athens of the Philippines" because of the numerous intellectual giants it has produced (7 senators, 7 governors and 4 Supreme Court justices), Molo is also noted for its Gothic-Renaissance church built in early 1800s. It is also famous for the Panaderia de Molo biscuits and Pansit Molo.

Arevalo, an old settlement and where originally native jusi loom weaving industry abound in the 1800s, is now famous for its flowers.

Lapaz is famous throughout the country for its Lapaz Batchoy. The Redemptorist-run St. Clement's Church, famous for its melodious bells, is also located in Lapaz.Also located in Lapaz is the first national high school in the country, the Iloilo National Hisgh School, and the state-run West Visayas State University. The Lopez family, one of the country's economic and political giants are based in Lapaz.