The Philippines' Summer Capital
More than just a collection of tourist spots, Baguio is an experience a mix of history, art, nature, and fantastic food.
Must-Visit Tourist Spots: Nature & Scenery
Baguio's charm lies in its beautiful natural and man-made parks. Here are the iconic landmarks you shouldn't miss:
1. Burnham Park
The "mother of all parks" in Baguio, Burnham Park is the city's heart and soul. It’s an ideal place to spend a slow, relaxing afternoon.
What to do: Rent a colorful swan boat on the man-made lake, ride a bicycle (available for rent near the fountain), or simply walk around the well-maintained gardens and open fields.
Tip: It’s best to visit early in the morning to enjoy the cool air before the crowds arrive.
2. Mines View Park
Offering a stunning panoramic view of the old copper and gold mines of Benguet, this viewpoint is an essential stop.
What to do: Take a photo with the iconic view, wear a traditional Igorot costume for a souvenir photo, and shop for affordable souvenirs, knitted goods, and silver jewelry.
Don't forget: Buy a tub of the famous Good Shepherd Ube Jam and other pasalubong (souvenir treats) from the vendors near the park entrance.
3. Camp John Hay
Once a former recreational facility of the U.S. Military, this vast area is now a sprawling resort complex and public space, retaining its signature American-colonial charm.
What to do: Enjoy the cool weather while walking the Yellow Trail or Eco Trail, which are easy to moderate hikes through the pine forests. You can also visit the Bell House and the Cemetery of Negativism.
Stay: The area is home to luxurious hotels and inns, perfect for a cozy mountain stay.
4. The Mansion & Wright Park
Right across from each other, these two spots are usually visited together. The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, and while you can't go inside, its elegant main gate and beautiful grounds are worth a photo.
Wright Park is famous for its pool of water and is where you can hire horses for a ride, often adorned with colorful Cordilleran weaves.
5. Baguio Botanical Garden
A haven for nature lovers, this garden is a tribute to the sisterhood of Baguio and other foreign cities.
What to do: Stroll through the lush landscape, explore the different sections, and take photos with the Igorot Stone Kingdom (a recent addition built in a nearby area, featuring stunning stone architecture reminiscent of Cordilleran heritage).
Cultural Immersion and Artistic Exploration
Baguio isn't just about pine trees; it's a creative hub for the Cordillera region's vibrant culture and art.
1. BenCab Museum
Though technically located just outside the city proper in Tuba, Benguet, the BenCab Museum is a non-negotiable for art enthusiasts. It houses the permanent collection of National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera, as well as indigenous Cordillera art and temporary exhibits.
Tip: The museum grounds offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. It also has an excellent café, Cafe Sabel, that serves farm-to-table cuisine.
2. Tam-Awan Village
Often called a "living museum," Tam-Awan Village is an art and cultural center that showcases traditional Cordilleran huts. It's an excellent place to learn about the region's indigenous architecture and witness cultural performances.
Experience: You can even book an overnight stay in one of the preserved huts for a unique immersion.
3. Ili-likha Artists Village
This unique and artsy food hub, built like a giant, multi-layered treehouse, is the brainchild of local filmmaker and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik.
Must-try: It hosts various small food stalls, mainly offering organic, healthy, and regional cuisine. The artistic atmosphere is a main attraction in itself.
Baguio Food Trip: Where to Eat and Drink
Baguio’s cool weather makes for the perfect excuse to indulge in hearty, delicious food and warm drinks.
| Restaurant/Cafe | Specialty | Vibe/Location |
| Good Taste Café & Restaurant | Buttered Chicken, Pancit Canton, huge servings of Chinese-Filipino comfort food. | Famous, massive, and budget-friendly. Usually has a queue. |
| Café by the Ruins | Classic Baguio cuisine, including Ruins Salad and freshly baked bread. | Rustic, cozy, and historical ambiance. Great for breakfast or brunch. |
| Vizco's Restaurant and Cake Shop | Famous for their Strawberry Shortcake, a must-try! | Along Session Road and often busy. Perfect for a dessert stop. |
| Choco-late de Batirol | Authentic Filipino hot chocolate ('tsokolate') made with a batirol (traditional wooden whisk). | Located inside Camp John Hay's Igorot Park. Very cozy, garden setting. |
| Oh My Gulay! | Vegetarian dishes and hearty meals with a stunning view. | Arty, whimsical, elevated location on Session Road. |
| Farmer's Daughter | Authentic Cordilleran cuisine, such as Pinikpikan and Kindot. | Near Tam-awan Village. Great for trying local, traditional flavors. |
Shopping and Unique Experiences
1. Night Market on Harrison Road
A quintessential Baguio experience, the Night Market opens after 9:00 PM and is famous for its ukay-ukay (second-hand clothing) finds and street food.
Tip: Be prepared for crowds, but the thrill of finding a great, affordable piece is unmatched. It's a great place to people-watch and try local street food like isaw (chicken intestines) and grilled meat skewers.
2. La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
A short jeepney ride away in the neighboring town of La Trinidad, Benguet, this farm offers the chance to pick your own strawberries (seasonal).
What to buy: Strawberry jam, strawberry taho (silken tofu with strawberry syrup), and fresh vegetables.
3. Session Road
The city's main street is a hub for dining, shopping, and history. It's the best area for a leisurely walk, especially on Sundays when a section is often closed to traffic.
Sample 3-Day Baguio Itinerary
This itinerary balances famous spots with unique experiences:
| Time | Day 1: City Center Classics | Day 2: Culture, Art & Nature | Day 3: Farm & Souvenirs |
| Morning | Arrive, Check-in, Burnham Park (boating/biking) | BenCab Museum (art and coffee at Cafe Sabel) | Side trip to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm (picking/souvenirs) |
| Lunch | Lunch at Good Taste (Big, affordable servings) | Traditional Cordilleran meal at Farmer's Daughter | Lunch near Session Road (try Vizco's for cake!) |
| Afternoon | Baguio Cathedral (visit), walk along Session Road | Mines View Park (view & souvenirs) followed by a stop at The Mansion and Wright Park | Last-minute souvenir shopping at the Baguio Public Market or Good Shepherd. |
| Evening | Dinner at Oh My Gulay! (vegetarian with a view) | Dinner at Choco-late de Batirol (hot chocolate and hearty meals) | Harrison Road Night Market (ukay-ukay and street food) or early departure. |
Baguio Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November to February offers the coolest temperatures. Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival) in February is beautiful but also the busiest time.
Getting Around: Taxis are affordable and use meters. For a more local experience and to save money, use jeepneys—just ask locals for the right route. Walking is great exercise, but be prepared for uphill climbs!
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and mobile data signals are generally good throughout the city.
Weather: Always bring a light jacket or sweater! The temperature can drop, especially at night or in the early morning. It's also wise to bring an umbrella, as the weather can change quickly.
Pasalubong: Don't forget to buy your local treats! The most popular are Good Shepherd Ube Jam, alfajores, and peanut brittle.
Enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful sights of the City of Pines!