The City of Pines is always a welcome change of pace from the sweltering metropolis. If you’re in the mountains for some cool weather, why not make your vacation more special by incorporating our Baguio Travel Guide into it? Visit cultural attractions and villages in order to experience Cordilleran cuisine and other exclusive dishes. Sample local cuisine and try new foods at a hole-in-the-wall eatery or a public market where everything from fruits to meats are available. Take advantage of the locations where locals frequent, whether it’s at a tiny restaurant or a public market with lots of fresh produce.
Make your next trip to Baguio a breeze with our comprehensive travel guide. From tourist hotspots and hotels, to must-try restaurants and tips on what to wear, we’ve got you covered!
There’s more to the Summer Capital than just fresh strawberries and crisp mountain air. Come see for yourself why there’s so much love for Baguio!
Tourist Spots in Baguio
BenCab Museum
If you love art, then a visit to the personal collection of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (or BenCab for short) is a must. The museum is located 4 stories high and can sometimes be hidden by fog, but it’s definitely worth the visit. You can bring a sketchbook and create your own masterpiece while taking in all the inspiration around you. Aside from the exhibitions, there are EcoTrails available where you can take a guided walk through the farm and garden area. This is also an opportunity to learn about organic produce and indigenous architecture.
Tam-awan Village
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience to supplement your museum visits, Tam-awan Village is the perfect place. Hang out and take workshops in drawing, oil painting, watercolor, and wood carving! The village is designed to have the appearance and atmosphere of a traditional Cordilleran village. Spend the night in one of the huts (for a fee), build a bonfire – it’s perfect with the chilly Baguio evening – and book a cultural show ahead of time.
Laperal House
The Laperal House has been a source of curiosity for many years due to both its unique style and dark history. Built in the Victorian era, the house now functions as a museum with beautiful bamboo carvings and wood-based artworks on display. However, it is also rumored to be haunted due to stories of violence from World War II. Some say that if you walk by at night, you might see the ghost of a former resident on the front steps.
Mount Costa
It is a prevalent misconception that the valley north of Baguio is part of the city. That’s really a distinct town called La Trinidad. Stop by Mount Costa to reconnect with nature and take amazing photographs while visiting La Trinidad if you love being surrounded by vegetation. This is an excellent location for those who have a green thumb or simply adore being in harmony with nature.
Baguio Cathedral
The Neo-Gothic style cathedral on top of the hill is now a serene place for religious ceremonies or even weddings, but during World War II, it served as an evacuation center. The building connects to the Porta Vaga mall through the parking lot and Session Road through a 104-step staircase.
Lion’s Head
This enormous symbol, which was created by the Baguio Lions Club in 1971 and unveiled to the public the following year, was a collaboration of the club. Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac, a Ifugao woodcarver, was given the task of crafting what became known as formerly the Centennial Garden but is now more of a park with historical significanceOn the premises, you’ll find details that evoke Baguio’s foreign relationships, such as the bridge and pond in the Chinese Pavilion area, and the Buddha statues on the path to the Japanese tunnel. The tunnel was once used during World War II to transport materials; now it is a tourist attraction open to everyone.
Where to eat in Baguio
Ili-Likha Artist Village
“Ili” means “village”, and “likha” means “to create” – an apropos name for a food court situated in a building made entirely of recycled materials. The treehouse was built with the wood of fallen trees, broken tiles, and old window and door frames. You can sit anywhere you please and take your pick of rice meals, burgers, Italian-Filipino fusion cuisine, or one of their many vegetarian offerings. For authentic Cordilleran food , look for Café Cueva .
Good Taste
If you have a reservation at Good Taste, expect to wait for a long time. The most popular fried rice, chop suey, and buttered chicken (the top three must-tries!) are all sold here by tourists and locals alike. This is the ideal spot for large groups after activities or late shifts since it is open 24 hours a day. It’s also popular among college students because their meals are cheap and many of them can feed three or more people.
Pizza Volante
In a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere, get your pizza and pasta cravings satisfied. Volante is another 24-hour restaurant where you may dine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a nightcap. Whatever time you visit there
Mamita’s Bulaluhan
Mamita’s is an incredible restaurant that offers a wide variety of both affordable and filling dishes. This is the place to go if you’re on a budget.And if you’re looking for amazing live music, look no further— Mamita’s often has local acoustic musicians playing on some nights! Either way, it’s the perfect place to stuff your face with delicious comfort food or nurse your hangover with some greasy goodness.
Things to do in Baguio
Shop at Baguio Night Market
During the evening, Harrison Road becomes an ukay-ukay paradise. It’s bustling with people looking for low-cost secondhand goods. Keep your valuables safe and out of sight; pickpockets are just as common here as anywhere else.
Shop for non-perishable souvenirs
Visit the Baguio City Public Market and search for the dry goods section. Right across from Abanao Square is an entrance. Although we all adore peanut brittle and ube, moderately priced components to decorate your house with are a nice change of pace. It’s also a lovely pasalubong present for your friends and relatives back home. Take a look at the bright woven placemats and table runners, pine needle pot holders, and wooden coasters and wall hangings available.
Go strawberry picking at La Trinidad
La Trinidad is celebrated for its strawberries, supplying not just Benguet province but all of the Philippines. In 2004, La Trinidad made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for baking the world’s largest strawberry cake as part of their Strawberry Festival celebration. You can find good quality strawberries there without picking them yourself, but if you want to get your hands dirty, you’re welcome to pick your own batch.
Explore Session Road
At any point along Session Road, you’ll find a convenience store within a few meters. Continue walking and you’ll almost certainly come upon a clothing shop, a hardware store, or a shop selling ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. Lower Session Road will provide you with electronics shops selling all kinds of gadgets as well as tiny items that enhance the performance of your devices. You won’t have to go far from the city’s center if you need anything on the spur of the moment.
