If you’re looking for your next big adventure, look no further than the renowned Summer Capital of the Philippines. Baguio is a cool and colorful travel destination for the curious traveler with a surprisingly grand number of attractions and tourist spots!
Many of the most popular Baguio tourist spots have a connection to its history – steeped with culture and wonder. Though the history of Baguio city is extensive, it doesn’t go back terribly far. Baguio City was, in fact, founded in the year 1900. By the United States of America, having been meant to act as a hill station.
What’s made Baguio city a tourist destination? Despite its urbanization and development to include an assortment of museums, breweries, and parks. It’s become widely known for its wonderous reflection of Asia and its Philippine culture. A culture worth experiencing for yourself. Particularly in this countdown of the 20 best places to visit in Baguio city.
The Ukay-Ukay Markets
Street markets are present in almost every country, and yet it’s amazing how those in Europe can differ to those in Asia and the general East. Those found in Baguio, known there as the ukay-ukay, are typically second-hand thrift stores of sorts with stunningly low prices. If you’re not interested in buying, it’s still worth a visit if only to experience the marketplace’s stunning assortments and busy energy. If you’ve ever wondered what there is to do at night in Baguio city, here’s your answer!
Baguio City Parks
Baguio city is known as the ‘City of Pines’ for its parks. The Rose Garden, the Burnham Park Reservation, and the Melvin Jones Grandstand in particular. For the quaint traveler who appreciates strolls through the park and the occasional comfort of a spot of nature – these three options won’t disappoint. Enjoy a picnic, or visit for the lovely atmosphere. Hire out a small boat for a certain sum and enjoy a day on the Burnham lake. No matter the options, you’ll find your way around this tourist spot.
The Baguio Craft Brewery
Open to visits from 12 am onward, the brewery offers a wide array of unmissable drinks and dinners. Including the Brewery’s staple ‘Lagud’ drink, that is entirely worth the visit. Especially for those who’d like to try some of the city’s cultural cuisine. Open to reservations with a parking space, as well as a buffet on offer! Truly the most local experience available. Best Places To Eat in Baguio
The Ifugao Woodcarvers’ Village
For a taste of true Philippine tradition, try the Woodcarver’s Village. A place where one of the culture’s oldest art forms is still very much alive and put on display. A perfect place to find the right souvenir for the journey, which also ends up helping the village to thrive. Their art is their income after all!
Tam-Awan Village
Yet another opportunity to explore the Philippine culture up close, complete with traditional huts to admire, a café to relax in, as well as an assortment of tradition on display. An absolute must-see for travellers interested in the Cordillera people and their incredibly unique artworks.
The Farmer’s Daughter
Located in Tam-Awan village, yet worthy of its very own spot on this list. That ought to tell you enough about the fame of this particular restaurant. The authentic Cordillera dishes are the reason this restaurant to be famous. None of which could possibly disappoint! Mind that they specialize only in Cordillera dishes and none others – hence why they’re handled so skilfully! A guaranteed taste of culture.
BenCab Museum
The simplest access to Baguio city’s culture, as well as its artistic and traditional history on display, can be viewed here at the BenCab Museum. Those with artistic interests may recognize BenCab to be the commonly known name of Ben Cabrera. A nationally-renowned artistic icon. See both Cabrera’s and other local artists’ fascinating works on display here, in this private collection.
Strawberry Farms
Visiting between November and May? Then you may pay witness to the annual strawberry picking headed by the Benguet State University (BSU). The farms are a near-indescribable sight, and nearly impossible to match with a description. While this attraction is far more of a visual experience than a physical one, it can certainly leave a lasting impression as a large staple of what makes Baguio such a unique city.
Stobosa Hillside Homes Artwork
A simple housing area -or rather, one that used to be simple. Until it was decided that a little color and flare is what was needed to liven up the area. The housing area can be appreciated as a giant piece of artwork on its own with an assortment of inclining homes. All of the various rainbow colors. The artwork is found in a nook viewable from the roadside. And is separating Baguio City and La Trinidad.
Lourdes Grotto
This well-known Catholic pilgrimage site is famous for its statue of the Virgin Mary. It’s primarily used as a Catholic shrine but is a place fairly used to tourism. And well it should be, with a dazzling atmosphere and a surrounding stretch of nature. There is a 252-step climb! It’s not a tough place to find, being a fairly short distance away from the next item on the list:
The Old Diplomat’s Hotel
Also known as the Dominican Hill Retreat House, for its position atop Dominican Hill. It’s one of the city’s oldest structures, though is currently abandoned and considered uninhabitable. Interestingly enough, the local government is said to be putting the Old Diplomat’s Hotel through a rehabilitation process. So who knows – maybe one day you could be staying here, at one of the city’s most popular tourist spots.
Camp John Hay
One of the most beautiful and exciting resorts in the country, if not all of Asia. Located in the mountain, it will require a very decently priced jeep ride, but is wholly worth the journey. Visit the many cafes and restaurants, explore the gorgeous forest and manor house. Being a former US military base, it’s certainly a unique camp, and even grander during Christmas time.
Session Road
An unmistakable option that you’ll find on every list for places to visit in Baguio city. But it’s mentioned so often for a reason – Session Road is recognised as the heart of Baguio city. Its very centre, bustling with business and atmosphere. If you want to explore the city and truly experience it, it’s recommended that you start from here. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop by across your trip!
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
Another popular choice for the travelling Catholic, or general believer, or even general explorer. There’s nothing about this structure that avoids admiration, from its Roman-style revival architecture, to its fascinating interior. Built-in 1936, it’s among the oldest buildings you’ll find in Baguio city.
Baguio Botanical Garden
Native huts, an assortment of incredible flowers, and an unimaginable variety of other plants. What’s not to love about the Baguio Botanical Gardens? Having once been a zoo, with the name ‘Botanical & Zoological Garden’, this tourist spot’s known by several names, but the Botanical Gardens is its most common nowadays. Come for the nature, stay for the history!
Mines View Observation Deck
Among the more popular attractions for its particularly lax though historically educational nature, this observational deck is located about five kilometres away from the city’s heart. The appeal is in the title – see a view of the old mines, with a perfect picture and many opportunities for photos. A perfect place to visit near the end of your stay!
Baguio Hot Springs
Hot Springs are an arguable staple in Asian culture. You’re not likely to find them anywhere in the West. So visiting a genuine Asian hot spring is a highly recommended part of any visit, especially in Baguio city! You have choices ranging from the famous Palm Grove Hot Spring & Mountain Reserve, to the more hidden but well-reviewed Asin Hot Spring. Whatever your choice, it’s a vital cultural experience!
Baguio City Bell Church
Baguio city is, as you may have noticed, rich with architecture and structures from the Catholic religion. It still retains much of its own Asian culture in such structures as the Bell Church. The Taoist architecture of this Buddhist temple is among the most impressive things you’ll see during your stay, promising a lily pond, mesmerising archways, and an overall area dripping with Asian culture.
Baguio Museum
The number one place to visit for the city’s history. While other museums may give you a taste of the local art style, this is where the country’s story is told and comes together. Possessing artefacts from old indigenous groups, and others from the city’s founding, this museum will surprise you with its small size and satisfy you with its historical value.
The Mansion
Built-in 1908, this mansion in Baguio city was built for the purposes of accommodating the US generals during the occupation and is an important piece of history of Baguio city. Nowadays it has one primary service – as that of the summer getaway of the country’s president. Despite this, a piece of the mansion where a museum is held remains open to the general public and tourists. Making it one of Baguio’s most commonly photographed landmarks. Go there yourself, have a visit. Its grandness alone may take your breath away.
It’s a gorgeous town and an unmissable experience, one you should take up as soon as you can! Be sure to make your summer a complete one with a trip to the summer capital.
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