Baguio is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines.
It’s where the Manila crowd goes every time there’s a long weekend.
It’s where overheating Filipinos from all over the country flee when the summers get unbearable in coastal cities.
It’s where anyone would go to get that foreign feel, that exciting tinge of being in another nation altogether.
But…is it worth it?
Because the truth is, Baguio does have its haters.
“It’s a tourist trap.”
“Eww, why there? It’s where everyone in Manila goes on holiday.”
“It’s too crowded, and there’s nothing to do there.”
Anyway, I had to see for myself. (Hard to judge without experiencing the place yourself, right?)
So I went…and came back to write this Baguio Travel Guide.
Spoiler alert: I think Baguio is worth the visit. (But more on that later.)
In this blog, I’ll talk about:
- Fun facts about Baguio
- How to get to Baguio
- How to get around Baguio
- Where to stay in Baguio
- 11 cool spots to check out
- Where to eat in Baguio
- Is Baguio worth a visit? (And why)
Of course, just because Baguio was worth the visit for me…
…doesn’t mean it’ll be worth it for you.
So, read ahead and find out if it’s your kind of thing!
Baguio Fun Facts: Things You Didn’t Know About Baguio
Here are some fun facts about Baguio to get you excited before we get down to the planning part.
Baguio Fun Fact #1: Baguio Is Called “The Summer Capital of the Philippines”
Way back in the days of colonialism, ladies and gentlemen from cooler parts of the globe found themselves stuck in the sticky, sweltering climate of the Philippine lowlands. (Hello Metro Manila and Cebu.)
They longed for the cool air of the countries they left across the sea.
So when they discovered Baguio, they went wild.
Sure, it was hard to get to (especially back then).
But with its pine forests and glades of cool air…
…Baguio compelled sweating, sweltering, even sick and injured Americans to make the journey.
It was a place for rest and healing, and soon it earned its name of the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.”
Baguio Fun Fact #2: Baguio Is the Home of the Biggest Strawberry Farms in the Philippines (And the Fruits Are Super Cheap There!)
If you’re a born-and-raised Filipino like me, you probably:
- Pick up a tub of imported strawberries at the grocery store
- Look at the price
- Sign
- Put it back down
Yes, strawberries are SO expensive in the Philippines.
That’s because they have to travel all the way from China, to sit snobbily in the part of the grocery stores where most of us can’t afford to go. (haha.)
So when we went to Baguio, and I saw vendors selling strawberries for PHP100 per pack (normally PHP600-900 in malls), I was like, “WOW.”
Baguio Fun Fact #3: Baguio Is a Great Place for the Artistic and Cultural
Everywhere you go, you’ll run into paintings, street art, shops of old books.
See the image above?
It’s a painting on glass in one of the cafes we went to.
Behind it are paintings for sale by local artists.
This isn’t rare in Baguio.
You’ll see people actually reading in restaurants. (WHAT??)
You’ll see art and artistic merchandise for sale everywhere. (Hand-painted bookmarks, carved leather bracelets, hand-woven ponchos, you name it!)
You’ll walk with hippies sporting ponytailed dreadlocks carrying their lazy, cream-colored Chowchow down the fairy-lighted streets of Session Road.
You’ll see museum after museum, cultural sites, old buildings wrapped in ghost stories.
If that’s your thing?
Don’t miss Baguio.
How to Get to Baguio
The easiest way to get to Baguio is by riding a bus from Metro Manila (either at the PITX terminal or at Victory Liner – Pasay Terminal). A one-way ticket costs around PHP800 for Regular Class, PHP1,200 for First Class, and PHP1,500 for Royal Class. The trip is 4-6 hours long, depending on traffic.
I suggest booking tickets online (you can book online here).
That’s because tickets (especially for First Class and Royal Class) quickly run out.
I also suggest booking at least First Class.
Why?
It’s a non-stop trip, meaning you won’t need to wait as the bus stops at restrooms and to pick up and drop off passengers.
Also (most importantly, especially for me), First Class and Royal Class have built-in toilets, so you won’t get that awful experience of biting your lips and squeezing your legs together, waiting and praying for that next restroom stop. (Or thinking, “Should I beg the driver to stop at some random sari-sari store where I’ll beg the owner to let me use the bathroom while the rest of my fellow passengers stare murderously at me??”)
Anyway, to make things simpler…
Here’s the step-by-step of getting to Baguio:
- Book your one-way (or round-trip) ticket online.
- Pick Victory Liner (I love this bus!).
- Head over to PITX or a Victory Liner Terminal (your online ticket will tell you exactly where to go).
- Go to the counter to exchange your online ticket voucher for actual tickets (all you need to do is present a screenshot of the voucher on your phone and your IDs).
- Once you have the tickets and the bus has arrived, you can board and relax as you wait for it to leave.
- Enjoy the trip! The bus will stop at the Upper Session Road in Baguio City, one kilometer from the main town (where I suggest you book your stay).
Voila!
You’re in Baguio and ready to enjoy its wonders!
How to Get Around Baguio (4 Ways for Different People)
To get around Baguio, you can either ride taxis, walk, rent a motorcycle, or rent a bicycle. Or you can do a combination of some of the four or all of them, depending on your trip itinerary.
Before you decide on your mode of transportation around Baguio, first ask yourself,
“What kind of Baguio trip am I planning?”
If you plan to just stay in the main area of Baguio City (Session Road, Burnham Park, Ili-Likha Artist Village, Harrison Road Night Market)…
…then get those leg muscles stretched and walk around!
Nothing is further than 1 kilometer away from each other, plus the air is nice and cool, so you’ll hardly break into a sweat as you walk.
OR you can rent a bicycle (bicycles cost around PHP50 for 30 minutes) and bike around the area.
If you’re planning to visit Camp John Hay, I suggest taking a taxi there.
It’s not hard!
The park is only 3 kilometers from the main city, so drivers won’t complain when you tell them your destination.
Also, finding a driver back is super easy, as taxis scout the area for passengers ready to return to their hotels.
BUT…if you plan on visiting:
- Bencab Museum
- Igorot Stone Kingdom
- Tan-awam Village
- La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
I suggest renting a motorcycle.
That’s because taxi drivers aren’t so happy going to those areas.
Also, even if you do find a taxi driver who’ll take you there, it’s a bit harder to find one to take you back to the city.
Motorcycles are available for rent in Baguio City for PHP600 per day. (You can find motorcycle shops to contact on Google or Facebook.)
Where to Stay in Baguio
The best place to stay in Baguio is anywhere near Session Road and Burnham Park.
That’s because you can get everything there: food, cafes, parks, museums, bookshops, a night market, even the SM City Baguio mall!
The closer you are to Burnham Park you are, the better.
That’s especially if you plan to walk around to your favorite tourist spots and eateries.
Anyway, here are some suggestions for where to stay in Baguio:
- 3BU Hostel. For backpackers! 3BU has lots of affordable beds in dorms. It’s easy to access by public transportation, and it is walkable (although a bit far and uphill) from Burnham Park.
- The Mega Towers. Mega Towers I, II, and III are condominium complexes rented out by separate owners to tourists. You can find booking options on Agoda.
- The Orchard Hotel Baguio. A clean, affordable hotel located only 500 meters from Burnham Park.
- Travelite Hotel Legarda. A simple yet comfortable hotel with a great view of Baguio’s pine forests. Less than a kilometer away from SM City Baguio and 350 meters from Burnham Park.
- El Cielito Inn. Want something more fancy? This place is also super close to the city center (250 meters from Session Road) and is a great place, especially if you’re travelling with the kids.
- Casa Vallejo Hotel. Want to bring a pet? This is the perfect place to stay. Casa Vallejo Hotel is also only 200 meters from Session Road, making it super comfortable and convenient.
You can also just visit Agoda and find a place that feels like you.
Just check how close it is to Burnham Park and Session Road, and you’re good!
Baguio Tourist Spots: 11 Cool Spots to Check Out
Ok, now it’s time to go exploring!
Here’s a list of 11 Baguio tourist spots.
Some of them are well-known, some not, and some are for specific types of people (like book lovers).
Let’s go!
Baguio Tourist Spots #1: Camp John Hay
If you’re like me and LOVE trees, this might just be your favorite spot in Baguio.
Camp John Hay is a nature park that’s approximately 220 hectares (550 acres) wide, and it’s filled with stunning pine forests and soft green hilly glades.
You can explore the whole park on foot, like these people.
Or you can explore some of the trails on horseback.
We chose this option, and it was super fun!
Just look at my grin here:
Camp John Hay is packed with snack bars and restaurants, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll go hungry.
Like La Monet Bakery, which sells the chewiest caramel or choconut brownies, Bavarian-filled ensaymada, and strawberry or ube pastillas.
Or the food park, which has savory options like tacos and sandwiches.
There are also popular restaurants in the area, like Pancake House and Army Navy, or even specialty restaurants like Chocolate de Batirol.
My suggestion: Set aside at least half a day for Camp John Hay (a whole day, if you like!).
That’s because there are SO many things to see there.
Like The Cemetery of Negativism, a fun, artistic cemetery where you can let go of all your negative thoughts.
Of course, no real people are buried there. Only your imaginary friends (or enemies).
Camp John Hay also has museums and preserved houses (like this one from the colonial era).
Also, if you like art galleries and hand-crafted clothes, you can visit the open-air market in Station 3.
Into LIVE bands and cultural events?
Plan your visit to Camp John Hay on a weekend.
Like hiking?
Hike the Yellow Trail.
The things you can do here are endless!
Baguio Tourist Spots #2: Burnham Park
Burnham Park is a huge park (approximately 32 hectares) set in the middle of Baguio City.
With soft grassy stretches, huge pine and rainbow trees, a lake, and quiet roads you can bike around…
…it’s a great place the whole family can enjoy.
It’s also surrounded by great restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon in the park and head over for some food afterwards.
There’s a peaceful lake right in the middle of the park, where people can sit down, relax, and enjoy the cool weather (or ride a paddle boat).
Baguio Tourist Spots #3: La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
Love strawberries?
You’ll love the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, where you can pick your own strawberries and eat them straight from the plants.
La Trinidad is a town located around 7 kilometers from Baguio City, and it’s the home of the biggest strawberry farms in the country.
There, strawberries are super cheap.
Think PHP300 per kilo.
And if you’re in it for the experience, you can opt to pick your own strawberries for PHP700 per kilo.
I know, it’s more expensive + you need to do the work yourself.
But trust me, it’s worth it.
The squelch of mud under your boots, the euphoria of finding a white, pink, or crimson berry nestled against felty emerald leaves, the grainy-soft-sweet feel as you sink your teeth into the fruits…
…100% worth it.
Baguio Tourist Spots #4: Harrison Road Night Market
From 9 pm to 2 am (weekends AND weekdays!), Harrison Road (right beside Burnham Park) lights up with long rows of stalls packed with food and other goods.
You can get anything from roasted squid to sugar-coated strawberries, deep-fried quail eggs to corn with cheese and margarine.
Recommendations to try:
- Tanghulu
- Sinugba Balot
- Binatog
If you’re looking for some super cheap clothes or shoes?
They have that too.
We were shocked to find this huge sale promo where 3 pieces of clothes were sold for only PHP100!
Baguio Tourist Spots #5: Ili-Likha Artist Village
If you’ve ever read “The Magic Faraway Tree” as a child (like I have), you’ll love Ili-Likha Artist Village.
That’s because it’s just like the Magic Faraway Tree – twisting tree trunks and branches, little nooks and staircases, crannies filled with colorful handmade items.
If you’re into arts and trinkets, this is the place for you.
They sell hand-painted shirts, handcrafted bracelets, woven bags and ponchos, stickers, necklaces, rings…you name it!
There are cafes and small restaurants where you can buy a delicious vegetarian meal.
The highlight of the visit there was translucent emerald-green honey.
The shopkeeper told us the honey is only harvested in Baguio and Borneo, and it gets its color from chlorophyll and the bees’ diet.
Baguio Tourist Spots #6: SM City Baguio
I usually don’t visit malls during trips.
But I’m making an exception for SM City Baguio because it’s kind of famous.
Why?
It’s the only mall in the Philippines that doesn’t need air conditioning!
Instead, it has open-air balconies where the natural cool of Baguio’s climate makes shopping and eating comfortable.
Another reason why SM is so famous is that it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Baguio.
It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, plus a gorgeous red-and-gold sky show.
Worth the visit, if you ask me!
Baguio Tourist Spots #7: Tam-awan Village
Tam-awan Village is a cultural center that celebrates the local tribes of the Cordilleras.
It’s a maze on a mountain, with several huts transported from villages across the region.
Also, local artists love to have events in the village.
If you visit Tam-awan, you’ll see beautiful pieces of art in the restaurant, studio, and some of the huts lining the garden.
Want a souvenir?
You can have a LIVE sketch done of you by one of the resident artists!
Baguio Tourist Spots #8: Igorot Stone Kingdom
Back in 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pio Velasco had a dream of a white carabao.
For the Igorots, seeing a white carabao is a sign to begin on planned endeavors.
And so he started his project, the Igorot Stone Kingdom, which is dedicated to his mother and his Igorot ancestry.
Today, you can visit the stone kingdom and climb up into its rafters.
You can rent Igorot clothing and have your picture taken, or watch some local boys present a traditional dance.
Note: This is more of a theme park than a historical site, so visit it only if you’re into theme parks.
Baguio Tourist Spots #9: Bencab Museum
Into history and art?
You’ll love the Bencab Museum.
Sitting in the foggy hills about 5 kilometers from Baguio City, this glass complex houses beautiful wooden sculptures, tools, and carvings from Cordillera tribes.
Like these hunters’ helmets used for protection while seeking game in the woods:
If you love art, you can also browse the many rooms at Bencab, each of which is filled with beautiful paintings.
Hungry?
The cafe downstairs can stock you up with snacks and coffee.
Baguio Tourist Spots #10: Session Road
Honestly, this is one of my favorite places in Baguio City.
Session Road!
This road is a slanted, crowded road lined with everything you could wish for.
Restaurants, cafes, tea houses, dessert places, hotels, spas, you name it!
But what I love most about this street is the vibe.
It’s crowded, yes, but with cheerful people alive with exploring.
Also, the lights draped across the buildings give the place a warm, cozy, lively feel.
During weekends, there are various events in the area, like street chalk drawing and skateboarding.
Baguio Tourist Spots #11: Secondhand Bookstores (For Book Lovers Only)
In Baguio for a longer trip?
Maybe you’re already out of reading material and need a book to keep you company during the quieter hours of your visit.
Well, no worries!
Baguio is actually packed with lovely secondhand bookstores.
When I checked on Google Maps, I actually saw as many as 5!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit all of them.
I only visited two:
- Bookends
- Booksale (in SM City Baguio)
You know what, though?
The books there are GOOD.
Think the classics in beautiful green-and-gold covers.
Or Booker prize winners (battered but lovely, with pencilled writings done by previous owners).
Here’s a secret: I left Baguio with a bag heavy with 8 new books.
Also?
I spent less than PHP1,000 for the entire bag!
Where to Eat in Baguio
If you’re a foodie, Baguio is the perfect place for you.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find restaurants, food stalls, cafes, dessert places…
…anything you could wish for!
Of course, I didn’t get to try everything in Baguio.
But here are the places I recommend:
- Luisa’s Cafe. A traditional Filipino-Chinese restaurant that started as a local haunt. Today, it’s visited by tourists and locals alike. It serves the Filipino-Chinese classics: soy chicken, stir-fried noodles, seafood rice, siopao, wonton soup, and more!
- Farmer’s Daughter. This place has a waiting list, and it closes at 3:30 pm, so make sure you come early. It was totally worth it, though. If you want to try Ilocos/Cordillera favorites like Dinakdakan, smoked meats, and blood sausages, don’t you dare miss this.
- Cafe by the Ruins. If you’re into a more fancy, fusion version of Ilocos and Cordillera favorites, this is the place to go. It serves traditional dishes like bagnet (crispy fried pork) and tapa (dried beef), but with a twist. Also, they have sumptuous desserts and pastries, and the all-time-famous (and super delicious) carabao cheese.
- Foam Coffee. Foam Coffee is a local favorite – in fact, it’s so loved that it has 2 branches within a short distance from each other. As the name suggests, it serves artisan coffee plus fun iced coffees for the not-so-serious coffee drinker. If you visit the main (bigger) branch, you can also order donuts and meals.
- Read & Brew. Read & Brew is a coffee shop, but it also serves delicious meals like the famous Sinanglaw of Ilocos. (Sinanglaw is a sour soup made with beef innards.) If you’re looking for a place to get a heavy breakfast and coffee at 7 am, this is it.
Baguio: Is It Worth the Visit?
So, now we’ve come down to the main question.
Baguio City is called a “tourist trap” and has a large haters base.
So, is it worth visiting?
Well, it depends.
Baguio is not for you if you are:
- An adrenaline junkie
- A person looking for a remote island to do some soul searching
- A sophisticated-feeling anti-tourist
But if you love:
- Twisting pinetree branches
- Pencilled notes in old, brown-spotted book pages
- Watercolor paintings of houses tumbling down a hill
- Foggy mornings and bell music from the church in the center of the city
- People watching
- Bustling night market stalls with golden syrup dripping from strawberries on barbecue sticks
- Nights that feel like Christmas
Then…this is the place for you!
I loved Baguio, and you’ll love it too.
Baguio DIY Travel: It’s Time to Plan Your Visit!
Convinced Baguio is a place you will absolutely love?
Well, it’s time to visit!
Go ahead.
Buy those tickets.
Book your room.
Grab a pencil and pad (or your favorite app), and list the places from this guide that you’d like to visit.
Think about the kinds of food you’d like to try, and the restaurants you want to visit.
And most of all, approach the place with wonder and excitement.
Any place is beautiful when you have those two in your company.