You can’t go to Baguio without hearing about Burnham Park.
I mean, this park is iconic.
It sits right in the center of Baguio City, a huge rectangle of green with a lake, foodstalls, benches, walkways, you name it.
It’s also the landmark for almost anywhere you want to go around the city.
SM Mall. Session Road. Harrison Night Market.
So, what makes Burnham Park so special?
Should you go give it a visit?
What can you expect there?
If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll talk about:
- Fun facts about Burnham Park
- What to expect at Burnham Park
- How to get to Burnham Park
- Tips for visiting Burnham Park
- And more!
Ready to dive in?
Let’s go!
Burnham Park Fast Facts
- What: An iconic and wonderfully chill park set in the middle of Baguio City’s bustling center
- Where: Burnham Park is (as mentioned) the center of everything in Baguio!
- Who: This lovely, green rectangle of green is perfect for people of all ages
- How: To get there, you can walk from wherever your hotel is (if you’re staying in Baguio’s city center)
- When: Burnham Park is open 24 hours a day
Burnham Park Fun Facts: 3 Things To Know To Enjoy the Park Better
Ok, let’s get down for some fun!
Here are 3 facts to take with you as you visit Baguio City’s most iconic park.
Burnham Park Fun Fact #1: The Park Is Huge!
Think Burnham Park is just one of those tiny pockets of green you can find almost anywhere in the Philippines?
Think again.
Because here’s the thing.
When you visit Burnham Park, you will feel swallowed up with greenness.
“Are we there yet?” you’ll think as you try to make your way (with the help of Google Maps) to that restaurant you’ve decided to have dinner at.
You’ll walk and walk, and still you won’t arrive!
Why?
Surprise, surprise.
Burnham Park is huge.
It spans 32 hectares (79 acres) of grassy flats, towering trees, and even a lake you can kayak across.
So if you’re the type of person who likes the softness and largeness of nature, this is the place to go.
Burnham Park Fun Fact #2: This Park Is the Center of Everything
Literally, it is.
It sits smack in the middle of Baguio City, a large rectangle of green with a lopsided lake on one side.
Check Google Maps, and you’ll see what I mean.
So…no matter where you’re going, you can base its distance on how far it is from Burnham Park.
Camp John Hay?
3 kilometers from Burnham Park.
Harrison Night Market?
Yes, right next to Burnham Park!
SM Baguio City?
A few steps from Burnham Park.
In fact, Burnham Park is so iconic and well-known, Baguio City will be a totally different place without it.
Burnham Park Fun Fact #3: It’s Old
Burnham Park is more than a century old.
You read that right.
The luxurious, beautiful park was designed in the early 1900s by American architect Daniel Burnham.
It was created to be a space to relax and enjoy recreational activities on the lake and under trees.
Today, the park is open to the public and free to visit.
Yes, it’s old.
But as with all things natural, the older it gets, the more beautiful and special it becomes.
What to Expect at Burnham Park (There’s Something for Everyone!)
Now let’s come to the most important question of all.
Will you enjoy Burnham Park?
Should you visit it?
My answer:
YES and YES!
Burnham Park is a place the whole family will love.
Here are 3 things you can expect when you visit.
What to Expect at Burnham Park #1: Space and Peace
Had a long day?
Tired of exploring the many adventures and wonders in and around Baguio City?
Well, it’s time to rest.
And there’s no better place to do that than in Burnham Park.
The place is huge, and it is simply lovely.
Think soft grass beneath the bare soles of your feet.
Rainbow trees with their breathtaking, multicolor trunks.
The lake, dark and still with its deep water.
Let me tell you this.
If you’re looking for a place to stretch your muscles, breathe, and rest, there is no better one than Burnham Park.
Spend the afternoon there.
Feed some pigeons.
Walk around the perimeter of the lake.
You’ll come out of it refreshed, rejuvenated, and filled with even more energy for more adventures to come.
Things to Expect in Burnham Park #2: Fun Activities for the Whole Family
If you’ve come to Baguio with a lot of energetic, on-the-go kids…
…Burnham Park is just the place to take them.
It’s packed with activities.
You can go boating on the lake.
Or rent a bicycle and ride it through the winding green lanes of the park.
Or have the kids ride the little peddaled race cars or tricycles.
When we were there, there were children everywhere.
And it seemed like they were having a simply grand time.
What to Expect in Burnham Park #3: Food, Food, Food!
Hungry?
Go no further than Burnham Park!
There, you’ll find anything you’re craving for at the moment.
Whatever it is.
If it’s fancy food, there’s the Cafe by the Ruins just next to the park.
If it’s exotic, unique street food, there’s the Harrison Road Night Market (also right next to the park).
There are also all kinds of food stalls, restaurants, cafes, and fast food stores all around and within Burnham Park.
Trust me.
You’ll never get hungry as you explore the soft, luxuriant green walks of the park.
How to Get to Burnham Park (It’s Incredibly Easy, You Don’t Even Have to Think About It!)
Like I’ve said (too many times) in this blog, Burnham Park IS literally the center of Baguio City.
Meaning?
Everyone knows about it.
If you ask around, 10 of 10 people will be able to direct you to it.
Another thing I love about Burnham Park is that you can walk to it from almost anywhere.
From SM CIty Baguio (Baguio City’s biggest mall).
From Ili-Likha Artists’ Village.
From Harrison Road’s famous night market.
From (most likely) your hotel (if you’re smart and chose a hotel in the heart of the city).
So, go ahead.
Walk to Burnham Park.
Enjoy the cold air in your lungs as you trek up and down streets that plunge from hill to valley.
The best way to get to Burnham Park is by walking, and trust me, you will love every step of the way there.
Quick Tips for Visiting Burnham Park
Want to make the most out of your visit to Burnham Park?
Here are some tips to take along with you as you go.
Burnham Park Tip #1: Go in the Afternoon
Burnham Park is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
It’s chill, serene, and relaxing.
Imagine sitting by the lake as darkness slowly crawls down from the sky into the trees.
Or watching the pigeons flutter their rainbow-tinted wings.
Or sitting on the soft, green grass with the people you love the most.
Also, being in Burnham Park for sunset means you’ll be close to all the food for dinner.
Which is perfect if you’re already hungry from the long, fun day exploring Baguio.
Burnham Park Tip #2: Give Yourself at Least an Hour or Two to Enjoy the Park
Burnham Park isn’t the kind of place to stop by for a few minutes, snap a few photos, and leave.
It’s a place to absorb.
To breathe in, standing under magnificent rainbow trees.
To sip in the calm of nature, the muted conversations of strangers, and the movement of water in the lake.
So, take your time!
Set aside an hour or two to spend in the park.
Relax, unwind, and be in the moment.
Burnham Park Tip #3: Come Hungry
I mean it!
Burnham Park and its surrounding areas have tons of different food choices to select from.
You can have fancy food in the Cafe by the Ruins, Filipino food at one of the local cafes, or even street food at the night market!
So, don’t eat before visiting Burnham Park.
Come hungry, explore the place, and find the food you’re craving.
Places to Stay Near Burnham Park
Here’s my #1 tip for you if you’re visiting Baguio City.
Stay near Burnham Park!
This will put you in the heart of the city, where you can access all the best of Baguio on foot.
Restaurants, cafes, bars, salons, book shops, the artist village, even the city’s biggest mall, SM City Baguio!
Here are 3 places you can stay near Burnham Park:
- Mega Towers III. This affordable place is a short walk from Burnham Park. It’s spacious, cozy, clean, and safe (with 24-hour security). No, they don’t have air conditioners, but Baguio’s air is cool enough that you won’t need one.
- 3BU Hostel Baguio. Looking for a super affordable place to stay? 3BU Hostel is right on Session Road, a few steps away from Burnham Park. There, you can find comfortable hostel beds, free wifi, a restaurant, and clean showers.
- Golden Pine Hotel. Want to spend your vacation somewhere fancier? You will love Golden Pine Hotel. This hotel looks over the beautiful panorama of Baguio, including the charming city, the slopes of houses tumbling down the hill, and the soaring majesty of the pines.
Burnham Park: Don’t Miss This Place on Your Baguio Visit
In Baguio?
There is one place you should never miss.
A beautiful, iconic spot set right in the heart of this bustling, colorful city.
Burnham Park.
Remember, Burnham Park isn’t a high-adrenaline place where you can find crazy activities.
Rather, it’s a chill spot.
A place where locals gather on weekends.
A soft, green resting ground where you can bring the kids, your elderly parents, even your pet!
So, go ahead.
Plan that 3-hour visit to the park.
Bring a mat for the grass, or some change for strawberry ice creams.
Relax, unwind, and create Baguio memories you will never forget.