July 26th, 2023 at 06:13 am
Top Tourist Attractions in Baguio, Philippines
One of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines has always been Baguio. This mountain city has drawn visitors because of its frigid temperatures, pine-dominated landscapes, and overarching romantic mood, particularly in the summer and around major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.
Despite being a somewhat urbanized city, Baguio nevertheless has some of its rural charm. Baguio features attractions for visitors of all ages and travel preferences, including both natural and contemporary locations. Additionally, the shopping centers and food scenes have become attractions in and of themselves.
Here are some of the top activities and destinations in and around Baguio City for both frequent visitors and first-timers. We have also included tourist destinations in nearby towns like La Trinidad and Tuba in our list.
Top Baguio Tourist Spots & Activities
There are so many fun places to go and activities to do in Baguio. However, these are some of our top suggestions!
Mirador Hill and Eco Park
A growing tourism destination with a mix of regional and Japan-inspired attractions is the Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park. There are hiking trails strewn around this 5-hectare area that lead to a variety of destinations, including the Rock Gardens, the Pandemic Healing Memorial, the La Storta Garden, the Ifugao Houses, and the Circular Seismic Chamber.
The recognizable Mirador Peace Memorial, a red-painted torii gate perched atop a hill with views of the city and the surrounding hills, is possibly the most well-known. It is a popular location for tourists to take pictures.
Igorot Stone Kingdom
The Igorot Stone Kingdom, which opened to the public in the second half of 2021, is Baguio’s newest tourist destination. The park displays the ideals of the Cordillera Region as well as both contemporary and traditional Igorot culture.
A contemporary castle and an antiquated stone wall stand in opposite directions and dominate the about 6,000 square meter territory. The modern castle, which is made of hollow blocks and cement, is engraved with paths that are punctuated with statues, picture ops, and viewing decks. It was completed with a food court that primarily served Filipino foods.
Tam-Awan Village
Tam-Awan Village, also known as Garden in the Sky, is a short distance from the Igorot Stone Kingdom. The Chanum Foundation ordered it in 1998 to build a model village showing restored traditional Cordillera homes and make them more widely available.
The community showcases the local artists’ work and the area’s traditional craftsmanship and elegance. The community now contains nine traditional buildings, including two Kalinga houses and seven Ifugao huts, which were replaced by three Ifugao huts. The majority of the original materials were used to build these structures again.
Baguio Walking Tour
One of those places is Baguio, which is fantastic for a stroll! As you stroll around, especially if you’re guided by a local guide, you might easily stumble onto interesting and beautiful objects, but you can also learn historical facts or find attractive locations.
Diplomat Hotel
The 17-hectare complex is spread out on the Dominican Hill and is officially known as the Dominican Hill Retreat House, but it is more often known as the Diplomat Hotel. Up to World War II, when the Japanese gained control and converted it into a military garrison and prison, it had been constructed as a retreat house for Dominican priests and nuns.
The Diplomat Hotel was opened and ran between the 1970s and the 1980s following renovations. Due to its turbulent past, particularly the tragedies of World War II, it developed a reputation for paranormal activity and has routinely ranked among the Philippines’ most haunted locations.
Bencab Museum, Tuba
The museum opened to the public in February 2009 and features masterpieces by BenCab in addition to other items by renowned painters and up-and-coming modern artists. It aims to emphasize environmental conservation and the cultural conservation of the Cordilleras legacy in addition to promoting the arts. There is a café, an organic farm, and a small woodland at the museum.
Camp John Hay Tourist Spots
Yellow Trail
1.5 kilometers of Camp John Hay’s pine-covered terrain are meandered by the Yellow Trail, commonly known as the Forest Bathing Trail. Le Monet and Tree Top Adventure, the two starting places, are connected by a walking trail. The trek continues past the Tree Top Adventure to Scout Hill, the destination.
Take the steep path that leads from Le Monet Hotel to Scout Hill if you want to test yourself. Take the inverse downhill path, starting at Scout Hill and ending at Le Monet Hotel, if all you want to do is relax in nature.
Tree Top Adventure
Do you depend on adrenaline? Then your playground is Camp John Hay’s Tree Top Adventure! You’ll experience heart-pounding activities at this adventure park. The Superman Zipline, Canopy Ride, and Tree Drop are the three most well-liked attractions.
Bell House
The Bell House, which bears General J Franklin Bell’s name, is situated beside Tree Top Adventure and also within Camp John Hay’s boundary. The Commanding General of the Philippines’ former official vacation home has been turned into a museum. The well-preserved structure showcases American colonial architecture. There is an amphitheater there that doubles as a garden.
Cemetery of Negativism
The Cemetery of Negativism, also known as the Lost Cemetery, is situated between Bell House and Camp John Hay Picnic Area. It was established in the early 1980s by John Hightower, the base’s commanding general.
However, this cemetery serves as a metaphorical graveyard for negative emotions rather than the conventional location for interring human remains. The “eulogies” on the tombstones were humorous and punny, and occasionally they needed a dash of irony to make sense.
Picnic at Camp John Hay
Visitors are drawn to outdoor activities like having a picnic with friends or family in Baguio because of the city’s mild climate. You can set out a mat in a designated area or locate a picnic table. Rentable picnic tables are scattered throughout a picnic area at Camp John Hay.
La Trinidad Tourist Spots
La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
The most well-known Strawberry Farm in the region is located about 30 minutes north of Baguio. Although it is technically a part of La Trinidad, it is frequently connected with Baguio City. The farm also contains a pasalubong center with several gift shops. Strawberry taho and strawberry ice cream should not be missed! The farm sells fresh produce and plants in addition to strawberry-related items.
Colors of StoBoSa, La Trinidad
Another well-liked tourist destination in La Trinidad is The Colors of StoBoSa. Its official name is StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork, and it was created by the DOT-CAR in partnership with the Tam-Awan Village group, which included more than 500 residents and volunteers and produced many design suggestions.
The name “StoBoSa” refers to the enormous painting, which includes the hillside homes of three sitios in Barangay Balili: Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap.
Bell Church, La Trinidad
The Bell Church is a temple that was established in 1960 by Chinese immigrants from Canton (Guangzhou), also in Barangay Balili close to StoBoSa on the border of Baguio and La Trinidad. The temple is a popular tourist site because of the peaceful ambiance and the views one may enjoy when strolling through the courtyard. There is a tiny lily pond there as well.
Downtown Baguio Tourist Spots
Baguio Night Market
Although the idea of night markets in the Philippines may not be as elaborate, it is gradually permeating market consciousness.
A vibrant night market scene is emerging in Baguio, bringing travelers to the Central Business District’s Harrison Road neighborhood. This is ideal for people who want to get good deals or fill their bellies without having to dig deeper into their wallets.
Sky Ranch Baguio
Sky Ranch excludes not to Baguio as a comparable theme park with essentially the same rides and experiences found in Tagaytay and Pampanga. However, if you haven’t visited one yet, you might want to include Sky Ranch Baguio in your schedule.
Burnham Park
The most well-known landmark in Baguio is Burnham Park, in the city’s center. Burnham Lake (or Lagoon) dominates the area, which is also home to other notable locations such as the Rose Garden, a park featuring a skating rink for recreation, the Orchidarium, the Children’s Park, and the Melvin Jones Grandstand.
Numerous enjoyable activities, like renting paddle boats (swan boats), motorcycling, and go-karting, are available at the park.
Baguio Museum
The Baguio Museum is located within a short distance from Burnham Park. The University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City National High School, and SM Baguio are all close together, making it easy to find.
The museum’s holdings depict the history of the city and the Cordillera region’s culture. All of the collections divided into the Alternative Gallery, Cordillera Gallery, and Baguio Gallery, stages on the four floors.
Baguio Cathedral
Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, often known as Baguio Cathedral, is a hilltop church with views over Session Road and the busy downtown streets. It was introduced in 1936 and honors the Virgin Mary.
Its architecture is neo-Romanesque and includes stained glass windows, a rose window (facade), and twin belfries/spires. It situates next to Saint Louis University and remains a well-known landmark in Baguio.
Ukay-Ukay Stores
Without “SM” — Segunda Mano stores, Baguio wouldn’t be Baguio. These second-hand shops, known as wagwagan locally but as ukay-ukay to tourists, were all over the bustling streets and alleyways of downtown Baguio. The abundance of possibilities for used goods will make it easy for tourists to become lost. Clothing, bags, shoes, belts, scarves, and other items also included.
The most well-known ukay-ukay neighborhoods are Bayanihan (next to Burnham Park), Hilltop (in the back of Baguio City Market), and Skyworld (on Session Road).
Session Road Nightlife
Session Road, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, is the most well-known avenue in Baguio. During the day, it is bustling with locals and visitors going about their daily lives, but at night, it comes alive with bars and hangout spots pulsating with good music and stimulating conversations.
Baguio Public Market
Visit the Baguio Public Market for pasalubong, which has a ton of stalls offering local specialties including fresh Sagada oranges and strawberries, strawberry and ube jam, peanut brittle, fresh veggies, and gifts.
Leonard Wood & Mines View Tourist Spots
Baguio Botanical Garden
The Baguio Botanical Garden, now known as Centennial Park, one of the city’s many parks and situates along Leonard Wood Road between Wright Park and Teacher’s Camp.
Thus, another well-liked city attraction where guests may take in the tranquil setting of the lush surroundings. The central business district of Baguio is a short drive from the sizable garden park. There are numerous walking trails there that lead to picturesque locations. The Baguio Arts Guild and the Igorot Village are also located there.
Wright Park
Wright Park, which bears the name of the late governor general Luke Edward Wright, is yet another huge green space. Both locals and visitors consider this a top destination for recreation. A green park with rest areas, biking pathways, and walking and running trails. The concrete pathway connecting the Wright Park Kiosk and The Mansion front is nearly entirely covered by a lengthy pond or pool. Along with the horse stable, it also features a hill in the forest covered in pine trees.
The Mansion
The Mansion House, often known as The Mansion, has a lengthy concrete path that leads to a pool in Wright Park. It received a commission in 1908 to act as the US Governor-General’s official home in the Philippines. However, it underwent reconstruction in 1947 as a result of the Second World War’s significant devastation.
It serves as the President of the Philippines’ official summer residence at the moment. Other significant state events and international gatherings take place there as well.
Mines View Park
Mines View Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations and is frequently congested with throngs of visitors. It has an observation platform with a panoramic view of the mountains beyond and the historic gold and copper mines of Itogon town below. One of the best places to see the sunrise is also here.
Good Shepherd Products
You may purchase the renowned Ube jam not far from Mines View Park. Tourists eagerly queue up at this iconic Baguio pasalubong stop to purchase the store’s renowned ube jam and other top picks.
Its advocacy is what distinguishes and fulfills Good Shepherd purchases. Good Shepherd has established a solid reputation for creating high-quality goods with a purpose.
Top Baguio Hotels
A few of the numerous excellent hotels in Baguio with a Certificate of Authorization to Operate (CAO) from the Department of Tourism.
- G1 Lodge
- Citylight Hotel
- The Orchard Hotel Baguio
- Travelite Hotel Legarda
- City Travel Hotel
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