TOP 26 BAGUIO TOURIST SPOT: Summer Capital of the Philippines
By: Visitour PH Blogs
What is the best Baguio tourist spot? Find out in this comprehensive travel guide. We also included the best things to do and the off-beaten places to visit.
Baguio City is touted as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” That tagline speaks of its high-altitude location which gives it a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Tourists love coming here especially during summer months to escape the simmering lowland heat.
But there is more to that! Baguio City is home to a variety of natural, historical, and cultural tourist spots that will surely gratify your quest for thrill, fun, learning, and adventure. You’ve got them all here!
Without further ado, here are the must-see tourist destinations in Baguio you should not miss. As you visit these, may you be a part of their sustainable management by being responsible in your actions.
Here we go.
1. Burnham Park
Burnham Park is one of the top Baguio tourist spots. Located in the heart of the city, Burnham Park offers various recreational activities such as boating, biking, jogging, sightseeing, and even common sports like volleyball.
Here, you’ll find ornamental gardens showcasing bonsai plants, sunflowers, and colorful roses. There is also a playground for kids and an inside showcase called Ibaloi Park where you can learn about the local culture. It’s one of the best places to go to Baguio if you’re with your family.
When visiting Burnham Park, don’t miss eating mango with shrimp sauce. It has been a customary practice by many.
Note, however, that it can get too crowded, especially during holidays and special occasions. Fortunately, there are many other similar attractions around Baguio.
Strolling in Burnham Park is one of the things to do in Baguio for free!
2. Botanical Garden/ Centennial Park
If you’re into the more rustic Baguio tourist spot, check out the Botanical Garden, also called Centennial Park. Here, you’ll find different gardens and mini-versions of world-famous attractions such as the San Francisco bridge.
For history buffs, there are man-made tunnels dug by the Japanese in World War II to escape American bombings. These served as their hideout until the combined Filipino and American forces routed them to surrender.
Aside from the towering pine trees, you’ll glimpse flower gardens, beautiful ponds, stone paths, traditional houses, and freshwater springs.
There are also stalls selling different kinds of ornamental for “plantitos” and “plantitas.”
Want to sip a cup of coffee while enjoying the lush views? No worries, there are cafes within the park.
3. Tam-awan Village
Tam-awan Village is one of the best cultural Baguio tourist spots. It showcases the indigenous houses of the different tribes of the Cordillera region particularly, Ifugao and Kalinga.
Unknown to many, indigenous peoples namely, the Ibaloi tribe, are the original inhabitants of Baguio City. Although much of their heritage has been lost due to assimilation and modernization, Tam-awan village provides insights into this.
If you come here, you help promote the preservation of the local culture. Plus, you’ll learn a lot when you interact with the locals and observe how they create art.
Some of the best Cordilleran artists work here and you can have one of them sketch your portrait. If you’re into nature, don’t worry, the pine forests here are so lush and refreshing. And you’ll get to see various colorful flowers.
Want to experience the best of Cordilleran culture? Then you should visit Tam-Awan Village. It’s a walking distance from the Igorot Stone Kingdom which, unfortunately, has been closed due to a lack of business permits.
4. Mt. Sto. Tomas
Mt Sto Tomas is one of the best-known hiking Baguio tourist spots. From here, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of the towering mountains of the Cordillera Region and the lowland plains of the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon.
It’s best to come here during the early morning or late afternoon to gaze at spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Beautiful mossy forests used to cover the mountain but only a few patches remain.
If you’re lucky, you can view the sea of clouds surrounding the mountain’s peak. What better way to enjoy that than sipping a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe.
Mt. Sto. Tomas is one of the last remaining watershed areas providing water supply to the city and neighboring municipalities. It’s also a critical habitat for many endangered wildlife species including the Northern Luzon Cloud Rat as well as deer and wild pigs. Different species of birds and many undocumented florae thrive here.
Hopefully, the local authorities continue to protect the mountain from unscrupulous interests. By declaring it as a protected site and ensuring that policies are strictly enforced, the mountain will continue providing crucial ecological services.
5. Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay is one of the most famous Baguio tourist spots. It also played a major historical role in its more than 100 years of existence. During World War II, it was the site of a major bombing.
Thankfully, many of the structures survived and these are now among the tourism come-ons here. It’s also one of the remaining pine-forest-covered sites in Baguio. Some of the trees here are more than a hundred years old!
One way to enjoy this attraction is to hike on its numerous trails. Don’t worry. The trails are well-established and pass through notable landmarks and destinations. From time to time, you will see different kinds of birds, and their constant chirping is therapeutic for many.
Sometimes, you’ll see wildflowers.
Since the main part of the city is already too crowded and polluted, Camp John Hay is one of the best places to smell the pine-scented breeze. It gives you a semblance of what Baguio looked like before overtourism and overdevelopment crept in.
6. Panagbenga Park
Panagbenga Park is one of the most accessible Baguio tourist spots. There’s not much to see here though compared to the rest of the parks. Though it’s still a good alternative especially during peak holidays when other parks get crowded.
Here, you’ll find different kinds of flowers and plants including butterflies.
7. Wright Park
If you want to try riding horses, then you should come to Wrights Park. It’s just a walking distance from the Botanical Garden.
However, horseriding is getting a lot of criticism lately due to how the horses are being treated.
Hopefully, the management will implement a more responsible practice to keep this livelihood running.
Like Botanical Garden, Wrights Park also features pine groves with man-made pools. Ornamental flowers also abound.
On another note, climb your way into a staircase and you’ll reach The Mansion. It’s also a walking distance from Botanical Garden.
8. The Mansion
If you’ve been watching old American movies, you’ll get that kind of Western feel when you see The Mansion. It’s similar to the White House in terms of Architecture but not as grand of course. The Americans built it and since then, it has become the summer residence of the Philippines’ President.
Interestingly, you can have a peek inside and tour a museum where you’ll find old art collections and memorabilia of previous presidents. It is one of the best places to visit in Baguio City.
9. Baguio Cathedral
One of the historic places to visit in Baguio is the Baguio Cathedral, known for its Gothic-inspired architecture with its distinct towering spires. It was built by Belgian missionaries during the American regime.
During World War II, thousands hid in the Cathedral to escape the carpet bombing. The surrounding landscape served as a burial ground for thousands who died.
Today, Baguio Cathedral is not only a pilgrimage site but is also one of the most notable buildings in the area. Around it, one can find numerous cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. There’s also a nearby view deck where one can catch memorable photos of the city.
During Sundays, mass happens every hour so if you’re a devout Catholic, this is a can’t-miss.
10. Baguio City Public Market
If you want to have a feel of the grand bazaar found in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, visit Baguio City Public Market. You can find all sorts of goods here including international brands and especially local produce.
My favorite here is the section where you can buy different kinds of fresh vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, onion, and many more! Then there’s a long line of souvenir stalls selling almost everything that Baguio is known for. Don’t miss out on buying fresh strawberries here.
There are also two stalls of roasted coffee. The roasting process happens in these stalls, thus, one can easily be drawn to the enlivening aroma of this precious bean.
Although the stalls sell locally-grown coffee, most of the stocks are imported from other countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. That only means that while demand for coffee is high, supply is very limited since local production is still very low.
11. Bell House
If you’d like to experience Chinese culture in the highlands, check out the Bell House, just a few meters away from Stobosa Park. It is one of the top tourist spots in Baguio, sitting on the foot of a mountain.
Here, you’ll find Buddhist temples and Chinese-inspired landscapes. Whether you’re a Buddhist or not, this place is a perfect place for meditation or reflection.
12. Bencab Museum
Bencab Museum is named after National Artists Ben Cabrera who lives in Baguio City. It showcases his jaw-dropping paintings, sculptures, and installations. If you’re art savvy, this is the place to go! Who knows?
You’ll be lucky if you chance on Mr. Ben and have a meaningful conversation with him. Aside from Mr. Ben’s creatives, the museum also houses a garden, a memorabilia shop, and traditional houses showcasing the indigenous architecture of Bontoc, Kalinga, and Ifugao.
Hungry? Find yourself at Café Sabel and try out their exquisite cuisines and drinks.
There are also patches of lush forests on the spot with natural springs and brooks. Nothing beats the experience of strolling here while listening to the songs of nature including the rustling of mini-waterfalls.
If you’re creative, the beautiful landscapes might help in your imagination and give you an inspiration to create a masterpiece.
13. Lions Head Baguio
The Lions Head is one of the historical Baguio tourist spots. Located along the scenic Kennon Road, the Lion’s Head will surely make you wonder how the locals built such a huge statue. Kennon Road itself is one of the top Baguio City tourist spots. Built during the American period, this road facilitated mining mechanization in the area.
The landmark has been undergoing multiple renovations and its latest design features a more vibrant appearance. It sits on a spot along the highway with captivating views of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re aching for a little bit of adventure, consider visiting the nearby Hydro Falls which is already a part of Tuba. It’s a multi-layered cascade with deep pools and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for refreshment.
However, the trail to the waterfall is quite tricky so it’s best to ask for a local guide. That’s also for safety purposes.
14. Baguio Museum
If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit the Baguio Museum, just a few minutes of walk from Burnham Park. It showcases old pictures, artifacts, and materials depicting the rich culture of the different Cordilleran tribes. There are also dioramas to give you a better picture of the local communities.
Besides the museum is the Regional Office of the Department of Tourism and a few blocks away is the Baguio campus of the University of the Philippines and the Baguio Convention Center. These areas are among the greenest parts of Baguio because of the abundance of pine trees with intercropped coffee.
15. Good Shepherd Baguio
Good Shepherd is your ultimate getaway to buy the best locally-made souvenir items in Baguio City. It is famous for its Shepherd Ube Jam which is priced for its distinct flavor.
Other options to buy here are Strawberry Jam, Peanut Brittle, baked goodies, and locally-processed fruit juice. If you buy here, you’re actually helping the schooling of the student volunteers here.
For any reason, you cannot personally visit here, no worries. Their products are sold on different shops across the city.
16. Diplomat Hotel Baguio
Diplomat Hotel is considered one of the most haunted places not just in Baguio City but in the entire country. Several documentaries featured the place and its horror stories.
According to local stories, many Dominican priests, women, and children who sought refuge here during WWWII were massacred by the Japanese. It’s no wonder there are stories of headless apparitions happening here.
17. Lourdes Grotto Baguio
Lourdes Grotto Baguio resembles the popular pilgrimage site in France. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Baguio City. If you like to feel the thrill of going there, take the long staircase leading to the top.
While there, you catch a breathtaking view of Baguio City and its lush forests. There is also a chapel and a statue of Mother Mary.
During the Holy Week, many Catholics troop here to offer devotions of healing and forgiveness. They would intentionally climb the stairs back and forth multiple times to gain some sort of spiritual healing.
18. Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy is not just for elite soldiers. Tourists and visitors are allowed to come here to glimpse military parades or to enjoy the natural scenery.
Lush pine forests thrive here. Oh, they have a helicopter and armored tanks where you can pose for a selfie. PMA also has a museum where you can learn about its history and some of the notable graduates who contributed to the country’s peace and development.
Getting here is easy as you can either ride a jeep or a taxi from the city proper.
19. Mt Cloud Bookshop
The bookshop also hosts talks, workshops, and other mini-activities to help you learn and appreciate art. If you’re a bookworm, this is your ultimate escape.
There is also a nearby cafe and massage parlor if you’re after a level of relaxation.
20. Mines View Park
Mines View Park offers you an eagle’s eye view of the gold and copper small-scale mines of Baguio City and its neighboring municipalities. It has been the livelihood of the locals for centuries.
The sights here are amazing plus you’ll get to shoot stunning pictures with the limestone rock formations. Both sunrise and sunset are a must-see so make sure to get here either in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are also local shops where you can buy locally-made souvenirs. Oh, don’t miss out on the famous Strawberry Taho sold here. Today, Mines View Park is one of the most frequented Baguio tourist destinations.
Today, Mines View Park is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Baguio City.
21. Baguio Night Market
Baguio City is becoming more and more popular as a thrift-shopping destination. If you want to try the best of it, check out Baguio Night Market.
Here, you can shop for classic rubber shoes, leather, denim, accessories, signature bags, and even kitchen wares. If you love bargaining, oh, you can also do that here. You can buy here the cheapest items but the quality is just as good as brand new items.
If you’re hungry, there are numerous stalls selling different street foods including the favorite Turkish snack called Shawarma, made from cuts of beef and roasted on the spot. Filipino favorites such as fishball and kikiam are also common alongside Puto Bumbong.
22. Camp John Hay’s Treetop Adventure
Want to have your best adventure yet in Baguio City? Try Camp John Hay’s Treetop Adventure! You’re like flying for 100 feet above the ground when you try the zip line. But don’t fret.
Let the spectacular views of the pine forests relieve you. Aside from the zip line, try the jungle trails, suspension bridges, and a motorized canopy tour.
23. Good Taste
Good Taste is one of the restaurants you should not miss in Baguio City. They offer cheap meals that cost Php 190 but are loaded with rice, chicken, egg, and vegetables. In fact, they serve satisfying meals that some tourists claim to be the best dining site in Baguio, especially for budget travelers.
Here is an interesting fact. The old Good Taste was just a small corner before becoming the juggernaut restaurant it is today.
In one of its branches, a robot helps distribute the food. Cool, right?
Beware though that during peak hours, the queue can get very long and you would need to wait for an hour or two before getting an order. That’s how popular it is not only among the locals but tourists as well.
So it’s best to dine here as soon as it’s open.
24. The Laperal White House
Want to chase ghosts in Baguio City? Check out the White House. Like the Mansion Baguio, the White House also showcases American architecture. It is one of the houses remaining after the carpet bombing which left Baguio City devastated during World War II.
The horror stories about the house revolve around a girl and her nanny who were both killed there.
25. Teacher's Camp
Teacher’s Camp is one of the hidden tourist spots in Baguio City. It has been a teacher’s training center and venue for the past 100 years. It has a wide and spacious campus-like setting.
The towering pine trees and colorful flowers also make it a good site for wandering or nature immersion. You’ll find different buildings and structures here which are a century-year old!
26. Session Road
During the cold months of October to February, fogs typically envelop the scene, casting a dramatic view, especially for avid photographers.
Every Sunday, Session road is closed for different activities such as art workshops, and local produce showcases. Concerts are also frequently held with famous local and national celebrities participating.
So there you have it. Based on the list, what is your favorite Baguio tourist spot? Well, that is entirely up to you. After all, each person has different reasons for choosing a favorite destination. Share your comments below.
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