Traveling to Baguio City this 2024? Check out this updated Baguio Travel Guide Blog with a list of top things to do in Baguio, best tourist spots, awesome places to visit, recommended hotels and sample Baguio itinerary to help you plan your trip!
Baguio City is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Dubbed as the "City of Pines" and "the Summer Capital of the Philippines," it is the biggest city and the economic center of the Cordillera Region. Its accessibility from Metro Manila, amazing offering of awesome things to do, endless list of tourist spots and attractions and its all year-round cool and temperate weather are just some of the reasons that make it a favorite all-year-round destination among local and foreign tourists visiting the Philippines.
Baguio has been one of my favorite destinations in Northern Luzon. Despite the rapid development of Baguio City, it still has that "wonderful charm" that makes me visit it again and again. In this Baguio Travel Guide Blog, I will share to you some of the best things to do in Baguio City, how to get there, recommended hotels, and sample Baguio itinerary that could serve as your guide in planning your next Baguio getaway!
30+ THINGS TO DO IN BAGUIO CITY + Tourist Spots and Attractions 2024
- Lion's Head
- Baguio Cathedral
- Burnham Park
- Camp John Hay
- The Bell House
- Cemetery of Negativism
- Baguio Tree Top Adventure
- Mines View Park
- Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad
- Bencab Museum
- Baguio Museum
- Tam-Awan Village
- Old Diplomat Hotel
- Baguio Night Market
- Lourdes Grotto
- Wright Park
- The Mansion
- Baguio Botanical Garden
- Laperal Mansion
- The Bell Church
- Asin Hot Springs
- Colors of StoBosa
- Philippine Military Academy
- Mt. Cabuyao
- Baguio Public Market
- Session Road
- Good Shepherd Convent
- Baguio Food Trip
- Baguio Staycation
- Sky Ranch Baguio
- Panagbenga Festival
- Mirador Heritage and Eco Park
- How to Get to Baguio City?
- WHERE TO STAY: Hotels in Baguio City
- AWESOME DEALS! Hotels in Baguio with Promos and Discounts
- Sample Baguio Day Tour Itinerary from Manila
- Sample Baguio Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)
- Important Reminders Before Traveling to Baguio City
- More Travel Guide Below!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before traveling to Baguio City, be sure to check out the New Travel Requirements and Updated Entry Protocols for tourists to enter Baguio City this "New Normal". For ease and convenience, you may book your Manila to Baguio City bus tickets in advance.
1. Take a photo of the Lion’s Head
The landmark that everyone sees from Kennon Road going to Baguio City, the Lion’s Head became famous as a mark that you are near the city. This iconic structure is a man-made rock shaped like a lion which was conceptualized by Lions Club members of Baguio City way back 1972. Don't miss it on your way to Baguio City.
2. Visit and Pray at the Baguio Cathedral
Located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, it is one of the most familiar icons and most-visited landmarks of Baguio City. Start you whole tour by thanking God for another opportunity to visit a beautiful place such as Baguio. Visit Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral which is just along the Session Road.
DAILY MASS SCHEDULES:
Sundays and Holidays of Obligation
06:00 am
07:00 am
08:00 am (Ilocano)
09:00 am (Tagalog)
10:00 am
11:00 am
04:00 pm
05:00 pm
06:00 pm
Saturdays
06:00 am
07:00 am
05:00 pm
07:00 am
Mondays Thru Fridays
06:00 am
05:15 pm
3. Jog, Bike, or Go Boating at Burnham Park
One of the most famous places to go around Baguio is Burnham Park. Leisure activities such as biking, riding a boat, jogging, or even a simple stroll along the park would really be fun.
4. Explore Camp John Hay
You cannot miss the pine trees all over Baguio, many of which are in Camp John Hay. Take an instagrammable picture while wearing your best outfit or pose for a selfie with friends.
5. Visit The Bell House at Camp John Hay
Just around the corner of Camp John Hay, you can visit the Bell House which is a museum which features the usual Baguio set-up back in the old days. It would really take you back in time and you will surely appreciate why locals love to stay around the area compared to living in the urban areas.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entrance Fees: Php 75.00 per person (tourists), Php 36.00 per person (senior citizens and children) and FREE for children below 4 feet.
6. Visit the Cemetery of Negativism
Located between Bell House and Camp John Hay Picnic Area, The Lost Cemetery of Negativism features the deepest burdens of humans all left in the area as a sign of renewal and starting over again. As you leave the area, you are expected to leave all your worries and start living a positive, happy life.
7. Have fun at Baguio Tree Top Adventure
What’s a better way to explore Baguio than an overlooking view while gliding over a zipline? Head over Camp John Hay’s Tree Top Adventure and enjoy the fun and thrill while appreciating the best views the area could offer. Read our experience here.
8. Head to Mines View Park
Mines View Park offers a whole 360-view of the grand place of Baguio. Watch the sunrise or sunset and get majestic feels best enjoyed with your loved ones.
9. Visit Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad
La Trinidad is the place to be in the Philippines if you love strawberry. You can experience hand-picking your own at Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad with a few minutes drive up ahead the city. The best part is, you could bring back home the strawberries you picked which makes a great pasalubong to your family and friends back home. This is also where you'll find the famous strawberry ice cream made with fresh strawberries! Yummy!
10. Appreciate Art and Nature at BenCab Museum
If you enjoy the arts and would want to explore more about Benedicto Cabrera’s works, you are one lucky fellow because all are displayed at the BenCab Museum in Baguio! It would surely be worth it to allot time and effort going there because it’s quite a struggle to commute from and to the area. But I guarantee you, it sure is fun! Read more here.
11. Visit Baguio Museum
The Baguio Museum is an ideal stop to fish out educational information about the culture and tradition of people from Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Abra, Apayao and Kalinga. The museum has a section for each province displaying relics, traditional clothing, other artifacts and dioramas detailing local way of life and other customs and traditions.
12. Discover Tam-Awan Village
Get to know how villagers of Baguio, especially those who lived through the ages got to see the whole area and lived despite their meek status and traditional way of living. Explore their ethnics ways and how it evolved to what we’re accustomed now.
13. Explore the Old Diplomat Hotel
Only few people can muster their courage to visit one of the most haunted places in the Philippines which can be seen in Baguio. Take the challenge and walk through the Old Diplomat Hotel which was abandoned in the 1980’s and is believed to house ghosts from different eras. Famous for having various folklores such as ghost-sightings and seeing headless priests going around, I bet the thrill and excitement would satisfy your adventurous side!
14. Go Bargain-Hunting at Baguio Night Market (Ukay-ukay)
If you’re a fan of fashion and cheap finds, be sure to visit the night market! You can score a 10-peso jacket and a wonderful tank top that will make you look fab and dope. Ready your budget! You may have to spend thousands for wonderful pieces.
15. Go up and offer flowers at the Lourdes Grotto
Located on a hillside, Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine and a place of meditation in Baguio. If you're young and fit, you may climb the 252-step staircase going up to the shrine or drive up your car on steep and winding road to the grotto. Featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary, this is a favorite pilgrimage site among local and foreign tourists visiting Baguio City.
16. Try Horseback Riding at Wright Park
Up for a leisure stroll along the park? Consider horseback riding at the Wright Park; one of the most common to-do-things for tourists around the area.
17. Take a leisurely walk at The Mansion
Few steps away from the Wright Park, you would see The Mansion. It is the official summer palace of the President of the Philippines and served as the official summer residence of US Governors back in the 1900s. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the vast gardens surrounding The Mansion.
19. Take a photo of the Laperal Mansion
Several sources claims that Laperal White House was a garrison during the Japanese invasion. It is said that this is where troops reportedly raped countless of comfort women and has tortured and killed several men accused to be spies of the United States. I'm not sure if visitors are allowed to enter, but it's a good photo spot even from the outside.
Dark Tourism Guided Walking Tour in Baguio
Get ready to be spooked as you go on this Dark Tourism Guided Tour in the summer capital of the country. Take a historical route and explore some of Baguio's eerie places from Laperal "White" House, Teachers Camp, and Loakan Road.
20. Admire the intricate Taoist Architecture of Bell Church
A Chinese temple hidden behind the curtains of Baguio, Bell Church is one of the temples for indigenous religious organizations around the area.
21. Take a Dip at the Asin Hot Springs
A resort with a Baguio view with man-made hot springs and pools for children and adult, best enjoyed for occasions and gatherings.
22. Check out the Colors of StoBoSa (Valley of Colors)
It is one giant project made possible with the inspiration from Favela Paint Project in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The colorful houses of StoBoSa (sitios Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap) in La Trinidad, Benguet was the product of a collaboration between DOT Cordillera and the Tam-awan artist village group. The whole Valley of Colors was intended to bring smiles to tourists’ faces at the same time face-lift the whole Baguio scenery by painting the houses with different colors. ALSO READ: How to get to the Valley of Colors
23. Visit the Philippine Military Academy
A premier military school in the Philippines, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is located at Fort Gegorio del Pilar on Loakan Road, Baguio City. For over a century, the PMA has been honing young cadets and served as a primary training ground for many Filipino military personnel. Visiting the academy, you'll see vast fields with displays of fighter tanks and planes. It also hosts a museum that houses old military memorabilia, uniforms, photos, exhibits, and many more. You can also have pictures with cadets in different uniforms and attires.
24. Go hiking at Mt. Cabuyao in the nearby town of Tuba
Located in Tuba Benguet, Mt. Cabuyao rises above Baguio City at a height of 2,025 + MASL. The trail is relatively easy; it can be reached either by foot or with a vehicle. From the city proper, you may take a jeepney bound for Green Valley, which is the jump-off point for the hike. From there, you may start the easy trek to the summit of Mt. Cabuyao. READ MORE HERE: Climbing Mt. Cabuyao in Tuba, Benguet
25. Buy fresh goods at Baguio City Public Market
Where else can you get the cheapest vegetables other than where it is sourced from? Of course, Baguio offers the freshest and most affordable vegetables that you can even take home to your cities. Since most of our crops are obtained from the north of the country, Baguio is a one stop shop for food addicts who want to save up for food while enjoying the cream of the crop!
26. Enjoy the nightlife at Session Road
Pubs and bars are around the area. If you fancy a small get together with a bottle of beer or shots, Baguio has hidden gems around that keeps the nightlife alive.
27. Buy Pasalubong at the Good Shepherd Convent
It is one of the most famous souvenir shops in town which features food products prepared by the Good Shepherd nuns. A bit out of the budget but is presented with the highest quality and taste. Adding to the fact that the advocacies of selling the products help the nuns send deserving Baguio locals to school. Must-buy is their delicious Ube Jam. Yummmmm!
28. Go on a Baguio Food Trip
One of the best things to do in Baguio and definitely one of my favorites is tasting its local flavors and the wide variety of dishes it offers. From homegrown restaurants to food kiosks, and hole-in-the-wall eateries, Baguio is definitely a "haven" for foodies and food lovers. ALSO READ: Must-try Homegrown Restaurants in Baguio
29. Enjoy a Baguio Staycation
If you feel like going to Baguio to enjoy its cool weather and do nothing, staying in a nice hotel while enjoying its facilities, amenities and food is a wonderful and satisfying experience.
When talking about hotels in Baguio City, my personal favorites are The Manor at Camp John Hay and Azalea Residences Baguio. These two are for me the best hotels in Baguio. ALSO READ: Ultimate List of Best Hotels in Baguio City
Awesome Hotels Deals and Promos in Baguio City!
Here are some amazing hotel deals in Baguio city that comes with free breakfast and other perks. Please click the links below to see full details.
- Up to 40% off! - The Manor at Camp John Hay Discounted Room Package
- Up to 20% off! - The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay
- Up to 30% off! - Kamiseta Hotel Baguio Discounted Room Package
- Up to 25% off! - Grand Sierra Pines Baguio Hotel
- Up to 15% off! - Safari Lodge Baguio by Log Cabin Hotel
- Up to 15% off! - Microtel by Wyndham Baguio (Near Victory Liner and SM Baguio)
More Hotels and Transient Houses in Baguio City with Promos and Discounted Rates, HERE!
Photo from Klook
30. Enjoy Sky Ranch Baguio
Sky Ranch is one of the newest attractions in Baguio City. Go on an exciting adventure with your loved ones with a DISCOUNTED ride-all-you-can pass at Sky Ranch Baguio for only ₱390 pesos! With 11 attractions inside the sprawling park, everyone's in for a fun adventure!
31. Experience Panagbenga Festival
Baguio City's Panagbenga Festival is one of the grandest and most attended festivals in the Philippines. Held every February, Panagbenga Festival is to celebrate not only the "season of blooming" of flowers but also the booming economy and progress of the "City of Pines." Also known as "Baguio Flower Festival," several exciting events and activities are lined up every year, including the Grand Street Dancing Parade, Drum and Lyre Band Competition, Baguio Blooms Exhibition and the much-awaited Grand Flower Float Parade. If you want to experience Baguio City's Panagbenga Festival, be sure to plan your trip in February.
32. Mirador Heritage and Eco Park
Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park is one of the newest tourist attractions in Baguio City that should be added in your Baguio itinerary. Located on top of Mirador Hill and near the famed Lourdes Grotto, it is a 5-hectare park filled with many Instagrammable spots and offers a commanding breathtaking views of Baguio City. Attractions inside the Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park include a bamboo grove, rock gardens, and peace memorial, among others that couples, families and group of friends will surely enjoy!
HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO CITY?
Getting to Baguio is so easy. You could take a bus from Metro Manila (book tickets here!), bring a car, or rent a private van for convenient and hassle-free trip to Baguio City.
I guess, the most popular bus company and also what I take most of the time when going to Baguio City is Victory Liner Bus. Their buses run on a 24-hour service. From Metro Manila, Victory Liner's buses leave every hour bound for Baguio from their bus terminals in Pasay, Cubao and Caloocan.
Another option is Genesis Bus Lines' Joy Buses. They have two types of buses that could bring you to Baguio City: Premier Class and Deluxe/Executive Class. You can find their bus terminals in Cubao, Pasay and Avenida.
Another bus company that ply the Manila to Baguio route is Solid North Bus. They has a P2P bus service from PITX in Parañaque City. Depending on your preference and budget, you may choose from Luxury and Super Deluxe buses.
TRAVEL TIP: For ease and convenience, especially during weekends, holidays and Panagbenga Festival, you can also purchase your Manila to Baguio bus tickets online. Booking in advance assures you of comfortable trip from Manila to Baguio.
For the bus schedules, fares, travel time and more tips on how to get to Baguio City from Manila, please check out my post: How to get to Baguio from Manila by Bus and Private Car
IMPORTANT: Victory Liner's UPDATED BAGUIO BUS TRIP SCHEDULE and Travel Requirements
WHERE TO STAY: Hotels in Baguio City
Here are my recommended hotels in Baguio City that I have personally stayed at in my previous trips to Baguio. Being a highly urbanized city, it offers a wide array of cozy yet affordable hotels and accommodations to stay in. Be it high-end hotels, affordable inns, lodges, hostels and transient houses, there are plenty of accommodation in Baguio to choose from.
The Manor at Camp John Hay
Address: Camp John Hay, Baguio City Philippines√ BOOK ONLINE: See room rates and availability here!
Azalea Residences Baguio
Address: Leonard Wood Loop, Brgy. M. Roxas, 2600 Baguio City Philippines√ BOOK ONLINE: See room rates and availability here!
C Boutique Hotel
Location: No. 5, Arellano Corner Moran Streets, Barangay Gibraltar, Baguio City Philippines√ BOOK ONLINE: See room rates and availability here!
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baguio
Address: Upper Session Road, Baguio City Proper, Baguio, Philippines√ BOOK ONLINE: See room rates and availability here!
Inn Rocio
Address: 68 Kisad Road, Roces, Baguio City Proper, Baguio, Philippines√ BOOK ONLINE: See room rates and availability here!
For my reviews on these hotels, please visit: Ultimate List of Best Hotels in Baguio City.
Awesome Hotels Deals and Promos in Baguio City!
Here are some amazing stay packages and hotel deals in Baguio city that comes with huge discounts, free breakfast, exclusive freebies and other perks. Please click the links below to see full details.
- Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio
- 3D2N at Chalet Baguio with Dining Credits
- Safari Lodge Baguio by Log Cabin Hotel
- Microtel by Wyndham Baguio (Near Victory Liner and SM Baguio)
- The Orchard Hotel Baguio
- Grand Sierra Pines Baguio Stay with PHP 1,000 Dining Credits and Perks
More Hotels and Transient Houses in Baguio City with Promos and Discounted Rates, HERE!
SAMPLE BAGUIO DAY TOUR ITINERARY FROM MANILA
- 05:00 am - ETA in Baguio
- Present ID & QTP at triage center
- Morning tour stops and highlights: Philippine Military Academy, Camp John Hay, Wright Park, The Mansion, Mines View Park, Good Shepherd (Pasalubong Shopping), Botanical Garden
- 12:00 nn - Lunch
- Afternoon tour stops and highlights: Stobosa Mural/Colorful Houses, Bell Church, Strawberry Farm (if open), Lourdes Grotto, Diplomat Hotel, Burnham Park √ Book a Guided Burnham Park Tour here!
- 07:00 pm - ETD from Baguio City
- 12:00 mn - ETA in Manila
SAMPLE BAGUIO ITINERARY (3 Days and 2 Nights)
Here's a sample 3 days and 2 nights Baguio itinerary that you could use as your guide. Feel free to adjust this itinerary depending on the things you want to do, tourist spots and attractions you want to visit in Baguio City.
DAY 0 - Departure
- 12:00 mn - departure from Metro Manila
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + CITY TOUR PART 1
- 05:00 am - arrival in Baguio City / Present ID & QTP at triage center
- 05:30 am - breakfast
- 07:00 am - visit or attend mass at the Baguio Cathedral
- 08:30 am - proceed to the hotel √ See here list of hotels in Baguio City
- 09:00 am - early check-in (if allowed) or leave your bags
- 10:00 am - go to Camp John Hay
- snacks
- The Bell House
- Cemetery of Negativism
- Tree Top Adventure
- 01:00 pm - Lunch
- 02:00 pm - proceed to Burnham Park √ Book a Guided Burnham Park Tour here!
- 03:00 pm - go biking, boating, or just hang out at Burnham Park ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES:
- Baguio Instagram Walking Tour
- Baguio Historical Walking Tour
- Baguio Creative Walking Tour
- University Guided Walking Tour in Baguio
- Dark Tourism Guided Walking Tour in Baguio
- 05:00 pm - Walk along Session road
- 06:30 pm - Baguio Night Market or Sky Ranch Baguio √ Buy Discounted Tickets Here!
- 08:30 pm - dinner
- 09:30 pm - back at the hotel
DAY 2 - BENCAB MUSEUM + LA TRINIDAD
- 07:00 am - go to Bencab Museum
- 08:00 am - explore Bencab Museum
- 10:00 am - brunch at Sabel Cafe inside Bencab Museum
- 11:00 am - go to The Bell Church
- 12:00 nn - explore The Bell Church
- 01:00 pm - walk to Colors of Stobosa
- 01:30 pm - proceed to Strawberry Farms √ Book a Strawberry Tour here!
- 02:00 pm - strawberry picking
- 03:00 pm - go back to Baguio City
- 04:00 pm - shop for pasalubong at Baguio Public Market
- 05:30 pm - walk along Session Road, rest at Burnham Park √ Book a Guided Burnham Park Tour here!
- 07:00 pm - dinner
- 09:00 pm - back at the hotel
DAY 3 - CITY TOUR PART 2 + DEPARTURE
- 05:00 am - sunrise viewing at Mines View Park
- 06:00 am - shop for souvenirs
- 07:00 am - walk to Good Shepherd Convent and buy Ube Jam
- 08:00 am - visit Laperal House, Wright Park, have Stawberry Taho for breakfast, The Mansion and Baguio Botanical Garden
- 11:00 am - back at the hotel, prepare for check-out
- 12:00 nn - check-out
- 01:00 pm - lunch
- 02:00 pm - departure
NOTE: If you have more time and plans to depart Baguio at night, you can still visit the Old Diplomat Hotel, Lourdes Grotto and Tam-Awan Village or Baguio Museum.
ALSO READ: Victory Liner's UPDATED BAGUIO BUS TRIP SCHEDULE and Travel Requirements
Important Reminders Before Traveling to Baguio City
Before traveling to Baguio City, be sure to check the latest Baguio Travel Requirements and Updated Entry Protocols. Have your confirmed hotel booking ready and other documents such as travel pass and negative RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test (if needed) for your trip to Baguio City.
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
Indeed, Baguio City's cold weather, breathtaking views, charming ambience, delectable food offerings, endless list of scenic attractions and awesome things to do are just some of the reasons why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
There you have it, my top things to do in Baguio City that you should include in your itinerary! I hope this Baguio Travel Guide Blog help you decide where to go and what to do in Baguio City. For first-time travelers heading north of Luzon, save this and use it as your guide in planning your trip. Tara, let's visit Baguio City soon!
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Nice output and worth to read.
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