Baguio City
Hailed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is the top destination to go to if you want to take a break from the tropical heat in the lowlands. With average temperatures ranging from 15-23°C, the city rarely experiences temperatures higher than 26°C even during the warmest parts of the year. Because of this climate, Baguio is also home to beautiful plants that wouldn’t usually survive elsewhere in the county. Also nicknamed the City of Pines, you’ll be in for a treat with all the beautiful flowers and lush vegetation as you enter the vicinity. It will truly feel as if you’re entering a different world.
Besides cooling off to experience the cold climate, the place has a lot more to offer, from abundant flora and beautiful parks to unique food and keepsakes. Visit some of these iconic locations: Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and the Baguio Cathedral. You can opt to be one with nature, ride a bike or boat, or even shop your heart’s content in the different areas of Baguio. Plus, you can go to a strawberry farm and pick some fresh fruits, and maybe also get a taste of strawberry taho! Located in Northern Luzon, this mountain resort city is easily accessible by bus or cars—meaning it’s great for spontaneous road trips too. If you’re curious to see what’s waiting for you, explore Baguio and check out why local and foreign travelers alike include this in their Philippine travel bucket list.
HISTORICAL CHURCHES
OUR LADY OF ATONEMENT CATHEDRAL
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral which is popularly known as Baguio Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral which was constructed in 1920 and got finished 1936. It got its name from one of the titles given to Mary mother of Jesus. This church has a simple but elegant facade which is pink in color with rose style windows. It is located on top of Mount Mary Hill where visitors can access it using hundred steps stone stairways. Cars can easily enter the church’s premises using the access roads behind the Baguio City Post Office Building.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish has recently undergone renovation and beautification. It is perfect for people who are planning to go to church and also visit the famous Burnham Park, which is just a few steps from the parish.
SAINT VINCENT CHURCH
Situated on top of a small hill, St. Vincent Ferrer Parish is an outstanding beauty. It is just one ride away from the City Proper and is located along Naguilian Road.
TOURIST SPOTS
Burnham Park
If it's your first time in the city and are wondering where to go in Baguio, put Burnham Park on your list. Considered as the city's "mother of all parks," Burnham Park is one of Baguio's best attractions. It was named after urban planner Daniel Burnham, the American architect who came up with the original design and layout of the park. Burnham Park is an open green park at the heart of Baguio. The park's lush greeneries and blooming flowers make you forget that you are in the middle of a highly urbanized city. Burnham Park is very accessible; it is located along Harrison Road and is just a stone's throw from the famous Baguio thoroughfare, Session Road.
Camp John Hay
If you have limited time to tour Baguio attractions and you want to visit just one place, head to Camp John Hay. The camp was a former rest and recreation facility for American soldiers. Today it has become one of the best places to visit in Baguio over the years, mainly because it houses must-see tourist spots in one convenient area. Some might even consider it as the best tourist spot in Baguio City. This expansive recreational complex offers tourists tons of fun activities. It highlights the best that Baguio has to offer, which are pine trees, fresh air, cool breeze, and a serene atmosphere. It's a great option if you're looking for things to do in Baguio with your family.
Mines View Park
Baguio was a former mining town in the early 20th century. To get a glimpse of that past, you have to visit Mines View Park. This park sits on a ridge on the northeast side of Baguio. Exploring the park is one of the recommended leisure activities in Baguio. As such, its main attraction is a viewing deck that offers a stunning view of the Cordillera Mountains and Benguet's old copper and gold mines. Tourists are given a chance to dress in traditional Ifugao garbs like bahag (loincloth), vests, and headdresses, and even hold a shield and spear for picture-taking.
Botanical Garden
The Baguio Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Baguio and provides a much-needed tranquil space amid bustling Baguio City. In 2009, the garden was renamed Centennial Park in celebration of Baguio's 100th year as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Exploring the garden is a whole adventure on its own, as it has several sections with different attractions. As you enter the park, you will be greeted by a giant sculpture. This bronze masterpiece is the work of Ben Hur Villanueva, a renowned Filipino sculptor. The statue represents the of the Cordillerans, Americans, Chinese, and Japanese in building Baguio.
Wright Park
Indeed, Wright Park is the perfect place for people who love horses and want to learn how to ride one. It’s a great addition to the tourist spots often included on a day trip in Baguio. Follow the long stairway at the far end of Wright Park to reach the Riding Circle. There you'll find several horses you can hire and ride around in the vicinity. If you're traveling with kids, good news! There are friendly ponies that are perfect for children. Rest assured, every horse has an experienced handler who will guide and watch riders at all times. If it's your first time, the driver will lead the horse and walk alongside you as you ride.
The Mansion
The Mansion in Baguio was built in 1908 to serve as the official summer residence of U.S. Governors-General during the American occupation, making it one of the historical places in Baguio. Today, this Baguio City tourist spot serves as the official summer palace of the President of the Philippines. Located on the eastern side of the city, it right in front of the idyllic Wright Park. This grand palace is easily one of the most photographed landmarks in Baguio. Although the main gate is open to the public, visitors are only allowed in The Mansion House Museum, where tourists can check out presidential memorabilia.
FAMOUS FOODS
Lengua de Gato
Butter-based delicacy is the lengua de gato (literally “cat’s tongue”), or butter cookies that are shaped like a cat’s tongue. When visiting the local market, you can buy jars of lengua de gato from the best brands such as Rico’s or Tartland.
Ube Jam
It is particularly from Good Shepherd, is also in demand among Baguio visitors. It’s sweet and just outright fun to snack on. Eat the jams with bread or on its own. Nothing beats the creamy and buttery taste of purple yam made at the Mountain Maid Training Center.
Strawberry Taho
Our favorite taho also gets its own twist in Baguio: with just a dollop of strawberry jam, the morning staple becomes a new favorite: strawberry taho. Most taho vendors in Burnham Park and other tourist spots sell this, and you better treat yourself to a cup too!
Vizco’s Strawberry Shortcake
The divine strawberry shortcake from Vizco’s Restaurant is probably the best transformation of strawberry yet. The restaurant, located at Porta Vaga Mall along Session Road, uses fresh strawberries to create its own divine version of the popular dessert.
Kinuday in Farmer’s Restaurant
Farmer’s Daughter is an ode to women who have made an impact on the life of its owner Pilod. They’re known for their kinuday or smoked meat. They serve three types of kinuday: Kinuday jen Baboy or stir-fried smoked pork (Php 115), Kinuday jen Baha or steamed smoked beef (Php 150), and Kinuday jen Manok or stir-fried smoked chicken (Php 115).
Vizco’s Strawberry Shortcake
The divine strawberry shortcake from Vizco’s Restaurant is probably the best transformation of strawberry yet. The restaurant, located at Porta Vaga Mall along Session Road, uses fresh strawberries to create its own divine version of the popular dessert.
Pizza in Amare La Cucina
Amare La Cucina is a Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Baguio founded by a local, Edmark Bustos. The restaurant has a warm and casual-modern ambiance. Neapolitan pizza is traditionally about 12 inches in diameter and is meant to be eaten by one person. Its normally should have a wet molten center and a crispy burnt crust.
Smoked Baby Back Ribs in Outlook Steak and Grill
The Outlook Steak and Grill brings American comfort food to citizens and tourists in Baguio that’s enhanced by the sprawling views and the openness of the restaurant. The start of the show is still their Mesquite smoked baby back ribs. This slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs deserve to be eaten in one way, and one way only: with one’s hands.
FESTIVALS
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL 1 (Feb 1 – March 1)
Another exciting festival comes February and March – the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Philippines. Panagbenga Festival (Blooming Flowers Festival) is a month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival started in 1994, is one of the largest and most successful festivals in the Philippines' Fiesta Calendar. The term is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning “season of blooming”. The festival held during the month of February was created as a tribute to the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Competitions held on the last weekend of February. Some of the nice to thing to see in the festival includes floats that are covered mostly with flowers; street dancing with dancers clads in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL 2 (Feb 1 – March 1)
Another exciting festival comes February and March – the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Philippines. Panagbenga Festival (Blooming Flowers Festival) is a month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival started in 1994, is one of the largest and most successful festivals in the Philippines' Fiesta Calendar. The term is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning “season of blooming”. The festival held during the month of February was created as a tribute to the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Competitions held on the last weekend of February. Some of the nice to thing to see in the festival includes floats that are covered mostly with flowers; street dancing with dancers clads in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.
Baguio Arts Festival 1 (November to December)
An annual event organized by the Baguio Arts Guild started 1989, with the vision of making Baguio City a premier venue for art and artists. Featured are visual arts (photography, film, video, sculpture and art installations); performing arts (modern dances drama, music, poetry reading) and ethnic arts.
Baguio Arts Festival 2 (November to December)
An annual event organized by the Baguio Arts Guild started 1989, with the vision of making Baguio City a premier venue for art and artists. Featured are visual arts (photography, film, video, sculpture and art installations); performing arts (modern dances drama, music, poetry reading) and ethnic arts.
PMA Homecoming 1 (February)
The distinguished alumni of the prestigious Philippine Military Academy hold an annual reunion marked with parades, balls and a lot of ceremony, usually held on the second week of February.
PMA Homecoming 2 (February)
The distinguished alumni of the prestigious Philippine Military Academy hold an annual reunion marked with parades, balls and a lot of ceremony, usually held on the second week of February.