I’ve been to Baguio city several times and I never get tired of its charm and beauty. As we all know, it’s one of the favorite tourist destinations of Filipinos, especially those living in the metro. Why? Well, Baguio has been blessed with a relaxing cold climate, thanks to the high altitude of the place being situated in the Cordillera Region.
It’s also the reason why Baguio City is hailed as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” since we can all remember. The cool mountain breeze, the captivating places, and the culture up there in Baguio are simply beautiful, no wonder many Filipinos get hooked on the idea of not only visiting Baguio City but actually living there.
Over the years, Baguio City was able to position itself as a premier destination for people all over the country. Countless establishments and attractions are built to accommodate the influx of local and international tourists. Moreover, famous films and TV series that were set in Baguio also helped promote the tourism and economy of the city! And finally, with the help of social media, it is now easier to find hidden gems around the “City of Pines” where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
When was the last time you visited Baguio City? Are you ready to discover new attractions and rediscover nostalgic places? Tara! Sama ka sa akin sa Baguio as a friend. Join me as we both visit the 15 Best Tourists Spots in Baguio City!
1. Mines View Park
Credit: Baguio.ph
Ah, first on the list and considered to be one of the “OG” tourist destinations in Baguio City is no other than Mines View Park. When I first visited this place years ago, I remember being mesmerized by its stunning views. I was with my girlfriend (now my ex) at that time, so I only remember happiness and excitement. Oh, what young love could do. Haha!
The main attraction in this park is the observation deck where tourists can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Cordillera mountains along with the abandoned copper and gold mines of Itogon, Benguet.
Mines View Park is a one-stop-shop for tourists because aside from its scenic views, there are also a lot of other things you can enjoy! Take the chance to shop for nice souvenirs, take pictures wearing the traditional Igorot clothing, try some of the delicious grilled sweet corn and squid, bring home some of the beautiful plants, and finally, have your picture taken with the fluffy and adorably huge St. Bernard Dog! I’ve got to say, the last one is my personal favorite!
- check the reviews and compare rates on Tripadvisor here.
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2. Burnham Park
Burnham Park is another “OG” tourist destination in Baguio City. Your tour around the city wouldn’t be complete without visiting the “Mother of All Parks”. I remember visiting this place with my then-girlfriend and we did the most touristy things in this park – riding the rowboats and taking lots and lots of photos.
Credit: Businessmirror.com.ph
Burnham Park is a fan-favorite amusement park in Baguio which was designed by American architect Daniel Burnham. Originally, the park was intended to serve as the city’s green or eco-park where residents and tourists can peacefully relax. Today, Burnham Park is primarily used for recreational purposes and is often visited by tourists on a daily basis!
Burnham Park consists of twelve (12) cluster areas where everyone can wander around and enjoy the mesmerizing sights along with the cool mountain breeze of Baguio. There’s the Sunshine Park, Pine Trees of the World, and of course, the famous Burnham Lagoon which is the main attraction of the park. Here you can rent rowboats and cruise around Burnham Park’s beautiful man-made lake! CHECK THE BEST HOTELS IN BAGUIO HERE
- check the rates and reviews on Tripadvisor.
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3. Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad
Of course, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the famous Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad! Coined as the “Strawberry Capital of the Philippines”, this farm located in the town of La Trinidad plays a major role in the tourism and economy of Benguet. In fact, the farm is managed by Benguet State University (BSU) where local farmers grow and cultivate delicious strawberries on their 80-hectare leased land.
When we visited this place in November, it wasn’t the harvest season, so we weren’t able to taste the fresh strawberries. But there are many other strawberry products to try. You shouldn’t miss this place when you visit Benguet.
Over time, the Strawberry Farms of La Trinidad eventually became a top tourist destination near Baguio City where visitors can personally pick ripe strawberries and get their wonderful picture taken! Aside from strawberry-picking, the farm also became a one-stop-shop for everyone who wants to buy fresh and delicious souvenirs and delights such as fresh strawberries, strawberry jams, and strawberry wines. So make sure to drop by!
- check the reviews and rates on Tripadvisor.
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4. Baguio Botanical Garden
Another beautiful tourist destination in Baguio City where you can have the peaceful moment with nature that you deserve is the Baguio Botanical Garden. Here, you can enjoy peace and serenity as you temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city by wandering around the huge garden. Towering pine trees, beautiful ponds, and colorful species of flowers are all waiting for you! And as you marvel at the breathtaking attractions, feel free to breathe in the cool and relaxing mountain breeze of Baguio City.
I’ve visited this spot twice and I was surprised with how much it has improved during my last visit in 2022.
Credit: Pinterest
Aside from taking beautiful pictures around Baguio Botanical Garden, the garden is also a perfect place to stay and have a nice lunch at nearby restaurants such as the Garden Diner, Secret Garden, and Red Rustikz.
- check the rates & reviews on Tripadvisor.
5. BenCab Museum
Located in Tuba, Benguet, BenCab Museum is one of Baguio City’s newest and popular tourist attractions. The museum houses the world-class art collection of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera. From his famous paintings, sculptures, and drawings, almost everything that you’ll see in the museum is his masterpieces.
BenCab Museum is also a primary venue for some of Baguio City’s major art exhibits and art shows. So if I were you, I’d visit BenCab Museum whenever I have the chance!
Aside from the mesmerizing art collections in the museum, BenCab Museum also boasts of the breathtaking views surrounding the location featuring farms, hills, gardens, majestic mountains, and even the West Philippine Sea!
- check the reviews of Bencab Museum on Tripadvisor.
6. Valley of Colors (Colors of StoBoSa)
Ah, yes! Another iconic and postcard-worthy tourist destination in Baguio City is the Colors of StoBoSa or the Hillside Homes Artwork.
If you’re not familiar with this attraction, then prepare to get your mind blown! Located in Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, the location of StoBoSa was initially an eyesore because of the countless homes and countless wires dangling around the area. However, all of that changed when the place including the sitios of Stonehill, Botiw-tiw, and Sadjap (StoBoSa) were transformed to become the country’s first and largest community artwork ever!
Siempre, Kilangan may picture ako. HAHAHA
The Colors of StoBoSa was inspired by the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the Gamcheon Cultural Village where you can witness the mesmerizing colorful houses that are seemingly stacked on top of another across the sloping ridges of the mountain. Eventually, StoBoSa became an icon of tourism for Benguet as more and more tourists stop by to take pictures and simply admire the beautiful attraction.
- check the reviews of Colors of StoBoSa on Tripadvisor.
7. Tam-Awan Village
Another one of Baguio City’s newest attractions is the Tam-Awan Village. Here, visitors can witness the huge grounds full of art galleries, traditional Kalinga Nipa Huts, coffee shops, and perfect spots to see the breathtaking sights of Benguet.
Tam-Awan Village is founded in 1998 by the Chanum Foundation Inc., which had the vision of reconstructing Ifugao houses with the intention of letting other people experience the rich culture and history of the vast areas of the Cordillera Region. Well, as it turns out, they did an absolutely amazing job.
Tam-Awan means “vantage point”, so aside from the awesome artworks, sculptures, and handmade tools being sold in the village, expect to witness some of the most breathtaking sights you can ever see in Baguio City. There’s the Cordillera mountains, farms, and even the West Philippine Sea if you’re lucky enough!
8. Baguio Night Market
Ah, another one of the “OG” best places to visit in Baguio City is no other than the famous Baguio Night Market. If you truly want to experience the extremely rich and vibrant culture of Baguio, then you definitely have to immerse yourself with hundreds of people visiting Harrison Road every night to score great deals on the Baguio Night Market.
Credit: Baguio City Guide
Trust me, this place has anything and everything that you need and want under the sun. From all the clothes, apparel, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and artworks, you’ll definitely have something to buy once you wander around Baguio Night Market.
Of course, something you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Baguio Night Market is trying out the street foods of Baguio! That’s right, there’s an area along the road where you can find all of the delicious treats and delights that you can find! From ihaw-ihaw, tusok-tusok, grilled squid, and the famous pares mami which is perfect for Baguio’s cold weather, you’ll surely have a good time here!
- check the reviews on Tripadvisor
9. Baguio Cathedral
Next up, the Baguio Cathedral or the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the city.
Moreover, it also served as a landmark of historical and religious importance to the people of Baguio City. Tourists usually visit Baguio Cathedral first before going to other tourist attractions to offer prayers of safe travels for everyone. The cathedral is widely known for its beautiful and distinctive pink exterior featuring spires and stained glasses that capture the hearts of many.
- check the reviews on Tripadvisor
10. Wright Park
Of course! Another one of Baguio City’s most popular tourist destinations is Wright Park or “Ride Park”, as other people may call it. The main attraction of Wright Park is horseback riding where all children and adults can ride the friendly horses of the park. Accompanied by a tour guide, the horse will let you explore the entirety of Wright Park and its beautiful sceneries.
Credit: Sa Baguio
Another attraction in the park is called the Pool of Pines featuring a shallow and elongated body of water surrounded by towering pine trees. Truly, that’s a sight to see! You can also meet the beautiful Igorot people wearing their traditional clothing. They’re willing to take pictures with you so I’d say don’t miss the chance!
11. Baguio Museum
Considered as the home of Baguio City’s historical and cultural heritage, it is definitely a must for tourists to visit the famous Baguio Museum.
Given the complex communities living in the Cordillera Region and their respective traditions, it’d be quite a challenge to effectively introduce them to tourists. Well, that’s what’s amazing about Baguio Museum because it is able to showcase the entire culture of the Cordillera Region where you can see countless artifacts, sculptures, and dioramas depicting the history and traditions of the ethnic groups.
Certainly, Baguio Museum is a gem where you can learn and at the same time enjoy the vast culture and history of Baguio City. So don’t miss the chance to visit!
- check the rates and reviews of Baguio Musem on Tripadvisor
12. Bell Church
Next up, the Bell Church of Baguio is also one of the top must-visit tourist destinations of the city. This solemn and religious attraction is Baguio’s version of Cebu’s Taoist Temple. Walking around the temple, you can witness intricate designs of dragon sculptures, designed arches, and beautiful buildings adorned with bells and flags. These are made to symbolize the superstitions and beliefs of Taoism.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The famous Bell Church is located uphill so aside from the mesmerizing designs of buildings, you can also witness the stunning views surrounding the location. However, let me just give you a warning. This tourist attraction is a religious and solemn place, excessive noise is not allowed around the church and there are also some areas where tourists are not allowed to take pictures.
- check the reviews on Tripadvisor
13. Good Shepherd Convent
Next up, another one of Baguio City’s “OG” tourist and souvenir destinations is the famous Good Shepherd Convent. Throughout the years, no one beats the quality and taste of all the products made and sold by the nuns of Good Shepherd Convent. The products may seem a bit pricey compared to others but you’re guaranteed to have the best quality and taste in all of Baguio! Moreover, the earnings from all the products sold by the Good Shepherd Convent are used to fund the convent itself and other religious foundations.
Some of the must-try delicacies here are the famous Strawberry Jam, Lengua de Gato, and of course, the ever-delicious Ube Jam! Aside from all the tasty treats and delights being sold by Good Shepherd Convent, they also have a spot where you can witness scenic views of Benguet, so make sure to snap some pictures for the ‘Gram!
Read the blog post: Best Transient Houses in Baguio
- check the rates and reviews on Tripadvisor
14. Tree Top Adventure
Ah, this one’s exciting! To all the adrenaline junkies and daredevils out there, I challenge you to visit and experience Baguio City’s Tree Top Adventure! Featuring adrenaline-pumping activities such as motorized zip lines, the Canopy Ride, Trekking, Skywalking, Superman Ride, and the famous Tree Top Drop, I’m sure your visit to Tree Top Adventure will be one of the best experiences of your life.
Credit: Tree Top Adventure
If you’re really into it, then I suggest you try the signature attraction of Tree Top Adventure which is the Tree Drop. Mind you, this is the most extreme activity in the park because you’ll be free falling along a zipline where you’re suspended about 60 meters above the ground. The catch? You’ll be dropping in as quick as 2-3 seconds! Wow. That’s scary and exciting at the same time! Make sure to try it and accept the real challenge of Baguio City’s Tree Top Adventure!
More Cordillera Post: BUSCALAN, Kalinga Trip: Meeting APO WHANG OD
- check the rates and reviews on Tripadvisor
15. The Mansion
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Finally, the last and probably the most intriguing tourist attraction on this list is no other than The Mansion. What’s so special about it? Well, this is the official summer palace of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. That’s right, it means that every president who assumed office in our history once lived in this very house. The Mansion features an elegant Spanish Colonial Revival design that captures the attention of many tourists. Another attraction here is the main gate which is believed to be the replica of Buckingham Palace’s main gate in London. Cool, huh?
- check the reviews on Tripadvisor
The best part about The Mansion is that visitors are allowed to get inside it where they can explore the house and see a museum full of presidential memorabilia. Truly, The Mansion plays a major role not only in Baguio’s tourism industry but also in the Philippines’ national history.
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