Are you ready for a breath of fresh air after the tropical heat of the Philippine beaches? Then Baguio is your perfect destination! This unique city at 1,540 meters altitude offers a wonderfully cool climate year-round and is aptly called the City of Pines. Surrounded by pine forests and with spectacular views, Baguio is the ideal place for a city trip with a twist.
Why Baguio Is Called the Summer Capital
Did you know that the Philippine government moves all its departments from Manila to Baguio every year? This tradition gave the city its nickname: the summer capital of the Philippines. With over 300,000 inhabitants, Baguio is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region on the main island of Luzon and forms a perfect base for mountain adventures.
I stayed four days in this fascinating city before climbing Mount Pulag for an unforgettable sunrise. Those four days were more than enough to fall in love with Baguio!
The Best Attractions in Baguio
Baguio City Public Market: Dive into Local Life
Start your exploration at the large covered market in the center. There’s no better way to taste the atmosphere of a city than by wandering between the stalls and observing daily life.
Safety tip: A friendly local woman immediately warned me about pickpockets when she saw that I was carrying my rucksack on my back. I took her advice to heart and hung my bag on the front. Better safe than sorry!
Burnham Park & Rizal Park: Green Oases in the City
After the bustle of the market, Burnham Park is a welcome place of rest. This extensive city park offers shady walking paths, beautiful monuments and statues, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect to catch your breath and observe the local population who come here to picnic and recreate.
Camp John Hay: Historic Park with Adventure
This extensive nature park on the edge of Baguio is an absolute must-see. The area is hidden in the pine forest and offers not only beautiful views but also a piece of history. In the early 1900s, the American army established itself here during the Filipino-American War.
Visit the Bell House for a piece of history (admission fee) and take a stroll through the gardens. The tranquillity and fresh mountain air make this one of the most beautiful places in Baguio.
Tree Top Adventure: For the Adrenaline Seekers
Within Camp John Hay you’ll find Tree Top Adventure, and you must experience this! I booked all five challenges and had the time of my life. From rope bridges with breathtaking views to the Superman Zipline where you zoom through the treetops in a flying position. The Free Fall is also an absolute powerhouse – my cry of excitement when I fell down is still on video!
The combination of adrenaline and spectacular views over the mountains makes this an unforgettable experience. You can choose from different packages (2, 3, or all 5 activities), but my advice: go all-in!
Tree Tops Adventures is unfortunately permanently closed, I read.
Cemetery of Negativism: A Unique Place for Reflection
One of the most special places in Camp John Hay is this symbolic cemetery. Here lie “graves” with names of excuses and negative thoughts that people have buried: “I can’t do it”, “Maybe tomorrow”, “It’s too difficult”. A philosophical and funny experience at the same time, perfect for an inspiring walk.
Panoramic Viewpoints
Mines View Observation Deck: The Most Iconic View
Take a jeepney to this famous viewpoint and prepare for a spectacular panorama. The landscaped park leads you to the viewpoint, where you can look far over the surrounding mountains and valleys. The city is so high that you really feel like you’re on top of the world.
The area is touristy – you’ll find stalls with souvenirs and local products – but that’s part of it. I especially enjoyed the fresh fruit sold there!
Access: Free
Time: Plan at least an hour
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto: Serene Beauty
Yes, you can also find a replica of the famous Lourdes grotto in Baguio! This spiritual place is within walking distance of the center (about an hour’s walk, or take a jeepney back for a few cents). The grotto is beautifully situated against a hill and offers moments of peace and reflection.
Baguio Cathedral & Surrounding Views
The imposing cathedral in the center with its characteristic yellow/beige color is not only an architectural eye-catcher, but the surrounding area also offers beautiful views over the city.
Baguio Buddhist Temple: Serenity with a View
This impressive temple complex with its enormous Buddha statue is an oasis of peace. Access is through a secured gate – ring the bell and register. It was worth it, because the view over Baguio from here is also beautiful.
The combination of the colorful temple, the imposing Buddha statue, and the peaceful atmosphere make this a special experience.
Again with a wonderful view over the summer capital city of Baguio!
Book a Baguio day tour so everything is arranged and you only have to enjoy.
Cultural Experiences in Baguio
Tam-Awan Village: Step Back in Time
This open-air museum displays authentic traditional huts of the indigenous population of the Cordilleras. What’s special? These huts are original, they were literally moved from their original locations where families lived for generations.
You can walk through the huts and really experience how compact and ingenious they are. Some huts can even be booked for an overnight stay (with a modern bathroom, fortunately!). The terrain lies against a mountain and has walking paths that lead to viewpoints.
Bonus point: There is a cosy café with fast WiFi where you can enjoy delicious coffee. I spent part of my morning here, perfect for relaxing and getting some work done.
Adventure in the Baguio Area – Philippines
Mount Santo Tomas: A Spontaneous Adventure
On my last day, I took a chance and took a jeepney to Mount Santo Tomas. The ride took an hour through the city, villages, and finally up the mountain, with increasingly spectacular views.
Plot twist: Once almost at the top, the driver asked where I wanted to go and casually mentioned that the mountain was actually a restricted area for tourists. Oops! But he offered that I could take a walk while he finished his route.
I walked about 6-7 kilometers down the mountain road until I came to Cafe in the Sky. The views were phenomenal, and the surprised faces of local residents seeing a foreigner walking made it extra fun. Was it worth it? Absolutely! If you have time to spare and love spontaneous adventures, this is secretly quite a recommendation.
Mount Pulag: The Ultimate Trekking Experience
If you love trekking, don’t miss climbing Mount Pulag. From Baguio you can organize this trip. You leave in the middle of the night to be at the top at sunrise – an unforgettable experience!
New Tips for the Baguio Area
Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad
Just 20 minutes from Baguio lies La Trinidad, known for its extensive strawberry fields. Pick your own fresh strawberries, taste strawberry wine, and enjoy the picturesque landscape. This is especially fun between December and April during harvest season.
Asin Hot Springs
Relax wonderfully in these natural hot springs about 30 minutes from Baguio. After a day of hiking, this is the perfect way to let tired muscles recover. The surroundings are beautiful and authentic. I really regret missing this.
Lion’s Head: The Secret Viewpoint
For a less touristy alternative, you can go to Lion’s Head, a rock formation that indeed looks like a lion’s head. The climb is steep but short, and the view over the Cordilleras is worth it.
Ben Cab Museum
Art lovers must not miss the Ben Cab Museum. This beautiful museum shows work by the famous Filipino artist Benedicto Cabrera and other national artists. The museum is located in a beautiful garden with sculpture park.
Igorot Stone Kingdom
A unique sculpture park with hundreds of stone sculptures depicting the culture and myths of the Igorot (indigenous population). It’s about 30 minutes from Baguio and perfect for a half-day excursion.
Book your tour to explore the Baguio area
Practical Information for Your Visit to Baguio
Transportation: The Jeepney Experience
Jeepneys are the local means of transport and an experience in itself. They go to almost all attractions and cost next to nothing. I can really recommend using this transport a lot within the city.
The payment system is hilarious: Sitting in the back? Then you give your money to your neighbor, who passes it forward. The driver gives the change back via the same route. This alone is worth the experience!
Current rates (2025):
- Traditional jeepney: ₱13-14 (€0.19-0.21) for the first 4 kilometers
- Modern jeepney: ₱15 (€0.22) for the first 4 kilometers
- Shorter rides within the center: from ₱10 (€0.15)
- Longer distances (such as to La Trinidad): ₱20-30 (€0.29-0.44)
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Hotel Tips for Baguio
One of the most popular budget hotels in Baguio, perfect for those seeking comfort without spending too much. The hotel offers clean, modern rooms and is centrally located. Ideal for both business travelers and families.
Advantages:
- Good price-quality ratio
- Modern facilities
- Free WiFi and parking
- 24-hour reception
- Breakfast available
Price: From €60 per night
This 3-star hotel combines comfort with excellent facilities, including an outdoor pool, and is within walking distance of SM City Baguio. Perfect for those who want a bit of extra luxury without paying top price.
Advantages:
- Outdoor pool
- Restaurant and bar
- Fitness center
- Good location
- Free WiFi and parking
Price: From €70 per night
Coffee & WiFi: Your Remote Workplace
Highland Brew – Legarda Road Branch
This local coffee chain opened a beautiful flagship branch on Legarda Road in June 2024 and has since become the hotspot for digital nomads and students. The café is a paradise for coffee lovers and laptop warriors.
Why Highland Brew?
- 100% Local Cordilleran coffee: Directly from local farmers from Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Nueva Vizcaya
- Fast WiFi: Perfect for remote work
- Spacious workspace: 60m² with comfortable seating and floor-to-ceiling windows
- Unique drinks: Named after mountains like Mt. Pulag Cloud, Mt. Kalugong Caramel Flan, Mt. Amuyao Mocha Crumble
- Food available: Longganisa, bibingka cheesecake, and more
- Payment: Cash, card, and GCash
Location: Legarda Road, Baguio City
Price: Drinks from ±₱150 (€2.20)
Tip: They also have a branch on Level 3 Sky Garden Terrace in SM City Baguio with beautiful views!
Best Time to Visit
Baguio is pleasant year-round, but:
- December-February: Cool (10-20°C), ideal for walks
- March-May: Blooming flowers, especially during the Panagbenga Festival
- June-October: Rainy season, but often dry in the morning and evening
What to Bring
- Warm clothing: It can get cool in the evenings (15-20°C)
- Rain jacket: Even outside the rainy season it can rain unexpectedly
- Good hiking shoes: For the many viewpoints and walking trails
- Camera: The views are truly everywhere
In Conclusion
Baguio is a refreshing getaway in every sense of the word. The combination of cool climate, beautiful nature, interesting culture, and adventurous activities makes it an unmissable stop on your Philippine journey. Whether you come for the adrenaline, the views, the history, or just to escape the heat – Baguio has something for everyone.
My four days here flew by, and upon departure I already knew I would return. The surprised faces of local residents when they saw a Western traveler walking, the friendliness of the people, and the majestic mountains around – it makes Baguio a special place that is not yet overrun by tourists.
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