10 Things To Do In Baguio City
The things I love to do whenever I am in Baguio City that I would recommend to anyone.
I have relatives in Baguio City and I’ve been visiting the city since I was a child. It is a vibrant, self-sufficient community that would make you feel at peace. If only I am not raised as an island girl, I would definitely settle in Baguio because of its parks and walkable spaces.
Last year, my friend asked me to do their family an itinerary and here’s what I made out.
- Wright Park
Start the day wright [right]!
If horseback riding isn’t your thing, you can climb the stairs and check out if the St. Bernard’s dog is still there, having pictures for a living.
And there’s more, hit two birds with one stone. Just across Wright Park is The Mansion– the official residence of the President in Baguio City; huge gate, white house, green fields, it’s the Bridgerton of the city.
2. Burnham Park
This isn’t new but it never gets old. Nothing could go wrong with a park with no cigarettes, just cold air and an ice cream or taho for your morning walk.
You don’t have to take the rides, but it’s always a good place to start your day…and go shopping right after — SM is just across the street.
3. Botanical Garden
I would not normally suggest this because it’s a tourist den. But it’s near to Wright Park, if it’s off season… then the beauty of botany is still not one to miss.
4. Pink Sisters’ Convent and Chapel
It’s holy and and preferable for adults in your company. It’s pink! And a nice rest before you go to the following places I’d rather gatekeep (just kidding).
5. Mt. Cloud Bookshop
Along Brent is where you can find local gems from local authors and take aesthetic pictures. In this bookshop, I found “Bata Bata Pano Ka Ginawa?” and Gideon Lasco’s “The Philippines Is Not a Small Country.”
Aside from the Good Shepherd, this is a good place to buy souvenirs and drink coffee made by the locals and for the locals. Apparently, there’s a mini cafe inside the premises (Wasn’t able to taste it though).
6. University of the Philippines-Baguio
It’s not what you think. Many are called, but few are chosen– and such travelers are the ones to know that there’s a museum inside or should I say…underground…on campus. Ladies and gentlemen, the myth, the legend, and the moment — Museo Kordilyera.
Check opening hours, but if you went there and it’s closed — a picture to the local oblates would not hurt.
7. Choco-late de Batirol
It’s out of the way, as it should be. Just like what Blair Waldorf said about herself, this too, is not a stop along the way, but rather the destination.
Local and authentic cocoa? Check. Unique bibingka? Check. A dine with nature? Check.
You really couldn’t ask for more than a good cocoa in a cold Baguio morning. Also the bathrooms are nice and this is inside Camp John Hay so you can shop along the way.
8. Bamboo Eco-Park
No, you’re not in Japan, you’re in St. Francis Xavier Seminary. If you want stones, you can go to the Igorot Kingdom. If you want something green, this is for you.
Haven’t been here, but there’s two Bamboo sanctuaries in Baguio.
9. BenCab Museum
Cliche but still good. What more could I say? The erotic room makes it intriguing, but would your parents allow you to check it out?
10. On The Road To La Trinidad
La Trinidad is just one jeepney ride away. Check these sites in the following order:
- Bell Chinese Church
- Valley of Colors in Balili
- Strawberry Farm
Bonus
Food
The tourist diners are good as to their purpose, but the real ones are for those who dare to find the iskinitas…
Cathy’s Restaurant has become something special since my mom used to eat there back in college. It’s near the University of Baguio, behind Jollibee. Don’t eat here unless you want lots of veggies in your meat, yum!
It’s really the local dineries — Baguio is a den of local restaurants with heritage. There’s a lot hiding in plain sight along the metro, especially in Mabini. Check out this video to choose which would you could eat in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7w5kIFUG0c
Out of the Way
Tam-awan Village is not for everyone, you’re a hiker so you’ll love this and beside it is the Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant (I haven’t eaten here, but mom says it’s worth the try).
Beacon Hill Eco-Park is also out of the way and the transportation options are limited. We went there by taxi and paid more or less Php 500. It is a United Kingdom-themed park uphill.
Hope this gives you a nice picture of Baguio City! Travel well and enjoy the culture.
