First-Timers Travel Guide To Baguio

Travel guide to Baguio

Baguio is synonymous to taking time off from the daily grind of city life. The first image that comes to mind when you think of Baguio City, is a picturesque paradise with cold temperatures, and mountain terrains. It’s cool, it’s breezy and smells of fresh mountain air. Great to enjoy a good dose of nature.

This is exactly what we felt once we traversed up Session Road, on the way up to Baguio. It felt surreal, that we were still in the Philippines. With an elevation of 1540m at 18°C,Baguio, Philippines summer capital, is also a top destination during the Christmas holidays. Locals and tourists flock to the city, starting December thru May, as it is the dry season in the Philippines. So feel free to leave out the online world and bask in nature in the real world for a while.

Welcome to the “City of Pines”. Welcome to Baguio!

Getting To Baguio

The easiest and cheapest option for most travelers to get to Baguio is by bus. There are several bus operators servicing the Manila-Baguio-Manila route. Here’s a guide on how to get to Baguio by bus.

Where To Go / What To Do

I have listed below famous tourist attractions, a hidden gem, and a new place to visit.

1. Burnham Park

The park is open to visitors all year long, so come whenever you want. It sits in a 32-hectare land and is the center of attraction in Baguio. Aptly called “mother of all Parks”, it houses a children’s playground, a rose garden, a picnic grove, an Igorot garden, and the hundred years old man-made lagoon.. The park was originally built as a recreation area for American soldiers and locals in 1925.

2. Baguio City Night Market

A visit to Baguio is incomplete unless you take a food tour and shop at the Baguio Night Market. It’s amazing how well-organized everyone was just 30 minutes before the market opened at 9 pm. Family and friends will undoubtedly enjoy the cool air while eating a variety of foods al fresco.

3. The Mansion

The Mansion is the President of the Philippines’ official summer residence. This is a must-see attraction in Baguio City because of its historical significance. The Mansion’s is very IG-friendly, but you can’t get too close because it’s not open to the public. The building’s design is a mix of Spanish and American influence.

4. Wright Park

Wright Park is another popular and frequently crowded public attraction in Baguio. The park is located on the eastern outskirts of the city. You can rent Igorot costumes and take photos with Igorot stand-ins, but I’m not sure if it’s paid or free. A headgear for photo ops is also available for Php20.

5. Mines View Park

If you want to see what life was like in the past, go to Mines View Park. In the early twentieth (20th) century, Baguio was a mining town.

This park is located on a ridge. As such, its main draw is the viewing platform, which provides a breathtaking view of the Cordillera Mountains and Benguet’s ancient copper and gold mines. You can even pose in traditional “bahag” complete with a headdress and spear.

6. Strawberry Farm

Highly recommended is a visit to the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, just on the outskirt of Baguio. Make sure to taste their strawberry ice cream and “taho” drizzled with strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries. You can best come and visit the farm from February to May during their harvest season. And you can actually pick your own strawberries for a price.

7. Mirador Heritage & Eco-Park

Mirador Heritage and Eco-Park is a new attraction in Baguio City. The park sprawls across the top of Mirador Hill. The park is home to the Jesuit Villa and Retreat House, The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Tori Gate at the Mirador Peace Memorial as well as the Cafe Inigo by Ebai.

Enjoy the magnificent view of Baguio City, serene, almost heavenly. We were looking out from one of the mountain houses, taking in the spectacular view of Baguio.

Where To Eat

1. Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna

Good food and a stunning view, what more can you ask for? Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna, which serves sumptuous authentic Greek cuisine, offers a breathtaking view of the cliffs while dining al fresco on the balcony.

With white wooden walls, wooden tables and chairs, lights circling the rustic wooden ledges, the atmosphere of the indoor dine-in feels like you’re in a Mamma Mia movie.

“Mamma mia, now I really know, My, my, I could never let you go”

And I caught you singing that line.

2. Central Park Restaurant

Though Central Park Restaurant received mostly bad reviews and complaints, I find this restaurant a good place to eat. They served authentic Chinese dishes without creating a whole in our wallet. The restaurant is located within walking distance to Burnham Park.

Best Time To Visit Baguio

Visit Baguio City between December and May, when the dry season in the Philippines begins and ends. The months of December and May being the most crowded season in Baguio. These months have the least amount of rainfall, allowing you to spend more time in the park without getting wet.

Where To Stay

Baguio city is a small city but still has loads of activities to do. If you are planning to stay just for a few days, the main things that you need from a hotel are comfort, convenience and price.

Comfort – Don’t just look for a fancy name or balcony with glass doors, see to it that your room is large enough to sleep in with enough space for important items. It should also be clean and safe with enough lamps for light at night.

Convenience – Check out the hotel’s location and whether they provide parking facilities (if you bring your own car). Try asking them if they have laundry facilities in case you need them (this is not always available). Lastly check if they provide kitchenettes so that you can prepare food while you are there without breaking the bank.

Price – Depending on how much you are willing to spend, well, it should be relevant to the comfort and convenience you’d be getting.

Book a hotel in Baguio here:

When we feel drained, exhausted, and restless, we need to take it slow. Best to appreciate the moment. Remind yourself it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. This year is all about slowing down and working on some of your personal goals. You got this, relax and enjoy (slowly). I know it might sound odd but we’re so busy that we don’t even stop to realize how fast time passes by.

Life is a journey, a great adventure. As they say, we only live once.