Things to Do in Baguio, Philippines

Baguio City, known as the 'Summer Capital of the Philippines,' sits 1,540 meters above sea level in the mountainous province of Benguet. This cool highland retreat offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat with its pine-scented air, misty mornings, and temperatures that rarely exceed 26°C. The city was established as a hill station during American colonial rule and has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates both its indigenous Cordillera heritage and modern Filipino identity. Beyond its famous cool climate, Baguio captivates visitors with its thriving arts scene, colorful markets, and stunning mountain vistas. The city serves as the cultural and educational center of Northern Luzon, home to prestigious universities and a flourishing community of artists, writers, and musicians. From exploring bustling public markets filled with fresh mountain produce to discovering contemporary art galleries and traditional craft workshops, Baguio offers an authentic blend of urban sophistication and mountain charm that makes it one of the Philippines' most beloved destinations.

Top Things to Do in Baguio

Burnham Park Lake Activities

Paddle around the serene man-made lake at the heart of Baguio's central park, designed by American architect Daniel Burnham. The park offers boat rentals, cycling paths, and beautiful gardens perfect for morning jogs or afternoon picnics. It's a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, especially during the cooler evening hours.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals cost around 100-150 PHP for 30 minutes. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best weather and fewer crowds. No advance booking needed - simply rent boats at the lakeside pavilion.

Session Road Shopping and Dining

Stroll down Baguio's main thoroughfare, a bustling pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Session Road serves as the city's commercial heart, offering everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to trendy boutiques and street food. The area comes alive in the evenings with live music and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Booking Tip: No booking required for street exploration. Most shops open 10 AM-9 PM. Budget 1,000-2,000 PHP for shopping and dining. Visit weekday evenings for a more relaxed experience, as weekends can get quite crowded.

Baguio Public Market Experience

Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of one of the Philippines' most famous public markets, known for its incredibly fresh mountain vegetables, exotic fruits, and traditional Cordillera crafts. The market showcases the region's agricultural bounty, from strawberries and lettuce to unique highland varieties rarely found elsewhere. It's also an excellent place to purchase authentic woven textiles and wood carvings.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but bring cash for purchases. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for the freshest produce and cooler temperatures. Budget 500-1,500 PHP for souvenirs and local products. Bargaining is expected and welcomed.

Mines View Park Sightseeing

Take in panoramic views of the former mining town of Itogon and the surrounding Benguet mountains from this popular viewpoint. The park offers souvenir shops, photo opportunities with people in traditional Igorot costumes, and horseback riding. On clear days, you can see the South China Sea in the distance, making it perfect for sunrise or sunset visits.

Booking Tip: Entrance is free, but parking costs 20-50 PHP. Horse riding costs 100-200 PHP for a short ride. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) for clearest views and fewer crowds. Bring a jacket as it can get quite windy and cold.

Strawberry Farm Picking

Experience hands-on strawberry picking at La Trinidad's famous strawberry farms, just outside Baguio proper. These terraced farms offer visitors the chance to harvest their own fresh strawberries while enjoying stunning views of the Benguet mountains. Many farms also sell fresh strawberry products like jams, taho, and ice cream made from their harvest.

Booking Tip: Farm entry costs 30-50 PHP, strawberries cost 200-300 PHP per kilogram picked. Best visited December-May during strawberry season. Go early morning (7-9 AM) for cooler weather and better picking conditions. Some farms offer package tours for 500-800 PHP including transportation.

Getting There

Baguio is accessible by bus from Manila, with the journey taking 5-7 hours depending on traffic and route. Major bus companies like Victory Liner, Genesis, and Dagupan Bus operate regular services from various Manila terminals including Cubao, Pasay, and Sampaloc. The scenic mountain highway offers beautiful views but can be winding, so those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly. Some bus companies offer deluxe services with air conditioning and reclining seats for added comfort. Alternatively, you can fly to Clark Airport in Pampanga and take a 3-hour bus ride, or drive via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Getting Around

Getting around Baguio is relatively easy with various transportation options available. Jeepneys are the most popular and affordable way to travel, with routes covering all major destinations within the city for just 12-15 PHP per ride. Taxis are readily available and metered, though they can be more expensive during peak tourist seasons. For short distances, tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are convenient options. Many of Baguio's main attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly around Session Road and Burnham Park. Grab ride-sharing services are also available, and several car rental companies operate in the city for those preferring private transportation to explore surrounding areas.

Where to Stay

Session Road Area

Burnham Park District

Upper Session Road

Camp John Hay

Teachers Camp

Loakan Road

Food & Dining

Baguio's food scene reflects its unique mountain culture and diverse population, offering everything from traditional Cordillera cuisine to international flavors. The city is famous for its fresh mountain vegetables, particularly in dishes like pinikbet and dinengdeng, best enjoyed at local eateries along Session Road and the public market area. Don't miss trying authentic Cordillera specialties like etag (smoked meat), bagnet, and various rice wine varieties. The city also boasts excellent cafes serving locally-grown Benguet coffee, perfect for the cool climate. For international cuisine, Session Road and nearby areas offer Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western restaurants. Street food is abundant and affordable, with popular spots including the night market along Harrison Road and various food parks throughout the city.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Baguio is during the dry season from November to April, when rainfall is minimal and skies are generally clearer for sightseeing. December to February offers the coolest temperatures (15-23°C), perfect for those seeking relief from tropical heat, though this is also peak tourist season with higher accommodation rates and crowds. March to May provides pleasant weather with warmer days and cool nights, ideal for outdoor activities and strawberry picking. The rainy season (June-October) brings frequent afternoon showers and occasional typhoons, but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. February is particularly special as it coincides with the colorful Panagbenga (Flower Festival), though expect significantly higher prices and advance booking requirements.

Insider Tips

Pack layers and bring a jacket even during summer months, as temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings and early mornings, sometimes reaching 10-15°C

Avoid major holidays and long weekends when possible, as traffic to and from Baguio can extend travel time to 8-12 hours and accommodation prices triple

Try the local delicacy 'sundot kulangot' (a sticky rice cake) and fresh strawberry taho from street vendors, but make sure to buy from busy stalls with high turnover for freshness

Things to Do in Baguio