Baguio Philippines – Top-10 Tourist Attractions and Activities

Baguio, known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, offers a wide variety of top tourist attractions. The city has a rich history, evident in the numerous old landmarks that tell a story of a life gone past. Baguio also attracts outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and gourmands who come to enjoy the picturesque mountain life and parks, unique local art scene, and the delicious regional cuisine.

If you plan on visiting, here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Baguio that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Take a trip back in time by touring the historical attractions

Baguio’s rich, colorful history is still very much alive today. History buffs will appreciate The Mansion, which is perhaps one of the most popular places to visit here; it serves as the official summer home of the Philippine president. The Mansion was built in 1908, and survived the war in 1945, among many other notable occurrences.

Camp John Hay is as well-known as Baguio itself. Situated in a beautiful resort at the foothills of the mountain, it features a golf course designed by no other than Jack Nicklaus himself. It also has a hotel, convention center, and shopping area. History lovers will be thrilled to know that Camp John Hay served as a recreational facility for American soldiers during the occupation. Other notable historical tourist attractions in Baguio include: Kennon Road, Marker of the Philippine Commission’s First Session, Philippine Military Academy, Teachers’ Camp, Wright Park, and Mines View Park.

2. Immerse in beautiful art

One of Baguio’s highlights is the thriving art scene. A list of the top tourist attractions in Baguio simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the BenCab museum, which is one of the most famous museums in the entire country. It is the home of national artist Ben Cabrera, and houses his own as well as hundreds of others’ interesting works of art throughout the four-storey museum. The BenCab Museum is open everyday except Mondays from 9AM to 6PM, and the entrance fee is PhP 120. Most of the exhibits in the BenCab Museum are jaw-dropping handmade artworks made by the Ifugao tribe, as well as the various artifacts of the Cordillera people. Don’t leave without seeing BenCab’s Erotica Gallery, an eyebrow-raising exhibit that the curious will love.

3. Fly above the trees at the Tree Top Adventure

Located within Camp John Hay is a thrilling outdoor activity that adrenaline junkies and kids alike will love: the Tree Top Adventure! Families consider it to be among the most well-loved activities in this destination because it lets you soar a hundred feet above the ground on a zip line right on top of beautiful pine trees. The Tree Top Adventure is open daily from 8AM to 4:30PM, and guests have to pay the PhP 100 admission fee which is consumable for one package. It features various exciting packages to choose from which start at PhP 400 per person.

4. Pick your own strawberries at La Trinidad Strawberry Fields

If you’re a foodie or traveling with your family, La Trinidad Strawberry Fields should definitely be part of your must see attractions list. The colder climate enables Baguio to produce high quality fruits and vegetables but the strawberries are definitely a highlight. La Trinidad Strawberry Fields lets you pick your own strawberries for PhP 300 per kilo, which you can then take home to enjoy. You can also ask the farmers about any other vegetables to pick. The farm is open from 8AM to 8PM daily, and the best time of the year for this activity are the months from September to December.

5. Learn about the Ifugao and Kalinga culture at Tam-Awan village

History buffs as well as culture enthusiasts should not miss Tam-Awan village; it is part of Baguio’s most interesting places to visit. Here, you’ll find an amazing showcase of the Ifugao and Kalinga indigenous culture through a wide variety of artifacts as well as artwork by local craftsmen. The Tam-Awan village was also designed to mimic the traditional Ifugao homes, for an authentic feel of what it’s like to live among the Cordillera tribes. If you love nature, you’ll also appreciate how the Tam-Awan village is surrounded by rivers and lush tropical greens right in the middle of Baguio. They also host regular cultural shows and art workshops. Tam-Awan Village is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with entrance fees at PhP 50 for adults and PhP 20 for children aged 12 and below. Check out the Tam-Awan website before your visit to find out what exhibitions are currently ongoing.

6. Take amazing photos at the Valley of Colors

The Valley of Colors is an iconic Baguio landmark, seen in many postcards of the destination. Photographers will marvel at these colorful houses that have been erected on Barangay Balili, which looks like one large piece of artwork from afar. There are no entrance fees, and it’s open 24 hours a day but to truly appreciate the colors, it’s best to go in the late afternoon when golden sunlight casts its rays on these homes. Don’t forget to bring your camera along!

7. Shop until you drop at Baguio’s thrift stores

Fashion enthusiasts and thrift shoppers know that the second hand shops are part of Baguio’s major travel destinations. With all the designer and high-quality goods you can score for PhP 50 to PhP 100 a piece, Baguio is definitely a thrift shopper’s paradise! The best thrift shops are located along Harrison Road. The shops open at 9AM until late afternoons, but to get the best items, it’s recommended to go early in the morning.

8. Ride a swan boat at Burnham Park

Burnham Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Baguio. This historical destination is surrounded in greenery, but a key feature is its calm lake. Families and couples will have a great time riding a swan boat to explore the lake, which can be rented out for PhP 100, good for half an hour. It also lets you get some exercise during your trip! Other fun activities you can do include renting a bicycle to get around the park. Burnham Park is open 24 hours a day, although for the most romantic time, go at sunset.

9. Watch a live band at Session Road

Musicians, or anyone who loves music for that matter, will appreciate visiting Session Road at night. It is one of the area’s well-loved places to visit if you truly want to experience Filipino talent. At night, it comes alive; there are many things to do but music and dancing is the highlight here. Choose a bar and relax with an ice cold San Miguel Beer. There are no entrance fees, but be careful when crossing between Upper and Lower Session Road areas because they tend to get crowded with traffic jams.

10. Get involved in Filipino literature at the Mount Cloud Bookshop

Bibliophiles know that there is no other better place in Baguio for books than Mount Cloud Bookshop. It houses an incredible collection of books written by local authors on a wide range of topics, so include this place as part of your tours in Baguio. Occasionally, they also host workshops, talks, and other intimate events that literature lovers will enjoy. Mount Cloud Bookshop is open daily from 10:30AM to 8PM.

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As you can see, Baguio has so much to offer all kinds of travelers. So much so, that many keep coming back time and again because each trip presents a different experience.