Baguio has carried the title of Summer Capital of the Philippines since the American colonial era — and the reason is simple: temperatures hold at a steady 18–23°C year-round, a complete contrast to the humid heat of Manila. The city layers large green parks, colonial-era architecture, contemporary art museums, and indigenous Igorot culture into a compact destination. Most travelers find 2–3 days is the right amount of time to cover the highlights.
#1 Burnham Park
A 32-hectare public park in the heart of the city, named after Daniel Burnham — the architect who drew up Baguio's city plan. The centrepiece is a man-made lake with rental paddle boats, flanked by flower gardens, cycling paths, and an ice-skating rink. It works for every age, on weekdays and weekends alike.
- Arrive before 8 a.m. to rent a bike ahead of the crowds — the park is at its quietest in the early morning.
- Paddle boat hire runs 100–150 pesos for 30 minutes; afternoon light is best for photos.
- Sunday brings a small weekend market and busking musicians — the park gets noticeably livelier.
#2 Mines View Park
The most visited viewpoint in Baguio, with sightlines over the old mining valley of Itogon, the Cordillera ridge, and pine-forested slopes. Beyond the view, there are souvenir stalls, Igorot-made clothing, and the chance to pose with indigenous dogs dressed in traditional costume.
- Go before 9 a.m. to beat the mist and the tour-group rush.
- Bargain before you buy — opening prices at souvenir stalls tend to run well above fair value.
- Trying on Igorot dress and posing for a photo is free — no extra charge.
#3 Camp John Hay
A former 213-hectare U.S. military base now open as a leisure and resort destination, named after John Milton Hay — U.S. Secretary of State under President Roosevelt. The grounds today hold a golf course, spa, restaurants, an insect and fungi garden, and the tongue-in-cheek Cemetery of Negativism, which has become a popular photo spot.
- Entry to the grounds is free; activities like zipline and golf are charged separately.
- Restaurant prices inside the camp run higher than in town — consider eating before you arrive.
- Walking freely through the pine forest costs nothing and is one of the most peaceful things you can do in Baguio.
#4 The Mansion
The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, built in 1908 as a retreat for the American colonial governor. Architect William Parsons designed it along the principles of the City Beautiful Movement. Visitors cannot enter the main building — access is limited to the gate area and front gardens — but that is more than enough for photographs.
- The white wrought-iron gate photographs best in the morning, when it is front-lit against a vivid green backdrop.
- The main building is closed to the public; you can walk the front gardens only.
- Wright Park is a 5-minute walk away — worth extending the visit to see the horse paddock and ornamental pools.
#5 BenCab Museum
A private art museum founded in 2009 by Benedicto Cabrera — the Philippines' National Artist for Visual Arts. The collection spans BenCab's own work across several decades, indigenous Cordillera art, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. The building sits on a hillside with views stretching to distant mountain ranges.
- Admission is 100 pesos; children under 12 enter free. Budget at least 2 hours.
- The in-house restaurant has some of the best views in the area — a good spot for lunch after the galleries.
- Don't skip the Hillside Garden behind the main building; it has a medicinal herb garden and native plant collections.
#6 Baguio Cathedral
A Roman Catholic cathedral over 100 years old, dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement, completed in 1936. It stands out for its pink-red facade and twin bell towers that faintly echo the Petronas Towers in miniature. It is the only church in Baguio that survived the World War II bombing campaign and remains an active and significant place of worship.
- You can sit quietly inside for prayer or rest at any time — no entrance fee, no dress code beyond basic respect.
- The front steps offer a strong vantage point for photos; afternoon light is softer than midday.
- Session Road is a short walk from the cathedral steps — easy to combine with lunch or a coffee stop.
#7 Session Road
Baguio's 1.7-kilometre main street, named after the site where the Philippine Commission met in 1904 — the meeting that effectively established Baguio as the Summer Capital. Today the road runs through restaurants, cafés, boutiques, banks, and a Night Market that sets up after dark.
- The Night Market runs from 8 p.m. to midnight, with second-hand clothing and street food at low prices.
- Local cafés along Session Road serve Ube Latte and Strawberry Matcha — both are Baguio specialities worth trying.
- Sunday mornings bring the Baguio Day Market pedestrian zone — cars are banned and the street fills with stalls.
#8 La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
The largest and most well-known strawberry farm in the Philippines, covering 79 hectares managed by Benguet State University. During the season, visitors can pick strawberries directly from the plants and buy fresh jam and other processed products at prices lower than in town.
- Peak season runs November through May; the rainy months bring a noticeably smaller harvest.
- Picking is charged by weight — around 200–250 pesos per kilogram.
- The La Trinidad Market nearby sells fresh highland vegetables and flowers at prices below those in Baguio proper.
Where to stay in Baguio for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Baguio — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Grand Sierra Pines Baguio
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The Manor at Camp John Hay (John Hay Hotels - Garden Wing)
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John Hay Hotels Forest Wing (formerly The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay)
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Le Monet Hotel
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Tours, tickets & activities in Baguio
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Baguio — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Baguio delivers fresh air, natural scenery, and genuine cultural depth in one trip. Whether you come to unwind or to dig into history, the Philippines' mountain city rarely disappoints.