Baguio Attractions
& Historical Landmarks
Baguio City probably has the most visitor attractions clustered in a relatively small area compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines.
The most popular tourist attractions are located near each other, on the East and South sides, although there are a few near the residential areas.
Just 8.2 km from east to
west and 7.2 km from north to south and with inexpensive public transportation available, the City of Pines is one of the easiest places to explore.
The first thing to do when touring is to buy a map ($1-$3 at the nearest gas station, bookstore). I suggest you select a map that marks or indicates the attractions I will be enumerating below, so you have an option of exploring Baguio on your own instead of taking a guided tour. That would save you more money -- to spend shopping instead!
It would be good if you checked out Travel Tips for Baguio Visitors, too.
Burnham Park is the very heart of Baguio City in the Philippines. It is located at the most valuable piece of Baguio real estate and is free for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike. more...
The Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of the city. From Session Road it is accessible more...
The main avenue of Baguio City and its commercial center, with quaint shops lining each side, Session Road is the most popular road in the City of Pines. more...
Baguio City's most popular attraction is so beautiful and a destination in itself. After all, for almost the whole 20th century it is what made Baguio City "Little America" in the Philippines. more...
The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines, the Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along Carlos P. Romulo Drive. more...
Wright Park
Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the "Pool of Pines". One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Wright Park Riding Circle, where hundreds of horses and ponies of various sizes are for hire.
Located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park boasts of a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains. Many houses have been constructed below the ridge, closer to Baguio City, though. more...
Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional native dress. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild.
Botanical Garden is named such because it is tasked with growing pine seedlings and other flora and fauna for the constant "greening" of Baguio.
Just recently, the Botanical Garden has been renamed Centennial Park as the City of Pines celebrates 100 years since its founding.
Since 1905, the PMA has made its home here in various locations, Camp Henry T Allen, Teachers Camp until it transferred to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, Fort del Pilar about 10 kilometers south of downtown Baguio in 1950. more...
Historic Kennon Road is the shortest access route to Baguio City. As it snakes through Bued River Canyon, one will see many beautiful waterfalls, pine trees and wild sunflowers. more ...
Mount Santo Tomas
This is Baguio's highest peak, the one that offers a 360˚ degree view of Baguio City, La Union Province below and the South China Sea on the horizon. Apart from that, there's not much development on top but it is a nice place to go to. Bring a picnic basket and relax.
On top of the mountain are giant twin radars that last saw use decades ago, earning Mount Santo Tomas the nickname "Ra-dar."
Lourdes Grotto
The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the long steps or by driving up a winding road.
Bell Church
The Bell Church is located north of Baguio along the road leading to the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. There are some Buddhist artifacts to be found there, as well as some literature about the history of China.
A reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists, most noteworthy of whom is BenCab. Directly across Tam-awan Village is sculptor Ben Hur Villanueva's gallery "Arko ni Apo" that is also worth a look. more ...
Asin Hot Springs
Actually outside city limits, but considered a Baguio resource, it contains natural hot springs. Some resorts have sprung up in recent years and the area is pretty much underdeveloped but is still a place that tourists should visit.
Wood Carver's Village
Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these carvers range from very small figurines to huge statues. It is located on Asin Road on the way to the Asin Hot Springs.
This is place to visit for native fabrics and other handicrafts. Here one can witness the actual process of cloth weaving as practiced by the natives of the Cordillera provinces for ages. more ...
Take the "Cosmic Journey" through a pine forest that details the story of the universe in fourteen station trek. Art exhibits are also held regularly at the gallery. more ...
Right outside the City of Pines, about 30 minutes away is the mining town of Itogon, where you can take a tour of the undergound mines more...
Some other frequently-visited spots in the city include Teacher's Camp, Lion's Head, and the Baguio City Market, a favorite place for tourists looking for souvenirs. Another attraction just a few minutes away is the Strawberry Farm at La Trinidad Valley, Benguet.
Quick Links
@Baguio Insider
Baguio Botanical Garden is a 1-minute walk from where I live ...
Today, Burnham Park is facing severe challenges from commercial ...
Kennon Road remains
the Baguio locals’ preferred access route to Baguio City.
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Spotlight:
Visitors to Baguio City can now enjoy viewing the personal art collection of Philippine National Artist Benjamin Cabrera, more popularly known as BenCab ...
