Things to Do in Baguio

The green heart of downtown Baguio, designed around the city plan of architect Daniel Burnham. Rent a swan boat or rowboat on the man-made lake, pedal a rental bike around the skating rink area, or just people-watch under the pines with a cup of strawberry taho. It is free, open all day, and a short walk from Session Road and the public market, so it fits easily into any itinerary. Early mornings are cool and calm; afternoons and weekends get lively with families and barkadas.

A Baguio institution built around the ruins of an old structure destroyed in World War II, with an open, garden-like dining room full of plants and local art. The menu leans on Cordillera produce: try Ernie's camote bread with strawberry jam, Baguio bagnet, crispy tapa, arroz caldo and their brewed Benguet coffee. Breakfast here is a classic first-morning ritual for many visitors.

Every night, part of Harrison Road beside Burnham Park closes to traffic and turns into a long strip of ukay-ukay stalls and street food. Hunt for thrifted jackets, jeans, bags and sneakers at bargain prices, then refuel with grilled skewers, dimsum, fishballs and hot soup in the cold air. It is crowded and chaotic in the best way, a favorite of students and barkadas. Bring small bills and keep your valuables close.

A former American rest-and-recreation camp turned into Baguio's leafiest hangout. Walk the shaded Yellow Trail (a forest-bathing trail under the pines), visit the Historical Core with the Bell House and the quirky Cemetery of Negativism, try the zipline and canopy rides at Tree Top Adventure, then cap it with hot chocolate and churros. Cooler and quieter than downtown, it is great for families, dates and anyone who wants pine air without hiking far.

The pasalubong stop every tita insists on. The Religious of the Good Shepherd sell their famous ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de gato and other treats, with proceeds supporting their scholars and livelihood programs. Lines can be long and bestsellers run out, so arrive early. A small café area and a viewpoint behind the shop make it worth lingering a bit.

Set inside Casa Vallejo, one of Baguio's oldest heritage buildings, Hill Station is the go-to for a cozy, slightly special dinner. The menu mixes Asian, European and Filipino flavors, with favorites like smoked paprika roast salmon and paella negra, plus excellent desserts. Warm wood interiors and a fireplace-like vibe make it perfect for cold evenings and dates.

A hillside artists' village of reconstructed Ifugao and Kalinga huts, set up to keep Cordillera arts and building traditions alive. Walk the steep trails between nipa-roofed huts, browse galleries by local artists, try a quick portrait sketch or a dreamcatcher or painting workshop, and on clear afternoons catch the view toward the South China Sea. It feels calm and creative, a nice counterpoint to the busy downtown spots.

Baguio's most famous viewpoint, looking out over the old mining town of Itogon and layer after layer of Cordillera ridges. Beyond the view deck, it is a full pasalubong stop: souvenir stalls, strawberry taho, ube jam, wood carvings and the famous photo-op with Saint Bernard dogs and Igorot costume rentals. It is touristy, but it is a rite of passage for first-timers. Pair it with nearby Good Shepherd Convent and The Mansion for an easy half-day loop.

A whimsical vegetarian restaurant on the top floor of La Azotea, created by filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik's family. Climb the stairs into a maze of art installations, bridges, plants and recycled wood, then order playful dishes like Lapu-Lapu Lumpia, Pancit Gulay ni Pepe and Anak ng Putanesca. Even meat lovers come for the vibe and city views. A Baguio art-scene classic.

The cheap-and-big-servings legend of Baguio. Good Taste serves Filipino-Chinese comfort food like buttered chicken, pancit, sweet and sour pork and fried rice in huge platters meant for sharing, at prices that make barkadas and families very happy. Expect lines at peak meal times, fast turnover and no-frills interiors. It is where a lot of Baguio trips end up for at least one meal.