Things to Do in Baguio

About Baguio

Baguio sits at 5,000 feet in the Cordillera mountains, where temperatures hover between 15-25°C all year. The Philippines calls it the Summer Capital. Pine forests blanket the slopes, and mist rolls through most afternoons. Victorian mansions stand next to indigenous Igorot structures—a collision of colonial history and mountain culture. Students and artists have moved here in droves. The city is their workshop now. Burnham Park gets loud and crowded. The Botanical Garden offers quiet. Strawberry fields spread across nearby valleys, night markets fill with smoke from street vendors, and sunrise over the ridgelines comes in gold and amber. Time moves differently here—slower, easier to catch your breath.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Jeepneys run fixed routes within the city for 13 PHP ($0.23). Taxis are metered starting at 40 PHP ($0.70) - Baguio is one of the few Philippine cities where taxis use meters honestly. Grab works well at 80-200 PHP ($1.40-3.50). From Manila, Victory Liner or Genesis buses cost 450-750 PHP ($7.90-13.15) and take 4-6 hours via TPLEX. The steep Session Road is walkable. For La Trinidad's strawberry farms, take a jeepney for 15 PHP ($0.26).

Money: Philippine peso (PHP) at about 57 to $1. ATMs at BDO and BPI along Session Road are reliable. Cards work at SM City Baguio and larger restaurants. Budget $15-25 daily. Baguio is cooler (18-25C year-round) so you will save on cold drinks. GCash mobile payment is widely accepted. Market vendors prefer cash. Tipping 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants.

Cultural Respect: Baguio was built as a hill station and maintains a distinct Cordilleran culture. Respect indigenous Igorot traditions at Tam-awan Village. Don't touch weaving or woodcarving displays without permission. The city is environmentally conscious - bring reusable bags. 'Ukay-ukay' (thrift) shopping is a local pastime, not a sign of poverty. Baguio residents are proud of their city's uniqueness from Manila culture.

Food Safety: Strawberry taho (silken tofu with strawberry syrup) costs 15-25 PHP ($0.26-0.44) from vendors at Burnham Park. Bagnet (deep-fried pork belly) at Oh My Gulay costs 150-250 PHP ($2.65-4.40). Good Taste Restaurant serves huge Filipino meals for 80-150 PHP ($1.40-2.65) - expect long queues. Ube (purple yam) jam from Baguio Public Market costs 80-150 PHP ($1.40-2.65) per jar. Strawberry picking at La Trinidad costs 300-500 PHP ($5.25-8.75) per kilo.

When to Visit

Baguio's dry season (November-April) offers the most pleasant weather with temperatures of 18-25°C and minimal rainfall (10-50mm monthly). December-February brings the coolest conditions (15-20°C), perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, though accommodation prices increase 40-60% during Christmas and New Year. March-May sees warmer temperatures (20-25°C) with occasional afternoon showers, making it ideal for families and budget travelers as prices drop 20-30%. The wet season (June-October) brings heavy rainfall (200-400mm monthly), landslides risks, and temperatures of 16-23°C, but offers 30-50% lower accommodation rates and lush, green landscapes. Key festivals include the Panagbenga Flower Festival (February-March) with street dancing and floral displays, though expect peak crowds and 50% higher prices. The Strawberry Festival (March) in nearby La Trinidad offers farm visits and local products. Adventure seekers should visit November-December for clear mountain views and optimal hiking conditions. Digital nomads favor January-February for cooler working temperatures, while budget travelers find June-August offers the best deals despite occasional rain. Avoid Holy Week (March-April) when domestic tourism peaks and prices soar 70%.