2019 BAGUIO CITY TRIP GUIDE : Interesting Spots and Things to Do plus Where to Eat and Where to Stay

Baguio has a wide array of destinations and experiences to enjoy these days. There are parks and views to behold, sweets and treats to try, and a whole exciting adventure for you. And of course, every vacation is not complete without all of your family members to keep you company. After all, it's true what they say; the more the merrier!

See the StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork of Barangay Balili in La Trinidad, Benguet

A colorful experience awaits you in this giant artwork famously called as the Valley of Colors, a view made from houses that are situated on Benguet's hillside. The artwork of this place can be viewed from the hanging bridge, which connects to the bright houses. Or, it can also be marveled through the waiting shed, which is also a dropping point for most tourists. “StoBoSa” stands for “Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap”, the three sitios in Barangay Balili that make up this beautiful valley of colors. This sight to behold is, more or less, 20-minute ride from Baguio City center.

StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork, a sight to behold

StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork

Visit the vegetable and strawberry farms at La Trinidad, Benguet

La Trinidad's climate is perfect for producing the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season. The strawberry capital provides the juiciest strawberries that you can pick out yourself. The farmers also grow various vegetables such as pechay and broccoli. It is truly a memorable experience to pick the fresh crops on your own and have the pleasure of tasting them as you do. La Trinidad is more or less 40-minute ride from Baguio City.

Aerial shot of La Trinidad Farms

Explore the Tam-awan Village

Here, you can see how the Cordilleran influence has been preserved through the landscapes, paintings, and cultural performances. Grab the chance to stay in the Cordilleran Huts that are authentically crafted to show the beauty of nature and our indigenous tribes. There is also a café that serves food with local crops and homegrown ingredients. You can also get in touch with your artistic side by joining a workshop class that can teach you Oil Pastel, Wood Carving, Portrait making, and Dream Catcher Making.

Cultural performance at Tam-awan Village

Check the Art Collections at BenCab Museum

This museum is the home of the art collection of National Artist, Ben Cabrera. The very highlight of this museum is that the works are dedicated to creating a feeling of authentic Baguio. You can visit the place from 9 am to 6 pm, on any day of the week, except during Christmas day and New Year's day

Some of the works of the National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts, Ben Cabrera

Visit the Baguio Museum

There is no better place to witness Baguio’s rich history and cultural heritage other than Baguio Museum. With its architecture inspired by Ifugao homes, the eye-catching museums contain tribal artifacts, educational dioramas, and architectural models that make you appreciate the city even more. 

The Baguio Museum

Pieces of sculptures depicting Cordillera's rich culture. Baguio Museum

Visit the Diplomat Hotel

If you're a thrill-seeker, you may want to visit this sinister, unsettling hotel with a haunted past. Diplomat hotel was originally a retreat house for friars, but it later turned into a massacre house filled with raped and tortured priests and nuns. It was turned into a hotel in 1970 but was later abandoned into a deteriorating building, where unsettled spirits and headless ghosts roam.

Inside the haunted Diplomat Hotel of Baguio

Aerial shot of Baguio's Diplomat Hotel

Visit the biggest Ten Commandments Structure

This travel spot has secured a record in Guinness World Records for being the largest structure with the Bible's Ten Commandments carved into it. The A-shaped prayer building is placed close to the Diplomat Hotel to drive the bad spirits and ghosts away.

The biggest Ten Commandments structure located in Baguio City

Visit the Baguio Cathedral

The breathtaking church also called Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, is one of Baguio's landmarks. It can be found in the heart of the city, right on top of a hill. It's majestic architecture with intricate designs and mesmerizing decorations make it stand out from other cathedrals in the Philippines.

The Baguio Cathedral

Shop at the night market

The city is still alive during the night! Be sure to swing by Harrison Road Night Market where the numerous stalls to bargain ukay-ukay products, local accessories and artifacts, and souvenir items.

Food stalls at Harrison Road during the night market

Harrison Road of Baguio at night

Experience Thrilling Games at Locked In

Locked In is the city's first-ever escape room. Bring your friends and family as you solve puzzles and mysteries that will show you the way out of the room. This thrilling activity will make your hearts race and wake your brain up! Can you escape before time runs out?

Buy fresh veggies, fruits, and pasalubongs at Baguio Market

No trip is complete without getting the best pasalubongs at Baguio City Public Market. This place offers a vast selection of rice, coffee, vegetables, sweet treats, and weaved items. The market is near Burnham Park, right in the middle of the city

Baguio City Public Market

Buy Ube Jam and pasalubongs at Mountain Maid

The Good Sheperd Sisters is made up of men, women, and student workers who produce your favorite Mountain Maid pasalubongs. With every purchase of their famous jams, peanut products, and candies, you can help send their workers to school.

WHERE TO EAT

Secret Garden

#34 Paterno St., South Drive, Baguio City 

Nothing beats the taste of home. Luckily, Secret Garden is a place of hearty meals and a homey ambiance. If you're craving for comfort food, try their pasta, rice, and pizza dishes. Their location may be a little hard to find in South Drive, but their meals are truly a gem worth finding. 

Secret Garden's Avocado Salad

Secret Garden's Shrimp Broccoli Pasta and Pesto Pasta  

Lemon and Olives  Greek Taverna

#26 Outlook Dr S, Baguio City 

If you’re feeling romantic for the night, then this restaurant is a must-try. The country-house designed place offers authentic Greek cuisine that will take all your stress away. Along with its cozy interior are favorites like Baklava, Pita Hummus, Greek cheese, Greek salads, kebabs, and gyros. 

Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna's Salad

Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna's Beef Kebab

Kuya J at Azalea Hotel and Residences 

Ground Floor Azalea Hotel and Residences #7 Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City

Located on the ground floor of Azalea Baguio, this buffet breakfast brings satisfaction and convenient hotel dining. The restaurant proved a wide array of food choices that is fit for any type of craving

Kuya J at the ground floor of Azalea Baguio

Craft 1945

#8 Outlook Drive South, Baguio City

Feeling thirsty? No problem. Craft 1945 offers a selection of delicious craft beers and Spanish dishes that go extremely well together. You have to try their Paella Marinara, Kalderetang Baka, and Gambas Aligue.

Craft 1945's light beer

Craft 1945's Kalderetang Baka

Mini pandesal of Craft 1945

Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

San Carlos Heights, Baguio City

Get the best-tasting food along with the view of Baguio City at night as your dinner backdrop. The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes in a place away from urban noise. Take note that this place only serves through pre-order and reservation.

Salmon Pie of Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

Grilled Brazilian rib-eye steak of Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

Tsokolateria

Igorot Stairs, Upper Session Road, Baguio City

Quickly gaining popularity is Tsokolateria, which serves the perfect cup of coffee or choco to combat the cold weather. The place also serves the classic champorado, paired with chicharon and daing/crispy fish. Masarap mag-breakfast dito!

Tsokolateria's Waffle

Tsokolateria's Champorado

Balajadia Kitchenette at the Slaughter House 

Slaughter Compound, Baguio City

If you’re craving warm, savory broth, try the best bulalo in this restaurant! This place offers affordable meals for meat lovers and exotic dishes for those with adventurous taste buds! Try their famous liempo, fried bangus, and tortang talong.

Balajadia Kitchenette's Bulalo

MUST TRY!

Strawberry Taho at La Trinidad Strawberry farms 

With just Php50.00, you can get the famous strawberry taho that contains fresh strawberries, honey, and tapioca balls. Other times, strawberry jam is used to give a more pronounced flavor. You will find several taho vendors around the area of the farm.

Strawberry Taho

Strawberry Ice Cream at La Trinidad Strawberry farms

With the same price as taho, you can beat the heat with Strawberry Ice Cream. Each bite is creaminess and bursts of strawberry chunks that will surely make you satisfied. Ice cream vendors are also abundant around the area of the farm.

Strawberry Ice Cream

WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO CITY

The usual problem with having a big bunch is finding suitable hotel accommodation. Luckily, you don't have to worry anymore with Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio. With its vacation program called Holiday Plan, each family can be sure their needs and wishes are met. This option is available when you book directly with Azalea Baguio and is guaranteed to make you want to stay longer. Here are some of the advantages of this vacation plan:

#1 Cheaper Rates for the Kids

The other hotels would normally follow the policy of the industry to charge a full adult rate for tweeners and teenagers. But, Azalea Baguio have an offer you can't resist. Tweeners (ages 12-14) can enjoy the luxurious stay in their parents' room free of charge. On the other hand, teenagers (ages 15-17) aren't left behind from all the fun because they will be charged half of the Extra Person Rate.

Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio

#2 Big Groups, Big Savings

Big groups with multiple occupants don't have to worry about getting a lot of hotel rooms with this perk. Now, families can avail of holiday apartments with sizeable one, two, and three bedrooms. These rooms are furnished with a dining area and a functional kitchen. Now, you can cook your meals, fresh and hearty, instead of spending a lot in restaurants. The best part is, you'll have all of your loved ones in a shared space!

#3 Sweet Deals with Holiday Boosters

On top of everything Azalea Baguio offered, they got more sweet deals to make your stay worthwhile- Holiday Boosters! For guests availing the Holiday Plan, they can choose to enhance their experience by availing one of these Holiday Boosters:

• Free one extra person
• Free one extra bed
• Free room upgrade to the next premium room
• Use of Driver’s Dormitory
• 10 am early check-in
• 3 pm late check-out

#4 A Shopping Experience near Your Doors

Feeling a little bit lazy to go to the mall and shop for pasalubongs? Don’t sweat! Azalea Hotels and Residences have Goodies by Your Doorstep Service. With this feature, you are sure to get the best handicrafts, souvenirs, goodies, and treats served to your doorstep. You’ll have more time to sit back and relax while the hotel staff makes your shopping experience comfortable and convenient.

#5 More Benefits with Holiday Boosters

Azalea Hotels and Residences want your stay to be enjoyable without hurting your pockets. That’s why, if you call or message them directly, they can make sure that you can get value from your bookings. Upon inquiry, you can be guided through the most budget-friendly pocket rates. You can also request to be placed in the best room of the hotel. 

Enjoying your vacation in Baguio means having a luxurious stay in the Azalea Hotels and Residences. The hotel is conveniently located near Baguio Cathedral and Teachers Camp. They offer rooms that are complete with kitchen, television, safes, desks, and internet for maximum comfort. There is also a restaurant and bar in the hotel proper to make your dining experience accessible. Upon inquiry, you can get special deals and affordable rates. 

For more information, call Azalea Hotels and Residences reservations number at (632) 484-0080, (632) 484 0081, (0917) 861 1641, or (0919) 994 4140. You can also send an Email (reservations@azalea.com) or visit their website at http://www.azaleabaguio.com.

TRAVEL NOTES

• Remember to book your hotel days before your trip to ensure your slot – and cheaper rates!

• Purchase your bus tickets online for easy and fast transactions

• The trip to Baguio may take 4-6 hours depending on traffic. You may want to take some medicine that can help with your motion sickness.

• If you are to buy a lot of products and pasalubongs, be sure to bring your reusable bag to save on plastic consumption

• You will be navigating crowded streets most of the time, so keep your valuables safe!

• It can get really cold in Baguio. Be sure to have the proper clothes for the weather.

• Jeepney, Taxi and GRAB Taxi are the main modes of transportation in Baguio City.

HOW TO GET THERE

Via Bus

Bus companies like Victory Liner and Genesis bus have trips going to Baguio. You can find the Victory Liner Terminal in Cubao (Quezon City), Monumento (Caloocan), and Pasay (EDSA). Genesis bus terminal can be located in Avenida (Doroteo Jose) and Cubao (EDSA).

Private Car

You can reach Baguio via NLEX-SLEX. From Manila, take NLEX and drive to SCTEX until Tarlac City exit. Turn left on that road and keep following signs to MacArthur Highway. Upon reaching this highway, turn right and drive straight to Rosario, La Union. Make a right at Rosario Junction to Kennon Road or take a right at Marcos Highway. Drive straight then you’ll arrive in Baguio soon.

DISCLOSURE: Not all [interesting] spots and things to do in Baguio City are listed here, I just included all these places and activities I personally visited/experienced during the familiarization tour “A Journey of Culture and Flavors” hosted by Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio. Help me in updating this travel guide, please comment down below other interesting spots and things to do in Baguio City. All the reviews and recommendations are fair and based on my personal experiences during this 3-day familiarization tour. 

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