Need a break from the beach? Why not explore a sprawling mountain city that is beloved by foodies, art-lovers, and more tranquil travelers. Also called the City of Pines, Baguio receives the freshest and cheapest fruits and vegetables from surrounding valleys that are yours for the taking in its lively city market and, not to mention, its quirky restaurants and coffee shops.

Intro to Baguio

A Soulful Escape to the Mountain City of Pines 

Religious Spots in Baguio

Baguio City: From Rubble to Retreat-Destination

Let Baguio’s Pine Trees Embrace You in a Nature Trek!

Baguio City

When in the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”,  it’s only fitting to go to the large city market section filled to the brim with stalls selling anything from fresh vegetables and fruits to the most interesting street food, from quality roasted coffee beans to the iconic ube jam or peanut brittle, from the catch of the day from neighboring coastal towns to sun-dried fish for frying… The Baguio City Public Market is definitely an interesting experience to add to your Baguio trip!

**What to expect**

One of the best ways to get to know a local culture is through their food products. A visit to the Baguio City Public Market is a peek into the lives of locals not just of Baguio, but also in surrounding areas. Walking through and seeing the wealth of produce available, you can imagine the fields of strawberries of La Trinidad and the vast farms of lettuce and other veggies in the mountains of Benguet and Mountain Province. Don’t forget to bring your bayong or large, durable bag for your buys! 

The stalls full of sacks of roasted coffee beans with giant grinders remind us of the Arabica beans introduced by the Spaniards in the 1800s. The wealth of dried fish, big and small, is a reminder of the coastal fishing towns nearby. You’ll also find all sorts of different rice varieties, a testament to the rice farmers in the area and the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces of Banaue. It’s no wonder the Philippines has at least 7 different words for rice! 

This seemingly massive market is divided into wet and dry sections and sells both food, clothes, and even household goods and souvenirs. But it’s easy — and quite fun! — to get lost in the winding alleys lined with tiny stalls. If you do find yourself missing, don’t worry! The locals are friendly and happy to point you to the nearest exit where you’ll find yourself close to the City Hall, Session Road, and Burnham Park — downtown Baguio City.

**Where to experience it**

The Baguio City Public Market is located in downtown Baguio City along Magsaysay Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from Malcolm Square!

If you’re bringing a vehicle, note that parking can be an issue so get ready for a lot of walking and navigating through the winding streets of this mountain metropolis.




Baguio City Public Market

One of the many things we will continue to miss are large festivals and events where people congregate and celebrate. Though this experience may change dramatically everywhere in the world in the years of the pandemic, it’s still important to remember and imagine the bright and lively festivities like the Panagbenga Festival, a month-long celebration of Baguio City’s colorful blooms and culture!

**What to expect**

The Panagbenga a.k.a. or The Baguio Flower Festival is a month-long celebration that lasts from February to March. Fear of missing out? Not to worry because a number of fun and formal events are spread out in the month.  Normally, excited locals and visitors enter the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Burnham Park to watch local performances of dance and live music to kick off the week’s celebrations.

Can’t wait to see all the shows? We’ve got you covered! Start off with the Panagbenga’s main shows which are The Float Parade and The Street Dance Competition — held in the third week of the festival. There are also parades, flower bazaars, landscape competitions, and many other events that you can squeeze into your schedule. Crowds cheering and walking through Session Road and around Burnham Park fill you with energy and the colorful flowers have the spotlight everywhere!

While you’re at it, check out the Session Road in Bloom — a week-long event held in the last week of the festival.

One thing to note when visiting! The main passageway of Baguio City is closed to vehicular traffic during this time to give way to expositions by the food and other hospitality establishments in the city and in the Philippines.

Take this opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as the Session Road becomes an al-fresco dining spot complemented by open-air concerts and performances. 

When it’s the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, you definitely know it! Catchy streamers and glorious flowers are everywhere demanding your attention.

Here’s to wishing we can someday experience this cheerful festival again... Here’s to hoping this celebration of the “season of blooming” that helped lift Baguio’s spirits after the tragic 1990 earthquake can bring hearty smiles to all our faces after the global pandemic.

**Where to experience it**

Various events are located in different venues, but the grand kick-off is usually held in Melvin Jones Grandstand in Burnham Park alongside the flower bazaars. Check the website and social media pages for updates as festivities and venues change every year!


Panagbenga, the Flower Festival

More than just a main thoroughfare for vehicles making their ways through the city, Session Road is also one of the busiest streets for pedestrians--from locals off to work to students on an enjoyable break, and curious visitors on a shopping spree or on a food trip! Grab a coffee with some strawberry shortcake and look out the window to watch throngs of people pass you by after shopping for a bargain at the city’s massive market. There’s no better place to feel the energy of Baguio City than in Session Road!

**What to expect**

Expect to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Baguio City whenever you make your way up (or down!) Session Road. A street full of cars, sidewalk full of people, and buildings lined with shops and restaurants greet you with every step!

If you’re a wise shopper in search for a bargain, Session Road has a shopping complex you’d love to explore. Plus, it’s just a stone's throw away from the Baguio City Market where you can buy the freshest produce for cheap!

If you’re a foodie looking for the most delectable dishes, Session Road has anything from sweets to sizzling plates, and even vegetarian restaurants to cater to whatever you crave. Truly, this street and this experience is a mustn’t-miss when in Baguio!

**Where to experience it**

Session Road is situated in downtown Baguio City, starting at the foot of Luneta Hill Drive and down to the People’s Park or otherwise known as Malcolm Square. Burnham Park is right next door, too, in case you want to mount a picnic, take a quick nap, or row a boat in its lagoon!



Session Road

**What to expect**

Burnham Park has a number of interesting clusters you can enjoy! You can rent a colorful rowboat and paddle around the large lagoon in the center of the park. You should also explore the different flora of the Cordillera region in Igorot Park, the Orchidarium, a Rose Garden, or an area showcasing the Pine Trees of the World! 

Hungry? Order out and go for a quick picnic in the Picnic Grove! Itching for some exercise? There’s a skating rink and a track and field facility with an archery range called Athletic Bowl for you! There’s so, so much you can do in Burnham Park — plus it’s surrounded by must-try restaurants and cafes you can easily walk to.

Did you know that during their occupation of the Philippines, the Americans were so overwhelmed by the tropical heat that they decided to make Baguio City their summer vacation spot? Daniel Burnham, the architect behind New York City’s Flatiron Building, was named Baguio’s urban planner and set to work in designing this mountain resort town.

Though many of Daniel Burnham’s designs for Baguio never came to fruition, thankfully this wonderful park filled with various gardens and sports areas was made reality!

**Where to experience it**

Burnham Park Reservation is situated in downtown Baguio City, southeast of Baguio City Hall. The City Hall and iconic Session Road are just a few minutes walk from this lovely park!


Burnham Park Reservation

Baguio is now known to have a thriving art scene, which bloomed in the city during the seventies. But even before the art-boom, weaves and wooden carvings have already been part of the Cordillera culture! Learn about the native tribes of the Cordillera region and marvel at how their art has evolved in the Tam-awan Village.

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/31284/1603952901-bugnay-gallery-11.jpg)


**What to expect**

The Cordillera Region is the largest in the Philippines and quite unique, being the only land-locked area in the country of over 7,000 islands! Known for its mountain ranges, the Cordillera region is also home to nine ethno-linguistic groups or tribes. At the Tam-awan Village, you learn about their unique culture and way of life!

Whether transported from other villages or constructed with the local and traditional materials, the various wooden huts in Tam-awan Village shows you the similarities and differences of the various tribes and gives you a glimpse into their simple life. You can even book a night in a hut and experience the tribal life in the Philippine mountains!

For art enthusiasts, the village has an art gallery named “Bugnay” that showcases the colorful creations of local artists. You might even be able to get yourself painted during your visit! You can also sip a cup of local brew in their coffee shop and marvel at the lush view.

It may be important to note that Tam-awan is an open-air village so it is not advisable to visit during the rainy season… unless you have your rain gear ready!

**How to get there**

Tam-awan Village is a 15 to 20 minute drive from Baguio’s city center, located in a barangay named Pinsao Proper.



Tam-awan Village

Take off from the chartered city of Baguio and venture into La Trinidad, the capital of the Benguet Province. A stretch of flat land full of produce and — of course! — strawberry fields, La Trinidad is a charming snapshot of life in a mountain town in the Philippines! 

**What to expect when you’re there**

La Trinidad was named after the wife of the Spanish conquistador, Commandante de Galvey who was the first Spaniard to get a foothold on the Cordillera region in 1846, after years of failed attempts. This precious spot of fertile land was made the capital of Benguet Province to this day.

If you are to ask locals about La Trinidad today, they would probably point you to the strawberry fields. Highly uncommon in the Philippines, these strawberries are sought-after and incorporated into many desserts and dishes in Baguio’s many restaurants. Even the traditional taho is given a strawberry twist by the street vendors! All these delicious red berries are from La Trinidad’s Strawberry Farm, where you can go on a quick tour and pick your own delightful fruits!

Another landmark sight in La Trinidad? The colorful houses of the StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork, made up of the Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap Sitios in Barangan Balili. The community and a number of volunteers painted almost 200 houses with colorful colors, to give the hillside an iconic pop!

**How to get there**

La Trinidad is a 30 minute car ride from Baguio City. There are buses, jeepneys, and tour operators that ply this route



La Trinidad

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