Known as the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City is one of the places that Filipinos love to visit. In fact, it is an ideal destination for short weekend trip. While in the City of Pines, make sure that you find the time to visit the best tourist spots. Here are just some of the places that you should visit:
- Mines View Park
Located in the northeastern outskirts of Baguio City, this park gives a great view of the mining town of Itogon and Amburayan Valley. It is the viewing deck that makes Mines View Park one of Baguio City’s best tourist spots. Take the time to the scenic mountain ridges and the cool wind. While at Mines View, you can buy souvenir items at their local shops, have your picture taken while clad in native Igorot costumes, or throw a couple of coins in the wishing well and make a wish.
- Good Shepherd Convent
Just a stone’s throw away from Mines View Park is the Good Shepherd Convent. This place is not only one of city’s best tourist spots; it is also the place where you can find the best delicacies. Available for sale are the very famous ube jam, peanut brittle, fruit preserves and homemade bread among others.
- Valley of Colors
The Valley of Colors is inspired from the Favela Painting in Rio De Janeiro and was spearheaded by the local government with the main purpose of boosting tourism in the area. This colorful hillside community is located in La Trinidad, Benguet. While this tourist spot is not located within Baguio City, the trip will be worth it.
- La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
After visiting the Valley of Colors, you can proceed to the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm which is home to the best strawberries in the country. Tagged as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, you can experience strawberry picking for only P450 per kilogram. The farmers will teach and assist you in harvesting your own produce.
- Tam-Awan Village
Built by Baguio City’s local artists, Tam-Awan Village is a cultural village and an art center. It was built to preserve and bring closer to tourists the culture of the Cordilleras. The major attractions in the village are their art galleries, authentic nipa huts, café, cultural shows and workshops. For a full Igorot experience, you can opt to say in their nipa huts for P500 a day.
- BenCab Museum
Located in Tuba, Benguet, the BenCab Museum houses different forms of contemporary art and preserves the environment and cultural heritage of the Cordilleras. One of the best tourist spots to visit, the BenCab Museum is located on a promontory of rainforests and mountains and has its own coffee shop.
- Camp John Hay
This tourist spot was once a military base for the United States Armed Forces. The whole base is populated with pine trees and popular tourist spots include the Bell House which is a resting place of US commanders during the early 1900s, Bell amphitheater, History Trail, Secret Garden and Cemetery of Negativism. Thrill seekers must visit Tree Top Adventure which offers exciting activities like the zip line, free fall, trekking and rides.
- Baguio Cathedral
The Baguio Cathedral, or the Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, is a historic structure located near the busy Session Road. The two-spired cathedral is well known because it is covered with pink paint.
- Burnham Park
The Burham Park Reservation is a historic landmark located in downtown Baguio City. It is named after Daniel Burnham, an American urban planner and architect who designed the entire Baguio City. There are many activities you can indulge in while at Burham Park like sail a boat in the artificial lake of the park, try delicious street foods, buy delicacies or just stroll around the park.
- Baguio Night Market
The latest addition to Baguio City’s best tourist spot is the Night Market along Harrison Road. AT 9 pm, a portion of Harrison Road comes to life and starts being filled with thrift shops and stores. Items that are for sale in the Night Market include bags, footwear, clothing, digital accessories, souvenir items and even kitchenware.
These are just some of Baguio City’s best tourist spots and if you have more time on your hands, you should be able to discover even more.
