Baguio City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Filipinos love visiting this place because of its cool climate, stunning views, affordable food, and rich culture and heritage. Our team regularly travels this beautiful city in the mount; thus, we created the Ultimate Baguio Itinerary Travel Guide.
Post Updated: January 8, 2023:Β We added minor updates to this post, such as the link for the accredited travel and tour agencies, new itinerary suggestions, and details about the upcoming Panagbenga Flower Festival 2023. Always remember to travel safely and be safe!
Baguio City: Basic Information and Brief History
Baguio is a highly-urbanized city located in the province of Benguet. It is also known as theΒ Summer Capital of the PhilippinesΒ due to its chilly environment all year round. The city sits 4810 feet (1466 meters) above sea level, and its location is conducive to cultivating different root crops and vegetables.
Baguio City is also abundant in history. During the American Colonial Period in the 1900s, the US Military used Baguio as a hill station. Daniel Burnham, an urban designer, plans the whole city’s distinct layout. Unfortunately, during World War II, the Japanese attacked Camp John Hay, turning the city into ruins.
Right now, Baguio City is one of the most famous tourist spots in the country. But, who could imagine this mountainous city has a lot of historical moments that shaped the Philippines today?
Baguio Travel Requirements 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected tourism not just in the Philippines but also around the world. Tourism is one of the economic sources of Baguio City, dramatically influencing people’s livelihood. In fact, Baguio City is one of the best-performing cities in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, the locals adhere to regulations and safety measures to re-open the city again to tourists. Currently, Baguio City has lifted some of its travel restrictions with a few exceptions that travelers need to follow.
Requirements and Steps
If you wish to visit Baguio City, here are the requirements that you need to fulfill:
- Create aΒ Baguio Visita AccountΒ atΒ http://visita.baguio.gov.ph/
- Enter the details needed and upload your valid ID and latest ID picture on the website. Schedule a visit, and enter travel and accommodation details if you have one.
- COVID Test Requirements:
- Test Before TravelΒ – a negative RT-PCR Test is needed within 72 hours before the visit. Upload a copy of the results on the Baguio Visita Website and bring a hard copy on your visit for validation.
- Fully Vaccinated VisitorsΒ – No need for a recent COVID Test.
- Wait within 24 hours, and you will receive an email confirmation from Baguio Visita Team. You will also receive aΒ QR-code Tourist Pass (QTP). Always keep a copy of your QR code on your phone. You can also print your QR code, whichever is more convenient for you.
What to Do Upon Arrival to Baguio City
Here are the steps and things to do once you arrive in the city of Pines:
- For holders of Yellow QTP: Proceed toΒ Triage upon arrival. There areΒ two triage locations in the city:
- CAP Convention Center John Hay Triage (Open 8 am to 5 pm)
- Baguio Convention Center Triage (Open 24 hours)
- For holders of Blue QTP:Β Proceed to your hotel accommodation for document verification.
It is essential to keep your QTP with you at all times. You need to present your QTP in the following:
- Checkpoints
- Hotels
- Tourism Establishments
- Tourist spots
Safety Standards in Baguio City
Our blog’s tagline during this time of the pandemic isΒ Travel Safe. Be Safe. We encouraged everyone to be responsible tourists. Please respect and follow the following safety standards of Baguio City.
- Wear a face mask and face shield
- Maintain physical distancing
- Wash or sanitize hands always
- If possible, avoid crowded places.
Baguio Accredited Travel and Tours Agency
For a seamless travel experience in Baguio City, we recommend contacting a Baguio-accredited travel agency or tour guide before your visit. You can access the list of accredited travel agencies and tour guides through this link: https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/explore/6. The local government recommends contacting a tour guide or travel agency before your visit.
Baguio Itinerary
It is important to have a planned itinerary for every vacation. This is vital for everyone to experience a seamless and hassle-free trip. Exploring Baguio City is easy. With proper planning, we can visit the cityβs best spots efficiently. This section will feature several itineraries that will fit your needs.
Update: January 8, 2023: These itineraries are designed for DIY purposes. You can still check out these itineraries, which will give you an idea of where to go and what to visit in Baguio City. Again, contacting a travel and tours agency is highly recommended before visiting this beautiful city. Please see the link above for the complete list of accredited travel and tours agency.
Baguio Itinerary 1 Day: Exploring East Side Only
This itinerary is suitable for a one-day tour. It explores the city’s east side with a mix of chill and adventurous notes. The day will start at the stunning view of the Amburayan Valley in Mines View Park and ends in a relaxed way at Starbucks Camp John Hay.
TIME | ACTIVITY |
0800H β 1200H | Visit and Explore: Mines View Park, Good Shepherd Convent, The Mansion, Wright Park, Baguio Botanical Garden. |
1200H β 1330H | Lunch at Lemon and Olives |
1330H β 1700H | Explore Camp John Hay: Bell House, Bell Amphitheater, Cemetery of Negativism, Secret Garden.
Optional: Tree Top Adventure Chill Out at Starbucks Camp John Hay |
1700H | END |
Check the map below for the location of each tourist spot or restaurant mentioned. The map enumerates the places in chronological order.
Baguio Itinerary 2 Days 1 Night: Exploring Part of Baguio + La Trinidad and Tuba in Benguet
The 2 Days 1 Night Baguio Itinerary explores the tourist spots outside Baguio City with a combination of the previous example. The first day will start at the lusciousΒ Strawberry Farm of La Trinidad in Benguet and will follow a southward fashion. The second day will be similar to the Day Tour Itinerary Sample.
DAY 1 / TIME | ACTIVITY |
0730H β 0900H | Visit and Explore: La Trinidad Strawberry Farm |
0900H β 1100H | Check out Valley of Colors and Bell Church |
1130H β 1300H | Lunch at Good Taste Restaurant |
1330H β 1600H | Visit BenCab Museum and Chill Out or Merienda at CafΓ© Sabel |
1630H β 1800H | Rest time (Accommodation of Choice) |
1830H β 1930H | Dinner at Oh My Gulay at Session Road |
1930H β 2100H | Explore Session Road and Burnham Park |
2100H β 2200H | Shopping at Baguio Night Market |
2200H β 0000H | Chill Out at Baguio Craft Brewery |
0000H | Return to Accommodation |
The map below presents the places to visit in chronological order for Day 1 of the 2D1N Baguio Itinerary. Day 2 is similar to the previous itinerary, so check the last map for reference.
DAY 2 / TIME | ACTIVITY |
0800H β 1200H | Visit and Explore: Mines View Park, Good Shepherd Convent, The Mansion, Wright Park, Baguio Botanical Garden. |
1200H β 1330H | Lunch at Lemon and Olives |
1330H β 1700H | Explore Camp John Hay: Bell House, Bell Amphitheater, Cemetery of Negativism, Secret Garden.
Optional: Tree Top Adventure Chill Out at Starbucks Camp John Hay |
1700H | END |
Baguio Itinerary 3 Days and 2 Nights: Exploring Baguio and Certain Parts of Benguet
This Itinerary explores the popular tourist spots and never seen places in Baguio. The first day of this Baguio Itinerary will explore the outskirts of the city, specifically the elusive CafΓ© in the Sky. The rest of the days will be a combination of the two previous itineraries.
It can be challenging to visit Cafe in the Sky. We suggest being flexible in your itinerary and visiting other city breakfast cafes.
DAY 1 / TIME | ACTIVITY |
0430H β 0900H | Visit CafΓ© in the Sky β Breakfast time and chill out |
0900H β 1000H | Check-in Hotel |
1030H β 1200H | Visit Tam-Awan Village |
1200H β 1330H | Lunch Time at Farmerβs Daughter Restaurant |
1400H β 1530H | Visit Diplomat Hotel |
1600H β 1800H | Chill out at Arcaβs Yard |
1830H β 1930H | Dinner at Habibiβs Grill |
2000H | Return to Accommodation |
The map below features the places to visit for Day 1 of the 3D2N Baguio Itinerary. Kindly check the maps posted above for Days 2 and 3 of this trip.
DAY 2 / TIME | ACTIVITY |
0730H β 0900H | Visit and Explore: La Trinidad Strawberry Farm |
0900H β 1100H | Check out Valley of Colors and Bell Church |
1130H β 1300H | Lunch at Good Taste Restaurant |
1330H β 1600H | Visit BenCab Museum and Chill Out or Merienda at CafΓ© Sabel |
1630H β 1800H | Rest time (Accommodation of Choice) |
1830H β 1930H | Dinner at Oh My Gulay at Session Road |
1930H β 2100H | Explore Session Road and Burnham Park |
2100H β 2200H | Shopping at Baguio Night Market |
2200H β 0000H | Chill Out at Baguio Craft Brewery |
0000H | Return to Accommodation |
DAY 3 / TIME | ACTIVITY |
0800H β 1200H | Visit and Explore: Mines View Park, Good Shepherd Convent, The Mansion, Wright Park, Baguio Botanical Garden. |
1200H β 1330H | Lunch at Lemon and Olives |
1330H β 1700H | Explore Camp John Hay: Bell House, Bell Amphitheater, Cemetery of Negativism, Secret Garden.
Optional: Tree Top Adventure Chill Out at Starbucks Camp John Hay |
1700H | END |
These are our sample itineraries. We have used these itineraries in Baguio City for the last five years, and we hope this information will guide you in planning your next Baguio City Getaway. Now that you know our itineraries, it’s time to see our recommended hotels, restaurants, and other tourist spots in this marvelous city.
Best Hotel in Baguio
When choosing your accommodation, you must consider your budget and preferences. We are here to explore Baguio, not to hit the sack all day in our hotel room. Thatβs why a cheap yet comfortable room is enough. So please take a look at our recommended hotels and stays in Baguio.
Our Choice: Microtel by Wyndham Baguio City
This is our favorite hotel in Baguio City. Microtel is a three-star hotel that provides outstanding comfort and service to its guest. What we like the most about this place is its location. Microtel is located beside Victory Liner Bus Station and is also accessible to different tourist spots in the city. They also have a complimentary breakfast buffet included in the room package.
Microtelβs rates are slightly expensive, and their standard deluxe room costs around PHP 4,000 a night. But with Agoda, you can book a room online at discounted rates of up to 50% off.Β Click this link to see the discounted rates in Microtel.
Best Restaurants in Baguio
Baguio City is also best when it comes to food trips. Most restaurants here offer big servings at an affordable price. The servings are so huge that you can share them with your friends and family. Here are five of our recommended restaurants and cafes that you should try:
- Good Taste RestaurantΒ – Best 24-Hour Restaurant. This food place offers a variety of Filipino Cuisine with huge servings at an affordable price!
- Oh, My Gulay!Β – An artsy place and restaurant located at the heart of Session Road in Baguio.
- 50’s DinerΒ – Travel back to the 50s and enjoy the food of the American Era.
- Baguio Craft BreweryΒ – Chill at night and have a glass of the best-tasting crafted beers in the city.
- Lemon and OlivesΒ – The First Greek Restaurant in Baguio City!
For more details and a complete list of our recommended food places in Baguio,Β check out our trending post: Where to Eat in Baguio.Β In this article, we listed the 20 best restaurants and cafes in Baguio, so check it out.
Places to Visit in Baguio
Baguio City has many tourist attractions that are great for family bonding or spending time with friends. You will surely enjoy exploring these places while savoring the city’s cold climate. Here are five tourist spots you can visit in Baguio City:
- Burnham Park
- Baguio Cathedral
- Camp John Hay
- Mines View Park
- Tam-Awan Village
For more details and a list, you can check our 10 Baguio Tourist Spots to Visit article. Itβs a trending article that you should read, and it can also help you plan your vacation in Baguio City.
Other Information
When is the Best Month to Visit Baguio City?
It is best to visit Baguio during December, January, and February. These periods are also the most congested since travelers all over the country want to experience a pleasant cool climate. Furthermore, February is the annual festival month ofΒ the Panagbenga Flower Festival. This year, the flower festival will be celebrated from February 1 to March 5, 2023.
Visiting Baguio City during March, April, and May are also good, but it will be a little warmer than the previous months. Avoid visiting Baguio City from September to November due to heavy rains, and some major highways are impassable because of the increased risk of landslides.
Any additional travel tips in Baguio City?
- One important keyword:Β Follow. Follow your itinerary, the city’s safety standards, and the travel and tour agency.
- Bring your jackets. The night is colder than you think, and wearing a jacket is an added layer of protection against the city’s cold climate.
- Always keep yourself hydrated. Baguio City is a high-altitude city, and you might experience altitude sickness if you explore the place on foot. Always bring a water bottle with you to avoid getting altitude sickness.
- Always bring a small bag. In traveling, you might bring a big 30L to 40L backpack full of clothes and things you need for the following days of your trip. Of course, you will not be getting your heavy bags with you during the tour. Keep your main bag in your hotel room or accommodation. Bringing a small bag helps explore the city without the excess weight.
- Reservations are king. Itβs better to reserve things in advance before any trip or activity. Many travelers visit the city daily, and full accommodation is a common problem. Always book your accommodation in advance, itβs better this way than letting yourselves stay in the street braving the cold night.
- Have an open mind and be responsible. We are all visitors to this place, be sensitive and respect their culture, values, and norms. Avoid throwing trash and be responsible.
- If you wish to contact any tourism officials in Baguio City, you can visit their tourism Facebook page at:Β https://www.facebook.com/baguiotourism/.
Did you find this post helpful? Please share it with your friends, and let us know in the comments section for any updates and suggestions for this post. This post was initially written by Blaine Lucero on February 7, 2019. Updated by Blaine Lucero on January 8, 2023.
25 Comments. Leave new
So detailed. Btw, may we ask how much is the estimated amount for the itinerary of 3 days and 2 nights? Thank you so much!
Hi Belle, for a group of 4 people. The estimated budget would be around PHP 2000 to PHP 3000 per head.
Very helpful and detailed information indeed. Thank you so much. Do you have any updates to these places as of now in 2022? My family is planning to spend Christmas in Baguio City.
Hi Christine,
I’m glad that we’re able to help! Enjoy your trip! π
Thanks a lot this is rly helpful! Hope you can update this for the Christmas season if you have time.
Hi Queeni, just hang in there. We will post the updated itineraries by the end of this week. Thanks!
Thank you for updating this and for creating itineraries we can follow.
It’s our pleasure! Our team is at Baguio City right now and we will update this post even further in the coming weeks. Stay safe always!
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Baguio is the most beautiful place to visit in Philippines. I like it so much and thanks for sharing the detailed information which was really very helpful. Thank you and keep posting!
Glad you like our post and thank you as well for the motivating words. ππ
Your blogs and vlogs are very informative and not boring. Keep eating guys! π
Hello Pheng! Thank you! Your kind words encouraged us to do better for the blog. God bless! ^_^
I love the part you mentioned Baguio having bigger servings that’s very helpful. This was a great and informative read!
Thank you so much for visiting our blog. I’m glad to know that you find our content helpful. ^_^
Hi is there entrance fee in Secret garden ?
Want to avail this tour, asking for assistance and contact details?
Thank you for visiting our blog Andy. We are not offering tours. This post serves as a guide for DIY travelers and if you need a travel and tours company to help you in your Baguio Vacation, I can recommend one.
Thank you! I’ve booked a solo 7-day trip to Baguio and I honestly don’t know where to go. This itinerary helps a lot!
It’s our pleasure Reeseruna. I hope you had a wonderful trip ^_^
Strawberry ice cream is really something that no one should miss when visiting La Trinidad farms.
Di ko knows yung Cogcoga. Akala ko bundok lang nandoon.
It was an unexpected turn haha. We discovered a high-altitude community filled with joyous and enthusiastic people π
Baguio will always be my second favorite city after Legazpi City, Albay where I grew up.
Nakakatuwa kasi Good Taste din ang una kong hinahanap pagbaba ko pa lang ng bus sa VLiner. Fresh and generous!
Nakacheck in na din ako sa Bed and Bath kaso I really don’t prefer dormitory styles at di ko bet CR nila. Though it’s cheap and very accessible sa down town.Pero last time we were there to ask tariffs, pogi yung front desk lols!
I went to Legazpi City last 2011, I think it’s time to revisit your home city again π