It comes as no surprise that Baguio is a popular destination for vacations or even as a quick escape from the city's concrete jungles.
Even if you only have a weekend to enjoy what the Summer Capital has to offer, it's never too short. Here's an itinerary of what you can do!
HOW TO GET THERE
BUS
Today, there are several bus stations that go directly to Baguio. From Metro Manila alone, there are 6 bus liners with around 4 stations. A bus trip usually takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic. Price tickets range P445-P760.
To make the most out of your weekend, I recommend leaving Manila after midnight. This will save you a lot of travel time since there will be less traffic. Choose the non-regular bus type that does not have any stops to save up to 2 hours of travel time. (Don't worry, there's a CR inside the bus!).
TIP: The First Class Deluxe Victory Liner Bus at the Pasay terminal leaves at 1:15 AM!
For a truly VIP experience, the Genesis Transport's JoyBus Premiere Bus is your best bet. This luxury 28-seater bus boasts lazy boy recliner seats plus a personal touchscreen LCD monitor with movies, games, and music, and Wi-Fi! We recommend taking the 3:30AM bus at the Pasay terminal. Book in advance, because this slot fills up quick!
PRIVATE CAR
A private car’s travel time is usually much shorter with around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. Just like if you're traveling by bus, leave Manila after midnight to avoid traffic.
GETTING AROUND IN BAGUIO
Taxi cabs and jeepneys are the main modes of transportation in Baguio. You can find taxi cabs anywhere and you will find that the rates are much cheaper than those from Metro Manila. The drivers are also kind and accommodating; you will never have to worry about drivers not giving back the change!
If you’re planning on using the Grab app, Grab drivers often times don’t really use the app and you will have better chances of getting a taxi by hailing one yourself.
Jeepneys, of course, are the more affordable option with fares that start at P8.50. Similar to taxi cabs, you can find jeepneys almost anywhere and their routes cover tourist destinations as well.
However, Baguio City is a walking city. You can access a lot of places just by going around yourself. Traffic is a growing problem in the city, so if you think you can get to a certain destination on your own, opt for the more scenic route.
DAY 1
7AM - Arrive at Baguio
7:30-8:30AM – Get breakfast at Little John’s
While the ribs are the main attraction, not a lot of people know that their breakfast options are just as crave-worthy.
Insider Notes:
- Located in the Commissary of Camp John Hay
- Best for families
- Serves both Filipino and Continental dishes
- Try their signature Baguio Longganisa
- They have crayons and sketchpads that you can draw while you wait for your orders
Budget:
P150-200 per person
Little John's
Commissary, Camp John Hay
Baguio
Daily, 7:30 AM to 8PM
10AM - Tap into your adventurous side at Tree Top Adventure
Go on a thrilling nature trip that's jam-packed with outdoor activities of all sorts.
Insider Notes:
- Zip lining, treetop climbs, and cable car rides are available
- Perfect for families and team building
- Prices per ride range from P100-300
- Outdoor Adventure packages of 2-4 rides each ranges from P400-900
Budget:
P100-900 per person
Tree Top Adventure
Loakan Road, Camp John Hay
Baguio
Daily, 8AM to 5PM
12NN – Lunch at Everything Nice
This café restaurant serves comfort food, cakes, and coffee in a homey setting.
Insider Notes:
- Their cassava cake is their best-selling dessert (you can even bring home a box!)
- Their version of Baguio Longganisa is also a must-try
Budget:
P200-300 per person
Everything Nice
Ayala Technohub, Camp John Hay
Daily, 7AM - 10PM
2:30 PM – Rest and picture taking at The Manor at Camp John Hay
The No. 1 hotel in Baguio it sits right at the center of one of the City of Pines' most iconic tourist destinations.
Insider Notes:
- Visit the Manor’s garden area where they have a playground and lawn chairs
- Prefer something more active? Go for a jog or scenic walk along the Yellow Trail
- Or, opt to visit some of Camp John Hay's Historical Core that includes Cemetary of Negativism, Bell Ampitheater, and Bell House
Budget:
P60 (Entrance Fee)
The Manor at Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay, Loakan Road, Baguio City
(02) 584 4911
(02) 584 4892
3:45 pm – Coffee at Picarre
This Instagram-worthy become the neighborhood joint for those in search of good coffee and comfort food.
Insider Notes:
- Their coffee is local & freshly brewed
- They also serve Italian cuisine such as pasta & pizza
Budget:
P300–400 per person
Picarre
Outlook Drive, Baguio
Daily, 10AM to 10PM
5PM – Pasalubong Shopping at Good Shepherd Convent
A trip to Baguio won't be complete without buying pasalubong here.
Insider Notes:
- Best known for their strawberry and ube jam, crinkles, and snow balls
- Buying directly from Good Shepherd helps pay for the tuition fee of scholars
- There's also a view deck with a gorgeous view of the Cordillera range that's perfect fo for picture-taking
Budget:
P200 – P500
Good Shepherd
Gibraltar Road
Daily, 8AM to 5PM
6PM – Tourist Mode at Mines View Park
You won't run out of things to do at this popular tourist haven.
Insider Notes:
- The best thing to do in Mines View Park is to watch the Cordillera mountain range
- There are different activities in Minesview such as eating street food, taking selfies with the horses, trying on the traditional costume, and trying your luck at the wishing well
Budget:
P50-100
Mines View Park
Daily, 5AM to 8PM
7:45 PM – Dinner at Hill Station
This restaurant is one of the most famous establishments in Baguio. Savor fine dining specialties that blend Old World Europe and New World America flavors.
Insider Notes:
- Their desserts and coffee are the best way to end the dinner
- If you’re looking to kill time, there is also a cinematheque featuring local film and Mt. Cloud’s bookshop featuring local authors
Budget:
P300-500 per person
Hill Station
Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio
(0915) 829 2166
Monday-Friday, 7AM - 11PM
Saturday- Sunday, 6:30AM - 11PM
9 PM – Relax at North Haven Spa
Reward your tired body at this spa that highlights Cordilleran culture and tradition. Best of all, it's located right next to Hill Station!
Insider Notes:
- Try their indigenous massage and body scrubs
- They make use of local products such as strawberries, coffee, and rice
Budget:
P500-600 per person
North Haven Spa
Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio
(074) 300 5022
Daily, 1PM to 1AM
12 AM – Ukay-ukay shopping at the Night Market
One man's trash is another man's treasure. Shop for unique secondhand clothing and locally-made goods at this night market that stretches out along Harrison Road.
Insider Notes:
- Bring a flashlight
- Be careful of your bags as people often get pickpocketed here
Budget:
P200-500
Baguio Night Market
Harrison Road, Benguet, Baguio
9PM - 2PM
DAY 2
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Café by the Ruins Dua
This is the second branch of the well-loved Café by the Ruins that was hit by fire last April. Just like the original, it is decorated with Baguio art installations. However, there are noticeable differences, such as the second floor and open kitchen.
Did you know that 'dua' is the Ilocano word for number two?
Insider Notes:
- Known best for their bread and pastries like strawberry shortcake
- Also try their teas as they are fresh
Budget:
P220-300 per person
Café by the Ruins Dua
225 Upper Session Road, Baguio
Daily, 7AM to 9PM
10:00 AM – Get artsy at BenCab Museum
This 4-story building is where you can appreciate the personal collection of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (or BenCab for short).
Insider Notes:
- There is also an eco-trail located at the bottom floor of the museum
- Picture-taking is welcome
- There are guided tours for the museum too
Budget:
P150-500 per person
BenCab Museum
6 Asin Road, Tuba, 2602, Benguet
(074) 442 7165
Tuesdays - Sundays, 9AM - 6PM
11:30 AM – Early Lunch at Café Sabel
Located inside BenCab Museum, this cozy café provides both a closed and alfresco setting to enjoy fresh food and coffee. Ingredients are sourced fresh daily from BenCab's organic farm.
Insider Notes:
- Try their Bencab’s Chicken Paprika pasta
- You can also buy their homemade jams, chocolate, and atchara
- Their signature coffee blend is sourced from the farm's coffee trees
Budget:
P250 per person
1PM - Buy woodcrafts at Ifugao Woodcarvers’ Village
Tiny figurines and practical furnishings are just some of the souvenirs you can find here.
Budget:
P50-500 per person
Ifugao Woodcarvers’ Village
Asin Road, Baguio
2:30PM - Spend an afternoon outdoors at Burnham Park
People from all walks of life go to Burnham Park to enjoy some outdoor recreation.
Insider Notes:
- What can you do for free? Jog, walk, stretch, or lay out a mat and simply just people watch
- Don't forget to check out the Rose Garden (no entrance fee required)
- For a bit of exercise, rent out one of the swan boats or bikes
Budget: P30-P150 per person
4PM – Merienda and More Art Appreciation at Oh My Gulay!
Hit two birds with one stone at this vegetarian restaurant that also houses an art space.
Insider Notes:
- For food, they also serve vegan cuisine
- This is the brain child of Kidlat Tahimik so this cafe is full of creativity
Budget:
P250-300 per person
Oh My Gulay!
108, Session Rd
Baguio, 2600 Benguet
Sunday-Monday, 11AM - 7PM
Tuesday-Thursday, 11AM - 8PM
Friday-Saturday, 11AM - 9PM
5:30PM - Early dinner at Chaya
This homey restaurant is a go-to place for visitors and locals who are craving Japanese.
Insider Notes:
- Make sure to try their Negi Toro Maki
Budget:
P300 per person
Chaya
72 Legarda Road
Barangay Campo Sioco, Baguio
(074) 424 4726
Daily, 10AM to 8:30 PM
7PM - Head back to Manila
BY BUS
Victory Liner
Victory Liner's last Regular bus bound for Metro Manila (Pasay terminal) is 6PM.
Check bus schedules here
Genesis
Genesis' JoyBus Executive Buses have buses scheduled for Metro Manila (Pasay and Cubao) terminals every hour from 7PM onwards. Their Premier Bus has a 9PM slot for both terminals.
Check bus schedules here
Planning a trip to Baguio? Get more inspiration from our Travel Guide for a list of things to See, Eat, and Do in Baguio! Check out our other exclusive partner resorts in Baguio.
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