Often touted as not just one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, but also its summer capital, I take a look at if it is actually all it’s cracked up to be in my Street Food Baguio Guide.
In this, I will look at what the city is all about, the best places to stay, eat and drink, the street food Baguio scene, as well as some bits about the city that are frankly a bit rubbish! Here’s The Street Food Guy’s Baguio Guide!
What the Baguio
Baguio is a city in the mountains, around 250 km north of Manila. It sits at 1,540 meters above sea level, which means it’s cooler than most places in the Philippines. With a population of about 350,000, it’s not huge but it gets packed with visitors, especially in the summer. Known for its pine trees and cooler weather, it’s a popular getaway spot for Filipinos.
Traffic here can be a real nightmare even without the tourists, who aside from coming for the coolness also come for the ghosts. Yes, pilgrims, Baguio is the most haunted place in the country and this is very much official.
And as for me, I have personally been visiting Baguio for just over 10 years, and while I truly used to love the place, it is kind of starting to piss me off right now, but more on why later.
Getting in and out of Baguio Guide
Getting in and out of Baguio is relatively straightforward, with a few common routes available. From Manila, buses are the easiest and cheapest option, taking about 4-6 hours. Victory Liner and Genesis Transport operate regular services from the city’s terminals to Baguio, with departures all day. If you’re coming from Angeles, it’s a 3-4 hour bus ride, with options like Victory Liner and Philtranco. The journey from Vigan is a bit longer, taking around 6-7 hours by bus, depending on traffic, with buses from local operators like Partas and Fariñas.
Baguio also serves as the gateway to popular destinations like Sagada and Banaue, well-known for their stunning landscapes and traditional culture.This is also a great starting place if you are heading out to get a Wang Od Tattoo.
Where to sleep in Baguio Guide
If you’re wondering where to sleep in Baguio, you’ve got a few decent choices. The Wydem Hotel is a solid option, offering comfort and convenience right near Burnham Park. It’s got clean rooms, good service, and while not cheap is still not bad value for what you get.
For something a bit more upscale, The Manor at Camp John Hay delivers on both luxury and relaxation. The cool mountain air, cozy rooms, and gorgeous surroundings make it worth the extra cost.
If you’re after a budget-friendly place, Hotel Supreme provides decent rooms and is a bit out of the city center, but it’s still close enough for easy access to everything.
One to skip is Venus Parkview. While its location near Burnham Park is a plus, the rooms are outdated, the service is god-awful and frankly, it is so overpriced it’s not even funny.
Eating in Baguio
The overall food scene in Baguio is pretty good, especially for a city of its size. This is largely due to the fact that its temperate climate makes it ideal for growing fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, enriching what restaurants are able to offer.
There are a few truly top-notch fine dining places within the city (which we will mention below), as well as all the regular Filipino cuisine that you get in the rest of the country. Oh, and do not panic, there is Jollibee, McDonald’s, and even a Shakey’s in the city.
As mentioned, there are also a bunch of fruits grown here, which makes it pretty much the place in the Philippines to buy jam and other fruit based weird Filipino delicacies.
Top 5 Restaurants in Baguio
While there are a lot of restaurants in Baguio, that does not mean they are all great. The following, though, are all decent enough, with the top 3 being excellent.
5) Cafe by the Ruins
Cafe by the Ruins is a Baguio staple, known for its casual vibe and hearty menu. They serve a variety of Filipino dishes like sinigang and ruins salad, along with great coffee. It’s a great spot to grab a bite while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and cool weather.
Address: 25 Shuntug Road, Baguio City, Philippines
4) The Mansion Restaurant
The Mansion Restaurant in Baguio is a solid choice if you’re after good food without the fuss. It serves up a mix of local and Western dishes in a chill setting, with grilled meats, seafood, and Filipino favorites. Perfect if you want tasty food and a nice atmosphere without the pretension.
Address: The Mansion, Baguio City, Philippines
3) Marosan
Located a wee bit up the mountain is this place that is a photo taker’s wet dream! Great viewing decks of the city, a fine bar, and they even do good food here. Top tip is the bird’s nest soup, oh, and having a photo with Shrek.
Address: 1 Scout Hill Road, Baguio City, Philippines
2) Farmers Daughter Restaurant
Farmer’s Daughter in Baguio serves up proper Cordilleran food like pinikpikan and smoked pork, with locals and tourists packing it out daily. It’s always busy, so getting a table without waiting is a mission. If you do get a table, though, it is worth it, but bring cash!
Address: Km 5, Asin Road, Baguio City, Philippines
1) The White House
No, not the one of Trump fame, but rather the one that is famous for being the most haunted house in not just Baguio, but also the Philippines. Now a fine dining restaurant of such quality, I shall give it its very own article.
Address: 25 Shuntug Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Baguio Street Food
I have decided that I will give the Baguio street food scene its very own article, so in this one I will merely summarize. Essentially, they have all the regular Filipino classics, but less so on the street due to the “cold” weather. What they do have that’s different and a bit epic, though, is the Baguio night market.
Said night market has lots of stuff for sale from t-shirts to wooden penises, but also a whole heap of street food. As is often the case in the Philippines now, much of this is Korean, but there is some great BBQ, as well as treats like the Batac Empanada and other dishes from the Ilocos Region.
Drinking in Baguio
Despite the many Nazi-like traits of Baguio, there is a decent dining scene, which consists of bars, clubs, and even one country music dive-type bar. If you are looking for girly bars in Baguio, it is worth noting that while this is not Angeles City, you can still find something if you look around.
Examples here include the 24-hour “Love Finders Bar” and Rumours Bar that some say has freelancers. Alas, I have not tested the theory on this.
It should also be noted that Baguio is famous for its booze, particularly wine, such as blueberry and strawberry, both of which actually grow within the region. Is it any good? Not really, but it is worth a try.
Top 5 Bars in Baguio
The following are what I think at least are the 5 best bars in Baguio, but again this is not Makati, or Angeles, so keep that in mind.
5. Hardin – Garden-Themed Rooftop Bar
A chilled-out garden bar with great vibes and live acoustic music. The view of the city is perfect for a sunset sip. It’s a good spot for those who want to escape the chaos and just relax with a drink.
Address: Upper Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
4. Rumours Bar
A Baguio institution for decades, Rumours has been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Offering a range of drinks and live performances, it’s a place where you can have a proper good time.
Address: 64 Upper Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
3. Te Quiero Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Not just a bar, but a Spanish-themed experience! Te Quiero offers a delicious range of tapas and drinks. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to kick back after a long day of exploring Baguio.
Address: 104 Military Cut-off Road, Baguio City, Philippines
2. The 50s Diner
This isn’t just for food – the retro vibe and music make it a cool hangout spot. If you’re after something casual with that old-school charm, grab a drink here and relive the golden era.
Address: 2nd Floor, Baguio Center Mall, Baguio City, Philippines
1. Baguio Country Sounds & Variety Songs (BCS)
If you’re a fan of country music, this is your jam. Baguio Country Sounds is where the fun never stops, with great tunes and a lively crowd. And if you get asked to dance, you HAVE TO DANCE, dem da rulz!
Address: 75 Upper Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Smoking in Baguio
Can you smoke in Baguio? Well, technically no, you cannot, nor can you technically even buy cigarettes, but this is the Philippines. What do I mean by that? Well, prostitution is illegal here, so read into that what you will.
The reality of this on the ground is that overzealous mall cops and security guards will try and chase you down or get a bribe off you if they catch you, and that every car park has cigarette butts everywhere. And were that not enough, they are equally as anti-vaping. Why, you ask? Because they like acting like Nazis! Get used to neighbors squealing on neighbors and people trying to curry favor as the real problems of the city get ignored. Am I bitter? Just a tad.
Summary of the Baguio Guide!
OK, so Baguio is a must-visit city if you want to truly know and appreciate the Philippines. Also, the cold climate makes it, alongside places like Da Lat in Vietnam, a welcome break from the pounding heat of the country, but there is a but.
Baguio and I do not mean just because of the smoking ban, have a real feel of authoritarianism about it that takes away from the whole “more fun in the Philippines” tagline. And this is a shame as I had once thought about even living here, now I see it more as a stopping point on my way to better places.
Click to check out my Philippines Tours with Young Pioneer Tours.