The drive to Baguio always feels like returning to an old friend. The moment the air cools and the scent of pine drifts through the window, my shoulders drop and my mind softens. This Baguio itinerary is shaped by those familiar sensations — mornings wrapped in fog, afternoons wandering through artist spaces, and evenings spent in warm cafés humming with quiet conversations. Baguio may be the Summer Capital, but for me, it’s also a sanctuary of memory, art, and mountain calm.
Arriving in the City of Pines
The journey from Manila has become much smoother thanks to modern highways. Leaving before dawn, I followed the TPLEX route, watching the sky turn lavender behind the mountains of the north. After a quick stop for coffee in Pangasinan, the road wound higher until the first cluster of pine trees signaled that Baguio was near.
Whether you’re taking a private car or riding a Victory Liner bus, the arrival feels the same — a gentle exhale, a welcome break from the lowland heat. By the time I reached the city proper, street vendors were already selling strawberries and walis tambo by the roadside, and Session Road was waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bread.
The Creative Heart: BenCab Museum and Beyond
Baguio’s artistic identity is one of the reasons I keep coming back. My first stop in this Baguio itinerary is always the BenCab Museum in Asin Road — a place where art flows seamlessly into landscape. As I stepped onto the terrace, the view of the forested valley took my breath away: soft mist drifting between trees, the rush of a distant stream, the mountains stretching like a watercolor painting.
Inside, Benedicto Cabrera’s works hang alongside Cordillera artifacts — bulul rice guardians, handwoven cloth, and pieces that feel like love letters to the highlands. Each gallery feels intimate, like the artist left a part of himself in every room. The café overlooking the eco-forest farm is perfect for slow afternoons; I lingered with a cup of coffee as the fog rolled in, blurring the line between sky and earth.
Ili-Likha and Session Road’s Creative Corners
Back in the city center, Ili-Likha Artist Village stands like a living sculpture. Built from recycled materials, reclaimed wood, and stained glass, it feels like entering the imagination of Baguio’s creative community. I wandered through its maze-like pathways, passing murals, tiny cafés, and nooks where artists painted or carved quietly. The smell of brewed coffee and grilled vegetables lingered in the air.
Just a few steps away, Session Road pulsed with its usual charm — bookstores, cafés, thrift shops, and weekend stalls. I browsed through stacks of old postcards, bought jam from local makers, and watched students huddle over steaming bowls of mami. Even amid the bustle, Session Road has a gentleness that anchors the city’s creative energy.
Cafés with a View: Arca’s Yard and Mountain Comforts
If you ask me for my favorite spot in any Baguio itinerary, my heart goes straight to Arca’s Yard along Ambuklao Road. It’s a home turned gallery turned café — and one of the best places to savor both food and mountain views. I took my usual corner by the window and ordered their famous camote pie with a hot cup of Benguet arabica. Outside, the pine-covered hills stretched endlessly, softened by the morning fog that came and went like slow breathwork.
Inside, bookshelves lined the walls, and framed photographs told stories of the Cordillera people. It’s the kind of place where time slows down — where you write, reflect, or simply sit in silence as clouds drift past the terrace.
Markets, Pasalubong, and Local Life
One thing I love about Baguio is how its markets reveal the soul of the city. At the Baguio Public Market, I walked between rows of vegetables still dewy from La Trinidad farms — crisp lettuce, ruby-red strawberries, and bundles of fresh herbs. Vendors called out cheerfully, offering free tastes of peanut brittle and strawberry jam.
Near the market, Good Shepherd Convent remained a favorite stop for pasalubong. The nuns’ famous ube jam, crafted with care and tradition, continues to support local communities. I carried home a jar, knowing it would remind me of cool mountain mornings long after the trip ended.
On weekends, Session Road becomes partly pedestrianized, transforming into an open-air market with artists, plant sellers, and food stalls offering both classics and creative twists. There’s always something new — yet the warmth of local craftsmanship remains unchanged.
Camp John Hay: Forest Walks and Quiet Moments
No visit in a Baguio itinerary feels complete without a long walk through Camp John Hay. The scent of pine thickens here, and the sound of footsteps on the soft forest floor calms the mind instantly. I strolled through the towering trees, stopping occasionally to watch sunlight filter through the branches. Families picnicked under the shade, while joggers moved quietly along the paths.
The old amphitheater, the butterfly sanctuary, and the gardens all bring a peaceful rhythm that contrasts beautifully with the city center. At the end of my walk, I treated myself to a warm drink at one of the cafés in the area, sitting by the window as fog slowly swallowed the treetops.
Where to Stay: Cozy Mountain Retreats
Baguio’s accommodations reflect its evolving blend of heritage and creativity. Boutique hotels near Leonard Wood provide traditional charm with modern comfort, while Airbnb cabins along Outlook Drive give that sought-after woodsy escape. For those who want history with a view, the hotels within Camp John Hay offer some of the most serene landscapes in the city.
Each place I’ve stayed brought a different shade of Baguio’s personality — sometimes artistic, sometimes rustic, always comforting.
Why Baguio Keeps Calling Me Back
Each return to Baguio feels like opening a familiar book and finding new chapters. The city’s creative spirit, cool climate, and mountain quietness blend into something that’s both soothing and inspiring. Its markets tell stories, its cafés invite reflection, and its art spaces breathe life into every visit.
This Baguio itinerary only scratches the surface of a city that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Baguio will always be more than a getaway — it’s a place of renewal, where the air is cooler, the light softer, and the heart somehow lighter.
