Tourism in Baguio City - Philippines

Tourism in Baguio is bigger than ever, with more and more tourists, both local and foreign going over to savor the very favorable climate in the area. However, the city has a lot more to offer.

One of the oldest, yet most beautiful tourism spots in Baguio is Burnham Park. Although there have been some innovations, its basic layout has remained unchanged from the way it was designed by Daniel Burnham more than a hundred years ago. Today it is subdivided into a dozen sections.

This includes the captivating lake where you can go for a boat ride, a rink for skating aficionados, the playground for children, the Rose Garden, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Picnic Grove, Sunshine Park the Japanese Peace Tower, the Orchidarium, Igorot Garden, Pine Trees of the World and the Athletic Bowl. In the Bowl people can play a variety of sports, including basketball and football.

One of the major Baguio tourism attractions is the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, more popularly known as Baguio Cathedral. Situated on Mount Mary Hill, the church is noted for its double spires and also the magnificent view it offers of Session Road.

Session Road itself is the commercial and business heart of Baguio City. With plenty of malls, buildings, offices and restaurants in the vicinity, it is a tourism attraction all its own.

No visit to Baguio would be complete without a visit to Camp John Hay, one of the most significant and important landmarks in the entire city and province. Originally developed by the American Armed Forces as a resting place for their soldiers, it was handed over to the Philippines in 1991 and is now a major tourism attraction.

A very popular area for new and frequent tourists is the Mansion, which is the official home of the Philippine President in Baguio. It was originally built by the Americans in 1908 to serve as residence of the Governor-General. After World War II, the Philippine government turned it into the residence of the President.

Situated near the Mansion are two popular tourism destinations in Baguio, Wright Park, with the famous Pool of Pines, and Mines View Park. The latter is so called because in the early days one could see the mining sites on the mountainsides. Today however, its main attractions are the numerous handicraft shops. In addition there is a platform where you can snap photos against the backdrop of the Cordillera mountains.

These are just some of the Baguio tourism highlights and attractions. As you go through the city, you will undoubtedly come across many more that will affirm Baguios status as the Sumner Capital of the Philippines.