Baguio in a Day: Experience the Creative City Like a Local

As cool as it is to visit city parks and buildings, the Summer Capital of the North just has so much more to offer. There are hidden gems stretched across the city, each place with something unique to offer. Some are tucked away nicely, while others are hidden in plain sight. So don’t just settle for the nearest attractions you can find. Have a little fun and take the roads less traveled. Experience the rich history, art, and culture of UNESCO’s creative city. Ignite the adventurer in you and explore Baguio like a local.

3 Places in Baguio Worth Checking Out

Villa Romana Inn: Baguio in Bloom

Take a stroll through the peaceful side of Baguio. This quaint little inn is nestled in a small forested area in Tiptop, Baguio City. Owned by Tinatik artist Ms. Maela Liwanag Jose, this cozy establishment was meant to emulate the good old days of Baguio.

The inn itself has a homey interior surrounded by artwork by artist and owner Ms. Liwanag Jose.  The property is surrounded by tall pine trees with a view of the mountain ranges. Venture in further to check out their whimsical gardens filled by the wonder of nature. If you fall in love with the ambiance and would like to check in, their most affordable room costs P350 per night.

But the beautiful landscape and gardens are not the only interesting feature of this place. Villa Romana Inn is also the home of the Flower Cafe, a flower-themed restaurant and hangout spot for you and your travel buddies.

Their flower theme doesn’t just stop at their decor. This one-of-a-kind cafe incorporates edible flowers in their dishes as well. This cafe is also known for their flowerpot tea, where you can choose what flower you’d want for your warm cup of tea.

Be weary. The journey is quite far from the main city. You can find Villa Romana at 307 Tiptop Ambuklao Road. If you’re taking public transportation, you can take Beckel jeepneys or Tiptop jeepneys found near Center Mall.

Tam-awan Village: Where Art Meets Culture

If you’re interested in Baguio’s Creative side, then you may be interested in Tam-awan Village, a community art space that features art from known Baguio artists. Calling itself a Garden in the Sky, this unconventional artist village features wonderful gardens that literally starts from the ground going up. The top features an exquisite view, especially during sunset.

Everywhere you’d go, there’s art everywhere. You can find art done by locally famous names such as Jordan Mang-osan, Leonard Aguinaldo, and Art Lozano. From acrylic to watercolor, rubber cuts, and even finely detailed sculptures, this space truly has a big dose of Baguio’s creative side. You can even stop by its cafe for a bite and its gift shop for some souvenirs.

Tam-Awan Village is located in 366-C Pinsao Proper. If you’re taking public transportation, the “Baguio Long-Long Tacay Tam-Awan Vice Versa,” will take you there. The terminal is in Hilltop Street near Abanao Square.

Dominican Hill Retreat House: Baguio’s Rich History

The locals call this historical landmark “Diplomat Hotel,” which was one of its former names. This site is mostly known for its haunting stories of ghosts roaming around the property. But there’s absolutely nothing to be scared of. The Dominican Hill Retreat House sits atop a calm and quiet hill surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Since its restoration, it has been welcoming tourists for a trip that best narrates the history of Baguio, with old pictures of priests who once resided there hung on the walls. The structure has been up since 1913, which served as a vacation home for Parish Priests. During World War II, this structure became a refuge for people hiding from the Japanese. Then in 1973, the place was remodeled as a hotel, thus its common name. The structure eventually closed and even sustained damage from the 1990 earthquake.

An amazing feature about this place that not many really know is that it is one of the very few places where you can get the entire full view of Baguio City. You would literally see everything in Baguio, isn’t that cool?

This behemoth structure is located at Dominican Hill, Diplomat Road. If you were to take public transportation, take the Dominican Hill jeepney located behind Abanao Square in the public market. You’re going to have to walk up a small hill after getting off the jeep. It opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm.