10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Baguio (That Aren’t Just Sightseeing)

When people think of Baguio, they often imagine foggy mornings, pine trees, Burnham Park, and strawberry taho. But there’s much more to the City of Pines than just its tourist hotspots.

If you're craving a deeper experience, here are 10 lesser-known things you can do in Baguio — and none of them involve the typical sightseeing routine!

1. 🎨 Create Your Own Art at Tam-awan Village

Tam-awan Village isn’t just a place to view art — it's a cultural immersion. You can join quick art workshops, try charcoal sketching, or even make your own dreamcatcher. All while surrounded by traditional Ifugao huts and native architecture.

2. 🧵 Learn Traditional Weaving at Easter Weaving Room

Get hands-on with Cordilleran culture by visiting the Easter Weaving Room. Here, you can observe traditional weavers at work — and even try weaving on a loom yourself. It’s a calming, educational experience you won’t find in guidebooks.

3. 🍄 Visit a Mushroom Farm Café

Step away from the usual cafés and visit places like Mushroom Box or Rea’s Garden, where you can tour mushroom farms and enjoy meals made with freshly harvested produce. Mushroom sisig, anyone?

4. 📚 Get Cozy at Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Tucked beside Casa Vallejo, Mt. Cloud Bookshop is an indie bookstore filled with Filipino literature, Cordilleran history, and poetry. It’s the perfect rainy-day hideout for bookworms and creatives.

5. ☕ Roast Your Own Coffee Beans

At specialty cafés like Garcia’s Coffee or Kape Umali, you can roast your own coffee beans and learn about the Cordilleras' coffee heritage. A great activity for coffee lovers who want more than just a cup of joe.

6. 💃 Join a Traditional Cordilleran Dance Class

Some cultural centers in Baguio, like Tam-awan Village or NCIP offices, offer traditional dance sessions to visitors. Learn dances like the Tayaw or Banga while understanding their cultural significance.

7. 🛍️ Hunt for Ukay-Ukay at Midnight

The Baguio Night Market is already a shopping haven, but did you know the best ukay-ukay finds come out after 10 PM? That’s when new “bales” are opened and prices drop. Perfect for vintage lovers and bargain hunters.

8. 🌿 Try Forest Bathing in a Quiet Pine Trail

Forest bathing — or shinrin-yoku — is a form of meditative walking through nature. In Baguio, spots like Eco Park, Mirador Hill, and certain trails in Camp John Hay are ideal for a peaceful reconnect with nature.

9. 🎭 Watch a Local Theater or Art Performance

Catch a local play, poetry reading, or indie performance at spaces like Open Space Baguio or small theaters in universities. It’s a raw, local experience that shows off Baguio’s creative soul.

10. 🫖 Experience a Local Tea Ceremony

Cordillera isn’t just about coffee — it’s also home to traditional herbal teas. Some cafés like Cafe Yagam and Arca’s Yard serve native teas like lagundi and ginger, often with a mini cultural story behind them.

Bonus

You can also book a tour if you are in a group. The Baguio Creative Art Tour with ART WORKSHOP ACTIVITYs lets you explore spectacular art pieces and crafts. You will also visit famous art attractions in Baguio City.

Conclusion

Baguio has so much more to offer than just cold weather and classic attractions. From art-making and mushroom farming to ukay treasure hunts and cultural dances, there are endless ways to connect with the city on a deeper level.

So next time you visit, skip the tourist trail and try one of these unexpected experiences in Baguio—you might just fall in love with it all over again.

📌 Planning a Baguio trip soon? Save this post for later and share it with your fellow travelers!