Where to Stay in Baguio (2026 COOLEST Areas!)

FIRST TIME IN BAGUIO

FIRST TIME IN BAGUIO

Burnham Park

If you want a stress-free holiday, the streets around Burnham Park are your best bet. As the city center, it is the safest area and serves as the primary transport hub, including easy access to the central bus station. It’s packed with cultural and historic attractions, diverse eateries, and accommodation options for every budget.

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FOR NATURE

FOR NATURE

Camp John Hay

For those who want to be close to the city’s amenities but prefer a quieter atmosphere, Camp John Hay is the winner. It offers more natural, pine-filled surroundings and a cooler breeze than the dense city center, providing a peaceful escape while staying just a short ride away from the main attractions.

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COOLEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

COOLEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Engineers Hill

Engineers Hill is part of the city center, so it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Baguio for nightlife. It’s filled with trendy restaurants and eateries as well as bars and even karaoke bars in case you’re feeling brave.

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Travelling to Baguio is an epic addition to any Philippines Backpacking itinerary. It doesn’t have neighborhoods as most people understand them. Instead, it consists of 129 barangays that are led by their own captains and a council. Baguio is a fairly small city, so 129 barangays might seem like a lot. And although there’s been a lot of talk about merging the barangays, nothing has been done about it so far.

City politics aside, let’s get into where’s best to stay to make the most out of your trip to Baguio.

Here it is – the creme de la creme of neighbourhoods to use as a base for exploring Baguio.

1. Burnham Park – Where to Stay in Baguio First Time

Burnham Park is basically the soul of Baguio. If you haven’t strolled through its 32 hectares of pine-scented green space, did you even go to Baguio? Designed by American architect Daniel Burnham (hence the name), it’s a century-old urban oasis that juggles being both a relaxing picnic spot and the city’s hub of activity pretty well.

If you are looking for the quintessential Baguio experience, the swan boat ride is a total rite of passage. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, the southern side of the park is dedicated to biking and go-karts. It’s arguably the most fun you can have in the city for the price of a fancy latte.

You can’t talk about Burnham without mentioning the food. A friendly word of warning: you WILL be approached by vendors throughout the day for a strawberry taho, and you SHOULDN’T say no. It’s the local currency of happiness and the perfect companion for some world-class people-watching.

From 9:00 PM until the early hours of the morning, the Night Market takes over. This is the place to go for legendary ‘ukay-ukay’ thrift finds and a massive variety of street food that will keep your budget intact.

• Best For: Families and first-time visitors.
• The Vibe: Nostalgic, high-energy, and lived-in. Imagine vintage swan boats, bicycle bells, and the smell of charcoal-grilled corn.
• Proximity to Airport: 15-minute drive (Loakan).
• Transport Level: Excellent (Central Hub).
• Budget: Very Affordable.
• Crowds: High – the busiest hub in the city.

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Top Things to Do in Burnham Park

1. Rent a swan-shaped paddleboat on the lagoon.
2. Visit the Rose Garden by 6:00 AM to catch the famous mountain fog before the crowds arrive.
3. Head to the southern biking area to rent a mountain bike or sidecar rig for the hour.
4. Explore the Harrison Road Night Market at 9:00 PM for legendary thrift finds and street food.
5. Track down a roaming vendor to try a cup of warm, iconic strawberry taho.
6. Hike up Session Road to discover hidden local cafes and Vizco’s iconic strawberry shortcake.

Best Hostel: Capsutel

This is a fantastic shout for a solo traveller looking for a solid two-night base to launch their local treks. The location is spot on, with public transport right on your doorstep and every essential within an easy walk. The setup is tailored perfectly for those flying solo, with reliable Wi-Fi and a clean shared bathroom. Having access to a mini kitchen is a brilliant way to save on costs, and the staff are the kind of genuine people who will go out of their way to ensure you are sorted.

Best Hotel: Baguio Holiday Villas

This hotel is in one of the best areas to stay in Baguio if you want to do lots of sightseeing. It’s close to Burnham Park and other top attractions as well as to transport links. The hotel offers a beauty center, luggage storage, and comfortable villas with private bathrooms. This is also a great choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Baguio with kids as they have connecting villas for larger families.

Best Airbnb: The Wanderlust’s Haven

This bright, modern apartment is one of the coolest places to stay in Baguio. It’s right in the center of the city and offers enough space for up to 7 guests. The apartment has a private bathroom, kitchenette, and all the modern furnishings you’ll need during your stay.

2. Camp John Hay – Where to Stay in Baguio For Nature

This former US military base is the piece of Baguio that people see in their minds when they imagine a foggy, pine-scented retreat. It feels entirely separate from the buzz of Burnham Park and the city centre. With the thickest concentration of pine trees in the region, Camp John Hay is all about wide-open spaces and manicured golf courses. Even the air here smells different – crisper, cooler, and heavy with the scent of needles and woodsmoke, thanks to being in a protected eco-zone.

While it is undeniably the most expensive area to stay in, you don’t have to be a guest at a luxury hotel to enjoy the grounds. It is a hub for outdoor lovers and those who want to experience a slice of ‘Old Baguio’ that hasn’t been overtaken by urban development. Whether a high-end shopping afternoon or a muddy trek through the forest has brought you to Camp John Hay, it’s where highland life feels its most authentic.

• Best For: Families, golfers, and nature lovers seeking a quiet forest retreat.
• The Vibe: Secluded, colonial, and upscale. It’s got towering pines, log cabins, and a crisp, morning-mist atmosphere.
• Proximity to Airport: 15-minute drive (Loakan).
• Transport Level: Moderate. Mostly taxi-dependent, though a new free e-shuttle loops the internal grounds.
• Budget: Luxury to Mid-range.
• Crowds: Low. It remains peaceful even when the city centre is packed.

Top Things to Do in Camp John Hay

1. Walk the Yellow Trail for a low-impact hike through a dense forest of towering Benguet pines.
2. Visit the Bell House and the Cemetery of Negativism to explore the area’s colonial history and quirky local lore.
3. Stop at Chocolate de Batirol to sip a traditional, thick hot chocolate in a rustic garden setting.
4. Check out the Bell House, a historic structure situated at the heart of the camp.
5. Explore the history of the area at the History Trail and Secret Garden.
6. Make sure you wander down to the Amphitheater near the Bell House to see the amazing multi-terraced gardens.
7. Spend some time at the Lost Cemetery, established in the 1980s.

Best Guesthouse: Simple Room in a Transient House

This spot is a proper find that delivers far more comfort than the modest price tag might suggest. Navigating the city is a doddle with jeeps and taxis within easy reach, yet the neighbourhood itself remains blissfully quiet and safe once the sun goes down. The landlord is super kind and helpful, while the night view of the twinkling mountain lights is exactly the kind of highland magic you came for.

Best Hotel: Camp John Hay Forest Cabin

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Baguio on a budget, this is a good choice. It offers easy access to attractions like the Baguio Mansion House and Baguio Cathedral and is a short trip from the city center. There’s a restaurant on site where you can grab a meal and the rooms are comfortable and modern.

Best Airbnb: Furnished 1 BR

This one-bedroom unit near Camp John Hay is a brilliant shout if you are looking to unwind with a proper mountain view without the eye-watering price tag. It captures that authentic, homey Baguio chill – exactly as cold as you would hope for in the highlands. The real win here is the value; you could easily pay five times as much for a Western-style hotel nearby, but staying here lets you save a fortune while still getting the best of the scenery.

3. Engineers Hill – Coolest Neighbourhood in Baguio

Tucked away just above the hustle of Session Road and anchored by the constant hum of the ‘Victory Liner’ terminal, Engineers Hill is often the first and last thing travellers see of Baguio. It’s a transitional space – part residential quiet, part transit hub, and part serious foodie destination. It’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Baguio for your first time as it’s close to everything and offers an authentic taste of the city.

The neighbourhood gets its name from being the historic residential quarter for the city’s civil engineers during the American colonial era. Today, it has shed that bureaucratic skin for a more eclectic vibe. It is the place where you go to avoid the ‘tourist trap’ prices of the city centre while still being within a ten-minute walk of the ‘Baguio Cathedral’ or ‘SM Baguio’.

You’ll also find a wide range of restaurants in this area, from brewpubs to local eateries. And the shopping is great too, and ranges from huge shopping malls to more local night markets.

• Best For: Solo travellers and digital nomads who need a central base.
• The Vibe: Authentic, residential, and convenient. A local neighbourhood feel that stays surprisingly quiet despite being minutes from the action.
• Proximity to Airport: 15-minute drive (Loakan).
• Transport Level: Excellent. An easy walk to the Victory Liner bus terminal and Session Road.
• Budget: Low to Mid-range.
• Crowds: Low. Mostly residents rather than tourists.

Top Things to Do in Engineers Hill

1. Go to the Emilio F. Aguinaldo Museum to learn about this national hero and first president of the Philippines.
2. Head over to the Harrison Road Night Market for shopping and cheap souvenirs.
3. Grab snacks or essentials at the enormous SM City Baguio.
4. You should use this area as your strategic base if you want to be ‘Session Road-adjacent’ without the 24/7 noise of the main thoroughfare.
5. You can walk to ‘Sunshine Park’ or the ‘Baguio City Library’ for a quiet moment of greenery that most tourists skip entirely.
6. You should explore the side streets leading toward ‘Military Cut-off’ to discover small, unnamed bakeries that sell some of the freshest ‘pan de sal’ in the city.

Best Hotel: North 27 Hill Transient Rooms

The place is ridiculously easy to find—just a few steps from the Victory Bus Terminal. The room’s spotless and well looked after, with a little balcony for some fresh air, and the staff are genuinely polite and helpful. The location couldn’t be more convenient for exploring the city and hitting up nearby landmarks.

Another Solid Spot: El Cielito Inn

Surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, and tourist attractions, this hotel is one of the best places in Baguio to stay if you want to be in a nearly perfect location. It offers car hire, a booking desk, and massage as well as luxurious rooms with a spa bath and kitchenette. There’s an in-house restaurant serving local delicacies and breakfast is served each morning.

Best Airbnb: Dome House

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Baguio for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. You’ll have the Dome House all to yourself and enjoy the clean, modern furnishings and proximity to local shops and restaurants. The house is suitable for 4+ people and is within walking distance to the city centre. It’s not the most budget of options, but between the four of you, you’ll cut costs fast.

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Baguio and where to stay.

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Choosing your base in Baguio is less about finding a bed and more about deciding which version of the city you want to wake up to.

You might crave the pine-heavy silence of a forest retreat or the buzz of downtown markets, but the magic of Baguio only starts when the temperature drops and the clouds roll in. There’s nothing quite like sitting on a balcony with a steaming cup of Sagada coffee on a drizzly afternoon. It feels so different to your usual Filipino adventures of boat tours and throngs of tourists.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, you should check out my favourite forest stays in Camp John Hay for a proper mountain retreat. If you prefer to be steps away from the best street food in the city, Burnham Park holds the best budget digs in town.

Whatever your style, grab your warmest jumper and start planning your highland escape while the air is still crisp.