Newly Opened Places In Baguio 2023 To Visit On Your Staycation

Often referred to as the paradise of north Luzon, Baguio City is a popular weekend getaway destination for many Filipinos. In addition to the many well-known tourist spots, there are also plenty of establishments like restaurants and museums that are worth checking out. The best part is that there are always new places like these opening up every year. So while you may think you’ve already seen it all in Baguio, there is actually more to discover. So without further ado, discover these newly opened places in Baguio 2023.

Go on a Baguio Art Crawl: Pugad ni Art Studio, Gallery Ninety, Galleria De Potenciana by Arca’s Yard, and Museo Kordilyera

If you’re looking for the perfect way to start your staycation, you’d be hard-pressed to think of a better thing to do than go on an art crawl. Known as a UNESCO Creative City, Baguio is home to countless creative hubs and art sanctuaries, including Pugad ni Art Studio, Gallery Ninety, Galleria De Potenciana by Arca’s Yard, and Museo Kordilyera. 

Pugad ni Art Studio

Pugad ni Art Studio is a community of Baguio-based artists that operates creative activities and curates virtual art exhibits, allowing everyone to expand their interest in artistry and experience art. It is also a safe space to gather creatives that will help preserve the diverse cultural ethnicities of Baguio City. 

Gallery Ninety

Gallery Ninety is an art space created by husband and wife Berg and Marbee Go. According to Tatler Asia, Gallery Ninety opened in 2022 with the heart to “build a creative hub in Baguio.” Soon, they will organize workshops, collaborative activities, talks, and events.

The gallery is located within the Berkeley School campus, so students can have countless opportunities to inspire. 

Galleria de Potenciana by Arca’s Yard

Galleria De Potenciana by Arca’s Yard is a haven for people who love art, artifacts, food, quiet spaces, and books. Located at the Tip-Top, Ambuclao Road, this artsy spot is perfect for when you need to disappear from the hectic city life. Visiting here also means enjoying the picturesque view of the mountain skyline 5, 300 feet above sea level. You get everything in one place: a quaint museum, a cafe, a library, and a bed-and-breakfast. 

Museo Kordilyera

Museo Kordilyera is an “ethnographic museum dedicated to preserving and enriching indigenous cultures in Northern Luzon.” Found in the serene campus of the University of the Philippines Baguio, this museum features galleries, exhibits, and a shop where you can support local artisans’ hand-made products that embrace the Cordillera culture. 

Have a Wordy Coffee Day (Mt. Cloud Bookshop and Hot Cat Specialty Coffee)

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Anthony Trollope once said, “What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?” If you head over to #1 Yangco Road, Corner Brent Road, you’ll definitely experience what Trollope was going on about. 

Visit Mt. Cloud Bookshop and discover how the precious and rare trove of curated Filipiniana collections written by the country’s very own. From children’s books, coffee table books, books on history, food literature, comics, graphic novels, and fiction to creative nonfiction and poetry, Mt. Cloud promises great book hauls, writer’s talks, book signings, and poetry readings.  

Hot Cat Specialty Coffee

After grabbing a book or two, head to the floor below it for some freshly brewed coffee at Hot Cat Specialty Coffee. It has become one of those places where you can enjoy some downtime with Old Baguio vibes. Pick a table by some trees, or sit by the coffee bar – wherever you choose,  you’ll have a time well spent. 

Go on a Food Crawl featuring Cordilleran Cuisine: Farmer’s Daughter, The Roofdeck Kitchen by Mountain Man, Bistro Lokal

A staycation can’t be called a staycation without good food. In Baguio City, Farmer’s daughter, The Roofdeck Kitchen by Mountain Man, and Bistro Lokal are the three best places to experience Cordilleran cuisine. 

Farmer’s Daughter

Farmer’s Daughter serves the taste of Cordillera in Tam-Awan, Longlong Road. Featured by The World’s 50 Best as one of the 50 best restaurants of 2021 that captures the “essence of Asia,” the rustic Farmer’s Daughter continues to highlight cuisines from the local ethnic groups. Chef and owner, Pil-od practices the traditional culinary art of smoking and preserving meats called “kinuday,” which gives dishes a distinct earthy umami flavor. 

The Roofdeck Kitchen by Mountain Man

The Roofdeck Kitchen by Mountain Man, Chef Chavi Romawac, promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience in each private dinner that features personalized menus inspired by his travels across the Cordillera region. Slow food cooking methods are the star of his cuisine. It guarantees a food experience like no other. Anyone who sits around his table will become part of the local culinary heritage. 

Bistro Lokal

Bistro Lokal by Chef Miko Dy offers a new take on your favorite Filipino flavors created with the best organic Cordilleran ingredients, from farm to table. This is the first “menu dégustation” restaurant in Baguio City that specializes in Filipino dishes from the Cordillera and Ilocano regions, inspired by Chef Miko Dy’s culinary heritage.

Go on a Bread and Pastry Pilgrimage: Rebel Bakehouse, Victoria Bakery, James Wright Cafe, and Everything Nice Cafe

One thing that sets Baguio apart is its love for bread, as seen in the opening of artisanal bakeries and patisseries. 

Rebel Bakehouse

Rebel Bakehouse is best known for its croissants that are made using French techniques and are distinct and unique with Filipino flavor profiles. They opened a cafe along Naguillan Road, which is truly a place for any rebellious sweet tooth. 

Victoria Bakery

As a friendly and affordable neighborhood bakery, Victoria Bakery serves up some freshly-baked preservative-free products in various locations in the city. However, they recently opened a cafe and bakery along Loakan Road. 

James Wright Cafe

James Wright Cafe features artisan bread that is baked fresh every day. The bakery takes pride in working with local farmers and uses locally-sourced ingredients for their bread and pastries. The cafe menu goes beyond bread, offering Filipino dishes and breakfasts. James Wright Cafe is located at SM City Baguio and lower Session Road. 

Everything Nice Cafe

Everything Nice Cafe is a quiet spot at Baguio-Ayala Land Technohub, Camp John Hay. It’s a pleasant place to enjoy their bestselling bread and pastries, like their chocolate dome cake and cassava cake. You can also enjoy a dine-in experience as they serve comfort food, from waffles and longanisa, spareribs, other Pinoy favorites, and pasalubong items. 

Get the Full Baguio StayCation Experience at El Retiro

Any perfect staycation needs a holiday house, a vacation home, or a cozy home to retreat to. El Retiro is the place where you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing Baguio staycation. We combine comfort, luxury, and privacy to create a welcoming environment where your family and guests can feel at ease.