Baguio City has a special kind of magic, one that makes you want to walk a little longer, explore a little farther, and take the “long way” just because the air feels good on your skin. I’ve said it before and I’ll happily say it again: this city is one of the best places to explore, especially if you love a mix of cool weather, steep streets, and views that make you pause mid-step.
And if there’s one place where you can appreciate Baguio’s charm in one compact stop, it’s Mines View Park.
Getting there is part of the adventure. You can simply tell the taxi driver “Mines View Park,” and they’ll nod like you just mentioned a place everyone knows by heart. The ride, though? That’s where the excitement kicks in. The roads twist and climb like they’re testing your balance, honestly, it felt like a roller coaster at some points. There were moments when I was half-laughing, half-holding on, but it’s also clear the drivers here are experts. They navigate the terrain like it’s second nature, weaving through traffic and tight bends until you finally arrive at the park’s familiar entrance.
Once you step in, it doesn’t take long to see why it’s a popular tourist spot. For PHP 10 (which is basically a “why not?” price), you’re welcomed into a space that’s small in size but surprisingly packed with things to do. There’s the joy of simply walking around, the temptation of souvenir stalls, and the satisfying feeling of being surrounded by pine trees and mountain air.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the energy near the entrance, shops lined up with local goodies, little displays of snacks and treats, and stalls selling plants that looked like they belonged in a cottage garden. If you’re the type who loves browsing, this place will happily slow down your pace. There are wood carvings, accessories, trinkets, and those “I’ll just look” moments that quickly turn into “okay, maybe I’ll buy one small thing.”
Of course, Mines View Park is also a social media favorite, and you’ll see why. Many visitors rent traditional Igorot attire for photos, and it adds such a cultural charm to the whole atmosphere. If you want to go even more extra (in the best way), you can rent a horse and take photos like you’re starring in your own mountain postcard. It’s fun, playful, and honestly, it fits the vibe of the place, everyone’s there to enjoy, pose, laugh, and make memories.
But the best part, no question, is the viewing deck.
Standing there, you face a wide stretch of mountain ranges that feels like it goes on forever. Across the valley, you can find the distant area of the old Itogon mines, closed gold and copper mines that gave the park its name. It might be hard to spot the exact mine details with the naked eye, but the real highlight isn’t the “mine spotting.” It’s the scenery itself: layers of mountains, deep greens, and dramatic skies that shift depending on the weather.
When I visited, the clouds looked heavy and cinematic, like they were preparing for a slow sunset. The viewing deck is exposed, so you really feel the breeze rolling in. I can only imagine how cold it gets in the early morning, like the kind of cold that makes your cheeks numb while you’re still trying to smile for a photo.
All in all, Mines View Park is one of those places that gives you a little bit of everything, culture, shopping, fresh air, and that “wow” moment when you see the mountains spread out in front of you. If you’re ever in Baguio City, I highly recommend making time for this stop. It’s simple, scenic, and absolutely worth it.
