The Philippines’ best coffees come from up above. That is, up the Cordillera mountains where the best-known coffee sources lie: Sagada, Ifugao, Benguet. The latter cradles Baguio, a blooming creative city with some of the best cafes in this part of the country. Coffee shops are uniquely picturesque, exuding indigenous culture and local contemporary aesthetics. Some don’t need much embellishment other than views of mountains and pine forests.
Below are Instagram-worthy cafes that will make cafe-hopping such a fun activity in Baguio. Not only do you get the best coffee, but you also get an aesthetic experience!
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Vanilla Cafe: The Glasshouse
Cross the threshold of reality and set foot in this fairy-tale glasshouse in Baguio. From glamorous chandeliers high above to chic patterns and furniture below, Vanilla Cafe: The Glasshouse provides the perfect backdrop for dreamy portraits. Set yourself on one of the velvet couches fit for princes and princesses. The fairy-tale ambiance is enhanced by the mystical pine forest of Baguio that can be viewed through the tall glass walls of the cafe. Enjoy this scene with a selection of local and international fare and Vanilla Cafe’s specialty cupcakes and coffee.
Location: Kamiseta Hotel, #20 Villamor St., Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Contact: +6374 442-4613 / +63 921-761-2872 | +63 915-384-6987
Cafe by the Ruins
Before you get the urge to take photos, you will first feel at home at Cafe by the Ruins. The predominantly wooden interiors send out a warm and cozy ambiance, made better with plant decor and the green landscape outside. It feels homey and casual, a great place to share coffee with friends. The cafe prides itself on dishes made with natural and local ingredients that give you a taste of the best Baguio has to offer. Handcrafted coffee such as the signature Ruins Coffee brewed using siphon is also a must-try.
Location: 25 Shuntug Rd, Baguio City
Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Contact: +6374 442-4010
Nest Coffee Roasters by Cafe Yagam
Cafe Yagam was a well-loved home-style cafe until it closed its former location on J. Felipe Street in 2020. It wasn’t long till it reincarnated as Nest Coffee Roasters, a modest coffee stall at Calle Uno. It still has that picture-worthy appeal with its clean, white facade and interior that stand out against Calle Uno’s red-brick and dark-wood space. Of course, the coffee drinks are not to be missed. Nest offers locally sourced Arabica coffee from around Benguet, handcrafted using manual brewing methods.
Location: Calle Uno, 3 Escoda St. cor. Naguilian Rd., Quezon Hill, Baguio City
Hours: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Contact: +63 917-707-5798
Arca’s Yard
Arca’s Yard is not only a coffee destination. This rustic three-story house also contains a museum and a library that fill you up with Baguio heritage aside from delicious local coffee and comfort food. The cafe has low wooden tables, and you can enjoy your coffee on a cushion on the hardwood floor. Or, you can take your post on the balcony where you’re accompanied by refreshing views of nature. Then, peruse the paintings and sculptures by Baguio artists around the home or immerse yourself in a good book in the second-floor library.
Location: #777 Tiptop, Ambuklao Rd., Baguio City
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily except Wed)
Contact: +63 929-325-1868
Hatch Coffee
Hatch Coffee is another homey cafe surrounded by a picturesque landscape of pine trees. Its patio and garden ambiance is exactly what we need to slow down, which is really the best way to savor a cup of coffee. The green yard is spacious, which is also the site for the cafe’s yoga and meditation classes (follow their page to know future schedules). The menu is well-curated with signatures like Hatch Steamie steamed burger and Hatchata (horchata) which you can personalize with coffee, matcha, or strawberry.
Location: 135 Easter Rd. cor Road 1 Manzanillo, Baguio City
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Reservation required)
Contact: +63 920-947-8703
Explore more of Baguio’s charms with experiences you can find on KKday!
*Featured image via Kamiseta Hotel / Nest Coffee Roasters / Arca’s Yard
