Welcome to the Breezy City: Tagaytay Travel Guide

Tagaytay is a classic choice for road trips and quick staycations. Holidaymakers from Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna flock to this breezy city to escape the heat and humidity, especially during the summer season.

Planning a quick getaway to this city? This Tagaytay travel guide shares the best destinations to explore and the most exciting activities to do. 

Tagaytay Travel Guide: An Overview

Tagaytay is a city in the Cavite Province.^[1] Many consider it the country’s second summer capital, with Baguio City holding the main title. However, Tagaytay’s sceneries, specialties, and character all differ from Baguio’s. 

Located on Tagaytay Ridge, an elevated stretch of land between Mount Batulao and Mount Sungay, Tagaytay offers breathtaking views of Taal Lake. Given the city’s altitude and strategic location, one can marvel at the volcanic lake from many viewing points. 

Tagaytay is a favorite travel destination all year round. To enjoy a colder stay, visit the city from November to March. 

Read more: Sama All This Summer: Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines for ₱3,000 or Less

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How to Travel to Tagaytay 

You have two options: via private car or bus. 

If you’re driving from the central and southern parts of Metro Manila (Makati, Taguig, Parañaque, Pasig, etc.), take the South Luzon Expressway and turn to Greenfield City/Unilab (Mamplasan Exit). From here, take the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). 

If you’re hailing from the coastal side of Pasay, Parañaque, or Las Piñas, take the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX). 

Commuting from Manila? Take the DLTBCo bus with the Nasugbusign board at LRT Buendia Station. Alternatively, you can hail a passing local bus bound for Amadeo along Taft Avenue. 

Another option is to go to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).^[2] Ride a bus here bound for Tagaytay, Amadeo, or Mendez.  

The travel time from Manila to Tagaytay takes two to three hours. Note that this may vary depending on the traffic jams along the way and your point of origin. 

How to Get Around Tagaytay 

If you plan to drive your own car or rent a private van with a driver, you can easily get around Tagaytay (albeit with various traffic jams). Otherwise, you have a few public transportation options. 

The jeepney is perhaps the most popular form of public transportation within the city. It can take you in almost all directions at an affordable fee. For quicker trips, ride the tricycle. 

If you’re going to neighboring towns like Mendez, Alfonso, and Nasugbu, ride passing buses for a comfortable option. 

How Much to Budget for Your Tagaytay Trip 

This will largely depend on the kind of Tagaytay travel you’re planning. Commuting solo travelers who want to go on a day tour and visit only the city’s key destinations can prepare between ₱1,500 and ₱2,500. 

Planning a staycation? Many experienced travelers recommend spending just a night in the city. For this, shell out somewhere between ₱3,000 and ₱5,000. Of course, this will get lower if you’re traveling with a group or bringing a car. 

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Where to Stay in Tagaytay 

Photo: @nurturewellnessvillage (Instagram)

Enjoy a comfortable and memorable vacay at the best hotels in Tagaytay. Check out your options based on various budgets:

🌲 Tagaytay Accommodations for Budget Travelers

If you’re planning an affordable staycation in Tagaytay for a family or friend group, check out the following: 

• Bed and breakfast rentals at Wind Residences
• Bed and breakfast rentals at Cityland Tagaytay Prime
• Hotel Aroha Tagaytay
• La Bella Tagaytay 
• RedDoorz @ Tagaytay Road
• Containers by Eco Hotel
• View Park Hotel 
• Tagaytay Country Hotel 
• Rangya Hotel
• Via Appia Tagaytay

🌲 Tagaytay Accommodations for High-End Travelers

Got money to spare? Consider these choices for a luxurious Tagaytay staycation: 

• Escala Tagaytay
• Nurture Wellness Village
• Crosswinds
• Summit Ridge Tagaytay
• Hotel Monticello
• Hotel Kimberly
• Hotel Carlito
• T House 
• Twin Lakes Hotel
• Splendido

Read more:

• Top 10 Resorts Near Metro Manila to Splash the Heat Away
• Best Airbnbs in the Philippines: Where to Stay for Your Getaway

Tagaytay Travel Guide: 10 Places to Visit in the City 

Now that you know how to go to and get around Tagaytay, check out the best destinations in the city: 

🌲 Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of the quintessential destinations in this breezy city. As the name suggests, it has huts and grounds perfect for picnicking with family and friends. Enjoy your lunch while taking in the majestic views of Taal Volcano. 

Easily trek around the grove since there are flights of stairs to step on. A hanging bridge lends the park an adventurous vibe. Other activities include horseback riding, zipline riding, and souvenir shopping. 

🌲 People’s Park Tagaytay

A few minutes’ drive from Tagaytay Picnic Grove is People’s Park Tagaytay, also known as Palace in the Sky. Located on Mount Sungay, the park offers visitors 360-degree views of Taal Lake and Tagaytay City. 

The park has a rather interesting history: the building was supposed to be a mansion that would accommodate U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who planned to visit the Philippines. However, construction efforts were stopped after the cancellation of the said trip. 

🌲 Sky Ranch Tagaytay 

Photo: @skyranchphl (Instagram)

An amusement park with a relaxing view of Taal Lake? Say hello to Sky Ranch Tagaytay! 

This park features rides and attractions, including the iconic Sky Eye, Safari Splash, Super Viking, and more. You can also find a collection of restaurants, food kiosks, and souvenir shops. 

Sky Ranch Tagaytay is one of the most popular family and barkada destinations in the city. If you’re planning a Tagaytay staycation, include this in your itinerary. 

🌲 Puzzle Mansion

Both puzzle enthusiasts and casual tourists will love Puzzle Mansion. This destination houses a wide range of collections, ranging from 2D to 4D puzzles. It’s home to puzzle reproductions of popular paintings by Michaelangelo, Van Gogh, and Picasso, among others. 

From 2012 to 2017, it held the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles, according to Guinness World Records. These days, it’s a popular location for school trips. 

🌲 Twin Lakes Shopping Village

Located in Laurel, Batangas, Twin Lakes is an upscale residential estate with a shopping village open to visitors. If you want to indulge your inner shopaholic while enjoying a view of Taal Lake, this is the place to be. 

Twin Lakes is also a food haven since it features a host of restaurants, such as Hap Chan, The Brighter Brunch Club, T-Bone King, and Starbucks, among others. 

🌲 Acienda Designer Outlet

If you’re a shopping aficionado, you might as well include Acienda Designer Outlet in your itinerary of Tagaytay tourist spots. Located in Silang, Cavite, this shoppers’ paradise is a must-visit before you make your way home back to the metro. 

Acienda Designer Outlet has more than 100 outlets offering past season products with discounts of up to 70%. Popular brands include Levi’s, Just Jewels, The Rail, Havaianas, Converse, Oakley, and Seoul Optical, among others. 

🌲 Nurture Wellness Village

Nurture Wellness Village is one of the best places in Tagaytay if you want to unwind and get in touch with the stillness of life. The spa offers massages by therapists licensed by the Department of Health (DOH). You may also avail of the wellness community’s holistic health services, like detoxification. 

The Farmer’s Table, Nurture Wellness Village’s in-house restaurant, serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Planning to stay for a night or two? Book one of the village’s luxurious rooms or suites.  

Read more: 12 Famous and Underrated Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

🌲 Tierra de Maria 

Photo: Tierra de Maria (Facebook)

Include Tierra de Maria in your Tagaytay itinerary if you’re a Marian devotee or a Catholic faithful. This small chapel serves as a place for prayer and contemplation. But what makes this destination more remarkable is a towering statue of the Virgin Mary. 

Pay this place a visit if you’re in Tagaytay Picnic Grove since it’s just right beside the park. 

Read more: 19 Religious Destinations in the Philippines to Nourish Your Spirit

🌲 Caleruega Church

This Tagaytay travel guide also includes places of interest near the city. If you’re venturing outside Tagaytay for some peace and quiet, drop by Caleruega Church.

While popular as a wedding church, Caleruega Church also attracts tourists for its greenery and majestic views of Mount Batulao. Attend a mass or simply walk around the garden. But if you take spirituality seriously, a retreat should be in order. 

🌲 Crosswinds Tagaytay

Photo: Crosswinds Tagaytay (Official) (Facebook)

Switzerland in the Philippines? Feel that vibe at Crosswinds Tagaytay. This 100-hectare estate boasts more than 20,000 pine trees and luxurious residential properties.

Rent a lavish and cozy room at Crosswinds Resort Suites located inside the estate. But if you’re a foodie who simply wants to get their fill, just visit one of the restaurants located near the entrance of the property. 

Tagaytay Travel Guide: What to Do in the City

Photo: Bag of Beans Tagaytay (Facebook)

Tagaytay offers a lot of activities for both adventurers and laid-back tourists. Here are your options: 

• Go on a road trip – Go on an impromptu road trip and explore the city’s main roads and quaint villages. If your companions are willing, venture outside the city and visit neighboring towns, such as Alfonso, Amadeo, and Nasugbu. 
• Enjoy some retail therapy – Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce or the latest fashion trends, Tagaytay and its neighboring towns offer ideal shopping spots. These include the fruit stands along the highway, Tagaytay Public Market, Mahogany Market, Fora Mall Tagaytay, Ayala Malls Serin, Twin Lakes, and Acienda Designer Outlet, among others. 
• Organize a picnic – Pick a spot at Tagaytay Picnic Grove and enjoy adobo, grilled liempo, and an assortment of fruits while taking in the views of Taal Lake. 
• Go on a staycation – Tagaytay has hotels and BnBs for every budget. If you and your group aren’t into touring and shopping, just enjoy each other’s company as you cook your dinner together or dare to swim in the cold pool waters. 
• Book a massage and spa sesh – Rejuvenate your body and soul by booking a massage or spa session. Ask your hotel if they offer such services. 
• Go coffee shop-hopping – If you want to enjoy coffee with a view of Taal Lake, there are three Starbucks branches to choose from: Starbucks Tagaytay Downhill, Starbucks Reserve Hiraya, and Starbucks at Domicillo Design Hotel. But if you prefer local coffee shops, just drive around and you’ll certainly find one. Popular options include Char’s Garden Café, Kuuma Kaakao Kaffe, and Sspace Coffee Bar, to name a few.
• Go on a food trip – This goes without saying, but Tagaytay has a wealth of restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in Tagaytay: 
  • Eateries at Mahogany Market – If you’re looking for the best bulalo in Tagaytay, head to Mahogany Market. Right above the meat stalls are a collection of eateries offering bulalo, chicharong bulaklak, crispy tawilis, and even sisig. 
  • Balay Dako – Part of Antonio’s Group of Restaurants, Balay Dako is one of the most beautiful Tagaytay restaurants with a view of Taal Lake. They serve Filipino food with sizzling bulalo, callos, pinakbet na kanin at crispy pata, and kansi. 
  • Antonio’s – Antonio’s Restaurant, also part of Antonio’s Group of Restaurants, is for those who want a fancy dinner date (or any other meal for that matter) with their family or significant other. Relish in premium steaks, wines, and salads. 
  • Bag of Beans – If your idea of a Tagaytay food trip is a filling breakfast, this place has you covered. Catch their breakfast buffet if you want to get bang for your buck. If you want an overlooking restaurant in Tagaytay, visit Charito by Bag of Beans.
  • Marcia Adams’ Restaurant – This garden restaurant will make you feel like you’re in Tuscany, Italy. Their menu includes fancy dishes, such as steaks and prosciutto salads. 
  • Sonya’s Garden – Sonya’s Garden is one of the most reputable names when it comes to farm-to-table dishes. This garden restaurant offers an eat-all-you-can menu for lunch and dinner. 
  • The Farmer’s Table – Speaking of farm-to-table restaurants, Nurture Wellness Village’s The Farmer’s Table offers brunches, pizzas, and even wines. 

Related: Things to Do in Boracay in 2024: Top Activities on the Island

Tips for Traveling to Tagaytay

Make the most of your Tagaytay trip with these helpful tips: 

• If possible, avoid going to Tagaytay during weekends or holidays. Traffic jams during these times get unbearable. Make sure your vacation leaves fall on weekdays.
• To avoid traffic jams, travel late at night or early in the morning. If an early morning or late night drive isn’t possible, find alternative routes.
• To maximize your time, avail of a day tour. Book this via operators like Klook.^[3] 
• Bring a jacket. It can get very cold in the evening or early morning. 
• Book restaurants and spas in advance to avoid or at least shorten wait times. 

Read more: 7 Cold Places in the Philippines for Chilling With Your Loved Ones

Final Thoughts 

Escape the heat and humidity of the city by visiting Tagaytay. Thankfully, it’s just a two- to three-hour drive away from the metro. If you’re planning an extended stay, you have a lot of hotels and BnBs to choose from. 

Other than referring to this Tagaytay travel guide, ask for recommendations from family or friends who live here. After all, they probably know the city like the back of their hands. 

Sources: 

• ^[1] Tagaytay City Website
• ^[2] PITX Website
• ^[3] Tagaytay Day Tour Package