No matter how many times you’ve been to Tagaytay, there’s always a reason to go back. It is one of the destinations that sit quite close to Manila, so city-dwellers in need of a break from city life and yet enjoy its comforts run here. You’re probably familiar with Picnic Grove, Sky Ranch, and People’s Park in the Sky, which are some of the most popular classic tourist spots in Tagaytay.
For this article, we’ll share with you the newer spots in the city that have opened within the past few years and aren’t usually found in Tagaytay itineraries. We also included some attractions located in the neighboring municipalities like Silang and Alfonso. So if you’re looking for new places to add to your list, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to know more about these new tourist spots you can visit in Tagaytay.
NOTE: We included the directions along with operating hours and entrance fees in this post as of writing. These might change so make sure to double check with the establishment.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila
The most convenient way to go around Tagaytay is by private vehicle. Although taking public transportation from Manila is possible, it can be a bit complicated if you’re planning to visit multiple spots in one trip.
If you don’t have your own car but you still want the convenience of a private transportation, you can join a group tour from Manila to Tagaytay (and back to Manila). This day tour package covers roundtrip transportation, fuel, toll, and parking fees, but does not include admission tickets to attractions. The usual meeting point for this tour is at SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA). Some of the places included in this list are part of this tour’s itinerary. This also includes stops to classic tourist spots in Tagaytay. Here’s the itinerary:
- Tagaytay Picnic Grove
- Sonya’s Garden
- Palace in the Sky
- Mahogany Market
- Gingerbread House
- Sky Ranch
- Good Shepherd
- Caleruega Church
Tagaytay Things to Do & Attractions
La VeryOl’s Kawa Hot Bath
Kawa hot baths first became popular in Antique, but they’ve already made their debut in Tagaytay. Bulalo? Here in La VeryOl’s Mountain View Garden Resort, you can also be bulalo in a huge kawa!
Kidding aside, this family-owned spa complex has been operating for a few years now, but not a lot of people know you can enjoy a unique spa experience here. You can relax in the warm water in a giant kawa for 45 minutes. Adding to the experience is the beautiful view that’s very relaxing as well. You can also add herbs, milk, and more to your kawa bath! And if you want to stay overnight, they also have veranda rooms you can book.
However, note that advance reservation is required here because the number of kawa vats are limited.
Opening Hours: Day Tour, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Overnight, 2:00 PM (Check-in) & 11:00 AM (Check-out)
Day Tour Rates
- Kawa Hot Bath: P499
- Full Body Massage: P899
- Kawa Package A: P1,099
- Kawa Package B: P1,599
- Kawa Package C: P1,399
Overnight Rates
- Room-only Rates: P3,800 to P5,500
- Room + Kawa Hot Bath & Full Body Massage: P5,300 to P7,000
Location: St. Francis Drive, Barangay Francisco, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Getting There: From Manila, board a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Get off at Olivarez Plaza. Charter a tricycle to Moriellis Restaurant and ask the driver to take you to La VeryOl’s.
Crosswinds Tagaytay
This 100-hectare Swiss-inspired residential and leisure community has been attracting tourists by the droves with its 20,000 pine trees surrounding its rugged landscape. No wonder why when our team posted photos from here, the landscape was mistaken for Baguio. Although Crosswinds is not new to Tagaytay, it is gaining traction again because of the new cafés that opened here.
Napa
One of them is Napa, a coffee place inspired by the Napa Valley region in California. The most popular items here are the various hot and iced coffees, but they also serve pastas, burgers, and pastries.
But be warned: there’s quite a queue for dine-in customers here, especially on weekends and holidays. However, if you still want to try their offerings and the cafe is packed, you can always order take-out.
The Ruined Project
Another popular cafe here is The Ruined Project, supposedly the 50th store of its sister cafe, The Coffee Project. However, the cafe was dropped during the pandemic. Eventually, they opened it up with its current moniker and with its “ruined”, raw, and open-air aesthetic. Aside from the drinks, they also offer different kinds of pastries and cakes.
Both of these cafes are aesthetically instagram-worthy and have a great view of the lush highlands of Tagaytay. These two are close to each other so you can visit both.
But if you can only visit one, here’s our opinion: drinks at NAPA are better, but Ruined Project had better desserts. BUT that’s just us and your taste and preferences may not be the same. So you can always just go based on what your heart desires.
There are also other food establishments within the premises including Cafe Voila, Coffee Project, Windmill Lausanne, Dear Joe, and Yama.
Crosswinds Tagaytay charges a combined parking fee and voucher ticket rate. Note that the consumable portion of the ticket can only be availed from one restaurant. For any purchases beyond the consumable, you will have to pay cash or credit. Here are their rates:
Weekday Rates
- Regular Vehicle: P200 for Parking + P800 Consumable
- Bicycles/Motorcycles/Big Bike: P100 for Parking + P400 Consumable
Weekend/Holiday Rates
- Regular Vehicle: P300 for Parking + P700 Consumable
- Bicycles/Motorcycles/Big Bike – P100 for Parking + P400 Consumable
New Restaurants with a View
Tagaytay is special on its own, but its best asset is the view you can get from here. It offers a stunning view of the Taal Lake and Taal volcano in the middle of it. Many hotels and restaurants here boast a great view including established names like Rosario by Vikings, Bag of Beans Charito, Balay Dako, and Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo.
There are also relatively new additions to the already long list of restaurants in Tagaytay. Among the crowd favorites is Bulalo Capital. Bulalo Capital itself is not new to the Tagaytay scene. The main branch which is a restobar and family KTV place has been here for a while.
However, the second branch is drawing more attention right now. It offers a stunning view and fun photo spots. Aside from the traditional bulalo, it also serves different variants like kimchi bulalo, dragon bulalo, and sizzling bulalo.
We also went to Cabanas Dine and Bar. The place has a nice ambiance especially because it has an open-air area. And if you’re craving samgyupsal, go to Mr. Kimchi where you’ll be welcomed by a gorgeous view. Here, the view alone would be enough to satisfy you.
Cafes with a View
If you’re not hungry enough for bulalo or a full meal, you can still enjoy the view of Taal from any of the coffee shops located on the ridge. You can check under-the-radar cafes like Lawa Café and Kuuma Kaakao Kaffe. If you want a more familiar coffee shop, the Starbucks branches that opened recently also have a great view like the one in Tagaytay Downhill (Calamba Road), Domicillo Design Hotel, and the branch that draws a mob, Starbucks Hiraya. Even the Twin Lakes branch in Laurel has a wonderful view.
If you prefer milk tea to coffee, Sip n Brew by Miara Cafe is getting a lot of attention too. It is located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, set in a rooftop space tucked in Miara Events Place complex. Don’t be confused because there’s also Sip n Brew Milktea Tagaytay along Mahogany Avenue in Barangay Maharlika West, but that’s a different branch.
Here, you can try different concoctions that are very nostalgic like chocnut milk tea and white rabbit milk tea. They also have the usual milktea favorites like wintermelon, salted caramel, and cheesecake drinks. If you’re looking for snacks, you can order their nachos or chicken wings!
Staycation at a Concept Hotel
Tagaytay has always been known for its proper hotels, but in the past few years, concept accommodations have been rising in this city along with the nearby towns of Silang and Alfonso.
They offer unusual, if not unique, lodging experiences to tourists. There are Bali-influenced ones, garden-style lodgings, and container-type cabins, among others. We got to experience staying at the Hobbiton-inspired LahLuna Bed and Breakfast. The rates here are on the pricier side, but they allow up to four or five guests so it’s worth it, especially for families or friend groups.
The Gingerbread House
Located in Alfonso is this whimsical attraction — The Gingerbread House. It occupies a vast area and has different themed sections, but the center piece is this giant house plucked straight from a storybook or fairy tale. This place is like a giant playground. There’s also a restaurant located inside.
However, don’t expect too much. Aesthetically, this isn’t the most fashionable or the most polished tourist spot in Tagaytay. We’d say it’s more for kids. You can also find food stalls and photo spots within the complex.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee
- Weekdays: Adult, P150; PWD, Senior Citizens, P120; 12 y/o and below, P100
- Weekends: Adult, P180; PWD, Senior Citizens, P140; 12 y/o and below, P130
Parking Fee: Cars & Vans, P30; Motorcycles, P20
Location: Matagbak – Palumlum Road, Barangay Palumlum, Alfonso, CaviteGetting There: From PITX, take a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu. Alight at Shell Station across Splendido Taal. There’s a tricycle terminal on the side of the road (Alilio Drive). Ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you are going to The Gingerbread House.
Queens Strawberry Farm
Strawberries are always associated with Baguio, but there’s also a strawberry farm here in Tagaytay. Located in the town of Alfonso, right next to Tagaytay, Queens Strawberry Farm is a complex with an events venue, a bed-and-breakfast, a bakeshop, and you guessed it…a farm!
When in season, you can go strawberry-picking or rod fishing. But most people go here to dine at their restaurant, which is housed in a picture-worthy A-frame building. The restaurant serves various dishes with strawberries, starting from their salad dressed with strawberry vinaigrette to pancakes topped with fresh strawberries to strawberry milkshake to strawberry cheesecake. They also serve savory main dishes like pork belly and sisig. But don’t worry, those are not mixed with strawberries.
You can also buy fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, buko strawberry pie, and other products here that you can bring home.
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Weekends, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Cafe Victoria – Weekends, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Parking Fee: FREE
Location: Sitio Hawilian 2, Barangay Upli, Alfonso, CaviteGetting There: From PITX, take a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu. Alight at Shell Station across Splendido Taal. There’s a tricycle terminal on the side of the road. Ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you are going to Queens Strawberry Farm.
Tanawin sa Gulod
UPDATE! As of June 2024, this business is temporarily closed for expansion and relocation. Check the official Facebook page for updates.
Tanawin sa Gulod is a fairly new restaurant in Alfonso, but this place is more than just a restaurant. Although it is known as a dining spot with a wide selection on its menu and kubos for their dining area, they also have a campsite. Tanawin sa Gulod has a very wide space where you can pitch a tent and stay overnight under the stars. And because it is situated on the ridge, it is overlooking the lake and the volcano.
If you don’t have your own tent, you can rent one, but they have limited units available so you need to reserve it in advance.
If you don’t want to eat at the restaurant or camp here, you can still enjoy the view by paying the entrance fee. But if you’re dining at the restaurant, you don’t need to pay the entrance fee.
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Campsite Access: Check in, 12:00 PM; Check out, 12:00 PM
Rates:
- Tent Pitching: starts at P500 (depending on tent size)
- Car Camping: P1,000
- Motor Camping: P300
- Tent Rental: P800
- Parking: Motorcycle, P150; Car, P300
- Entrance Fee (if not dining at the restaurant): P100
New Alfonso Restaurants
And while we’re in Alfonso, let’s also tackle the increasing number of restaurants located here. Even before, Sonya’s Garden, Lime and Basil, and Marcia Adams, to name a few, have been known to many. But over the past few years, more restaurants opened like Queens Strawberry Farm, Tanawin sa Gulod, and Mon’s Restuarant.
But if you miss Japanese food, you can try Surugin Ramen House, concealed in this residential complex that really gives off a Japan vibe. Surugin takes pride in making their own noodles, but if you’ve had tonkatsu ramen in Japan and you prefer it that way, you might be surprised with their version of Hakata ramen because it’s thin and clear. Meanwhile, their tsuraimen or spicy miso ramen is rich, opaque, and has a punch. They also serve katsudon, katsu curry rice, and gyoza.
Twin Lakes Shopping Village
Located near the boundary of Cavite and Batangas, Twin Lakes Shopping Village is a leisure center with a grandiose hotel surrounded by rolling hills with the Taal lake and volcano as a backdrop. The view alone makes the visit worth it. But if you get hungry, you’ll find multiple restaurants and cafés here that have access to the wonderful view like La Creperie, Bag of Beans, Silver Bucket, Bagoong Club, and more.
This is also a favorite stopover for road trippers going to or coming from Batangas because there’s a Starbucks, 7-Eleven, and Robinson’s Supermarket here.
Opening Hours
- 7/11: 24 Hours
- Robinsons Supermarket: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The usual opening schedule of establishments is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Parking Fee: FREE
Location: Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Barangay Dayap Itaas, Laurel, BatangasGetting There: At Olivarez/Rotonda, take the jeepney/bus bound for Nasugbu and tell the driver to drop you off at Twin Lakes Tagaytay. If you are coming from Manila, take a Nasugbu-bound bus and tell the driver to drop you off at Twin Lakes Tagaytay.
Silang Restaurants
Aside from Alfonso, another nearby town of Tagaytay with delicious food options is Silang. The town has an abundance of garden cafés. So far, our team has tried Salakot, and we recommend it!
Opened in 2021, this restaurant draws tourists with its picturesque salakot-like huts, but the dishes are the main reason why people keep coming back. It offers an array of classic Pinoy dishes. Everything is worth it for its price! Our favorites are kare-kareng pata ng baboy or pork leg and pork laing.
Acienda Designer Outlet
Not too far from Salakot is Acienda Designer Outlet. It’s marketed as the “first true international outlet mall in the Philippines.” There are a lot of international brands here that offer deals of up to 70% off year-round.
Aside from shops, there are also a lot of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls here, so you never have to worry in case you get hungry while shopping. You’ll also find “instagrammable” spots like its iconic 3.5 story windmill.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday to Sunday & Holidays, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: KM 48 Emilio Aguinaldo Highway corner Balubad Road, Barangay Lalaan I, Silang, Cavite
Where to Stay in Tagaytay
If you’re considering staying overnight or a few days in Tagaytay, there are a lot of accommodations to choose from. Whether you’re on a budget or you’re looking for a luxury hotel for a special occasion, you will find it here. You can also find hotels with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake if that’s what you’re after. To help you plan your trip more efficiently, here are some of the top-rated accommodations in Tagaytay according to online users.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- ESCALA TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - TAAL VISTA HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SUMMIT RIDGE TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE LAKE HOTEL TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE CARMELENCE VIEW VILLA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- QUEST HOTEL TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ROYALE PARC HOTEL TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ANYA RESORT TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - VIA APPIA TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HOTEL MONTICELLO TAGAYTAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
You can also check out these posts for more hotel suggestions in and near Tagaytay:
- Top 10 Hotels in Tagaytay with Taal Lake Views
- Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in Tagaytay
- Top 10 Hotels Near Tagaytay
Find more Tagaytay Hotels!
Updates Log
2024.10.02 – First uploaded
Related Article: Tagaytay Travel Guide
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