When it comes to quick weekend escapes from Manila, Tagaytay is an obvious choice! New tourist spots have been popping up left and right in this holiday town, but this article is an ode to the classics.
If you’re looking for a change of pace that’s a two- to three-hour drive away, Tagaytay is the place to hit! From its endless array of dining places to its magnificent panoramas of the Taal Lake, it appeals to those looking for a respite, allowing visitors to forget about their problems and chill for a few days or so. It’s also great if you’re just looking for a quick roadtrip on a weekend or a holiday without having to stay overnight.
In this post, we’re going to list down the classics that have become staples in any Tagaytay itinerary! We’ve also squeezed in a few places to visit in nearby towns in Batangas that are easily accessible from Tagaytay. If you’re looking for New Tagaytay Tourist Spots article, we’ve created a separate post for that.
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 a car or you don’t want to drive, travel conveniently by joining a group tour from Manila to Tagaytay (and back to Manila). This package already covers roundtrip transportation, fuel, toll, and parking fees. The usual meeting area is at SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA). Most of the places included in this list are part of this tour’s itinerary. These are the usual stops:
- 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
Sky Ranch Tagaytay
Sky Ranch is a favorite here in Tagaytay especially for families who are traveling with kids or kids-at-heart. Although to be honest, Sky Ranch isn’t unique to Tagaytay because there’s also a Sky Ranch in Baguio and Pampanga.
But what makes this different is the spectacular view, especially if you ride the 63-meter tall Ferris wheel called Sky Eye. Sky Ranch is perched on the ridge so it really has a breathtaking view of the Taal Lake and volcano.
Aside from the view, tourists are also attracted by the rides here like the Double Decker Carousel, Drop Tower, Super Viking, and Log Coaster. There are also carnival games that you can play like hook a duck, basketball shooting, lobster pot, and ring toss. They’re all fun to play, but unfortunately, none of our team won anything. But that’s okay, everyone still enjoyed the games!
A ride-all-you-can day pass is also available if you want to experience all of Sky Ranch Tagaytay’s attractions. You can book this in advance online! And we actually recommend doing so, because this day pass is only available online and must be availed a day before you plan to visit.
✅ GET RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN DAY PASS HERE!
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, Holidays, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Regular, P100/head; Senior/PWD w/ ID, P80. Note that there are separate admission fees per attraction inside the theme park.
Popular Rides: Sky Eye, P200; Double Decker Carousel, P60; Drop Tower, P120; Super Viking, P120; Log Coaster, P120
Parking Fee: Bicycle/Motorcycle, P30; Car, P50; Bus, P150; Overnight/Lost Ticket, P200
Location: Km 60, Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Barangay Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City, CaviteGetting There: From Manila, take the bus to Tagaytay and alight at Olivarez/Rotonda. From Olivarez/Rotonda, take a jeepney bound for Mendez or Nasugbu. Let the driver know that you are going to Sky Ranch, so he can drop you off at the designated stop because not all jeepneys take the road where Sky Ranch is located. The fare is around P15.
Tagaytay Picnic Grove
Picnic Grove is one of the original destinations here in Tagaytay. It’s a vast area for friends, families, and even couples on a budget.
You don’t need to dine in expensive restaurants to enjoy Tagaytay when you visit here. In Picnic Grove, you can bring your own food! You just need to rent tables, huts, or gazebos. Many of them even have provisions for cooking or grilling.
When you occupy a table or a cottage, a collector will approach you for the payment. Aside from having a picnic, you can also go on the eco-trail and the horseback riding circuit. There’s also an open field for playing badminton or kite flying. If you didn’t bring food or just need extra snacks, there are also food stalls and a food hub here.
And if you want an adventure, you can ride the zipline! If you haven’t tried zip lining before, the zipline in Picnic Grave is perfect for first timers!
And of course, you’ll have a great backdrop because the view here is unmatched. The Picnic Grove is also located on the ridge and there’s a lot of viewpoints or lookouts like Picnic Town or the Sky Walk.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P75/head
Hut/Cottage Rental: Table (8 pax), P100; Picnic Huts (8 pax), P150; Family Shed (16 pax), P300; Pavilion (20-25 pax), P500; Function Room at Viewdeck (70 pax), P2,500
Popular Activities: Zipline, P300 (2-way ride); Horseback Riding, P150-P200
Parking Fee: Motorcycles, FREE; Cars, P50; Vans, Jeepneys, Coasters, P75; Bus, P150
Location: Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Barangay Sungay East, Tagaytay City, CaviteGetting There: From Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a jeepney bound for Calamba or the one with the signage “People’s Park.” If you want to make sure, just ask the driver to drop you off at Tagaytay Picnic Grove.
People’s Park in the Sky
People’s Park in the Sky is another popular spot known for its gorgeous view of the Taal Lake and volcano. It was previously known as Palace in the Sky, which was commissioned to host US President Ronald Reagan during his supposed visit in 1983. However, the then-US President’s visit was canceled and the construction of the mansion halted.
While its original purpose was never met, it has been turned into an urban park and view deck. There’s also a garden, a small chapel, souvenir shops, and food stalls. However, there are many areas of the park that need major upkeep and improvement. But if all you need is a stunning view, you surely won’t get disappointed.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P50/head
Location: Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Barangay Dapdap West, Tagaytay City, CaviteGetting There: From Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a jeepney with the signage “People’s Park”. That jeepney terminates at the jumping-off point to the park.From the entrance gate, it’s an uphill climb to the mansion.
Local Sweet Delicacies
If you’re getting tired going around and you need some sweets to boost your energy, don’t worry because there are A LOT of delicacies to try here in Tagaytay. One could argue that you cannot make your trip home without trying the most popular delicacy, which is buko pie! You’ll find numerous pasalubong shops around the city where you can get this coconut pastry. Here are some of them:
- Cecilia’s Buco Pie and Pasalubong
- Carmela’s Banana Cakes
- Rowena’s Pasalubong and Restaurant
- Amira’s Buco Tart Haus
- Colette’s Buko Pie and Pasalubong
For us, our number one favorite is the Ube Buko Pie from Cecilia’s. The sweetness of the ube complements the mild taste of the coconut very well.
And speaking of ube, the popular Good Shepherd Ube Halaya jam that is a popular pasalubong item from Baguio is also available here in Tagaytay! You can get it from Bahay Pastulan, which is also operated by the Good Shepherd’s sisters. It’s located along Santa Rosa – Tagaytay Road in Barangay Francisco, Tagaytay City.
And if you need something to drink, try the signature carabao milk from Mr. Moo, also sitting along Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road. They also have cow’s milk with different varieties and flavors. Our team likes the melon flavor the most.
Note: The pasalubong shops mentioned above have many branches dotting the map of Tagaytay EXCEPT FOR Good Shepherd’s Bahay Pastulan and Mr. Moo. Here’s how to get there:
Getting to Bahay Pastulan/Mr. Moo: Ride a jeepney bound for People’s Park and get off at Tagaytay Econo Hotel at the junction of Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road and Tagaytay-Calamba Road. Charter a tricycle to either Bahay Pastulan Store/Good Shepherd or Mr. Moo.
Mahogany Market
Of course, when it comes to food you should try in Tagaytay, bulalo is on top of the list. And when we talk about bulalo, you can’t go wrong with Mahogany Market. Yes, it’s an actual public market. On the ground floor, you will be welcomed by stalls selling raw meat like pork and beef. There are also seafood and other proteins available.
But when you go up to the second floor, you’ll find the food court. Here, you’ll find various food stalls serving similar menus. They have lechon kawali, chicharon bulaklak, crablets, and of course, bulalo! It’s honestly hard to choose which stall to order from since their prices are comparable. And compared to other restaurants, you can get bulalo for much cheaper here, but the taste would not disappoint either.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: 10 Mahogany Avenue, Barangay Kaybagal South (Poblacion), Tagaytay City, Cavite
Parking Fee: P20-40 (depending on the location)Getting There: If you’re coming from Manila, board a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Get off at Tagaytay Hall of Justice along Mahogany Avenue. Then, walk towards Mahogany Market behind the Tagaytay Hall of Justice building.
Fantasy World
Fantasy World is another destination outside Tagaytay that’s often added to Tagaytay itineraries. There’s a huge chance you’ve come across pictures of Fantasy World online especially its giant medieval castle which was supposed to be the centerpiece of a huge theme park that was planned to be like Disneyland. Unfortunately, the project didn’t push through.
We’re not exactly sure if the term for it is “abandoned” because for a while, management actually allowed tourists into the park for photoshoots. As of December 2021, visitors can now onl drop by the front gate or view the park from a viewpoint along the road instead.
TIP! Whether you’re coming to or from Fantasy World, you’ll pass by GOLDEN VIEW Grill Café & Restaurant. It doesn’t look much from the outside, but it also has a good view and great food. They serve mostly Batangan dishes including Batangas goto and tableya chocolate which is served with suman.
Location: Diokno Highway/Payapa Road, Barangay Masayang, Lemery, Batangas
Getting There: From Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a bus or jeepney to Boundary (Cavite-Batangas boundary). From there, ride another jeepney bound for Lemery and ask the driver to drop you off at the road leading to the Fantasy World entrance. You can also charter a tricycle to take you there.
Caleruega
While we’re still in Batangas, why not go to the Caleruega Chapel as well? Although located in Nasugbu, it is also often included in Tagaytay itineraries because it is easily accessible from Tagaytay.
The church complex was originally built as a venue for retreat and contemplation, but it has evolved into one of the choice destinations for wedding and prenup photoshoots. Caleruega is surrounded by relaxing gardens and hills and has a nice view of Mt. Batulao.
Aside from being a wedding venue, mass is also regularly held in the chapel. It’s also a usual Visita Iglesia stop in Batangas.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Public Sunday Mass Schedule: 10:30 AM
Entrance Fee: P30/head
Location: Calleruega Road, Barangay Kaylaway, Nasugbu, BatangasGetting There: Ride a jeepney bound for Nasugbu at Olivarez/Rotonda and tell the driver to drop you off at Hillcrest/Evercrest. From there, take a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to Caleruega.
Tierra de Maria (Our Lady of Manaoag)
Tierra de Maria, also known as Our Lady of Manaoag, is a chapel in Tagaytay. It occupies a small area, but it is known for its 50-foot statue of Virgin Mary. When you enter the chapel, there are sections where you can write a note or prayer requests or even a prayer of thanks. You can post it on the wall or put it in drop boxes. If you want to take home souvenirs, you can check out the store by the entrance.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Barangay Sungay East, Tagaytay City, CaviteGetting There: From Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a jeepney bound for Calamba or the one with the signage “People’s Park” or just ask the driver to drop you off at Tierra de Maria/Our Lady of Manaoag. The chapel is located near Tagaytay Picnic Grove.
Puzzle Mansion
Puzzle Mansion is a private museum of the family of the collector Georgina Gil-Lacuna. It was opened in 2012 with over 1,000 puzzles and has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle collection from 2012 to 2017. At present, there are about 2,000 puzzles housed in the museum with the oldest dating back to the ‘80s.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday to Wednesday, CLOSED
Entrance Fee: P100/head
Location: Cuadra Street, Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Parking Fee:FREEGetting There: From Olivarez/Rotonda, take a jeepney bound for Nasugbu or Alfonso, then tell the driver to drop you off at the spot in Barangay Asisan, where you can hail a tricycle to the Puzzle Mansion.
Museo Orlina
If you like museums, you can check out Museo Orlina, named after the artist and founder Ramon Orlina, who is known for his iconic glass sculptures.
This museum opened in 2014 and showcases Orlina’s masterpieces as well as works of other artists, especially sculptors. The main highlight here is the “ARCANIUM XIX, Paradise Gained”, which is a replica of one of his masterpieces. The original piece is displayed in the Atrium of the National Museum of Natural History.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Entrance Fee: Regular, P150; Students, Seniors, and PWDs with valid I.D., P120
Location: Hollywood Street, Hollywood Subdivision, Barangay Tolentino East, Tagaytay City, CaviteGetting There: If coming from Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a jeepney bound for Calamba or the one with the signage “People’s Park”. Ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection or at Tagaytay Econo Hotel. From there, walk to Museo Orlina.
Where to Stay in Tagaytay
There are lots of accommodation options in Tagaytay — from luxury hotels to budget hotels. Some hotels offer view of Taal Lake, while others feature unique concepts. According to online users, here are some of the top-rated accommodations in Tagaytay, in no particular order.
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
2024.09.17 – First uploaded
Related Article: Tagaytay Travel Guide
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