Just a few hours away from Manila, Tagaytay has been a favorite destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Because of its proximity to the metro, it is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or even a day trip if you only have a day to unwind. The cold weather and the marvelous view of Taal Lake and Volcano are enough to give you a relaxing time, but the food and other attractions definitely give tourists more reasons to visit.
Tagaytay temporarily closed the first few months of 2020 due to the eruption of the Taal Volcano in January and the community quarantine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has reopened since. Attractions and establishments have opened their doors again for tourists who want to get away from the heat of the city.
ATTENTION! For the most updated information, it’s best to check the official websites or Facebook pages of the Tagaytay Tourism Office, the Tagaytay local government, and the Cavite Provincial Government for updates and announcements.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Best Area to Stay
There are many accommodation options in Tagaytay, but what you must know is that some hotels, guesthouses, or lodges labeled as “Tagaytay” may actually be located in nearby municipalities. This is something you have to double-check when looking for a place to stay.
Some of the best areas to stay when in Tagaytay and exploring surrounding towns are Tagaytay Rotonda Area also known as Olivarez, along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, which has a stunning view of the volcano and the lake, and along Tagaytay-Calamba Road, which is close to popular attractions like People’s Park in the Sky and Picnic Grove.
Top Hotels with Taal Lake View
Most accommodations in Tagaytay boast their view of Taal Lake and Volcano. If you wish to have the this iconic view for your staycation, here are the top hotels in Tagaytay with Taal Lake views.
- 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 & Resorts
If you’re visiting Tagaytay for a romantic getaway or to simply have a relaxing time, a hotel with a serene ambiance would be the best place to stay in. Here are the top hotels you should consider.
- 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!
Top Hotels Near Tagaytay
Whether it is peak season or you just want to try other hotels near Tagaytay in Cavite or Batangas, here are some of the top hotels to consider according to online users.
- TWIN LAKES HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CLUB BALAI ISABEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SPLENDIDO HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE ORIENTAL LUXURY SUITES
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PARK SILANG
✅ 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!
Getting There
NOTE: Changes may have occurred. Please contact the LGU, terminal, or bus company directly for the latest schedule, routes, and fares.
By Bus
From PITX
- Because new routes and schemes are being implemented since the pandemic, you can find most buses bound for Batangas at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
- Once at PITX, go to Gate 2 where the buses bound for Tagaytay can be found.
- You can hop on any bus bound for Tagaytay, Mendez, or Olivarez. Fare is around P110.
From Buendia
- At Buendia, ride a DLTB bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas.
- Tell the conductor to drop you off at Ayala Malls Serin or Olivarez. Many have claimed that this is actually an easier route as opposed to the PITX route. Fare is around P140.
Alternatively, you can also ride a bus bound for Sta. Rosa Balibago in Laguna. Once you get to Balibago Complex, take a jeep bound for Tagaytay. Many also recommend this route as any routes via Nasugbu will basically be “touring” Cavite and may take longer due to bad traffic conditions.
REMINDERS:
- Do not board a bus bound to Lemery. This bus will take SLEX and STAR Toll and will not pass through Tagaytay.
- If your hotel is along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and you’re on a bus going to Calatagan or Nasugbu, you can ask the conductor to drop you off at the hotel. You don’t need to get off at Olivarez or Rotonda.
- If you’re on the way to SkyRanch, the bus won’t actually pass by the amusement park. You will be dropped off at Petron Gas Station and from there, you can walk going to SkyRanch.
RELATED ARTICLE: You can read a more detailed article here: MANILA to TAGAYTAY Bus Schedules & Fares
By Van
Another way to get to Tagaytay is by riding a shared van. You may get on a van going to Calatagan, Nasugbu, or Lemery and get off at Tagaytay. You may find these vans at these malls:
- Starmall EDSA-Shaw (at the terminal along EDSA)
- Festival Mall Alabang
- Metropoint Mall
REMINDERS:
- This option is relatively more expensive than a bus ride because these vans work like point-to-point shuttles. Don’t forget to ask the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay.
- Vans don’t have a fixed schedule and they don’t leave the terminal until it’s full. If you’re in a rush and there’s still a lot of empty seats, you can take the bus instead.
- If you got on a van bound to Lemery, tell the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay. Vans to Lemery usually pass through Tagaytay, but to be sure the driver won’t take a detour, let him know your destination.
Tourist Spots & Attractions
ATTENTION! Opening hours and rates might change from time to time. Make sure you check the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and tourist spots prior to your trip.
If you need more details, you can check out these two articles: 12 NEW Attractions & Experiences in Tagaytay and 10 AFFORDABLE Tourist Spots & Activities in Tagaytay
Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila
The most convenient way to go around Tagaytay is by private vehicle. Although taking public transportation 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:
- Picnic Grove
- Sonya’s Garden
- Palace in the Sky
- Mahogany Market
- Gingerbread House
- Sky Ranch
- Good Shepherd
- Caleruega Church
Taal Lake and Volcano View
Tagaytay has a fantastic view of the Taal Volcano. Most of the private establishments and public roadside spots offer a fetching view of the volcano jutting out of the calm waters of the lake. You can choose to admire it while dining at a restaurant, sipping a drink from a café, from the balcony or window of your staycation hotel, or by stopping at a vacant roadside viewing spot. Tagaytay serves as a huge balcony for tourists and locals alike.
Tagaytay Picnic Grove
The Tagaytay Picnic Grove is a vast park that has been a go-to destination over the years, especially for those who are into picnics and bonding with family. Aside from the usual tables where you can have a picnic, you can also enjoy the zipline and cable car ride for a fee.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P75 per person
Parking Fee: Cars, P50; Vans, Jeepneys, Coasters, P75; Buses, P150; Motorcycles, FREE
Hut/Cottage Rental: P100 – 2,500, depending on the size
Zipline Rate: P300 (two-way ride)
Location: Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Tagaytay, Cavite
Skyranch Tagaytay
Skyranch is an amusement park in Tagaytay, which sits atop a cliff, overlooking the lake. It’s filled with rides and activities for the whole family, including the iconic SKyEye, a 63-meter Ferris wheel. There are also restaurants and food kiosks inside.
✅ GET RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN DAY PASS HERE!
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday & Holidays, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P100 per head. Note that there are individual admission fees for the attractions inside the park.
Parking Fee: Bicycle/Motorcycle, P30; Car, P50; Bus, P150; Overnight/Lost Ticket, P200
Location: Km 60, Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Kaybagal South, Tagaytay, Cavite
People’s Park in the Sky
Built in 1979, it was originally called Palace in the Sky. It was constructed during the Marcos era to be a guest house for US President Ronald Reagan, but the construction halted when the visit was canceled. People’s Park in the Sky is still a popular attraction in Tagaytay until this day because of the amazing view.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P50 per person
Location: Tagaytay – Calamba Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Getting There: Rent a tricycle at Olivarez to take you to People’s Park in the Sky. From the entrance gate, it’s an uphill climb. You can also opt to ride a jeep for around P10.
Puzzle Mansion
The Puzzle Mansion currently has the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles in the world as recognized by Guinness Book of World records. The museum holds over a thousand jigsaw puzzles owned by Georgina Gil-Lacuna. It is located in Barangay Asisan, in what used to be the rest house of the Gil-Lacuna family.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday to Wednesday, CLOSED
Entrance Fee: P100 per head
Location: Cuadra Street, Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Getting There: Board a jeepney bound for Alfonso or Nasugbu at Olivarez/Rotonda. Tell the driver that you’ll get off at Barangay Asisan. Make sure that he will drop you off at the corner going to Puzzle Mansion. Then, take a tricycle to Puzzle Mansion.
Tagaytay Food Trip
The food and beverage industry is very much alive in Tagaytay. Tagaytay is not only brimming with a wide spectrum of dining and food choices but also boasts a lot of gastronomic gems, homegrown dining places, and top-rated restaurants. Whether visitors are on a budget or you have no problem splurging on food, they find something that keeps them returning to the place multiple times.
Indulge in the countless restaurants, cafés, roadside eateries, and even the stalls at Mahogany Market! Of course, your Tagaytay visit won’t be complete without a sip of hot Bulalo.
Fruit and Plant Shopping
Tagaytay is also home to numerous roadside fruit and plant stalls. Aside from the sweets, fresh produce and colorful flowers are some of the many things that tourists bring home from their Tagaytay trip. There’s also the fruit market near the junction of Santa Rosa and Tagaytay. For plantitos and plantitas, some even go further the narrow barangay streets to buy cheaper plants.
Twin Lakes Shopping Village
Contrary to popular belief, Twin Lakes is not really under the jurisdiction of Tagaytay but of Laurel, Batangas. But because of its proximity to Tagaytay, it is understandably labeled as such. Located near the boundary of Tagaytay in Cavite and Nasugbu in Batangas, it has become a favorite stopover or side trip for many road trippers. There are dining places, a convenience store, a supermarket, ATMs, restrooms, and great views of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano.
Opening Hours: The opening schedule of establishments varies, but the usual mall operating schedule is 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Location: Tagaytay – Nasugbu Highway, Laurel, Batangas
Getting There: If you’re coming from Manila, take a bus bound for Nasugbu and ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at Twin Lakes. If your jump-off point is at Olivarez/Rotonda, take a jeepney bound for Nasugbu and tell the driver you are going to Twin Lakes.
Caleruega
Also known as Transfiguration Chapel, Caleruega Church is one of the most well-known wedding venues in the Philippines. It is located in Nasugbu, Batangas, but you can easily visit from Tagaytay. This church also has retreat houses and beautiful gardens.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Public Sunday Mass Schedule, 10:30 AM
Entrance Fee: P30 per head
Location: Calleruega Road, Barangay Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas
Getting There: Take a jeepney bound for Nasugbu at Olivarez/Rotonda. Ask the driver to drop you off at Hillcrest/Arillo. Take a tricycle from Hillcrest/Arillo to Caleruega Chapel.
Best Time to Visit
December and January are usually the coldest months, but the temperature is still pretty cool year-round. If you want to explore a few tourist spots during your visit, it is best to go from November to May when there’s less chance of heavy rainfall.
Recommended Restaurants
- Leslie’s: Located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Leslie’s is a local favorite. Make sure you order a bowl of Bulalo that is perfect for the cold weather.
- Josphine Restaurant: Another local favorite, especially for families, Josephine Restaurant is another place where you can get a hearty bowl of Bulalo or Bulalo Steak. Located along Aguinaldo Highway, the restaurant also offers a great view of the Taal Volcano. Unfortunately, Josephine’s is no longer operational.
- Breakfast at Antonio’s Restaurant: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Breakfast at Antonio’s Restaurant is an elegant place where you can dine. The parking lot seems full whenever we pass by. We love the Mayura Beef Burger and the Fresh Corned Beef. It’s on the pricey side of the spectrum.
- Sonya’s Garden: Sonya’s Garden has a restaurant, bed and breakfast, and spa. This garden located in Alfonso, Cavite is perfect for those who want a more relaxing ambiance.
- Bag of Beans: This homegrown restaurant has already made a name for itself because of the generous servings of its dishes. They currently have six (6) branches in Tagaytay with the main branch near Mendez Crossing.
- Mushroomburger: Mushroomburger is a budget-friendly restaurant located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. It’s a fast-food-style restaurant that features food with mushrooms as the main ingredients. This place is just a 10-minute walk from SkyRanch so you can have your early lunch here before going to the amusement park.
- Balay Dako: This restaurant is famous for its freshly cooked piaya. This popular restaurant has spacious dining areas — both indoor and al fresco — and a great view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. It also has a pasalubong shop located near the waiting area.
Practical Travel Tips
- Always check for updates. Some adjustments have to be taken for establishments and attractions to operate during the new normal. Don’t forget to contact or visit the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and activities for announcements and updates before going.
- Bring sun protection. Although Tagaytay has a relatively cooler temperature, the sun can be unforgiving sometimes, especially in summer. Don’t forget to bring a hat/cap and sunglasses or apply sunscreen.
- Practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Support the local community by purchasing their products. Help lessen the trash by bringing reusable water bottles and eco-bags to avoid the use of single-use plastic.
- Be mindful of others. Respect other people’s personal space and time. When taking photos, don’t take too long because others are waiting for their turn too. When walking on the street, make sure you are not blocking other passers-by. Avoid talking too loudly, especially if you are inside a museum or a sacred place.
- Follow the town’s rules and regulations. Make sure you know the travel safety protocols and requirements and follow them.
RELATED ARTICLE: 10 TAGAYTAY Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a sample overnight or 2-day itinerary for Tagaytay. Feel free to make adjustments depending on your preferences.
Day 1
– Head to Caleruega
– Caleruega
– Travel to Twin Lakes Shopping Village
– Lunch
– Travel to hotel
– Check in at the hotel
– Head to Skyranch
– Skyranch
– Downtime at a café or coffee shop
– Dinner
– Back to the hotel
– Relax
– Lights off
Day 2
– Check out of the hotel
– Travel to Puzzle Mansion
– Puzzle Mansion
– Travel to Picnic Grove
– Picnic Grove
– Lunch
– Pasalubong shopping
– Travel back to Manila
Watch Related Videos on YouTube
You can watch our Top 12 New Tourist Spots in Tagaytay video below. You can also find other related videos on our YouTube channel.
Updates Log
2024.05.24 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format and added photos
2021.03.20 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz and Astrid Alvarez
Related Article: Top 10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Tagaytay
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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