I
  • Home
  • Explore Philippines
    • Luzon >
      • Metro Manila >
        • 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Metro Manila
        • Staycation at Shangri-La at the Fort
      • Benguet >
        • Baguio >
          • 10 Cozy and Instagrammable Airbnbs and Hotels in Baguio in 2023
          • Best Hotels Near Session Road and Burnham Park
      • Mountain Province >
        • Sagada >
          • Blue Soil Hills
      • Batangas >
        • Vivere Azure Resort
      • Cavite >
        • Tagaytay >
          • Vineyard in Tagaytay
          • Twin Lakes Hotel Review
          • Harry Potter Themed Airbnb
          • Relaxing at Nurture Wellness Village
          • 10 Things to Do and Tourist Spots to Visit
      • La Union >
        • Best Hostels and Resorts
        • Review of Vessel Hostel
      • Albay >
        • Cagsawa Ruins
        • Daraga Church
        • Tabaco Church
        • Where to Stay in Tabaco City: A List of Hotels and Apartelles
        • IshiAya Garden Bistro
        • Cheap Accommodations in Legazpi City
        • Mayon Volcano
        • Mid-Priced to Premier Hotels in Legazpi City
      • Sorsogon >
        • Subic Beach
        • Tikling Island
        • Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary
        • Calintaan Cave
        • Sorsogon - More than just the Butandings
        • Pink Sand Beach
        • Cheap Accommodations in Sorsogon City
      • Quezon >
        • Cagbalete Island >
          • Cagbalete Island: A Travel Guide
          • Cagbalete Island: Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Cagbalete Island: How to Get There
          • Cagbalete Island Beach Resorts
          • A Review of Dona Choleng Camping Resort
          • Cagbalete Fish Sanctuary
          • Yang-In Sand Bar
          • Ilog Bukana at San Jose River
          • Cagbalete White Sand Beach
        • Budget and Itinerary | Padre Burgos and Pagbilao
        • Borawan Island
        • Where to Stay and Eat in Mauban
        • How to Get to Mauban from Manila or Lucena
        • Tips and Suggested Itinerary for Pahiyas Festival 2015
        • Things to Do (or Eat) in Lucban, Quezon
      • Palawan >
        • El Nido >
          • Small Lagoon
          • Top 5 Spots in El Nido
          • Cheap Accommodations in El Nido
          • Mid-Priced to Premier Hotels in El Nido
        • Coron >
          • Giraffes and Zebras at Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
          • Ultimate Guide to Black Island Coron
          • Review of Vienna Hotel Coron Palawan
          • Affordable and Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Coron Town Proper
    • Visayas >
      • Iloilo >
        • Budget Accommodations in Iloilo City
        • Isla de Gigantes >
          • How to Get to Isla de Gigantes
          • Tangke Salt Water Lagoon
          • Cabugao Gamay
          • Cabugao Dako or Cabugao Grande
          • Antonia Beach
          • Bantigue Sandbar
      • Bohol >
        • Panglao >
          • Dolphin Watching and Island Hopping
          • Top Things to Do for Overnighters and Daytrippers
          • Coco Vida Bar and Restaurant
          • South Palms Resort
          • Mithi Resort and Spa
          • Halamanan Residences
          • Buzzz Cafe of Bohol Bee Farm
          • Bohol Bee Farm Resort
          • Alona Vida Beach Resort
          • New Panglao International Airport
          • Luxury Resorts in Panglao
          • Affordable Beachfront Resorts in Panglao
        • Loboc >
          • Loboc River Cruise and Floating Restaurant
          • Tarsier Conservation Center
        • Bohol Day Trip Travel Guide from Cebu
        • Bohol Chocolate Hills
        • Bilar Man-Made Forest
        • Day Tour | Countryside Tour
        • The Mangrove Forests of Maribojoc
        • Cheap Accommodations in Tagbilaran City
      • Cebu >
        • Oslob >
          • Travel Guide to Oslob
          • 6 Things to Do in Oslob
          • How to Go to Oslob from Dumaguete
          • Oslob Whale Watching
          • Tumalog Falls
          • Sumilon Sandbar
          • Oslob Church and Cuartel
          • Cheap Accommodations in Oslob
        • Malapascua >
          • How to Get to Malapascua Island
          • Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Ocean Vida Resort
          • Travel Guide
          • Where to Stay
          • Where to Stay near Maya Port
        • Samboan | Aguinid Falls
        • Cebu City | Bayfront Hotel Review
      • Dumaguete >
        • Apo Island >
          • Apo Island: A Travel Guide
          • Apo Island: Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Cheapest Way to Experience Apo Island
          • Resorts and Homestays in Apo Island
          • Oslob-Apo-Bais-Siquijor in 6 Days
          • Apo Island: A Photo Gallery
          • Ronor's Lodging: A Homestay Review
        • Cheap Accommodations in Dumaguete City
      • Siquijor >
        • Siquijor Travel Guide
        • 7 Must-Do and Must-See in Siquijor
        • A Review of Islandia Beach Resort
        • Kagusuan Beach
        • Salagdoong Beach
        • Lazi Church and Convent
        • Cambugahay Falls
        • St. Francis of Assisi Parish
        • Santa Maria Church
        • Enchanted Balete Tree
        • Cheap Accommodations in Siquijor
        • Mid-Priced to Premier Resorts in Siquijor
    • Mindanao >
      • South Cotabato >
        • One Night Travel Guide to Lake Sebu
        • Dolores Lake Resort
  • Discover the World
    • 15 Beautiful Places in France
  • Travel Tips
    • How to Cancel Agoda Bookings
    • 8 Most Beautiful Islands and Beaches in the Philippines
  • Contact Me

I ♥ TAGAYTAY

10 Things to Do and Tourist Spots to Visit in Tagaytay in 2023

Follow us on social media

During the pandemic, it's more difficult to travel to places where you need to go by plane. Because of this, Tagaytay has become one of the most popular go-to destinations during the new normal. I've listed here some of the things that you can do and tourist spots you can visit in the second summer capital of the Philippines. 

But before we go to the list, I would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Tagaytay:

What is the easiest mode of transport to Tagaytay City?
Private transportation would be the easiest and fastest way to get here. For those who don't have access to a private vehicle, you have three other options:
1) By bus from the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in Uniwide Coastal Mall in Paranaque or via DLTB Terminal at LRT Buendia
2) By van from Metropoint Mall, Festival Mall Alabang and Starmall EDSA-Shaw
3) By private van transfer which you can book here: Private Intercity Van Transfer between Manila and Tagaytay
4) By joining tour groups which you can book here: Tagaytay Day Tour

Is it possible to do a day trip to Tagaytay?
Definitely! Tagaytay is just 2 to 3 hours away from Metro Manila depending on which point of Metro Manila you're coming from and on the traffic situation. Best to leave early in the morning so you can cover as many destinations as you want. 

​1) Enjoy a cup of coffee with a view


​There are a lot of places in Tagaytay where you can get coffee while appreciating the view of Taal Lake but here are a few of my favorites:
  • Balay Dako
  • Bag of Beans Charito
  • Starbucks Domicillo Design (possibly my most favorite of all favorites)
  • Concha’s Garden Café
  • Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo
  • Josephine Restaurant
​
During the pandemic, most restaurants and cafes still accept walk-ins but some may not. Best to contact the restaurant/cafe that you are planning to visit to double-check. It's also a good idea to check protocols and guidelines with the restaurant/cafe if you're taking someone below 18 and above 60 to ensure that they are able to enter the premises. 


Picture
Photo © @bagofbeans_tagaytay on Instagram

2) Roam around Picnic Grove


​Picnic grove is probably the most visited place in Tagaytay and goes way back to the 1970s. For kids in the 80s (like me lol!), it was part of field trips during elementary and highschool. Most people who grew up in Manila and nearby towns/cities have probably been here at least once in their life. There are several activities you can do in Picnic Grove such as horseback riding, ziplining, food tripping, riding their cable car and ferris wheel, or just plain lounging in the picnic huts while enjoying the view. During Alert Levels 2 and 3, horseback riding is allowed again, daily capacity is increased and entry is allowed whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. However, due to the situation right now where COVID-19 surges are unforeseeable and government regulations rapidly change, Picnic Grove's rules during your visit may also change without prior notice.

If you would like to join a group tour coming from Manila that includes a trip to Tagaytay Picnic Grove, you can book your tour here: Tagaytay Day Tour


Picture
Photo © Official Website of the Province of Cavite

3) Bring out your inner plantita in Sonya's Garden


​​Sonya's Garden is probably a haven for plant-lovers and vegetarians visiting Tagaytay. I'm neither but I still enjoyed my visit there. Every corner is picture-perfect and insta-worthy. As of January 2023, they are open daily from 8am to 6pm and walk-ins are welcome. They serve buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner so if you are planning to avail of these, you can go to their website to check the menu: Sonya's Garden Restaurant. They mostly serve vegetables but if you're are a carnivore, you still have options to order a steak, seafood or chicken dish separately. The establishment also runs a bed and breakfast so if you're planning to stay a few nights, check out their rates here: Sonya's Garden Bed and Breakfast
​

This joiner group tour from Manila also includes Sonya's Garden as part of the tour. To make your trip convenient, you can book them here: Tagaytay Day Tour
​
Picture
Photo © @sonyasgarden on Instagram

4) Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at Qiwellness Living


​Qiwellness Living offers a teahouse where guests can relax, sip tea and eat dimsum; a bathhouse where you can meditate and rejuvenate; and a guesthouse where you can stay the night if you're too lazy to drive/commute back to Manila. To book a day tour at Qiwellness, click here: ​Qiwellness Living Spa and Dining Experience in Tagaytay. This package includes a spa session with a choice between their different massages - Silk, Deep Tissue or Qiharmony - while enjoying a view of the Taal Lake. But before you get your massage, you also have exclusive access to the Yin and Yang pool. After your massage, you will be treated to a tea and dimsum at the teahouse to cap off your spa experience.
​
Picture
Photo © @qiwellnessliving on Instagram

5) Say your prayers at Calaruega Church


Calaruega Church is one of the famous churches where weddings are held near Tagaytay. It is located in Nasugbu, Batangas but only a few minutes away from Tagaytay City. For one thing, it's a really beautiful church surrounded by greeneries which makes it very picturesque. Secondly, it's because while it is located out of town, it is only a few hours' drive from Manila. It is also near some nice reception venues around Tagaytay such as Antonio's, Balay Indang, Fernwood Gardens, Canyon Woods, Tagaytay Highlands, among others. Wedding-talk aside, it's one of the churches you must visit, and probably say a little prayer in, during your next Tagaytay visit. 

To make your visit to Calaruega Church more convenient, you can book this joiner group tour to Tagaytay from Metro Manila: Tagaytay Day Tour
​
Picture
Photo © Town's Delight Website

6) Go grape-picking at Twin Lakes Hotel (Seasonal)


​Twin Lakes Hotel can arrange grape-picking during harvest season, which is between March and April every year. This activity is free for its hotel guests and sometime in 2021, Twin Lakes extended this offer to dine-in guests of the Twin Lakes Cafe with a minimum spend of P2,000. Best to double-check if this activity is available during your visit. If you would like to know more about the vineyard, please check our blog entry about this here: ​Vineyard at Twin Lakes

Picture
Vineyard at Twin Lakes Hotel (Photo © iHeartPH 2021)

7) Bring out your inner child at Sky Ranch


​Sky Ranch has always been one of the go-to places whenever tourists visit Tagaytay ever since its inception. It is open to guests from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Fridays to Sundays. Admission fee as of January 2023 is P100 per person. This grants access to the main park as well as the Royal Canin Paw Park. For more updated information about their protocols and regulations, visit their Facebook page here: Sky Ranch Philippines Facebook Page

If you do not have your own transport and looking for a group tour that will take you to Sky Ranch Tagaytay from Metro Manila, you can book a tour here: Tagaytay Day Tour


Picture
Photo © @skyranchphl on Instagram

8) Stay overnight in some unique staycations


​Being one of the most frequented vacation spots near Metro Manila, Tagaytay also has a lot of gorgeous Airbnbs and hotels known for the unique experience each of them has to offer. Here are some of them:


  • Transport yourself to the wizarding world at a Harry Potter Airbnb 
  • Be surrounded by hectares of pine trees at Crosswinds Resort Suites 
  • Go grape-picking at Twin Lakes Hotel 
  • Dip in a kawa bath at ​​La VeryOl’s Mountain View Garden 
  • Enjoy a relaxing massage in a spa village at Nurture Wellness Village 

You can read more about our stay at the Harry Potter Airbnb here: Leave the World of Muggles at this Harry Potter-themed AirBnB in Tagaytay
​
Picture
Harry Potter Themed AirBNB (Photo © iHeartPH 2021)

9) Feel like you're in Switzerland at Crosswinds


​If you are not planning to stay overnight, you can just hang out at Crosswinds. This 100-hectare property lets you experience Switzerland with over 20,000 pine trees sprawling across the property. It has Swiss-themed chalets sitting on a lush terrain in one of the highest overlooking points of Tagaytay. It also has several instagrammable cafes aligned to its theme:
  • Napa at Crosswinds
  • Ruined Project
  • Windmill Lausanne
  • Cafe Voila
  • Bake My Day
​
Picture
One of the street in Crosswinds Tagaytay (Photo © iHeartPH 2021)

10) Go food tripping and eat Bulalo


​Last but not the least, who goes to Tagaytay without trying their staple food bulalo? Some people even go to Tagaytay just to eat bulalo. There are several restaurants who serve this dish or at least their rendition of it. See our list below - this is not a complete list but should be enough for you to make a choice of where to eat. Before your visit, make sure to check their operating hours first to ensure they are open during your visit. Check as well if they need reservations or if they accept walk-ins.
  • Leslie's Ridge and Restaurant (my favorite 'coz they give unlimited bulalo sabaw refill)
  • Balay Dako (also serves Sizzling Bulalo)
  • Bulalo Point Tagaytay 
  • Ridge Park Kainan sa Kubo
  • Diner's Original Bulalo
  • Aozora Japanese Restaurant (serves Bulalo Ramen)
  • Josephine Restaurant 
  • ​Hiraya Cafe at The T House Tagaytay (serves Bulalo Noodle Soup)​​​​
​
Picture
Bulalo at Leslie's for 6 people or for 2 very hungle people :) (Photo © iHeartPH 2021)

 
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post them here:
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Explore Philippines
    • Luzon >
      • Metro Manila >
        • 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Metro Manila
        • Staycation at Shangri-La at the Fort
      • Benguet >
        • Baguio >
          • 10 Cozy and Instagrammable Airbnbs and Hotels in Baguio in 2023
          • Best Hotels Near Session Road and Burnham Park
      • Mountain Province >
        • Sagada >
          • Blue Soil Hills
      • Batangas >
        • Vivere Azure Resort
      • Cavite >
        • Tagaytay >
          • Vineyard in Tagaytay
          • Twin Lakes Hotel Review
          • Harry Potter Themed Airbnb
          • Relaxing at Nurture Wellness Village
          • 10 Things to Do and Tourist Spots to Visit
      • La Union >
        • Best Hostels and Resorts
        • Review of Vessel Hostel
      • Albay >
        • Cagsawa Ruins
        • Daraga Church
        • Tabaco Church
        • Where to Stay in Tabaco City: A List of Hotels and Apartelles
        • IshiAya Garden Bistro
        • Cheap Accommodations in Legazpi City
        • Mayon Volcano
        • Mid-Priced to Premier Hotels in Legazpi City
      • Sorsogon >
        • Subic Beach
        • Tikling Island
        • Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary
        • Calintaan Cave
        • Sorsogon - More than just the Butandings
        • Pink Sand Beach
        • Cheap Accommodations in Sorsogon City
      • Quezon >
        • Cagbalete Island >
          • Cagbalete Island: A Travel Guide
          • Cagbalete Island: Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Cagbalete Island: How to Get There
          • Cagbalete Island Beach Resorts
          • A Review of Dona Choleng Camping Resort
          • Cagbalete Fish Sanctuary
          • Yang-In Sand Bar
          • Ilog Bukana at San Jose River
          • Cagbalete White Sand Beach
        • Budget and Itinerary | Padre Burgos and Pagbilao
        • Borawan Island
        • Where to Stay and Eat in Mauban
        • How to Get to Mauban from Manila or Lucena
        • Tips and Suggested Itinerary for Pahiyas Festival 2015
        • Things to Do (or Eat) in Lucban, Quezon
      • Palawan >
        • El Nido >
          • Small Lagoon
          • Top 5 Spots in El Nido
          • Cheap Accommodations in El Nido
          • Mid-Priced to Premier Hotels in El Nido
        • Coron >
          • Giraffes and Zebras at Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary
          • Ultimate Guide to Black Island Coron
          • Review of Vienna Hotel Coron Palawan
          • Affordable and Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Coron Town Proper
    • Visayas >
      • Iloilo >
        • Budget Accommodations in Iloilo City
        • Isla de Gigantes >
          • How to Get to Isla de Gigantes
          • Tangke Salt Water Lagoon
          • Cabugao Gamay
          • Cabugao Dako or Cabugao Grande
          • Antonia Beach
          • Bantigue Sandbar
      • Bohol >
        • Panglao >
          • Dolphin Watching and Island Hopping
          • Top Things to Do for Overnighters and Daytrippers
          • Coco Vida Bar and Restaurant
          • South Palms Resort
          • Mithi Resort and Spa
          • Halamanan Residences
          • Buzzz Cafe of Bohol Bee Farm
          • Bohol Bee Farm Resort
          • Alona Vida Beach Resort
          • New Panglao International Airport
          • Luxury Resorts in Panglao
          • Affordable Beachfront Resorts in Panglao
        • Loboc >
          • Loboc River Cruise and Floating Restaurant
          • Tarsier Conservation Center
        • Bohol Day Trip Travel Guide from Cebu
        • Bohol Chocolate Hills
        • Bilar Man-Made Forest
        • Day Tour | Countryside Tour
        • The Mangrove Forests of Maribojoc
        • Cheap Accommodations in Tagbilaran City
      • Cebu >
        • Oslob >
          • Travel Guide to Oslob
          • 6 Things to Do in Oslob
          • How to Go to Oslob from Dumaguete
          • Oslob Whale Watching
          • Tumalog Falls
          • Sumilon Sandbar
          • Oslob Church and Cuartel
          • Cheap Accommodations in Oslob
        • Malapascua >
          • How to Get to Malapascua Island
          • Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Ocean Vida Resort
          • Travel Guide
          • Where to Stay
          • Where to Stay near Maya Port
        • Samboan | Aguinid Falls
        • Cebu City | Bayfront Hotel Review
      • Dumaguete >
        • Apo Island >
          • Apo Island: A Travel Guide
          • Apo Island: Budget and Suggested Itinerary
          • Cheapest Way to Experience Apo Island
          • Resorts and Homestays in Apo Island
          • Oslob-Apo-Bais-Siquijor in 6 Days
          • Apo Island: A Photo Gallery
          • Ronor's Lodging: A Homestay Review
        • Cheap Accommodations in Dumaguete City
      • Siquijor >
        • Siquijor Travel Guide
        • 7 Must-Do and Must-See in Siquijor
        • A Review of Islandia Beach Resort
        • Kagusuan Beach
        • Salagdoong Beach
        • Lazi Church and Convent
        • Cambugahay Falls
        • St. Francis of Assisi Parish
        • Santa Maria Church
        • Enchanted Balete Tree
        • Cheap Accommodations in Siquijor
        • Mid-Priced to Premier Resorts in Siquijor
    • Mindanao >
      • South Cotabato >
        • One Night Travel Guide to Lake Sebu
        • Dolores Lake Resort
  • Discover the World
    • 15 Beautiful Places in France
  • Travel Tips
    • How to Cancel Agoda Bookings
    • 8 Most Beautiful Islands and Beaches in the Philippines
  • Contact Me