Tagaytay
Cool Breeze & Taal Volcano Views
Overview
Tagaytay is a popular weekend escape from Manila, perched on a ridge overlooking Taal Volcano and Lake. Known for its cool climate, bulalo restaurants, and stunning views, it's the perfect quick getaway for city dwellers seeking fresh air and scenic landscapes.
Tagaytay, officially the City of Tagaytay, is a component city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 87,811 people.
Read more on WikipediaLocated at a mountain ridge on southern Cavite, the city of Tagaytay provides a mildly cool refuge from Manila's gritty side. It is the unofficial "Second Summer Capital" of the Philippines, and its proximity to Metro Manila draws local and foreign tourists alike. Despite the city's association with scenic Taal Volcano and the lake surrounding it, being in neighboring Batangas province, Tagaytay has many hidden things beyond the first impressions. Once a sleepy mountain town, Tagaytay has been a home to many things worth visiting: scenic viewpoints, religious sites, dining, and a new arrival, shopping malls.
Top Attractions
Taal Volcano Island
Hike to the world's smallest active volcano crater
Sky Ranch
Amusement park with Ferris wheel overlooking Taal Lake
People's Park in the Sky
Abandoned mansion with panoramic views
Picnic Grove
Park with ziplines, cable cars, and lake views
Puzzle Mansion
World record holder for largest puzzle collection
Pink Sisters Convent
Peaceful chapel for prayer and reflection
Tierra de Maria
Beautiful shrine with Our Lady statue and gardens
Twin Lakes
Scenic vineyard and winery with lake views
Things to Do
Taal Volcano Trek
Boat ride + hike to the crater (currently check if open)
Sky Ranch Rides
Ferris wheel and amusement park
Picnic Grove Activities
Zipline, horseback riding, cable car
Coffee Farm Tour
Visit local coffee farms and taste kapeng barako
Bulalo Food Crawl
Try different bulalo restaurants along the ridge
Spa Day
Relax at one of many spa resorts
Twin Lakes Winery
Wine tasting with scenic views
Photo Gallery
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Explore DealsGetting There
- Private car via SLEX-CALAX (fastest)
- Bus from Buendia or Coastal Mall
- Van from SM Fairview or Starmall
Local Food
Bulalo
Must-try beef marrow soup - try Leslie's or Diner's
Kapeng Barako
Strong local Batangas coffee
Tawilis
Freshwater sardine only found in Taal Lake
Bibingka
Traditional rice cake, especially good during Christmas season
Where to Stay
Tagaytay Ridge
₱2,500-15,000/nightHotels and resorts with Taal views
Tagaytay City Proper
₱1,500-4,000/nightMore affordable options, near restaurants
Alfonso/Silang
₱2,000-8,000/nightFarm stays and nature resorts
Talisay (lakeside)
₱1,000-3,000/nightCloser to Taal Volcano tours
Weather Forecast
Travel Tips
- •Leave Manila early (before 6am) to avoid traffic
- •Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends
- •Check Taal Volcano status before planning a trek (PHIVOLCS)
- •Bulalo tastes better in the cold - visit during cooler months
- •Bring a jacket - it gets surprisingly cool at night
- •Try tawilis - you can only find it in Taal Lake
- •Book restaurants in advance for weekend dinners
Best Time to Visit
December-February is coolest; avoid Holy Week traffic