Tagaytay Introduction
Rising 2,000 feet above sea level, Tagaytay's cool climate has earned it the title of the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines. It's only about 60 km away from Manila, and it's common for city dwellers to flock to Tagaytay on weekends to escape the city's sweltering heat. Tagaytay's fresh, mountain air, its restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels offering magnificent views of Taal Volcano, on top of its abundance of family-friendly destinations and activities, make visiting this city worth your while.
Hotels in Tagaytay
Hotels in Tagaytay offer a peaceful retreat that's very much in keeping with the area's natural beauty. From the humblest B&B to top-notch 5-star hotels, you'll find most accommodations surrounded by manicured greenery and floral gardens. Mid-range and luxury hotels in Tagaytay make the most of the breathtaking views, their airy and spacious rooms opening out to balconies overlooking serene Taal Lake or the green hills and mountains. For a more intimate experience, you might want to consider booking a B&B. With a smaller number of guestrooms, private gardens, and cozy dining settings, it's ideal for a romantic getaway.
Where to stay
The area surrounding the Tagaytay Rotunda at the intersection of the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and Tagaytay-Calamba Road, is close to a variety of places to eat and drink. Open-air and garden restaurants, coffee shops, breezy watering holes, and charming boutique hotels offer magnificent views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Family-friendly destinations such as a picnic grove, a museum, and a park are close by. Tagaytay hotels in the Maharlika East area get their fair share of visitors, who appreciate the area's retail establishments and restaurants. A smattering of budget and luxury accommodations can also be found in Talisay, on the shores of Taal Lake.
Things to see
Taal Volcano is undoubtedly Tagaytay's main tourist draw. Cross Taal Lake on a rented boat, and make your way up along the verdant trail to the crater either on foot or on horseback. The sight of the small island in the calm lake inside the crater makes the long climb worth it. For cheap al fresco dining, just pack a basket with food and drinks and head to the Picnic Grove Complex, where open picnic huts offer unobstructed views of the lake and volcano. A small zipline and a mini-zoo where you can take photos with animals are favorites among families with kids. The Sky Ranch leisure park is another hit with families. Reach for the sky in the gigantic Sky Eye ferris wheel, get your adrenaline pumping on the high-speed roller coaster, and go round the 2-story Grand Carousel. Foodies would do well to stop by Mahogany Market, where you can buy fresh beef, fruits, and vegetables at rock-bottom prices, and sample the famous bulalo or beef marrow stew at one of its many roadside eateries.
How to get to Tagaytay
Travelers flying in through the Ninoy International Airport in Metro Manila can hire a taxi or a rental car that will whisk them away to Tagaytay. A less expensive option would be to take a cab or a ride-sharing service to one of the many bus and transport van terminals within the metropolis, where they can then catch a direct ride to Tagaytay. To travel around Tagaytay for cheap, ride the omnipresent jeepneys that ply the main roads at all hours. Tricycles that mostly traverse the side streets are also widely available.
