Joanna Marie O. Santos
March 13, 2023

Everybody needs a break every once in a while, and sometimes all it takes is a weekend full of rest and relaxation to realign and just mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the upcoming week. Tagaytay is perfect for a quick weekend getaway–not too far away from the Metro but just far enough to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re planning a weekend trip, here are some suggestions that can make your simple trip the best staycation all spent in Tagaytay.

1. Explore Nature and Scenery

If all you really want is a low budget, low maintenance day out well spent with loved ones, visiting the Picnic Grove is surely well worth a visit. Whether it be with your family or with your barkada, spending time outdoors sitting on the grass admiring nature is an enjoyable pastime, and Picnic Grove has a number of activities perfect for locals and tourists alike. 

Alternatively, you may also want to visit Taal volcano itself and it’s surrounding lake. For first-time Taal Lake-trekkers, we recommend booking tour tickets online for an experienced mountaineer to guide you through the trail. However, visiting Taal Lake independently with your own adventuring friends is an alternative fitting for returning or more experienced mountaineers, or casual hikers. 

2. Indulge in Food and Beverages

Food trip, anyone? Tagaytay has a number of must-try restaurants both locals and tourists have enjoyed. For breakfast, Breakfast at Antonio’s is an essential Tagaytay experience, their menu purely consisting of breakfast foods of all kinds–pancakes, longganisa with rice, and salmon bagels–to top it all off, the cool morning weather and the scent of morning dew accompanied with a breathtaking view of the volcano will quickly jumpstart your morning!

Perhaps you’re saving the sightseeing for later, then Char’s Garden Cafe is an equally quaint experience for those craving Filipino comfort food–while there’s no view of the volcano, the surrounding garden is enough to start your mornings with good vibes.

For lunch, plantitos and plantitas might enjoy charming garden restaurants–Sonya’s Garden in particular, while normally a bed and breakfast, is best enjoyed during lunch hours where diners can enjoy both their meals and their well-maintained greenery that diners can also explore. Meanwhile, if you happen to be a big fan of the cottage-core aesthetic, Marcia Adam’s Tuscan-inspired, Mediterranean garden restaurant is the perfect place for a quiet, warm afternoon for more special occasions.

For Merienda, why not visit Bag of Beans? During a cold and breezy afternoon in Tagaytay, a cup of warm coffee and a fresh pastry to pair with it is a combo that can never go wrong. The best part? Your afternoon coffee easily comes with a wonderful view of the volcano.

For Dinner, essentials like Balay Dako proudly serve Filipino food. Diners usually visit to also see the lake, but in the evenings, the beautifully lit restaurant in its Spanish-colonial-type architecture can be the perfect family-friendly place to cap off a day of sightseeing in Tagaytay. If you’re in the mood for rich flavors, Lime and Basil is also worth trying, with it’s rich Thai cuisine being the perfect mix of flavorful and spice to contrast the cool Tagaytay weather.

3. Visit Cultural Landmarks

Taking a detour to visit the Museo Orlina is a time well spent witnessing firsthand the artistic genius of Filipino glass sculptor and internationally-awarded artist Ramon Orlina. Take a deep dive into his works and behold what beauties lie in his abstract glass sculptures!

For a more spiritual experience, paying a visit to Our Lady of Manaoag at the Tierra de Maria would both be a serene yet awe-inspiring experience good for an afternoon of quiet contemplation.

4. Participate in Fun Activities

Maybe spending a day doing nothing isn’t quite up your speed. Thankfully for the thrillseekers out there, ziplining through the treetops at the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car at Picnic Grove is exactly what you need to satisfy that urge to feel an adrenaline rush.

Visiting the Sky Ranch for a day is another one-stop destination for everything fun in Tagaytay. This amusement park has rides perfect for both children and adults, their main attraction being the ferris wheel that easily gives you a view of the lake.

5. Book an airbnb or resort

Perhaps all you really need is a change of scenery. Simply finding a resort or an airbnb to stay in over the weekend is more than enough for you. You may want to visit the ever-so-popular Twin Lakes Hotel for that rustic, European vineyard-like ambiance!

Or you may want to check out the Nurture Wellness Village for an all-in-one Tagaytay staycation experience. Lodging, food, good vibes, and a spa? Getting up and going out will surely be a chore with all the peace and serenity going on, and honestly, we don’t blame you!

There are plenty of things to do in Tagaytay that can truly make your staycation memorable. It is, after all, one of the perfect locations for those looking for a quick and relaxing getaway without having to travel too far. From enjoying the scenic views to eating delicious food to even spending time to relax and unwind, Tagaytay offers activities for everyone, so plan your next staycation in Tagaytay for a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure!