Things to Do in Tagaytay

One of the Philippines' most celebrated fine-dining restaurants, set in a gorgeous garden estate with a colonial-style house, koi ponds and flowers. Chef Tonyboy Escalante's menu changes but is known for excellent steaks, lamb, foie gras and decadent desserts. It is the go-to for anniversaries, proposals and special occasions, and has long featured on Asia's Best Restaurants-type lists. Dress smart-casual and book ahead.

From the Antonio's group, Balay Dako ('big house') is a grand colonial-style restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Taal Lake. It serves elevated Filipino classics such as kare-kare, bulalo na baka, crispy pata and adobo, and its weekend breakfast spread is a favorite. It is ideal for family celebrations and balikbayan guests who want a Taal view with their meal.

The more casual sibling of Antonio's, built for long, leisurely breakfasts with a cool breeze. Expect hearty American and Filipino breakfasts like eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, longganisa and tapa, plus pancakes and good coffee, served on a wraparound veranda with a garden and ridge views. Weekend queues are legendary, so arrive early. It is a perfect first stop before heading down to Nasugbu or Batangas beaches.

A ridge-top amusement park whose star is the Sky Eye Ferris wheel, giving sweeping views over Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Add a few family rides, carnival games and snack stalls and you have an easy, nostalgic barkada or family afternoon. It is most magical at dusk, when the lights come on and the air turns cool. Pay per ride or get a ride-all pass.

Tagaytay's public market and the most authentic, budget-friendly place for bulalo. The eateries inside cook steaming bowls of beef shank soup with bone marrow from fresh local beef, often cheaper and just as hearty as the view restaurants. Afterward, browse fresh fruits, pineapples, kesong puti and other pasalubong. Simple setting, big flavors. Ask for the bone marrow and bring cash for smaller stalls.

A long-time Tagaytay favorite for coffee, freshly baked breads and pies in a cozy, garden-like setting. Locals swear by the blueberry cheesecake, raisin bread and hearty all-day breakfasts, and many buy loaves on the way home. The leafy back garden with cool breeze is perfect for a slow catch-up. It has multiple branches, but the original along the highway is the classic.

A Tagaytay institution for bulalo with a view, with nipa-style dining areas perched on the ridge facing Taal Volcano. Order the big bulalo, crispy tawilis, sinigang and grilled liempo for the full classic Tagaytay lunch. It is busy and no-frills, but the combination of hot soup, cool air and volcano views is what Tagaytay trips are made of.

A 13-hectare park on the ridge where families have picnicked for generations, with rentable huts overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano. Beyond eating, there is a zipline across the slope, horseback riding, an eco-trail, and souvenir and food stalls. It is simple and affordable, a classic Tagaytay day trip, especially in the cool months. Bring your own baon or buy from the food stalls.

Atop Mt. Sungay, the highest point in Tagaytay, sits the unfinished 'Palace in the Sky' mansion from the Marcos era, now a public park. Climb to the shrine and weather station for a 360-degree view of Taal Lake, Laguna de Bay and, on clear days, Manila Bay. It is breezy, often misty and a bit eerie, which adds to the charm. A cheap and memorable side trip.