Makati City Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Makati City, Philippines
Makati pairs the glass towers of the Philippines' main business district with older streets where sari-sari stores, art galleries, and Filipino-Spanish restaurants sit side by side. Days run warm near 88°F (31°C), and evenings draw crowds to Poblacion's cafes and night markets.
Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just south of Makati
Language
Filipino and English, English widely used
Currency
Philippine peso (₱); cards common, carry cash for jeepneys
Ideal trip length
Three to four days, longer with day trips
Best time to visit Makati City
December – February
Average temperature
75-90°F (24-32°C), Warm days, light rain, and cooler evening breezes from December through February.
Crowd Level
High
Reason To Visit
December through February stays warm and comparatively dry, with lows near 75°F (24°C). Holiday lights, park mornings, and long walking days all line up in this window.
Fall eventBonifacio Day
Circuit Makati
Things to do
Cooler months favor slow mornings in Ayala Triangle Gardens, museum afternoons, and weekend market browsing in Legazpi Village before dinner along Poblacion's walkable streets.
Popular events
Spring
Holy Week Observances, Araw ng Kagitingan, Flores de Mayo
Summer
Philippine Independence Day, Buwan ng Wika, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
Fall
Bonifacio Day, All Saints' Day
Winter
Lunar New Year, Rizal Day
Where to stay in Makati City
Six Makati neighborhoods, from nightlife lanes to leafy residential streets near the business core.
Poblacion
Narrow streets lined with bars, small kitchens and late-night crowds just south of the business core.
Known for
Bar-hopping streets and late dining
Things to do nearby
Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish Church - Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City (Archdiocese of Manila), Rockwell Center, Ayala Museum
Nearby neighborhoods
Bel-Air, San Lorenzo, Guadalupe Nuevo
Bel-Air
A residential grid of condos and side streets that sits within walking reach of Makati offices.
Known for
Condo stays close to Ayala Avenue
Things to do nearby
Greenbelt, Ayala Museum, Jaime C. Velasquez Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Poblacion, San Lorenzo, Palanan
Forbes Park
Wide, tree-shaded avenues and large gated homes make this the calmest corner of the city.
Known for
Tree-lined streets and gated homes
Things to do nearby
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial, Manila Polo Club, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Nearby neighborhoods
San Lorenzo, Bel-Air, Urdaneta
Guadalupe Nuevo
An everyday neighborhood near the Pasig River with easy links to the MRT and bus routes.
Known for
Budget stays with quick transit access
Things to do nearby
Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish Church - Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City (Archdiocese of Manila), Guadalupe Station
Nearby neighborhoods
Poblacion, Pinagkaisahan, Comembo
Palanan
Low-rise apartments and corner shops give this pocket a lived-in, unhurried feel.
Known for
Quiet streets and neighborhood eateries
Things to do nearby
University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City, Jaime C. Velasquez Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Bel-Air, San Isidro, Pio del Pilar
San Lorenzo
Village streets and towers sit beside the malls and gardens at the heart of the business district.
Known for
Walking distance to Ayala Center
Things to do nearby
Greenbelt, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Museum
Nearby neighborhoods
Bel-Air, Forbes Park, Urdaneta
Must see places in Makati City
Glass towers, quiet memorial gardens, and a walkable arts district sit within a few blocks of each other.
Ayala Triangle Gardens
A shaded pocket of acacia trees and walking paths ringed by office towers, busiest at lunchtime.
Neighborhood
Bel-Air
Things to do nearby
Ayala Museum, Greenbelt
Time needed
45 minutes
Ayala Museum
Six floors covering Philippine history, gold ornaments, and rotating contemporary shows.
Neighborhood
San Lorenzo
Things to do nearby
Sto. Nino de Paz Community-Greenbelt Chapel, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Time needed
2 hours
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Rows of marble headstones and mosaic battle maps on a quiet hilltop; bring a valid photo ID.
Things to do nearby
Manila Golf and Country Club Inc
Time needed
1 hour
Sto. Nino de Paz Community-Greenbelt Chapel
A round open-air chapel set in a garden of ponds and palms, a calm stop between mall wings.
Neighborhood
San Lorenzo
Things to do nearby
Ayala Museum, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Time needed
20 minutes
Poblacion
Makati's oldest quarter, now a grid of small galleries, cafes, and low-rise heritage houses.
Neighborhood
Bel-Air
Things to do nearby
STS. Peter and Paul Parish Church, Rockwell Center
Time needed
2–3 hours
Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Monument - Makati City
A bronze figure at the Ayala and Paseo de Roxas corner marking the city's civic heart.
Neighborhood
Bel-Air
Things to do nearby
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Time needed
15 minutes
Salcedo Village Makati city
Tree-lined streets with a Saturday community market at Jaime Velasquez Park.
Neighborhood
Bel-Air
Things to do nearby
Jaime C. Velasquez Park, Legazpi Active Park
Time needed
1–2 hours
Rockwell Center
Riverside promenade along the Pasig with open-air terraces and evening skyline views.
Neighborhood
Poblacion
Things to do nearby
Power Plant Mall
Time needed
1–2 hours
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Makati City
The spots Makati City hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Ayala Triangle Gardens
- Stroll or jog under tall acacia and palm trees in this landscaped urban park in Makati’s business district.
- Unwind on the lawns, walk dogs, sightsee, and enjoy public art installations scattered throughout the gardens.
- Visit on Sunday mornings when streets around the park become car-free, popular with runners and walkers until 10am.
- Come during the Christmas season to see the dancing light showcase and other seasonal light shows around the park.
- Explore adjacent eateries and food strips after your walk, pairing recreation with nearby dining options.
Legazpi Active Park
- Stroll, jog, or do yoga along the park’s paths and open lawns in the heart of Makati.
- Bring kids to enjoy the children’s playground and explore the park’s small lake with fish.
- Visit on Sundays when the park turns into the Legazpi Sunday Market with local goods and food stalls.
- Take time to relax, meditate, or laze on the grass in this peaceful green space.
Cash and Carry Mall
- Explore this one-stop mall with groceries, drugstores, cinemas, salons, restaurants, and various shops.
- Try Filipino’s favorite burger chain, Jollibee, located inside the mall and open from breakfast till dinner.
- Pick up essentials like groceries, clothes, home items, gadgets, SIM cards, and use money exchange services.
Ayala Museum
- Explore dioramas of Philippine history, from early foreign contacts to more recent events, for a helpful crash course.
- Visit the Gold of Our Ancestors and Golden Age galleries to see intricate pre-Hispanic and pre-colonial gold artifacts.
- Admire contemporary Filipino art, anthropology exhibits, and ethnographic collections highlighting diverse cultures across the archipelago.
- Plan at least 2–3 hours, consider a guided tour, and check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and events.
- Start exploring from the fourth floor and work your way down; note that photography is restricted on most floors.
Washington Sycip Park
- Enjoy a quiet walk or jog under tall, leafy trees that make the park feel cooler than the surrounding city.
- Take time to relax in gazebos and on benches surrounded by tropical trees, plants, sculptures, and a koi pond.
- Bring a book or simply sit quietly to unwind in this serene, landscaped garden near Greenbelt Mall.
- Visit between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM to enjoy the tranquil greenery, art installations, and koi pond.
Places to eat and drink in Makati City
Food halls, fusion plates and speakeasy cocktails across Makati and nearby Bonifacio Global City.
Sarsá Kitchen + Bar
Negrense-rooted Filipino cooking known for chicken inasal, kansi, and crispy pata.
Highlights
Chicken inasal
Why do locals love it
Charcoal-grilled inasal served with garlic rice and dipping sauces
Wildflour Restaurant - BGC
All-day bakery and cafe in Salcedo Village turning out croissants, tarts, and brunch plates.
Highlights
Pastry counter
Why do locals love it
Pastries pulled from the oven through the morning
Manam Comfort Filipino
Filipino comfort dishes in classic and twisted versions, including sinigang and crispy pata.
Highlights
Watermelon sinigang
Why do locals love it
Small plate sizes let a table sample several regional classics
Toyo Eatery
Tasting-menu kitchen at The Karrivin Plaza built on Philippine produce and fermentation.
Highlights
Set tasting menu
Why do locals love it
Bahay Kubo vegetable dish traces a Filipino folk song on one plate
Canton Road
Cantonese cooking and dim sum in a hotel dining room set up for shared tables.
Highlights
Dim sum
Why do locals love it
Round tables suit slow weekend lunches with family.
The Grid
A food hall gathering small independent stalls under one roof, with shared seating throughout.
Highlights
Food hall stalls, communal seating
Why do locals love it
One table can cover several different kitchens at once.
Blackbird
Asian and European flavors meet in a dining room set inside a historic art deco building.
Highlights
Asian-European fusion cuisine, historic art deco building
Why do locals love it
The art deco architecture shapes the mood of the room.
Fukudaya
A Japanese restaurant with a counter and a compact dining room in Makati.
Highlights
Japanese cuisine
Why do locals love it
The counter puts you within sight of the kitchen.
Explore Makati City: The best travel itineraries
Two ways through Makati, from a single focused day around Ayala Center to a longer loop across parks, museums and neighborhood kitchens.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Makati City
8,090+
Places to stay in Makati City
15,720+
Verified guest reviews in Makati City
417,720+
Average rating in Makati City
4.7
1 Day trip
One day built around the walkable core: gardens and gold-filled galleries in the morning, greenery at midday, then dinner in a heritage art deco building.
Morning
Gold, dioramas and Filipino history
Arrive near opening to have the gold collection largely to yourself.
Afternoon
Shade, sculpture and a koi pond
Bring water and follow the shaded paths during the hottest hours.
Evening
Dinner in an art deco landmark
Book ahead, as tables in the dining room fill quickly on weekends.
3 Day trip
Three days that move from Ayala Center gardens to Poblacion coffee lanes and across the river to Bonifacio Global City.
Morning
Gardens before the crowds
Shaded paths make this a comfortable early walk before midday heat.
Afternoon
Gold and dioramas
Allow two hours to move through the history galleries at an easy pace.
Evening
Dinner in the garden
Tables sit along the garden edges, so ask for an outdoor seat.
Morning
Market breakfast
Come hungry and early for the food stalls and fresh produce.
Afternoon
Koi pond quiet
Benches under the trees are the best spot for a mid-afternoon pause.
Evening
Inasal off the grill
Order the chicken inasal and share plates across the table.
Morning
Hands-on galleries
Check planetarium show times when you buy tickets at the door.
Afternoon
Rows of white marble
Bring a hat; the lawns are wide and largely without shade.
Evening
Main street stroll
Sunset is the easiest time to walk the whole stretch.
5-7 Day trip
A five-day route through Makati's business-district parks, weekend markets and chapels, with side trips to Bonifacio Global City, Guadalupe Viejo and Intramuros.
Morning
Gardens between the towers
Come early for shade and quieter paths before the lunch crowd.
Afternoon
Gold and dioramas
Budget about two hours for the history galleries.
Evening
Dinner by the chapel lawn
Restaurants line the garden edges, so walk a loop before choosing.
Morning
Market stalls in Legazpi
Bring small bills and cash for cooked-food stalls.
Afternoon
Koi pond and sculptures
Shaded benches make this a good midday pause.
Evening
Cocktails behind a plain door
Seating is limited, so arrive early in the evening.
Morning
Hands-on galleries
Check planetarium show times when you buy tickets.
Afternoon
Rows of white marble
Grounds are open-air with little shade, so bring water and a hat.
Evening
Street-level dinner
Weekend evenings bring crowds to the central lawn.
Morning
Church above the Pasig
Mornings are quietest here for a slow look at the stonework.
Afternoon
City history, up close
A compact stop; pair it with a walk through nearby streets.
Evening
Fried chicken in Poblacion
Small dining room, so expect a short wait at peak hours.
Morning
Inside the walls
Enter early to see the Rizal Shrine before midday heat.
Afternoon
Chicken inasal for lunch
Order rice and grilled chicken to share across the table.
Evening
Coffee to close
A quiet table works well for planning the trip home.
Family travel
Children roam the Greenbelt Park koi pond and chapel gardens, while Ayala Triangle Gardens gives space for picnics and easy walks.
Couple travel
Stroll the Legazpi Village art walls, share small plates in Poblacion, and end with sunset views from a Greenbelt garden bench.
Solo travel
Walk Poblacion's Kalayaan Avenue for coffee roasters, then browse Ayala Museum and Salcedo Saturday Market at your own pace.
How to get around Makati City
Metro and train
Elevated trains run along EDSA and Taft, with stations near Ayala and Buendia. Buy a stored-value card, and check the operator for service updates.
Bus
City buses and jeepneys ply EDSA and main avenues, while free village shuttles loop Ayala's business blocks. Signal clearly to board and to get off.
Rental car
Traffic is dense and parking is metered or garage-based. Confirm number-coding restrictions with your rental agency before you drive.
Walking
Elevated walkways link Ayala's towers, shielding you from sun and rain. Bike lanes follow several avenues, so carry water in 90°F (32°C) heat.
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.
Destinations to explore
- Things to do Makati
- Cultural tours Makati
- Outdoors Makati
- Food tours Makati
- Things to do Metro Manila
- Landmarks Metro Manila
- Outdoors Metro Manila
- Cultural tours Metro Manila
- Food tours Metro Manila
- Things to do Philippines
- Art workshops Philippines
- Landmarks Philippines
- Outdoors Philippines
- Cultural tours Philippines
- Water sports Philippines
- Food tours Philippines