In Metro Manila, Makati City is a top pick for travelers. As one of the central business districts in the National Capital Region, it’s easily accessible from the airport, even against the increased likelihood of traffic jams in the area. This bustling urban hub is a mere 25 to 45 minutes away from the airport.
Apart from its accessibility, Makati has a wide range of accommodations for all types of travelers. You’ll also find these accommodations surrounded by malls, museums, restaurants, and parks. We really aren’t joking when we say everything you need is within reach in Makati.
Many companies, both local and multi-national, have offices situated in high-rise buildings all over the city. You can even find a few embassies here. Because of this, Makati sees a myriad of travelers who come and go for various reasons. Some make a stopover at this urban jungle before embarking on a journey across the country’s many travel destinations, while others plant roots for work or business.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or a mix of both, you’ll surely find something to do in Makati. If you’re looking for things to do and places to visit during your trip, the city has a ton of restaurants, bars, shopping malls, and other entertainment centers. And to help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up some of the best things you can do around the city in this post!
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Makati Things to Do & Attractions
Ayala Museum + Museya Cafe
If you’re someone who loves art, culture, and history, a visit to Ayala Museum is a must. Established in 1967 through the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (formerly the Filipinas Foundation, Inc.), Ayala Museum has taken center stage among private museums in the country. In 1974, the Ayala Museum building located along Makati Avenue opened its doors to the public. At present, the Ayala Museum building sits on the corner of Makati Avenue and De la Rosa Street, just next to Greenbelt.
Massive as it is, the building’s quite easy to navigate due to the various signs and staff waiting to guide you. As recommended by the museum staff, the best way to explore the museum is to start at the fourth floor and make your way down. Each floor features a different focus, from historical, archeological, ethnographic, fine arts, numismatics, to ecclesiastical exhibits. The museum houses permanent exhibitions in their collection as well as temporary exhibits that run for weeks to months at a time.
Among the permanent exhibitions are Gold of the Ancestors: Precolonial Treasures in the Philippines, Skeins of Knowledge, Threads of Wisdom, and Ceramics and Cultural Currency: Exchanges of Pottery and Prestige which are all part of the museum’s Crossroads of Civilizations feature. For the visual learners out there, you’ll enjoy the The Diorama Experience of Philippine History, a permanent exhibition which has been a part of the Ayala Museum since 1974. Through a series of 63 tableaus, you’ll get a play-by-play of Philippine history, courtesy of woodcarvers from Paete, Laguna.
Perhaps what has drawn visitors to Ayala Museum the most in the past months is the presence of Juan Luna’s Hymen, oh Hyménée!. Considered a holy grail among art aficionados in the Philippines, this 132-year-old painting was believed to be lost. Today, it sits at the 2nd Floor of the Ayala Museum, honored with its own special exhibit.
Right by the Greenbelt entrance of the museum is Museya Café. This al fresco café takes its lead from Margarita Forés, Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, as dubbed by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. It’s a great spot to grab a snack like sandwiches, pastries, and desserts along with locally-sourced coffee after going around the museum.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED; Holidays & Special Events, CLOSED. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: Adult, P650; Children (12 years old and below), Senior Citizen, Students, P350
Location: Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Makati City
How to Get There: Nearest MRT 3 Station is Ayala Station. If you’re along EDSA, you can also ride the EDSA Carousel, then get off at One Ayala. Proceed to Ayala Museum by foot.
Yuchengco Museum
Located within the RCBC Building along Ayala Avenue, Yuchengco Museum was built to house the art collection of Alfonso T. Yuchengco, who was a diplomat, businessman, and patron of the arts. At the same time, the museum also highlights Yuchengco’s career, especially as an Ambassador. Three collections are on permanent display here: Masters Gallery, Rizal Collection, and the Yuchengco Group of Companies Collection.
The Masters Gallery features the works of recognized Filipino painters and highlights three artists: Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. Meanwhile, the Rizal Collection is dedicated to the national hero, Jose Rizal. It showcases photographs, letters written by the Rizal family, and furniture and other memorabilia that belonged to Leonor Rivera, who is said to be Rizal’s first love. On display as part of the Yuchengco Group of Companies Collection (YGC) are memorabilia from Alfonso Yuchengco’s diplomatic career, his Chinese heritage, and the history of the YGC.
Yuchengco Museum also hosts temporary exhibits. During our most recent visit, a section of the museum showed pieces from the Philippine Art Awards, an open art competition for Filipino Artists.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Sunday & Holidays, CLOSED. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: Adult, P200; Students, Senior Citizen, PWD, P100
Location: RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue corner Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
How to Get There: Nearest MRT 3 Station is Buendia.
Salcedo Weekend Market
The Salcedo Weekend Market has been a consistent go-to in Makati since 2004. On Saturday mornings, visitors lug around their baskets and stroll the vicinity of the Jaime Velasquez Park occupied by the market. Salcedo Village comes alive as community members sell their wares or eat their way through half the world via the various stalls offering food in paper boxes and microwaveable containers. Even before you reach the actual area, you’ll know you’re in the right place: the line of white tents on the streets are a dead giveaway!
A myriad of food choices, fresh produce, and other local products are available at the weekend market. Aside from being a neat Saturday activity, you’re also welcome to grab your market needs here. They even have baskets and push carts available if you’re in for some serious shopping!
However, consider yourself warned: the food options available here can be a bit overwhelming. There are snacks, drinks, and full meals from local to international cuisines. Among the things we tried are vegetable curry samosas from Saffron Plates PH, which we got at P100 for three pieces. We also bought a strawberry lassi (P130) and beef kebab biryani (P230) from Azaan Halal Cuisine. But the highlight of our morning was the Pad Thai from Chang Thai. For P280, you’ll get a big serving of pad thai with either shrimp or chicken toppings. Honestly, the long line to order spoke for itself.
Opening Hours: Saturdays, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Location: Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati City
How to Get There: Nearest MRT 3 Station is Ayala Station. If you’re along EDSA, you can also ride the EDSA Carousel and get off at One Ayala. From One Ayala, you can take a taxi or book a grab to the weekend market.
Dream Lab
Kids can be hard to entertain when traveling, so it’s a good idea to have an activity just for them in your itinerary. Dream Lab is a simulation playground that was opened in 2022 at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati. Here, both kids and kids-at-heart can get hands-on experience on entrepreneurship.
Dream Lab fashions itself as an immersive play city called Dreamville. Here, kids have access to kid-friendly establishments like a market, a pharmacy, a hardware store, Dream Farm, Dream Hotel, Dream Bank, Creative Lab, and more. This is where kids will learn and experience mixing household products, using a POS machine, and other interactive activities. Multiple photo spots are also available around Dream Lab.
Dream Lab Packages
- Engage (P788 per person): all-access to Dreamville, with freebies (such as Worksheet, Dream Map, Craft Lab Activity, Pot Painting, Seed Planting)
- Experience (P1788 per person): all-access to Dreamville, with freebies (such as Worksheet, Dream Map, Craft Lab Activity, Pot Painting, Seed Planting), a Kidpreneur Book, and one extra activity of your choice (choose between Dream Dough or Mixing Lab)
- Escapade (P2488 per person): all-access to Dreamville, with freebies (such as Worksheet, Dream Map, Craft Lab Activity, Pot Painting, Seed Planting), a Kidpreneur Book, one extra activity of your choice (choose between Dream Dough or Mixing Lab), and a Dream Lab Kit
You may book your tickets for Dream Lab in advance through the link below!
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Last entry at 7:00 PM. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Location:Upper Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City
How to Get There: Ride the MRT 3 to Ayala Station or EDSA Carousel Bus to One Ayala. Board a jeepney at One Ayala going to Circuit Makati.
Poblacion
Poblacion is a barangay (a small administrative district) in Makati City. Historically, it was the first settlement in the city and the center of the local government. To this day, the city hall of Makati is still situated in Poblacion. But over the years, its administrative duties have taken the backseat as this tiny powerhouse evolved into a night life and food hub.
After a day of exploring the city, Poblacion is the perfect place for a night cap. Whether you’re just looking to have some good food, have drinks with friends, or are in the mood to party, you’ll find a spot here. Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are scattered around the neighborhood. There’s a wide range of options here with countless restaurants offering different cuisines. Whether you’re looking for Korean, Japanese, Mexican, or Filipino food, you can find a place to dine and have a few drinks here.
Among the popular spots in Poblacion is Commune, a café and bar serving local coffee, Filipino food, and other light meals perfect for brunch or afternoon snacks. If you’re looking to try local drinks along with some Pinoy dishes, try Alamat Filipino Cuisine or Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen. For some Japanese food with a twist, head over to Japonesa, a fairly new restaurant in Poblacion serving Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
Location: Poblacion, Makati City
How to Get There: Take the MRT 3 to Guadalupe Station. Ride a jeepney going to L. Guinto or Delpan. Get off at J.P. Rizal Avenue and A. Mabini intersection. Take a tricycle to Poblacion.
Legazpi Active Park
Located in Legazpi Village, Legazpi Active Park is a pocket park within the Makati Central Business District. It’s a privately owned public space just a short walk away from Greenbelt. In the past, it was known as the venue for the Legazpi Sunday Market, a weekend market very similar to Salcedo Weekend Market. However, it was transferred to another location when the parking lot beside the park began construction in 2019.
As its name suggests, the park is the place to go to for some active fun. It has a playground for kids, a jogging path, and an amphitheater. It’s not uncommon to see people enjoying a bit of sun, jogging, playing frisbee, or having a picnic, especially with its close proximity to residential areas. The park is pet-friendly, so there are also people walking their dogs. When you visit the park, take note of the park rules, such as avoiding loud noise and music so as not to disturb other guests. If you decide to have a picnic, make sure to dispose your trash properly.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Location: Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
How to Get There: Nearest MRT 3 Station is Ayala Station. If you’re along EDSA, you can also ride the EDSA Carousel and get off at One Ayala. From One Ayala, walk towards Greenbelt then to Legazpi Active Park.
Washington Sycip Park
Washington Sycip Park is another privately owned public park just across Legazpi Active Park. Despite being a stone’s throw away from each other, these two have a very different atmosphere. Compared to Legazpi Active Park, Washington Sycip has a more chill and relaxing feel brought about by the many ornamental plants and trees surrounding the park.
Named after Washington Sycip, a Filipino accountant and banker, the park opened in 2006. It was presented to Sycip on his 85th birthday in recognition of his contributions to the country’s economy. Inside the park, you will find gazebos, benches, and a pond with a bridge over it. Surrounding these are plants and trees endemic to the Philippines.
While there are quite a few pocket parks in Makati, Washington Sycip Park makes its mark with the rainbow eucalyptus trees towering over multiple areas in the park. Its bark itself a work of art, this natural marvel will have your eyes roaming the park just to catch a glimpse of its colors. Apart from the greenery, there are also sculptures here by Filipino sculptor Impy Pilapil. One that stands out in the park is the Mangrove Nature’s Embrace, an artwork made of steel pipes inspired by mangroves.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Location: Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
How to Get There: Nearest MRT 3 Station is Ayala Station. If you’re along EDSA, you can also ride the EDSA Carousel and get off at One Ayala. From One Ayala, walk towards Greenbelt then to Washington Sycip Park.
Guadalupe Ruins
Widely known as the only Christian nation in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has no shortage of churches. In truth, Manila, the country’s capital, lays claim to quite a few, so much so that its already jam-packed streets become even more populated during Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation).
While it may escape the notice of many, a quaint Baroque Roman Catholic church sits within the streets of Makati City. The Guadalupe Church or Guadalupe Ruins is one of the oldest churches you’ll find in the metro, quietly tucked away in the neighborhood of Barangay Guadalupe Viejo.
Formally called Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, this Roman Catholic parish has been around since 1629. A massive earthquake made a significant damage to the church in 1880, with the masonry of its roof collapsing unexpectedly. It was later rebuilt in 1882 by Rev. Jose Corujedo and repaired again, post-World War II.
Today, the parish church is under the Archdiocese of Manila, with a monastery at its side. With its rich history and beautiful facade, it’s no wonder that couples in Metro Manila trust it to witness their weddings.
Location: Bernardino Street, Guadalupe, Makati City
How to Get There: Ride the MRT 3 to Guadalupe Station. From there, walk to Guadalupe Church.
Art Galleries
While Makati is known for the value it brings to the business world, it also has a lot to offer in terms of art and culture. Scattered across (and even within!) its towering skyscrapers are multiple museums and art galleries. Chino Roces Avenue Extension is particularly famous for its string of modern art galleries showcasing the work of emerging Filipino artists. Make good use of your afternoon and do a gallery-hop! It’s possible to do 4-6 of these in one afternoon (We know because we tried! Haha)
A lot of these galleries exhibit contemporary art and do not have entrance fees. If you’re lucky, you might even come across some of the artist while you’re viewing their works. Here are some of the galleries you can visit for some art appreciation. Note that the schedules below might change without prior notice so we highly suggest for you to check their website or official Facebook page for the gallery’s updated schedules.
- The Drawing Room
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ground Floor, Building C, Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - Aphro
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: The Alley at Karrivin, Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - Art Cube
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: OPVI Centre 2295 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - Silverlens
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 2263 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - White Walls Gallery
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Warehouse 12A La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - Finale Art File
Opening Hours: (Re-opening on January 12, 2024) Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City - Vinyl on Vinyl
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, Monday, & Holidays, CLOSED.
Location: Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City
Ayala Triangle Gardens
In the middle of the Makati Central Business District’s urban chaos is the Ayala Triangle Gardens. This triangular public garden is owned by Ayala Land. It covers a 2-hectare expanse that was once part of the Nielson Field, an airport in Manila pre-World War II. Ayala Triangle Gardens straddles Paseo de Roxas, Makati Avenue, and Ayala Avenue.
While this park is a popular events venue in Makati, it is most known for its annual Festival of Lights, which illuminates the area from November to January. Its day-to-day, however, is a bit more mundane: joggers make use of its well-maintained cement paths and groups hang out at the available tables and benches. A lane of restaurants with al fresco dining is also found here.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Schedule might change without prior notice. Make sure to visit their website or official Facebook page for updates.
Location: Paseo de Roxas Corner Makati Avenue, Corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City
How to Get There: Ride the MRT 3 to Ayala Station or EDSA Carousel Bus to One Ayala. Board a Makati Loop Jeepney. Get off at Makati Avenue and North Drive. Walk to Ayala Triangle Gardens. Alternatively, you can also walk from One Ayala to Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Café Hopping
Just like art galleries, the city of Makati is also dotted with coffee shops. From small neighborhood cafes to aesthetic cafes to chain coffee spots, you’ll surely find one that fits your vibe. You can also find a good cafe whether you’re looking to spend some time to work, read a book, or catch up with friends.
If you’re in a mall, you’ll definitely find chain coffee spots. There are also popular cafes like The Fatseed Cafe + Roastery in Greenbelt and One Ayala, Harlan + Holden Coffee in Power Plant Mall, Single Origin in Greenbelt, and more. If you’re planning to visit art galleries and you find yourself in The Alley at Karrivin Plaza, check out Three Squares Coffee. Meanwhile, if you’re in Salcedo Village, among the coffee shops you can try are Odd Coffee and Habitual Coffee. In the nearby Legazpi Village, some of the cafes to try are Antipodean Coffee Roasters, Deuces Cofee, or Panco Cafe.
Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are truly a Makati staple at this point. The Makati Central Business District alone is home to quite a few. Some are just small malls situated below residential buildings. Others are shopping centers big enough to spend the whole day in.
If you take the MRT 3 or EDSA Carousel bus and get off at Ayala, you can walk through all these malls. Starting from SM Makati to Glorietta to Landmark, and finally, to Greenbelt. Despite being right next to each other, these malls all have different vibes and sometimes widely different stores. But one thing is for sure: you’ll find everything you need in these malls, with their wide array of shops, restaurants, and activities.
If you’re looking to get groceries, you can head over to SM, Landmark, or Rustan’s Supermarket. Glorietta and Greenbelt both have a lot of restaurant options and movie theaters. Greenbelt is also the mall you should visit if you plan to do some luxury shopping. If you’re in need need of some pampering, you’ll also find nail salons, massage places, and hair salons in these malls. Even health and dental clinics are located here!
Where to Stay in Makati
If you you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay in Makati, here are some hotels you can consider:
Top Hotels on Agoda
- MAKATI SHANGRI-LA MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE PENINSULA MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SOMERSET CENTRAL SALCEDO MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CITADINES SALCEDO MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- RAFFLES MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FAIRMONT MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - DISCOVERY PRIMEA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - DUSIT THANI MANILA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - ARUGA APARTMENTS BY ROCKWELL MAKATI
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
For a more detailed list, you can also check out our posts for different types of hotels in Makati.
Find more Makati Hotels!
How to Get To Makati
There are multiple transportation options that can take you to Makati depending on where you’re coming from. It’s also best to consider your specific destination in Makati. However, a good starting point would be One Ayala, since a few of the attractions in this list are just within Ayala Center. From here, you can easily make your way to other parts of Makati.
From Cubao
By Edsa Carousel
The EDSA Carousel Bus makes a stop at One Ayala. The are two stations in Cubao: Nepa Q. Mart and Main Avenue. Go to the Southbound loading area. The buses will have a sign board that says “PITX or MOA.”
By MRT
Right by Farmers Plaza in Cubao is MRT Araneta Center Cubao station. You can board the southbound train here and get off at Ayala Station.
From NAIA
If you’re coming from the airport, you can get to Makati by bus, taxi, or by booking a ride via a ride-hailing app. Check out our NAIA to Makati guide for a comprehensive guide on the transportation options you can take from the airport.
Updates Log
2024.01.08 – Updated opening hours
2023.12.29 – Updated Where to Stay section
2023.08.12 – First uploaded
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