Makati Central Business District
Makati CBD: A bustling financial hub with modern skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and green urban spaces.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene city views
Makati Central Business District
Best Time
Serene city views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Makati CBD: A bustling financial hub with modern skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and green urban spaces.
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🚶♀️ Walkable City
Many attractions are within walking distance. Wear comfy shoes and explore!
☕ Cafe Hopping
Discover unique cafes with Tokyo vibes or avant-garde designs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ayala Triangle Gardens
Center of the CBD
A green oasis offering a peaceful escape with jogging paths and open spaces for relaxation.

Rockwell Center
Near the CBD
Experience a modern urban landscape with upscale shopping, dining, and stunning city views.

Poblacion's Culinary Scene
Poblacion District
Discover hidden gem bars and diverse eateries, from authentic Vietnamese to avant-garde cafes.

Landmark Department Store
Makati Central Business District
A long-standing institution known for its supermarket and affordable local fashion finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Makati's Bustle
Embrace the City Lights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable City
Many attractions are within walking distance. Wear comfy shoes and explore!
☕ Cafe Hopping
Discover unique cafes with Tokyo vibes or avant-garde designs.
🌃 Nightlife Exploration
Poblacion offers hidden rooftop bars and lively spots for evening fun.
🛍️ Affordable Finds
Check out Landmark for budget-friendly clothing and local goods.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable City
Many attractions are within walking distance. Wear comfy shoes and explore!
☕ Cafe Hopping
Discover unique cafes with Tokyo vibes or avant-garde designs.
🌃 Nightlife Exploration
Poblacion offers hidden rooftop bars and lively spots for evening fun.
🛍️ Affordable Finds
Check out Landmark for budget-friendly clothing and local goods.
🏙️ City Views
Enjoy stunning cityscapes from cafes, hotels, or rooftop bars.
🍜 Authentic Eats
Savor Vietnamese banh mi or explore diverse culinary offerings in Poblacion.
🚗 Commute Smart
Use ride-sharing apps or the MRT to navigate traffic efficiently.
♻️ Vintage Treasures
Hunt for unique vintage clothing and jerseys in Salcedo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Makati CBD for its dynamic energy, modern infrastructure, and diverse culinary scene. The city offers a blend of business sophistication and vibrant nightlife, with many appreciating the accessibility and variety of shopping and dining options. However, some find the traffic and crowds challenging during peak hours.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Makati CBD is accessible via various transportation modes. The MRT-3 (Metro Rail Transit Line 3) has stations like Ayala and Buendia that serve the area. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are also popular and convenient for getting around the city and to/from the CBD. For those driving, be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Yes, many areas within the Makati CBD are walkable, especially between major establishments like Greenbelt and Glorietta malls. For longer distances, ride-sharing apps are readily available. The MRT is also an option for inter-city travel.
To avoid the worst traffic, try to travel during off-peak hours, typically mid-morning or late evening. Utilizing the MRT can also be a more predictable way to travel within the city.
Ayala Triangle Gardens offers a pleasant walking experience amidst the urban landscape. Exploring the streets of Poblacion can also reveal interesting architectural details and local life.
While the MRT is efficient for longer distances, getting to specific neighborhoods like Poblacion might be easier with a short taxi or ride-sharing service from the nearest MRT station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Makati Central Business District itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. However, specific attractions within the CBD, such as museums or ticketed events, may have their own admission fees.
The CBD is a commercial and business hub, so it's generally active during business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays). However, many establishments like malls, restaurants, and bars have extended hours, often until late at night, and are open on weekends.
Ayala Triangle Gardens is a public park and is generally free to enter. It's a popular spot for jogging, relaxation, and people-watching.
Keep an eye on local event listings, social media pages of malls and establishments, and the official 'Make It Makati' channels for updates on events, festivals, and activities.
The CBD tends to be less crowded during early mornings before business hours begin, and on weekends when many offices are closed. Evenings can also be less congested than peak rush hour.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Key landmarks include Ayala Triangle Gardens for a green escape, the modern Rockwell Center, and the historic Landmark Department Store. Poblacion district is also a must-visit for its vibrant food and bar scene.
Makati offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury brands in Greenbelt and Glorietta malls to affordable local fashion at Landmark. You can also find unique vintage items in areas like Salcedo.
Yes, Makati offers many photogenic spots. The city skyline, especially at night, is impressive. Ayala Triangle Gardens provides a natural backdrop, and unique cafes like Xpresso by UCC offer themed aesthetics.
Makati CBD is known for its fast-paced, modern, and sophisticated atmosphere. It's a financial hub with a cosmopolitan feel, attracting both business professionals and tourists.
Poblacion is a popular neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and creative spaces. Salcedo Village also offers interesting finds, including vintage shops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Poblacion is a culinary hotspot with diverse dining options, from authentic Vietnamese to trendy cafes. You'll also find a wide array of restaurants within the Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, and various eateries in office building food courts.
Yes, while Makati can be upscale, affordable options exist. The Landmark food court offers budget-friendly meals, and exploring local eateries in areas like Poblacion can yield delicious and reasonably priced food.
Absolutely! You can try authentic Vietnamese banh mi and egg coffee, explore cafes with unique themes like 'Tokyo vibes,' or enjoy avant-garde dining at places like Gnostic bar and cafe.
Makati boasts a diverse culinary scene, including Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, and international cuisines. You'll find everything from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Makati has a thriving coffee culture with many cafes. Xpresso by UCC offers a 'Tokyo vibe,' while Gnostic bar and cafe provides specialty coffees and vegan options.
📸 📸 Photography
Makati offers numerous IG-worthy locations. The city skyline at night, the greenery of Ayala Triangle Gardens, unique cafes like Xpresso by UCC, and the creative neighborhood of Comuna are all great for photos.
Rooftop bars in Poblacion offer stunning panoramic views of the Makati skyline. Hotels and high-rise buildings also provide excellent vantage points.
Makati features a mix of modern skyscrapers and some Brutalist architecture, as highlighted in tours. The unique design of Comuna is also a photographic highlight.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Nighttime provides a dramatic backdrop with the city lights.
Exploring neighborhoods like Poblacion and Salcedo Village can reveal unique street art, charming cafes, and interesting architectural details that make for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique experience, explore the diverse food offerings in Poblacion, where you might find kid-friendly eateries. While the CBD is primarily a business district, its accessibility via ride-sharing apps makes it easy to navigate with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for budget-friendly staycation options near the CBD, such as those found in Acqua Residences, which offer city views without the premium price tag of staying directly in the heart of Makati. Walking between nearby attractions also saves on transportation costs.
✨ Couples & Nightlife Enthusiasts
For a more relaxed evening, a stroll through Ayala Triangle Gardens can be quite charming, especially when illuminated. Consider a staycation with a view of the city lights, offering a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Walkers
Utilize ride-sharing apps or the MRT for longer distances, but embrace walking to truly soak in the city's atmosphere. Neighborhoods like Poblacion and Salcedo Village are particularly rewarding to explore on foot, offering a more intimate glimpse into local life and hidden gems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Makati's Modern Marvels: Skyscrapers and Offices
For businesses seeking a strategic location, Makati CBD offers a wide array of office spaces for lease. Properties like the Morning Star Center are noted for their accessibility and proximity to key establishments. The presence of premium residential condominiums, such as The Estate Makati, further enhances the district's appeal, offering luxurious living options within the bustling financial heart. This blend of commercial and residential development creates a dynamic and self-contained urban environment.
The district is also evolving with new developments like Laurean Residences, which promises resort-inspired living with wellness-focused amenities, catering to a high-end market. The continuous development and modernization of its infrastructure solidify Makati CBD's status as a leading commercial and financial center in Asia.
Exploring Makati's Vibrant Neighborhoods
Another notable area is Salcedo Village, which, while part of the CBD, offers pockets of charm and discovery. It's known for its weekend markets and also houses interesting finds like vintage clothing stores, providing a different pace from the surrounding business district. For a more relaxed and green experience, Ayala Triangle Gardens stands out as a significant urban park. This 2-hectare sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the city's hustle, providing jogging paths, open spaces for relaxation, and a pleasant environment for people-watching.
Even established landmarks like the Landmark Department Store contribute to the neighborhood tapestry. It's not just a shopping destination but a long-standing institution in the CBD, recognized for its supermarket and affordable local clothing brands, reflecting a different facet of Makati's retail landscape. These varied neighborhoods collectively paint a picture of Makati as a multifaceted city, offering more than just business and finance.
Makati's Culinary Delights: From Cafes to Cuisine
Beyond Poblacion, Makati offers a plethora of dining experiences. Cafes like Xpresso by UCC provide a themed ambiance, offering a 'Tokyo vibe' for patrons seeking a unique coffee break. For those looking for more casual and affordable options, the Landmark Department Store's food court is a popular choice, offering a variety of local dishes at reasonable prices. The city also features modern dining establishments within its upscale malls like Greenbelt and Glorietta, providing a wide range of international and local cuisines.
Whether you're seeking a quick coffee fix, a hearty meal, or a sophisticated dining experience, Makati delivers. The constant emergence of new cafes and restaurants, often highlighted on social media, ensures that there's always something new to discover for food enthusiasts exploring the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit