Major city · Philippines
Makati
Base in Makati for 2–3 nights: stay in Legazpi or Salcedo Village, walk the Ayala Center malls and museums, and use MRT-3 at Ayala for the rest of Metro Manila.
Makati is Metro Manila's financial core and its most walkable district: Ayala Center's malls, the Ayala Museum, Greenbelt Park and two weekend markets sit inside a compact grid of overpasses and underpasses. It is a base, not a sightseeing city — most travellers sleep here and day-trip into Manila, Taguig and Pasay. Two nights covers the district; three if you want a full Manila day without moving hotels.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- avoid Jun–Nov (rain and typhoon season), Holy Week crowds
- Airport
- MNL
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Makati911 ▾
- National emergency911
- Makati rescue and emergency (City Hall)(02) 8870-1000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Makati, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyMakati's CBD is one of the safer parts of Metro Manila by day and evening; the real risks are traffic, heat and bag-snatching in crowds.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers911 National emergency · (02) 8870-1000 Makati rescue and emergency (City Hall)
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMNL Ninoy Aquino International (Taxi to Makati CBD ₱200–300 (≈ US$4–6), 20–60 min depending on traffic; no rail link.).
- Getting aroundWalk the CBD: sidewalks, pedestrian underpasses and overpasses link Ayala Center, Ayala Triangle and Legazpi Village.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a mall café₱120–200 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerdraught in a Poblacion bar / can at a convenience store₱120–250 (≈ US$3–5)₱60–100 (≈ US$2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the CBD₱40 flag-down.₱100–150 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Ayala Museum / Yuchengco Museum)₱425 (≈ US$8)₱200 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₱600 (≈ US$11)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₱3,500 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₱7,000 (≈ US$130)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱1,800 (≈ US$35) · Mid ₱3,500 (≈ US$65) · High ₱8,000 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MNL Ninoy Aquino International (Taxi to Makati CBD ₱200–300, 20–60 min depending on traffic; no rail link.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Aug (19 rain days), driest Feb (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Makati: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
May
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the CBD: sidewalks, pedestrian underpasses and overpasses link Ayala Center, Ayala Triangle and Legazpi Village. MRT-3 runs along EDSA with Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations (₱13–16 per ride). One Ayala at EDSA corner Ayala Ave is the city-bus hub, with the EDSA Carousel and BGC Bus. Taxis are plentiful around the malls: ₱40 flag-down, ₱100–150 across town. Jeepneys cover Chino Roces, Kalayaan and J.P. Rizal for short hops. Driving is not advised: strict enforcement, one-ways and all-day number coding.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30–60 min
Taxi or ride-hailing via Gil Puyat Ave and Roxas Blvd; LRT-1 from EDSA station as an alternative
Go early: the walled city is hot and exposed by midday.
Taguig (BGC)
goDoor to door: 20–40 min
BGC Bus from Ayala MRT station, or taxi via EDSA and McKinley Rd
Half-day for the High Street area and Mind Museum.
Pasay (MOA and the bay)
goDoor to door: 30–50 min
Taxi via EDSA, or MRT-3 to Taft Ave then a short ride
Mall of Asia and the baywalk; best at sunset.
Quezon City
cautionDoor to door: 45–75 min
MRT-3 north to Quezon Ave or North Ave, then jeepney or taxi
Long for a return trip; pick one museum or market, not both.
San Juan
cautionDoor to door: 30–50 min
Taxi via EDSA and Ortigas Ave
Mainly for food streets; combine with a Quezon City stop.
Parañaque
skipDoor to door: 30–60 min
Taxi via SLEX or EDSA; EDSA Carousel southbound from One Ayala
Mostly casinos and airport hotels; no reason to go unless you fly out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Legazpi Village
Quiet streets, Legazpi Active Park and Washington Sycip Park, walk to Greenbelt and Ayala Ave; best for first-timers.
Salcedo Village
Between Ayala Ave and Gil Puyat Ave; Salcedo Park and Saturday market on the doorstep, 10 min walk to Ayala Center.
Ayala Center / Glorietta
Malls, MRT-3 Ayala station and One Ayala bus hub directly above; noisiest but the most connected.
Poblacion
West of the CBD: bars, hostels and cheaper rooms, 15–20 min walk or short taxi to Ayala Center.
Rockwell Center
Power Plant Mall and riverside apartments; quieter and pricier, 15 min by taxi to the CBD.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱1,500–2,500 (≈ US$30–45) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱2,500–5,000 (≈ US$45–90) excl. bed
- High
- ₱5,000 (≈ US$90)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ₱3,500 | ₱7,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₱3,500 | ₱14,000 |
| Airport taxi to Makati CBD, one way1 × ₱300 · check | ₱300 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₱500 | ₱1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱2,230 |
| Trip total≈ ₱6,130 per person per day, bed included | ₱24,530≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pesos; international flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a mall café | ₱120–200 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fast-food meal (Jollibee, Mang Inasal) | ₱120–250 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Mid-range restaurant main | ₱350–700 (≈ US$7–13) |
| Beer: draught in a Poblacion bar / can at a convenience store | ₱120–250 (≈ US$3–5) / ₱60–100 (≈ US$2) |
| Taxi across the CBD₱40 flag-down. | ₱100–150 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Museum entry (Ayala Museum / Yuchengco Museum) | ₱425 (≈ US$8) / ₱200 (≈ US$4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not drive: Makati enforces traffic rules hard, with clamping and towing, and the metro-wide number-coding scheme runs all day here.
- Rush hour on EDSA and Gil Puyat Ave can double any taxi or bus time; build in slack for airport runs.
- Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps and agree the fare before you get in; unmetered cabs near malls ask for more.
- Keep bags zipped in crowded malls, markets and MRT stations; phone-snatching is the common street crime.
- Jun–Nov is typhoon season: check forecasts before booking domestic flights out of Manila.
Emergency numbers
- National emergency
- 911
- Makati rescue and emergency (City Hall)
- (02) 8870-1000
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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MakatiMakati
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Dito po, sa address na itoTo this address, please
Emergency
- National emergency911
- Makati rescue and emergency(02) 8870-1000
Embassy
Most embassies are in Manila (Ermita and Makati); the US embassy is on Roxas Blvd, Manila — check your own country's listing before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NAIA → Makati CBD, taxi: ₱200–300 (≈ US$4–6), 20–60 min
- BGC Bus Ayala → BGC: about ₱15–30 (≈ under US$1), 20–40 min
Say or show
- Salamat — Thank you (sa-LA-mat)
- Magandang umaga — Good morning (ma-gan-DANG u-MA-ga)
- Magkano? — How much is it? (mag-KA-no)
- Paki-meter po — Please use the meter (pa-ki MI-ter po)
- Nasaan ang CR? — Where is the toilet? (na-SA-an ang si-ar)
- Hindi ko maintindihan — I don't understand (hin-DI ko ma-in-tin-di-HAN)
Metered taxis and ride-hailing both work; agree the fare or insist on the meter before setting off.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Makati. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May (dry season) · avoid Jun–Nov (rain and typhoon season), Holy Week crowds · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MNL: taxi band, ride-hailing fallback, late-arrival check-in rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Ayala Center, Ayala Triangle and Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village, Poblacion.
- Place pages with verified hours and ticket prices (Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum, Greenbelt Chapel, Nielson Tower) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weekend-market fixtures (Salcedo Saturday, Legazpi Sunday) so morning plans can go green.
Sources
- officialMakati City government
- officialAyala Museum
- officialYuchengco Museum
- officialPhilippine Stock Exchange
- secondaryWikivoyage: Makati, revision 5323277 (CC BY-SA 4.0)