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3 Days in Makati City: Itinerary 2026
Start your day at 8:00 AM with a visit to the Ayala Museum at Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street. Entry costs PHP 650 for adults, and it opens at 9:00 AM, so grab a coffeeβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Makati CBD
Start your day at 8:00 AM with a visit to the Ayala Museum at Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street. Entry costs PHP 650 for adults, and it opens at 9:00 AM, so grab a coffee nearby first. Afterward, explore Greenbelt Mall and have lunch at Manam in Greenbelt 2, where a meal averages PHP 500. In the afternoon, walk to the Ayala Triangle Gardens and then head to the Makati Stock Exchange for a quick photo. End your day with dinner at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, with mains around PHP 800.
πΆ Getting Around Makati
Makati is best explored on foot within the CBD, but for longer distances, use the jeepneys or the BGC Bus. A jeepney ride costs PHP 13, while a taxi from Makati CBD to Rockwell takes about 15 minutes and costs around PHP 150. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7:00 to 9:00 AM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM), so plan accordingly. Grab and Joyride are also reliable options for quick trips.
π Day 2: Poblacion Food Tour
Begin at 10:00 AM with a visit to the Museo ng Makati on J.P. Rizal Avenue, which has a small entrance fee of PHP 100. Then, walk to A. Venue Mall for lunch at Locavore, where the must-try dishes include sizzling sinigang and lechon belly, averaging PHP 600 per person. In the afternoon, explore the street art along Kalayaan Avenue and drop by the Commune Cafe for a local coffee. As evening falls, Poblacion comes alive: have dinner at Tambai Alley (try the skewers) and then bar-hop along Don Pedro Street.
πΉ Evening in Poblacion
Poblacion is Makati's nightlife hub, so start at 8:00 PM with cocktails at OTO or The Curator. For a more laid-back vibe, visit Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen, which offers local craft beers from PHP 150. If you want live music, check out H&J Sports Bar and Restaurant, which often has bands on weekends. Most bars close around 2:00 AM, so plan your night accordingly.
ποΈ Day 3: Rockwell and Shopping
Spend your morning at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, which opens at 10:00 AM. Have brunch at Dean & DeLuca or Wildflour Cafe + Bakery, with meals around PHP 700. Then, explore the Rockwell Center area and visit the Ateneo Graduate School of Business for its architecture. In the afternoon, take a 20-minute taxi to Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan for bargain shopping, about PHP 200 away. Return to Makati for a farewell dinner at Antonio's in Rockwell, where reservations are recommended and mains start at PHP 1,200.
π¨ Where to Stay
For convenience, stay in Makati CBD near Ayala Avenue. Options include the Makati Shangri-La (from PHP 8,000 per night), the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati (from PHP 5,000), and the Z Hostel in Poblacion (dorm beds from PHP 800). If you prefer a quieter area, consider Rockwell, but note that it's less central for public transport. Book early, especially during peak season from December to February.
π° Budget Tips
Makati can be pricey, but you can save by eating at local eateries like Jollibee or Mang Inasal, where meals cost under PHP 200. Use jeepneys and the MRT for cheap transport; the MRT from Ayala to Buendia costs PHP 13. Many museums offer student or senior discounts, so bring an ID. Avoid taxis during rush hour to save both time and money.
π Best Time to Visit
The dry season from November to April is ideal for exploring Makati, with temperatures around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Avoid the rainy season from June to October, as flooding can disrupt travel. Major events like the Makati Street Meet (every third Sunday) and the Poblacion Food Crawl (monthly) are worth planning around. Check local calendars for exact dates in 2026.
the day 1 lineup is fine but id swap blackbird for a meal at the salcedo or legazpi market if ur timing hits a weekend. salcedo is saturday morning, legazpi is sunday, and u can eat really well for PHP 300 to 400, stuff like the paella or the grilled squid. way more of a makati thing than another fancy sit down tbh.
also on getting around, dont sleep on the e-trikes for short hops inside the CBD. flat rate usually PHP 20 to 30 depending on distance, faster than waiting for a Grab during the 5pm crush. just flag one down, they cluster near Greenbelt and Ayala Triangle.
for the museum, the Ayala Museum gold collection is the real highlight, dont rush past it to get to the dioramas
solid writeup, the Poblacion section is spot on. one thing i'd add for day 3: Greenhills is a whole afternoon on its own, not really a quick in and out. the tiangge stalls inside are cash only mostly, and haggling is expected, so dont pay the first price they throw at you. also traffic getting back to Makati from San Juan after 4pm is brutal, id leave by 3 or just commit to dinner there instead of rushing back for Antonio's.
for the food budget tip, Mang Inasal's chicken inasal with unlimited rice is like PHP 150 and way better than Jollibee if you want something more local. there's one near Ayala Triangle if you're staying in the CBD.
One thing I'd adjust: the Ayala Museum is closed on Mondays, so if Day 1 lands on a Monday you'll want to swap it with the Poblacion day. Also, the museum's ground floor has a decent cafe if you get there before the 9 AM opening, no need to wander far for that coffee.
For the Poblacion night, don't sleep on the smaller spots along Algier Street off Don Pedro. Places like Filling Station and the little tiki bars there are less crowded than the OTO crowd and the vibe is more local. Getting a Grab back to your hotel after 1 AM is easy, just expect surge pricing.
One correction on transport: the BGC Bus doesn't really serve the Makati CBD proper, it runs from EDSA Ayala to BGC. For Rockwell from the CBD, jeepneys along JP Rizal or a short Grab are your best bet, and the fare's closer to PHP 13 than the taxi rate if you're not in a rush.
Top Things to Do in Makati City (2026)
Start your Makati adventure by taking in the iconic skyline from the 33rd floor of the Ayala Triangle Gardens, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. For a mβ¦ ποΈ Explore Makati's Skyline
Start your Makati adventure by taking in the iconic skyline from the 33rd floor of the Ayala Triangle Gardens, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. For a more immersive experience, visit the Sky Deck at the 71st floor of the LKG Tower, which offers a 360-degree view and is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, with tickets at PHP 500. Don't miss the chance to stroll along Ayala Avenue, often called the Wall Street of the Philippines, especially during the Christmas season when it's adorned with dazzling lights.
ποΈ Shop at Greenbelt
Greenbelt is a premier shopping destination in Makati, featuring a mix of high-end brands, local boutiques, and diverse dining options. The complex is divided into five interconnected malls, with Greenbelt 5 housing luxury labels like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it's also home to the Greenbelt Chapel, a serene spot for reflection amid the retail buzz. After shopping, relax at the open-air garden area, which often hosts free concerts and events.
π½οΈ Dine Like a Local
Makati's food scene is vibrant and varied, from street food to fine dining. For authentic Filipino flavors, head to Manam in Greenbelt 2, where the crispy sisig and sinigang are must-tries, with meals averaging PHP 500 per person. If you're craving something different, try the hole-in-the-wall eateries along Kalayaan Avenue, like El Chupacabra, known for its Mexican-Filipino fusion tacos. Most restaurants open around 11 AM and close by 10 PM, but some bars and cafes stay open until midnight.
π¨ Discover Art and Culture
The Ayala Museum, located at Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, showcases Philippine history and art, including the famous Gold of Ancestors exhibit. Admission is PHP 425 for adults, and it's open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. For contemporary art, visit the Yuchengco Museum on RCBC Plaza, which features rotating exhibitions of Filipino artists. Both museums offer a quiet escape from the city's hustle and provide context on the country's rich heritage.
π³ Relax in Urban Parks
Ayala Triangle Gardens is a favorite among locals for its lush greenery and jogging paths, open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. The park hosts a nightly light and sound show at 6 PM, which is free to attend. Another hidden gem is the Washington SyCip Park, a small pocket park along Legazpi Street, perfect for a peaceful break. Bring a book or simply people-watch while enjoying the fresh air.
πΈ Experience Nightlife
Makati's nightlife thrives in Poblacion, a neighborhood known for its eclectic bars and clubs. Start your evening at The Curator, a speakeasy-style bar on Legazpi Street, which consistently ranks among Asia's best bars, with cocktails around PHP 500. For live music, check out Handlebar in Burgos Circle, open until 2 AM. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, the rooftop bar at the I'M Hotel offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
π Getting Around Makati
Makati is well-connected by public transit, with the MRT-3 stopping at Ayala and Buendia stations. From there, you can take a jeepney or walk to major destinations. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are readily available, with fares starting at PHP 40 for a short trip. For a unique experience, try the Makati Loop bus, which circles the central business district for free during peak hours.
π‘ Insider Tips for Visitors
Avoid rush hour traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM, especially along EDSA and Ayala Avenue. Most establishments accept credit cards, but keep some cash for small vendors and jeepneys. Dress comfortably, as the weather can be hot and humid year-round, and always carry an umbrella during the rainy season from June to November. Lastly, learn a few Tagalog phrases like 'salamat' (thank you) to connect with locals.
the guide's food section is decent but skips the best breakfast move in the CBD. there's a cluster of karinderyas along the side streets near Washington SyCip Park (Legazpi area) that open around 6am, and you can get tapsilog or longganisa with rice and egg for under PHP 100. way better than the hotel buffet if you want actual Filipino breakfast.
also fwiw the Ayala Triangle light show thing is seasonal, it runs Nov to early Jan only. the guide makes it sound year round. if you're visiting outside the holidays the park is nice but quiet, nothing special happening at 6pm.
and yeah +1 on skipping the LKG thing, that's not real.
solid guide, you nailed the Poblacion and Ayala Museum picks. one thing id add is the Salcedo Community Market on Saturdays along Jaime Velasquez Park, 7am to 2pm. its where i actually take visitors instead of Greenbelt, you get legit lechon belly, fresh oysters, and cheap eats for like PHP 200 total. get there before 9 or the good stalls are wiped out.
One thing the guide missed: the LKG Tower Sky Deck doesn't exist. I've lived here six years and there's no public observation deck there, so skip that and put the PHP 500 toward the Ayala Museum instead. For a real skyline view, book a table at the 71st-floor bar in the Grand Hyatt or just ride the MRT-3 along EDSA at dusk, the elevated track gives you the whole CBD for the price of a PHP 15 beep card. Also, Greenbelt Chapel is genuinely worth ten minutes even if you're not religious, it's an open-air dome and surprisingly quiet for being smack in the middle of the mall.