Makati, the financial and commercial heart of Metro Manila, Philippines. While often perceived as a modern business district filled with skyscrapers, it is actually home to numerous charming tourist spots where a ‘deeply rooted sense of history’ beautifully intersects with ‘lush urban oases’.
This guide will introduce carefully selected spots that both short-term visitors and long-term residents should absolutely visit when in Makati. We’ll provide authentic information, including lesser-known attractions not found in ordinary guidebooks and smart ways to navigate the area.
Ayala Museum
📍 Address: Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati City, 1229 Metro Manila, Philippines
Located in the heart of Makati, adjacent to the Greenbelt area, the Ayala Museum is a modern and dignified cultural institution established by the Ayala Corporation, which developed this city. The admission fee is 750 pesos for adults (as of July 2025), which might seem a bit high for Philippine standards, but once you step inside, you’ll fully appreciate its worth. While many tourist sites state a ’10 AM opening time,’ it actually opens at ’11 AM,’ so plan your schedule with plenty of time.
The museum’s biggest highlight and unique charm is the ‘Gold Collection’ on the top floor (4th floor). Here, you’ll find an array of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts from the 10th to 13th centuries, unearthed across the Philippines. The intricate gold ornaments and masks eloquently tell the story of the ‘Golden Age’ when pre-colonial Philippines flourished as a trading hub in Asia. Originally, photography is prohibited on this floor to protect cultural properties, but some visitors disregard this rule and take photos, offering a glimpse into the Philippines’ ‘free-spirited’ atmosphere, for better or worse (※Please adhere to the rules).
As you descend from the gold exhibition to the lower floors, the atmosphere changes entirely. The ‘Philippine History Dioramas,’ spanning from the 1st to the 2nd floor, recreate 60 scenes from hunting in northern Luzon to the proclamation of the Republic in three dimensions. The detailed craftsmanship has a slightly handmade feel, and for those who appreciate the charm of a ‘school play set’ like roughness, it’s a very interesting exhibition as a free-form art piece centered on history.
Furthermore, on the 3rd floor, you’ll find Ferdinand Zóbel’s collection, where the tranquil and stable style, stripped of excess, and the brilliant sketches reflecting a deep understanding of East Asian art are captivating (some works prohibit photography; flash and video recording are prohibited throughout the museum). Immerse yourself in the timeless romance of history, from ancient golden halls to contemporary art, all within a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.
Salcedo Saturday Market
📍 Address: Jaime C. Velasquez Park, H26F+56Q Salcedo Village, Tordesillas St. Cor Toledo St., Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
If your stay includes a Saturday, then getting up early to visit the ‘Salcedo Saturday Market’ is an absolute must. Countless stalls line Jaime Velasquez Park, located in Makati’s business district, from around 6 AM until early afternoon (around 2 PM).
This is truly a weekend-only outdoor culinary paradise. From hearty meat dishes like the famous Philippine roast pig ‘Lechon’ (around 500 pesos) and juicy brisket rice (around 450 pesos), to international street food such as Thai Pad Thai (around 300 pesos) and Pancit Bihon (around 100 pesos), a variety of global comfort foods are available. Fresh fruits, seafood, and freshly harvested vegetables are also sold, stimulating your appetite just by walking around.
Prices are generally set for expatriates and foreign tourists, making them slightly higher than local street food stalls (e.g., mangoes for about 230 pesos per kilo). However, the lively, multinational atmosphere in a clean and safe environment is a unique charm found only here. It’s common to eat what you’ve bought on the park’s lawn or benches, picnic-style, and with playgrounds available, it’s very popular with families.
The best time to visit is between 7 AM and 9 AM, when the selection is most abundant and crowds can be avoided. Skip your hotel breakfast and fill up here! Note that temporary restrooms cost 5 pesos but are not very clean, so it’s highly recommended to use the facilities at your hotel or nearby commercial establishments beforehand.
Ayala Triangle Gardens
📍 Address: Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave, Cor Ayala Ave, Makati City, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines
The ‘Ayala Triangle Gardens,’ which suddenly appears in the middle of a cluster of skyscrapers, is a 2-hectare urban park loved by Makati’s workers and residents as a place of relaxation. This very spot actually has a history; it was once the runway of Nielson Airport, the Philippines’ first airport, before World War II.
Today, it is a beautifully maintained oasis covered with lush lawns and abundant trees such as palm and acacia, where people can be seen reading or relaxing in the shade, creating a heartwarming scene. The park also features cafes and open-air restaurants, perfect for a break or lunch during your stroll.
Particularly noteworthy for travelers are Sunday mornings. Every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, a section of the adjacent Ayala Avenue becomes a pedestrian zone (Car-Free Sundays), attracting many runners and cyclists. For those looking to work up a light sweat during their trip, running during this time is incredibly refreshing and highly recommended.
Furthermore, if you visit during the holiday season in December, the nightly ‘Festival of Lights’ illumination event is not to be missed. The entire park lights up and sparkles in sync with music, transforming into one of Manila’s premier illumination spots.
Greenbelt Park
📍 Address: Makati Ave, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Greenbelt, Makati’s quintessential luxury shopping mall. At the heart of its complex lies the ‘Greenbelt Park.’ It’s so safe, clean, and sophisticated that you might wonder, ‘Is this really Manila?’
The park’s iconic feature is the circular, dome-shaped church, the ‘Santo Niño de Paz Chapel’ (commonly known as Greenbelt Chapel), which appears to float on the central pond. Its modern glass architecture harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding greenery, making it a beloved place of prayer for locals who can drop in during their shopping. Especially on Sundays, masses are held, and beautiful hymns echo through the area, allowing you to feel the deep faith of the Philippines firsthand.
Koi, turtles, and ducks swim leisurely in the pond around the church, creating a soothing spot that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. On cool evenings, enjoying a cold San Miguel beer or cocktail at the alfresco terraces of the restaurants surrounding the park, while gazing at the illuminated gardens, is the ultimate indulgence. When shopping in Makati, be sure to visit with your camera in hand.
Insider Tips and Hacks for Makati Sightseeing!
Here are a few tips to make your time exploring Makati’s attractions even more fulfilling.
First, make use of the ‘Greenbelt’s free art gallery.’ After enjoying the exhibits at the Ayala Museum, if you’re still in the mood for more art, head to the free exhibition space on the second floor of the Greenbelt mall. This small room primarily showcases a collection owned by BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and is surprisingly diverse and impressive. It’s a quiet, uncrowded hidden gem where you can find peace during your shopping.
Furthermore, Makati boasts well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure, with major malls and parks connected by ‘underpasses’ and ‘pedestrian decks.’ Utilizing these smartly allows you to move comfortably while avoiding the intense sun, sudden downpours, and notorious traffic congestion. Seamless access from Ayala Museum to Greenbelt Park is also possible.
Makati, where modern skyscrapers, lush greenery, and historical heritage coexist, is far too charming to simply pass through as just a business district. Use this article as a guide to discover your own way to explore Makati.
