Makati is Manila's premier business and financial district with luxury hotels, upscale malls like Greenbelt and Glorietta, and vibrant nightlife along Poblacion.

About Makati City (Business District)

Makati is the undisputed financial capital of the Philippines, a forest of glass towers rising along Ayala Avenue that houses the headquarters of the country's largest corporations, banks, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. The Central Business District (CBD) is anchored by the Ayala Triangle Gardens, a public park hosting evening light-and-sound shows, surrounded by the Ayala Museum, high-end dining, and office towers.

Greenbelt, a sprawling open-air shopping and dining complex set around landscaped gardens and a chapel, represents Makati's upscale lifestyle with international luxury brands, fine dining restaurants, and a multiplex cinema. Nearby, Glorietta and SM Makati offer more accessible shopping. Legazpi Sunday Market and Salcedo Saturday Market bring together Manila's foodies for artisanal products, street food, and fresh produce.

Beyond the glass-and-steel CBD, Makati encompasses the charming Poblacion neighborhood, which has transformed from a rough residential area into Manila's hippest nightlife and bar district, with rooftop bars, speakeasies, craft cocktail joints, and boutique hotels in converted heritage buildings. The area around Burgos Street offers a more raucous nightlife experience.

Nearby Landmarks

Ayala Triangle Gardens Greenbelt Ayala Museum Poblacion nightlife district

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost PHP 250-400 (USD 5-7)
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost PHP 200-350 (USD 4-6)
Time 30-60 minutes

Grab pickup from designated areas at each terminal

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit terminal. 2. Walk to bus stop or UV Express terminal. 3. Take P2P bus or UV Express to Ayala/Makati. 4. Use Grab for final mile.

UBE Express P2P Bus

Cost PHP 150 (USD 3)
Time 45-60 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes, 5 AM - 10 PM

Terminal 3 arrivals, and other terminals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi PHP 250-400 (USD 5-7) 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare PHP 200-350 (USD 4-6) 30-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle PHP 150 (USD 3) 45-60 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent) operates 24 hours and is the most recommended ride-hailing option. Airport taxis (yellow/white with coupons) operate around the clock. Regular metered taxis are available but insist on the meter. Makati's Poblacion nightlife district is active until 3:00-4:00 AM on weekends. Late-night Grab from Makati to NAIA costs PHP 300-500 ($5-9). The MRT closes around 10:00-11:00 PM.

Luggage Tips

Grab and taxis handle luggage easily for the short airport-to-Makati journey. The P2P bus has luggage storage underneath. Makati hotels range from 5-star (Shangri-La, Raffles, Peninsula) to budget options, all with luggage services. Greenbelt and Glorietta malls have bag check areas. If exploring Poblacion before check-in, the narrow streets are walkable but the area is hilly in parts. Most hotels offer flexible early check-in.

Accessibility

NAIA terminals vary in accessibility — Terminal 3 (newest) is best equipped. Makati's Ayala Avenue and CBD area have well-maintained sidewalks, though pedestrian crossings can be chaotic. Greenbelt and Glorietta malls are fully accessible with elevators. The MRT has basic accessibility but is extremely crowded. Grab vehicles are the most practical option for wheelchair users. Premium Makati hotels all have accessible rooms.