Makati is Manila’s modern heart: skyscrapers, lively night spots, leafy parks, and some of the best food in the metro. You can experience a lot here without overspending. Whether you are a solo traveler hunting for nightlife, a family looking for safe walks and markets, or a group craving affordable eats, Makati budget travel can be simple and fun with the right tips.
This guide gives practical ideas for cheap travel Makati, including where to stay, where to eat, how to get around, and a pocket-friendly Makati itinerary you can follow. Use these tips to make the most of your trip while keeping costs down.
Budget-friendly areas to stay in Makati
Poblacion is the go-to neighborhood for budget travelers. It has a backpacker vibe, lots of hostels, affordable guesthouses, and a lively bar and food scene. Legazpi and Salcedo Village are a little pricier but still have wallet-friendly boutique hotels and are closer to parks and markets, great for families who want convenience without splurging.
Look for places near Ayala Avenue or the MRT Ayala station if you want easy access to the rest of Metro Manila. Booking early and checking weekday rates can save a surprising amount.
Cheap hotels and hostels worth checking
Makati offers a range of cheap accommodations from capsule hostels to basic 3-star hotels. Hostels in Poblacion are perfect for solo travelers and groups traveling on a tight budget. Family-friendly budget hotels around Legazpi and Salcedo provide simple comforts like breakfast and in-house laundry at reasonable prices.
If you want to compare prices and read real guest reviews, Find best hotels in Makati on Traveloka. It helps you spot special deals and filter by neighborhood, price range, and amenities so you get the best value for your stay.
Low-cost dining and local eats
Food in Makati can be as cheap or as fancy as you like. For cheap, authentic meals, try carinderias and hole-in-the-wall eateries where rice plates and local dishes cost a fraction of restaurant prices. Food courts in malls serve up filling meals at low cost and are a great option for families or picky eaters.
Don’t miss the weekend markets. Salcedo Saturday Market and Legazpi Sunday Market are great for budget-friendly gourmet bites, fresh juice, and small plates you can share. If you love street food, Poblacion has a thriving food crawl scene where you can sample many flavors without spending much.
Affordable transport in Makati
Makati is compact and walkable in many areas. For short hops, walking or riding a bike is cheap and healthy. The MRT Ayala station connects you to other parts of Metro Manila quickly and is usually the fastest option during rush hours. Jeepneys and buses are the most economical choices for short distances, though they can be crowded.
Using ride-hailing apps is handy for late-night trips or when you have luggage. If you are flying in, check for Cheap flight tickets to Makati to compare arrival times and prices. For airport transfers, look for shared shuttles or pre-booked transfers to avoid high taxi fares.
Free and low-cost attractions
There are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Makati. Ayala Triangle Gardens is a relaxing green space in the middle of the business district, perfect for picnics and people watching. Walk around Ayala Center and window shop in the malls to escape the heat without spending money.
Art lovers will enjoy small galleries and public art installations scattered around the city. Weekend markets offer live music and free performances occasionally, and community events pop up throughout the year. For families, playgrounds and open spaces in Legazpi and Salcedo are safe and free for kids to burn energy.
Sample Makati itinerary on a budget
Day 1 – Morning
Arrive and check into your budget hotel or hostel. Grab a simple Filipino breakfast like silog (fried rice and egg with meat) at a nearby eatery. Walk through Ayala Triangle Gardens to stretch your legs and take photos.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Head to Salcedo Market for lunch. Sample local snacks and pick up affordable souvenirs. Visit a nearby gallery or explore Greenbelt’s church and garden areas if you want a calm break.
Day 1 – Evening
Explore Poblacion’s street food scene and rooftop bars. Stick to a set budget for drinks and street bites and join a group to split costs if you are traveling as friends.
Day 2 – Morning
Start with a leisurely breakfast in Legazpi and take a budget walking tour of historic sites around Makati. Many landmarks are free to view from the outside and make for interesting photo stops.
Day 2 – Afternoon
Visit a museum or take a short ride to neighboring districts for attractions with low admission fees. Finish with a relaxed mall meal or more market finds.
Day 2 – Evening
For your final night, pick a spot with live music or a casual restaurant where you can enjoy the city’s energy without breaking the bank.
Money-saving tips and safety basics
Book accommodation and transport in advance to lock in lower rates. Eat like a local—street food and market stalls offer big flavor at a fraction of restaurant prices. Travel in groups when possible to split rides and meal costs. Keep valuables secure and use well-reviewed transport options at night. For families, choose accommodations near green spaces and grocery stores to save on snacks and comfort items.
For solo travelers, carry a local SIM or an eSIM and download maps and ride-hailing apps. For groups, identify meeting points and have a rough daily budget everyone agrees on to avoid surprises.
Why Traveloka can help you travel smarter
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