Best areas to stay in Makati City
1. Legazpi Village
Legazpi Village is a central, walkable district within the Makati Central Business District, home to a dense cluster of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It suits first-time visitors who want to be close to the business and shopping core, as well as travellers who prefer to have dining and evening options on their doorstep.
Accommodation here spans budget rooms, mid-range suites and serviced apartments, often in condominium-style buildings. The area sits near Ayala Center and the surrounding commercial district, so many of the city's main points of interest are within easy reach on foot or by short taxi ride.
2. Bel-Air Village
Bel-Air is a residential village in the heart of the Makati Central Business District, close to shopping and entertainment areas. It suits visitors who want a quieter base while remaining within the business district, and works well for those travelling on mid-range or higher budgets.
You find condominium-style hotels, serviced residences and mid-range properties here, along with a budget option on P. Burgos Street. The area connects easily to the business, shopping and entertainment districts, though some pockets sit near the red light district, which is worth noting if you are travelling with family.
3. Salcedo Village
Salcedo Village is an upmarket residential area around Ayala Triangle Gardens, within the central business district. It suits visitors looking for a polished, residential feel with access to the business core, and is well suited to longer stays in serviced apartments.
Accommodation here leans toward serviced residences and boutique properties. The area is central and connects readily to the surrounding business and shopping district, making it a practical base for both work and leisure.
4. San Antonio Village
San Antonio Village is a residential barangay within Makati, offering a more local, less commercial atmosphere than the central business district. It suits travellers who want a mid-range base slightly away from the busiest commercial streets.
You find mid-range hotels and suites here, including properties on Guijo Street and Kamagong Street. It remains within Makati and connects to the rest of the city by road, though it is not as immediately walkable to the main commercial core as Legazpi or Salcedo Village.
5. Poblacion
Poblacion is a central Makati barangay with a mix of older buildings and budget accommodation. It suits budget travellers and those who want to be near the nightlife and entertainment areas, including the red light district and the Powerplant Mall.
Accommodation here is mostly budget-level, including small inns and older properties. The area is central and connects well to the business district, but the nightlife and red light district nearby mean noise and activity can be part of the setting.
6. Bangkal
Bangkal is a barangay south of the central business district, with a more residential and local character. It suits budget travellers who are willing to stay slightly outside the main commercial core in exchange for lower-cost accommodation.
You find budget suites and small hotels here, such as along Evangelista Street. It connects to the business district by road, but you should expect to rely on transport rather than walking to the main sights.
7. Pio del Pilar
Pio del Pilar is a barangay within Makati with a cluster of small budget inns along Santillan Street. It suits budget travellers looking for simple, functional accommodation within the business district area.
Accommodation here is budget-level, with small inns offering basic air-conditioned rooms. The area is described as being in the business district of Makati, which keeps you reasonably close to the commercial core.
8. San Lorenzo Village
San Lorenzo Village is a residential village in Makati, close to the Ayala Center and the shopping district. It suits visitors who prefer a mid-range base in a quieter residential setting near the commercial core.
You find mid-range hotels and suites here, including along Arnaiz Avenue. The area connects easily to Ayala Center and the surrounding shopping and business district.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small inns, apartelles and budget hotels, often with basic air-conditioned rooms, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Found in Poblacion, Bangkal and Pio del Pilar, and occasionally in Bel-Air.
- Mid-range: Suites, condotels and serviced apartments with kitchen or kitchenette facilities, often in Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village, San Antonio Village and San Lorenzo Village.
- Splurge: Serviced residences and international chain hotels with spacious apartments, full kitchens and extensive facilities, concentrated in the central business district and around Ayala Center.
Best area for a first visit
Legazpi Village is the best area for a first visit. It places you within the Makati Central Business District, close to Ayala Center and the surrounding shopping and business core, with a wide choice of restaurants, bars and nightclubs nearby. The range of accommodation, from budget rooms to mid-range suites, makes it flexible for different budgets.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for nightlife?
Poblacion and Legazpi Village both have concentrations of bars and nightclubs. Poblacion also sits near the red light district, while Legazpi Village has a dense cluster of restaurants, bars and nightclubs within the business district.
Where should budget travellers stay?
Bangkal, Pio del Pilar and Poblacion have the largest concentration of budget accommodation, including small inns and apartelles. Bel-Air also has at least one budget option on P. Burgos Street.
Which area is closest to the shopping and business district?
Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village, Bel-Air and San Lorenzo Village are all within or immediately adjacent to the Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center, keeping you close to the main commercial and shopping areas.
Do I need a car to get around Makati?
Areas within the central business district, such as Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village and Bel-Air, are walkable to many commercial and dining options. Areas further out, such as Bangkal and San Antonio Village, are better reached by road transport.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.