Makati and BGC
Glass towers, green parks and busy streets: the modern face of Metro Manila.
Quick answer
- Makati: the long-established central business district, with Ayala Avenue, malls and the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
- BGC: Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, built on the former Fort Bonifacio army camp.
- Why visit: parks, public art, food halls, rooftop bars and some of Manila's most walkable streets.
- Getting around: taxis and Grab; BGC has its own bus network.
- Weekends: markets like Salcedo in Makati sell food and local crafts.
Why it is a wonder
Old Manila has walls and churches. Its new face is a few kilometres southeast, in Makati and Bonifacio Global City. Makati grew from the 1950s into the country’s main business district, its towers lining Ayala Avenue around the green lawns of the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Across the highway in Taguig, BGC was built from the 1990s on part of the old Fort Bonifacio army camp. It is one of the most walkable places in Metro Manila, with wide pavements, parks, murals and public art between the office towers.
Together they offer the best of contemporary Manila: food halls and fine dining, rooftop bars, weekend markets and museums.
Beat the crowds
- Avoid rush hours, roughly 7 to 10 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the evening.
- Go to markets early on Saturday or Sunday.
Getting there
From the airport, Makati and BGC are a short taxi or Grab ride, traffic permitting. MRT-3 serves Ayala station in Makati. See our Manila guide.
A perfect day
- Weekend market breakfast in Makati.
- Walk the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
- Afternoon in BGC, exploring the streets and public art.
- Rooftop drinks as the skyline lights up.
Through the seasons
City life goes on all year. December brings Christmas lights to the parks and avenues; see Christmas in the Philippines.
Respect the place
Use pedestrian crossings and walkways, and be patient in traffic. Tipping in restaurants is welcome but often already included as a service charge.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
What is BGC?
Bonifacio Global City, a master-planned business and residential district in Taguig, developed from the 1990s on part of the old Fort Bonifacio military camp.
Is Makati a good base for visitors?
Yes. It has many hotels, restaurants and malls, and good transport links, though traffic is heavy at rush hour.
What is there to do?
Walk the parks, browse weekend markets, visit museums such as the Ayala Museum, and eat your way through food halls and bars.
How far is it from the airport?
Usually 20 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Pinto Art Museum
White galleries and leafy courtyards full of Filipino contemporary art, in the hills east of Manila.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
