Affordable things to do in Makati
Spending the weekend at Makati doesn’t mean you need to splurge – or restrict yourself to window-shopping in malls or chilling in Greenbelt Park.
From a staycay to farmers’ and craft markets to retro roller skating, we’ve picked up affordable and free things to do in Makati for you and your friends to spend some quality time together, and focus on catching up. None of these will cost more than P500 (~USD12.02) per person either!
1. Legazpi Sunday Market – sample artisan food and vintage items
Image credit: @oyabakes
Back in full force in 2023, Legazpi Sunday Market offers you a wide range of gourmet and artisan food, fresh produce, and unique, artsy and vintage items in Makati City.
Image adapted from Legazpi Sunday Market and Legazpi Sunday Market
You’ll see leather goods created by disabled craftspeople that’ll make thoughtful souvenirs, coffee jelly and iced coffee drinks made from beans you can buy for your home pantry, and mini-performances and celebratory decor whenever a festival is rolling around.
The market is even pet-friendly, and you may spot pet products such as drinking bowls and treats on sale.
Image credit: @bearsdenrecords
You can easily indulge in a hearty meal, drink, or dessert here for under P500 per person – we’ve spotted shawarmas, lechon and rice, fishballs, fruit drinks, and more – or purchase cute accessories, handmade products, and vintage finds. As vendors and products on sale change, follow their socials for all the latest happenings and special events.
Address: Corinthian Carpark, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Sundays
Time: 7am-2pm
Contact: 918 965 7825 | Legazpi Sunday Market’s Facebook page | Instagram
2. Makati Live – catch free live busking events every Friday
Legazpi Active Park, Legazpi Underpass, Greenbelt – Dela Rosa Walkway, and Paseo de Roxas Underpass are busking venues.
Image adapted from @makeitmakati and @makeitmakati
Catch indie musicians and singers every Friday afternoon at various Makati Live busking locations, entertaining the crowd for free as everyone winds down for the weekend.
The line-up changes each week, so check out Make It Makati’s socials for updates, and perhaps discover a new local artist to support!
Address: Legazpi Active Park, Legazpi Underpass, Greenbelt – Dela Rosa Walkway, and Paseo de Roxas Underpass
Event hours: Fridays, 4pm onwards
Contact: Make It Makati Facebook page | Instagram
3. Rolyo Sk8house – skate on Fridays for P250 including equipment rental
Image adapted from @rolyosk8house and @makeitmakati
Go on a Friday skate date at Rolyo Sk8house and Sk8 Shop with a friend at its Adult Skate Night for P250 (~USD4.65), including rental skates. With disco lights and fancy walls to set the mood, this brand-new spot that just opened in December 2022 will make a memorable gathering or outing spot in the city.
Or if you’d like to learn from scratch, Rolyo welcomes all beginners or experienced skaters to its mini-skating rink and skate dance studio. The Learn To Skate hour-long beginners’ classes are at P450 (~USD8.35), complete with know-how on how to stop, balance, and fall safely. Gear is sold separately, but you may enquire about rentals.
Address: Hippodromo Street 2nd floor, Ayala Malls, Circuit Makati, Makati, 1207 Metro Manila
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm | Fri-Sun 10am-10pm
Contact: Rolyo Sk8house’s website | Facebook page | Instagram
4. Poblacion bar-hopping – people-watch on the lively streets
Image adapted from @hellomamser and @drwine_rooftop
You have plenty of options for a night out in Poblacion, Makati, with a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes to choose from, each offering a unique concept. This hip and lively neighborhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and simply walking down its streets is an experience in itself.
One of the most popular bars in Poblacion is Alamat, where you can find cocktails for as low as P395 and shots of rum or whisky for as low as P120. While you’re there, be sure to try some pulutan (bar chow), which is usually priced from P100 and can be shared among your group.
With so many exciting options for a night out in Poblacion, you’re sure to have a great time exploring all that this vibrant area has to offer.
Check out our guides to Makati bars with unique drinks and gastropubs and bars in Makati too.
5. Staycay at an Airbnb – house a crew of four
Image credit: Raymond
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in the Makati area, consider booking a fully furnished one-bedroom Airbnb unit that can comfortably fit up to four occupants.
For under P500 per person, this Jazz Residences unit is good for a weekend stay-in, including a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, and free use of the condo’s six pools.
Image credit: Raymond
For just P500 per night per person if you’re sharing the unit with three other people, you can enjoy all the comforts of home and be a short walk from Poblacion and Legazpi Village.
Address: Jazz Residences, Nicanor Garcia, Makati
6. GOMO Skate Park at Circuit Makati – for skater boys and girls
Image credit: Gelo Velasco
If you’re a skateboarder looking for a designated space to practice your skills in the Philippines, check out the 1,000 sqm GOMO Skate Park at Circuit Makati with concrete ramps. Skateboarding is not allowed in certain areas of the city, so this designated space is a great option for skaters to have a place to enjoy their sport.
Image credit: Yven Aldover
Perfect your skills for free for the whole day, and if you need a gear refresh, hit up Quilla skate shop on site that sells skates, skateboards, and shoes.
Address: Riverfront Dr, Makati, Metro Manila (formerly Mountain Dew Skate Park)
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Entrance fee: Free
Contact: Circuit Makati’s Facebook page | Instagram
7. Sample authentic Japanese food at Little Tokyo – for those too broke to fly to Japan
Image credit: @bernformebaby
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll definitely want to check out Little Tokyo Makati, a compound featuring several Japanese restaurants to choose from, including budget-friendly ones.
Japanese dining doesn’t have to be pricey – you can even get quick takeaway bento box meals at Yamazaki Bento for as low as P200-P400, and stop by its in-house Japanese mart.
Image adapted from Tammy米恩 and Angel
Some of the restaurants here include Honari Japanese Restaurant with karaage, sashimi, sushi, yakimono, and other tempura and fried fritter favorites, and also Shinjuku Home Of Authentic Ramen that’s been around since the 1990s and famous for its ramen and gyoza.
Tip: you can sit at the compound’s al fresco tables and order from any restaurant you like, so groups whose members have different preferences can all be happy here.
Address: 2277 Chino Roces Ave, Pasong Tamo Corner Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
8. Get a French mani or pedi at Nail Tropics – for those whose nails need TLC
Image adapted from Eve’s Daughter and Yven Aldover
If you’re in need of some pampering in Makati, check out Nail Tropics, a spa for all genders and ages with tropical-inspired interiors and a range of manicure and pedicure services to help you relax and rejuvenate.
You can choose from an hour-long French manicure from P310 or a French pedicure from P350, or a 30-minute foot massage from P400.
Address: Assembly Grounds, Century City Mall Kalayaan, and Greenbelt 5 in Makati City
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily (Century City Mall Kalayaan)
11am-8pm, Daily (Assembly Grounds and Greenbelt 5)
9. Mystery Manila – prove that you and your friends are detective geniuses
Image credit: @senasalgado
Mystery Manila offers 4 thrilling and mind-boggling murder mystery rooms at its Makati City location, where you’ll have to figure out how to capture and neutralise the dangerous Pym Particle held by an evil scientist, what the malicious spirit within a creepy old doll is, how to stop a ship from attracting an alien attack, and more.
You’ll given clues and objects to help you solve the mystery within the time limit of an hour. And rest assured that you’ll stay below this article’s P500 limit if you go in groups of 4, so that prices are P500 per person. Groups of 5 pay P450 per head and groups of 6-7 pay P400 per head – and you’ll probably need to get as many heads together as possible to crack the puzzles here!
Address: Unit L305, 3rd Floor Century City Mall Kalayaan Avenue cor. Salamanca St Brgy, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Contact: Mystery Manila’s website | Facebook page | Instagram
10. Dance classes at Jollijam Arts Center- scale a pole and build rock-solid abs
Image credit: @jollijam
If you’re interested in taking dance classes in Makati, consider joining Jollijam Arts Center. This dance school is not just for kids but also grown-ups, and offers a variety of dance styles to choose from.
Image credit: @jollijam
Floor dance classes at Jollijam Arts Center cost P400 per session, or P2,500 for 8 sessions, which works out to be P312.5 per session. Silk, hoops, and pole dance classes are also available for P550 per session, or P3,000 for 8 sessions, which works out to be P375 per session. In addition to dance classes, Jollijam Arts Center also offers art and music classes, although rates for these classes are over P500.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, Jollijam Arts Center has something to offer. Check out their website for more information and to sign up for classes.
Address: 2F, 123 Tordesillas, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Contact: 0977-8325559 | Jollijam Arts Center’s website | Facebook page | Instagram
Affordable things to do in Makati
Be a Makatizen for the weekend and check out these artistic, foodie, or sports activities that will make up for all the time you’ve spent hunched over a desk all week.
Let us know if we’ve missed out anything new worth featuring, or if you have any more sub-P500 recommendations!
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: @drwine_rooftop, Legazpi Sunday Market, and @jollijam
This article was updated by Xin Tian Koh in February 2023.
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