District in Manila, Philippines
Makati for solo travelers
Is Makati good for solo travel?
Manila's business district and the easiest place to land: coworking, restaurants, nightlife and top hospitals within a few blocks. Expensive by Philippine standards, and the traffic and heat are relentless.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Very friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | One of the easier parts of Manila for solo women. Catcalling is possible; use Grab at night and watch drinks in Poblacion. |
How to meet people in Makati
Coworking events and nomad meetups, Poblacion bar nights, hostels nearby, run clubs, language exchanges and Salcedo Saturday Market.
Good things to do alone
- Browse the Salcedo Saturday Market
- Bar-hop in Poblacion
- Visit the Ayala Museum and Greenbelt park
- Walk the Jaime Velasquez Park green space
- Day trip to Intramuros by Grab or MRT
Where to stay in Makati
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Poblacion | Bars, restaurants and nightlife; younger crowd |
| Salcedo Village / Legazpi Village | Walkable, cafés, weekend markets, condos |
| Ayala Center / Greenbelt | Malls, hotels, restaurants and offices |
| San Lorenzo Village | Quiet, leafy and residential; mid-range condos |
Solo travel across Philippines
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Siargao | 5/5 | Widely spoken |
| Moalboal | 5/5 | Widely spoken |
| Manila | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Boracay | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Palawan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| El Nido | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Cebu | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Coron | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Bohol | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Panglao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Makati | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Baguio | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| La Union | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Siquijor | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Malapascua | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Port Barton | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Sagada | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Banaue | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Vigan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Iloilo | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| BGC | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Bantayan | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Davao | 3/5 | Widely spoken |
| Tagaytay | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Angeles City | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Makati good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Manila's business district and the easiest place to land: coworking, restaurants, nightlife and top hospitals within a few blocks.
How do you meet people in Makati?
Coworking events and nomad meetups, Poblacion bar nights, hostels nearby, run clubs, language exchanges and Salcedo Saturday Market. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Makati?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Makati safe for solo female travelers?
One of the easier parts of Manila for solo women. Catcalling is possible; use Grab at night and watch drinks in Poblacion.
More about Makati
Going to Makati solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Makati meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.