Getting Around Makati: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Makati offers a vibrant urban environment that is generally very walkable, particularly in areas like Greenbelt, Salcedo Village, and Legazpi Village. These neighborhoods are packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, and parks that are perfect for travelers looking to explore on foot. The city layout in these parts favors pedestrians, making it easy to accomplish errands without needing transport in these zones. However, areas like Poblacion can be less reliable for walking due to safety and cleanliness issues, especially at night. Overall, choosing accommodations in walkable neighborhoods enhances the ease of exploring Makati on foot.

Makati provides a solid public transportation network that includes options like the MRT, buses, and jeepneys, which are both affordable and widely used. The MRT connects key areas and is efficient for longer distances across Metro Manila. However, the convenience of public transit is frequently hampered by heavy traffic, making commutes during peak hours more challenging. For quick and reliable travel within Makati, ride-hailing services like Grab are also frequently used, though the city's 'Makati Loop' electric jeepney service, despite its promise, could see improvements in coverage and frequency.

While there are some bike lanes in Makati, the infrastructure is not robust enough to support a strong biking culture, especially for daily travelers. Although efforts are being made to improve conditions with the addition of bollards and better signage, traffic remains a significant challenge for cyclists. Safety is a notable concern due to the inconsistency of dedicated bike lanes and frequent conversions into shared lanes. Therefore, while short biking journeys might be feasible, daily commuting can be risky due to these factors.