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Greenbelt Mall & Ayala Triangle Gardens – Manila’s Modern Oasis in Makati
- Jenn & Leon
- Oct 30
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 4
When you think of Manila, traffic, noise, and chaos often come to mind.
But hidden among the skyscrapers of Makati, the country’s financial capital, are two serene spots that showcase a completely different side of the city—Greenbelt Mall and Ayala Triangle Gardens.
On a warm, blue-skied morning, we set out from Azure Residences in Parañaque, curious to see what makes the Philippines’ mall culture so legendary.
We’d seen plenty of vlogs about it, and with just one free day before moving on, we wanted to experience it for ourselves.
In this post, we share our visit to two of Manila’s most beautiful modern landmarks. Discover how shopping, art, and nature intertwine in the heart of the city.
We’ll cover how to get there, what to see, tips for visiting, and why these spots deserve a place on your Manila itinerary.
A City Escape with a Touch of Zen
We started at Ayala Triangle Gardens, a beautifully landscaped urban park that feels almost surreal in the middle of the city.
The lawns are perfectly manicured, shaded by tall trees that sway gently between glass towers. There’s even a church on site, a peaceful place for reflection amid the bustle.
It reminded us of a Japanese zen garden, calm and balanced. The air felt fresher here, the noise softer.
The gardens are free to enter and easy to walk around, with plenty of benches, shaded walkways, and little pockets of green that invite you to slow down and breathe.
If you’re visiting in the morning, you’ll catch locals jogging, practicing yoga, or sipping coffee from one of the nearby cafés.
In the evening, the park transforms with its famous Ayala Triangle Gardens Light Show, a spectacular holiday tradition that draws crowds every Christmas season.
💡 Fun fact: The gardens sit on the former site of Nielson Field, Manila’s pre-war airport, once shaped like a triangle with runways forming what are now the surrounding avenues.
A Short History of Ayala & Greenbelt
The Ayala Triangle Gardens sit on what was once Nielson Field, the Philippines’ first commercial airport.
Built in 1937, its runways formed a triangle that still defines the layout of Makati’s business district today.
After World War II, the land was redeveloped by Ayala Corporation, transforming the area from airfields into what became the country’s first modern urban center.
By the 1970s, the same vision of modern living extended to retail. The Greenbelt complex began as a simple open-air shopping space surrounded by greenery, one of the first of its kind in Manila.
Over the decades, it evolved into a world-class lifestyle hub, blending high-end stores, landscaped courtyards, and art installations while retaining its garden core.
💡 Good to know: The original control tower of Nielson Field still stands today as the Ayala Museum’s headquarters, a nod to Makati’s aviation past and modern transformation.
Greenbelt Mall—Where Nature Meets Luxury
From the gardens, we walked past the Gabriella Silang Monument, a statue honoring one of the Philippines’ most celebrated female revolutionaries, and continued toward Greenbelt Mall.
It’s one of Manila’s most well-known shopping complexes, part of the Ayala Center, and what struck us immediately was how it blends modern architecture with open green courtyards.
The mall is beautifully designed, full of natural light, water features, and lush garden pockets that make you forget you’re in a retail space.
Inside, you’ll find luxury brands like Prada, Dior, and Gucci, along with international restaurants, cafés, and boutique art spaces.
We stumbled upon an exhibit called “Lines That Define Me” by Joy Rojas, a small but captivating collection that added a splash of culture to the day.
We didn’t shop this time (tempting as it was!), but the atmosphere was enough: elegant yet relaxed, air-conditioned but full of greenery. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours strolling, window-shopping, and stopping for a long lunch.
💡 Good to know: Greenbelt isn’t just one building. It’s actually a collection of five—Greenbelt 1 through 5—each with a different focus, from dining to high-end fashion.
Gabriela Silang—Strength Amid the Skyline
As we already mentioned, we came across the Gabriela Silang Monument, a bronze statue standing proudly among Makati’s glass towers. It was an unexpected history lesson about a Filipino legend.
Gabriela Silang was a fearless revolutionary who led one of the earliest uprisings against Spanish rule in the 1700s, becoming a symbol of courage and resilience in Philippine history.
Standing before her likeness, surrounded by the city’s polished modernity, felt poetic—a reminder that progress and heritage coexist here.
💡 Look out for the monument near Ayala Avenue. It’s easy to pass by, but worth a moment of reflection on the strength and spirit it represents.
Why You Should Visit
You can’t really visit Manila without stepping inside at least one of its iconic malls. They’re more than shopping centers here; they’re a part of daily life, a place to socialize, dine, and escape the heat.
Greenbelt and Ayala Triangle stand out because they balance modernity with calm. You can wander from a luxury boutique to a tranquil park within minutes, surrounded by lush trees and world-class design.
For travelers, it’s the perfect way to experience the “real” Manila, not just its history, but also its rhythm.
If you loved our post on Venice Grand Canal Mall—A Taste of Italy in the Philippines, you’ll find a similar vibe here—beautifully built spaces designed not just for shopping but for living.
How to Get There
The location is in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, with Ayala Avenue serving as the nearest landmark.
It is approximately 12 kilometers from Azure Residences in Parañaque (where we stayed), which takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car.
By Grab or Taxi
The easiest and most comfortable way is by Grab (the Philippines’ version of Uber). Simply set your drop-off to Ayala Triangle Gardens or Greenbelt 5, depending on where you want to start. Expect to pay around ₱200–₱300 depending on traffic.
By Public Transport
● MRT: Take the MRT Line 3 to Ayala Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk through Glorietta and Landmark malls to reach Greenbelt or the Gardens.
● Bus/Jeepney: Several buses and jeepneys pass along Ayala Avenue, but they can be confusing for first-time visitors. Stick with Grab if you’re not familiar with the routes.
Car Rental
Whether you're planning scenic road trips or quick rides around town, renting a car or scooter can save time. Rentalcars.com helps you find the best deals from reputable providers.
💡 Look out for weekend road closures and rerouting, especially around the CBD, which can affect traffic flow.
Where to Stay: Top Hotels in Makati
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Makati hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Tips for Visiting
● Best Time: Early morning (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 5 p.m.) for cooler weather and softer light.
● Dress Code: Smart-casual is fine; some restaurants have a slightly upscale vibe.
● Safety: Makati is one of Manila’s safest districts, but always keep your belongings close, especially when crossing between malls.
● Food Options: Don’t miss the outdoor dining terraces at Greenbelt 3 and 5.
● Events: Check for seasonal exhibits and the Christmas Light Show at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
● Budget: Entry is free; you’ll only spend on food, drinks, and optional shopping.
💡 Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Ayala Museum (just beside Greenbelt), or explore other iconic spots like Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city.
Our Experience Rating:
Greenbelt Mall & Ayala Triangle Gardens
We left impressed. Both Greenbelt and Ayala Triangle Gardens offer a modern take on what city life can feel like—balanced, breathable, and human.
It’s the Manila you don’t always see on postcards: contemporary yet green, polished yet personal.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this part of Makati offers an easy, refreshing day out, perfect for taking a break from the bustle of the capital.
FAQ: Greenbelt Mall & Ayala Triangle Gardens
Is there an entry fee for Ayala Triangle Gardens?
No, entry is completely free and open to the public.
What are the opening hours?
The gardens are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mall hours are typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
How long do you need to visit both?
Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore both comfortably, including a meal stop.
Can you walk between Greenbelt and Ayala Triangle?
Yes, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk through the Makati business district.
What’s the best time to take photos?
Mornings for soft light and fewer crowds; evenings for skyline shots and the light show.
Are there good restaurants nearby?
Plenty — from high-end dining in Greenbelt 5 to casual cafés around the gardens.
Is Ayala Triangle Gardens safe at night?
Yes, but it’s best to visit before 9 p.m. when most establishments are still open.
Can you bring food or pets into the gardens?
Small snacks are fine; pets are allowed but must be leashed.
What’s special about Greenbelt Mall?
It’s known for luxury stores, beautiful landscaping, and its indoor-outdoor layout.
Are there nearby hotels?
Yes, several — including New World Makati Hotel, Fairmont, and Makati Diamond Residences — all within walking distance. Find top hotels
More from Our Philippines Adventures
▪ Jose Mari Chan at Festival Mall: Christmas in the Philippines
▪ Philippines Country Guide: Plan Your Trip Smart
A really good place to come and chill, and get away from the chaos of the city.