Makati City
Introduction
Experience the pulse of the Philippines' leading center for finance, commerce, business, and diplomacy. As you navigate this highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region, you will find yourself surrounded by a landscape defined by its role as a hub for international relations, housing numerous foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
You can explore an expansive skyline that stands as the largest in the country. The horizon is shaped by hundreds of high-rises and skyscrapers, creating a dense urban environment where modern architecture dominates the landscape.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by noting that English is the primary language used for communication in this affluent city, ensuring a smooth experience for international travelers and businesspeople. While your stay will be comfortable, learning some Tagalog will further enhance your interactions with the local population.
While you can expect a generally peaceful environment, you should remain alert at all times as incidents can occur anywhere. To ensure your safety, take extra precautions when approached by strangers and avoid crowded or sketchy locations. You may find that the neighboring Bonifacio Global City area in Taguig offers an even more peaceful atmosphere.
Getting there
You can reach the heart of the city via several transit options, including the MRT Line 3 elevated train which features four stations along EDSA. Choosing the Ayala Station places you directly in the center of a complex of shopping malls and restaurants, while the Buendia station provides connections to local jeepneys heading toward the central business district. For those traveling from riverside districts like Manila or Intramuros, the Pasig River Ferry offers an alternative route with a stop near Guadalupe Bridge.
If you prefer road travel, Makati is accessible through major arteries such as EDSA and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which intersect at the complex Magallanes Interchange. You can also navigate the city via key roads like Gil Puyat Avenue and Ayala Avenue. For those arriving by bus, a variety of city bus lines, the BRT service on the EDSA Carousel, and a Premium Point-to-Point network provide links from across Metro Manila and suburban areas like Laguna.
- MRT Line 3 stations: Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, and Magallanes.
- Major roadways: EDSA, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, Gil Puyat Avenue, Ayala Ave, and Makati Ave.
- Bus options: City bus lines, BRT service on the EDSA Carousel, and Premium Point-to-Point routes.
- Water transport: Pasig River Ferry at Guadalupe.
Getting around
You can navigate the Central Business District on foot using the network of sidewalks, pedestrian underpasses, and overpasses that connect different areas above the streets. If you prefer a vehicle, taxis are abundant throughout the area, particularly near the malls. For local travel on inner city roads outside Ayala Center—such as Chino Roces Ave, Kalayaan Ave, and J.P. Rizal Ave—you can ride both traditional and modern jeepneys.
Driving yourself is not recommended due to strict traffic rules and active enforcement by marshals. You will encounter frequent traffic jams, many one-way streets, and limited opportunities for left turns. Additionally, the city maintains a constant road space rationing scheme throughout the day, and parking violations in the Central Business District result in harsh penalties.
Where to stay
Depending on your preference for atmosphere and amenities, you can find a variety of accommodations across different neighborhoods in Makati City. For those seeking budget-friendly options, several establishments offer clean and efficient stays within the business district or near vibrant areas like Poblacion. Some locations provide fully furnished units with kitchen facilities, while others are situated in historic art deco buildings or nestled among numerous dining options.
If you prefer a mid-range experience, you can find suites and apartments in neighborhoods such as Legaspi Village, San Antonio Village, and Bel-Air. These areas offer a range of amenities including fitness centers, business centers, and nearby shopping hubs. For a more upscale stay, the city's reputation as a premier financial district means you can choose from luxury serviced residences and high-end hotels in premium locations like Salcedo Village or near the Ayala Center.
Food & drink
Explore a wide variety of dining options that cater to every palate and budget in Makati. For quick bites, you can find Filipino-style chicken at Mang Inasal or visit Jollibee for fried chicken and burgers. If you are looking for a substantial sandwich, Earl of Sandwich offers submarine sandwiches, while Cibo serves pasta dishes and panini sandwiches accompanied by a refreshing red grape shake. For those seeking local flavors, Sentro 1771 provides Filipino cuisine such as sizzling tofu and corned beef sinigang, while the nearby area of Salcedo Village features Apartment 1B for bistro-style comfort foods like French onion soup.
Pizza lovers have numerous choices across the city, ranging from local favorites like Greenwich to international chains including Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Shakey's. You can also find Chicago-style deep dish at Sbarro or thin-crust options at California Pizza Kitchen. For a more elevated experience, you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at UMU, Cantonese dim sum at Shang Palace, or fine dining featuring French techniques or modern European dishes in the upscale districts near Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue. If you prefer to unwind with a drink, head to Greenbelt for a swanky atmosphere at Museum Cafe or explore the vibrant Poblacion area, where trendy bars and beer gardens line the streets.
What to see and do
Explore the local history and art through several museums that showcase Filipino culture and heritage. You can visit the Ayala Museum to see works by renowned painters like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, or explore the Yuchengco Museum to view a collection of Filipino and Filipino-Chinese visual arts. For those interested in historical texts, the Filipinas Heritage Library, located inside the old Nielson Airport tower, houses an extensive collection of books dating back to the Spanish period. You can also visit the Makati Museum, housed in an old colonial building, to view local artifacts and photographs.
Wander through various parks to experience different atmospheres across the city:
- Greenbelt Park features a duck pond, a stream, and the serene Greenbelt Chapel surrounded by trees.
- Ayala Triangle Park is situated behind the Philippine Stock Exchange and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
- Washington Sycip Park offers a tranquil environment with plenty of greenery and a quaint pond.
- Legazpi Active Park and Salcedo Park are located along Legaspi Street, where local markets offer fresh organic foods and souvenirs on weekend mornings.
When to go
You can experience Makati's tropical monsoon climate, which features consistently warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. During the dry season, you will encounter relatively little rainfall, making it the most comfortable time for your visit despite the humid conditions.
During the wet season, you should prepare for a lengthy period of significant rainfall. While the temperature remains warm and the humidity stays high, these wet conditions may impact your travel plans and outdoor activities.
Three days in Makati City
Day one, you can begin your journey in Makati by navigating the bustling streets of the central business district. You might travel along Ayala Avenue or explore the nearby areas to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this major hub within Metro Manila.
Day two, you can head toward Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. This area offers a different urban character as you transition from the heart of Makati into this neighboring district.
Day three, you can venture further out to explore the surrounding regions. You might travel toward Laguna or take in the sights of the National Capital Region as you conclude your time in the city.