· PH

Makati City

Makati City, Makati, Philippines

Dive into the Heart of Metro Manila: Discover Makati City Makati City: a vibrant tapestry of towering skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and historical gems, all pulsing with an irresistible urban energy. This isn't just a …

#urban#business district#cosmopolitan#high-end shopping#international cuisine

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Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Makati City.

Top Hotels in Makati City

Top Flights to Makati City

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Makati City.

Tours

Art & Culture Tour in Makati

Explore the vibrant art scene and rich culture of Makati City through galleries and cultural centers.

Shopping

Shopping Spree at Greenbelt

Indulge in retail therapy at Greenbelt, a premier shopping destination with a mix of local and international brands.

Outdoor

Ayala Triangle Gardens Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely day outdoors at Ayala Triangle Gardens, a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Makati City.

Currency

₱ | PHP | Philippine Peso

Population

629616.0

Languages

Filipino, English, Filipino

Average weather

Makati City

Jan

30°22°

Feb

31°22°

Mar

32°23°

Apr

33°24°

May

33°25°

Jun

32°25°

Jul

31°24°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

31°24°

Oct

31°24°

Nov

31°24°

Dec

30°23°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Makati City.

What people love

Makati City, located in the heart of Metro Manila in the Philippines, is a bustling city known for being the country's financial center and a major business district. Here are some pros of traveling to Makati City:

Business Opportunities: Makati City is home to numerous multinational corporations, business hubs, and financial institutions, making it a great destination for business travelers. It offers a dynamic environment for networking, meetings, and potential business partnerships.
Shopping and Dining: Makati City boasts a plethora of shopping malls, upscale boutiques, and diverse dining options ranging from local eateries to high-end restaurants. Visitors can indulge in shopping sprees and enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights.
Cultural and Entertainment Hub: Makati City is not just about work; it also offers a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, museums, theaters, and live music venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local arts and entertainment scene.
Luxurious Accommodations: Makati City is known for its upscale hotels and accommodations, providing visitors with luxurious and comfortable places to stay during their trip. Many hotels offer top-notch amenities and services for a relaxing and indulgent stay.
Accessibility: Makati City is well-connected to the rest of Metro Manila, with easy access to public transportation such as buses, jeepneys, and taxis. The city is also conveniently located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Philippines.

Overall, traveling to Makati City offers a blend of business opportunities, shopping and dining experiences, cultural attractions, luxurious accommodations, and accessibility, making it a desirable destination for both business and leisure travelers.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Makati City in the Philippines include:

Traffic congestion: Makati City is known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Navigating the city's streets can be challenging and time-consuming, leading to delays in reaching your destinations.
High cost of living: Makati City is one of the most expensive cities in the Philippines, with high prices for accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Travelers may find that their budget does not stretch as far in Makati as it would in other parts of the country.
Limited green spaces: Makati City is a bustling urban area with limited green spaces and parks. Travelers who enjoy nature and outdoor activities may find it challenging to find peaceful spots to relax and unwind.
Safety concerns: While Makati City is generally considered safe for tourists, as with any big city, there may be instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or scams targeting tourists. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.
Noise and pollution: Due to its urban setting, Makati City can be noisy and polluted, especially in the central business district. Travelers who are sensitive to noise or air pollution may find it uncomfortable to spend extended periods of time in the city.

Overall, while Makati City offers many attractions and amenities for travelers, it is important to consider these potential drawbacks when planning a trip to the area.

Makati City, officially known as the City of Makati, is one of the 16 highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila, Philippines. It is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial, and economic hubs in Asia.

Early History

Pre-colonial Period: The area now known as Makati was initially part of the kingdom of Namayan, a pre-colonial polity in the Manila area.
16th Century: During the Spanish colonial period, Don Miguel López de Legazpi took control of the area. It was first established as a visita (a mission station) of Sta. Ana de Sapa and was called San Pedro de Macati in honor of the patron saint, Saint Peter.

Spanish Era

1600s: The Jesuits built the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, now known as the Guadalupe Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.
1670: The area was declared a town and named San Pedro de Macati. It was primarily a rural area with some agricultural activities.

American Colonial Period

1901: The Americans established civil government in the Philippines, and Makati became part of the newly created Rizal Province.
1930s: The Zóbel de Ayala family began developing the area. They transformed it from a largely agricultural area into a residential and commercial zone, which paved the way for its future development.

Post-war Development

1940s-1950s: After World War II, Makati began to develop rapidly. It became part of Greater Manila during the Japanese occupation but was later returned to Rizal Province.
1950s: The Ayala Corporation initiated the development of the Makati Central Business District (CBD), which became the city's financial hub.

Modern Era

1975: Makati became part of Metro Manila, created through Presidential Decree No. 824 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos.
1995: Makati was declared a highly urbanized city through Republic Act No. 7854.
2000s-Present: Makati has continued to thrive as the financial center of the Philippines, hosting the headquarters of major banks, corporations, and embassies.

Significant Events

2010: The Makati City Hall Building II controversy emerged, involving alleged overpricing in the construction of the building.
2016: The city became a focal point in the national political scene, with former Mayor Jejomar Binay running for President of the Philippines.

Historical Figures

Ayala Family: Particularly significant in the development of Makati through their real estate ventures.
Jejomar Binay: Served as mayor from 1986 to 1998, and again from 2001 to 2010, and later became Vice President of the Philippines.

Important Landmarks

Ayala Triangle Gardens: An urban park in the heart of the Makati CBD, surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
Makati Stock Exchange: One of the two stock exchanges in the Philippines, symbolizing Makati's financial dominance.
Greenbelt Chapel: Known for its tranquil environment amidst the bustling commercial district.
Ninoy Aquino Monument: A significant historical monument commemorating the martyred senator, located at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas.
Guadalupe Ruins: The remnants of a 17th-century church, one of the oldest structures in the city.

Makati City continues to be a dynamic and vital part of the Philippines, known for its economic contributions and vibrant city life.