Makati
· PH

Makati

Makati, Philippines

Dive into the Heart of Manila: Makati Awaits! Makati, the bustling financial hub of the Philippines, pulsates with an energy that's both intoxicating and inviting. More than just skyscrapers and business deals, Makati o…

#business district#high-end shopping#financial hub#luxury hotels#fine dining
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Makati.

Top Hotels in Makati

Top Flights to Makati

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Makati.

Tours

Makati City Heritage Walk

Explore the rich history of Makati with a guided heritage walk through its old districts.

Poblacion Nightlife Tour

Discover the vibrant nightlife scene in Makati's Poblacion district, known for its eclectic bars and restaurants.

Shopping

Greenbelt Shopping & Leisure

Experience upscale shopping and dining at the heart of Makati.

Salcedo Saturday Market

An open-air market offering local and organic products every Saturday.

Outdoor

Ayala Triangle Gardens

A respite of greenery in the heart of Makati, perfect for relaxation and leisure.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Makati.

Currency
₱ | PHP | Philippine Peso
Population
Information not available.
Languages
Filipino, Filipino, English

Local guide

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

What people love

Makati, located in the Philippines, is a bustling city known for being the country's financial center and a major business hub. Traveling to Makati offers various advantages and pros, including:

  1. Business Opportunities: Makati is home to numerous multinational corporations, local businesses, and financial institutions, making it an excellent destination for business travelers. The city hosts a wide range of conferences, trade shows, and networking events, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.

  2. Shopping and Dining: Makati boasts a plethora of shopping centers, upscale malls, boutiques, and markets, offering a diverse range of local and international brands. Additionally, the city is renowned for its vibrant food scene, with a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving both Filipino and international cuisine.

  3. Entertainment and Nightlife: Makati is known for its lively nightlife with a plethora of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to various tastes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening at a rooftop bar or a night of dancing at a club, Makati has something for everyone.

  4. Cultural Attractions: Makati is not just about business and commerce; it also boasts several cultural attractions, including art galleries, museums, and theaters. Visitors can explore Filipino art and heritage at venues such as Ayala Museum or catch a performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

  5. Accessibility: Makati is conveniently located in Metro Manila, making it easily accessible via public transportation, including buses, taxis, and the metro. The city's central location also allows for quick access to other key areas in the metro, such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Manila.

Overall, traveling to Makati offers a unique blend of business opportunities, shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making it a vibrant and dynamic destination for visitors.

What to know

Cons of traveling to Makati, Philippines:

  1. Traffic congestion: Makati is a bustling business district with a high volume of vehicles, leading to heavy traffic especially during rush hours. Navigating through the city can be time-consuming and stressful.

  2. Expensive cost of living: Makati is known for being one of the most upscale and expensive areas in the Philippines. Accommodation, dining, and shopping options tend to be pricier compared to other parts of the country.

  3. Limited green spaces: Makati is a densely populated urban area with limited parks and green spaces. If you enjoy outdoor activities or nature walks, you may find the lack of greenery in the city to be a drawback.

  4. Noise pollution: Being a busy commercial and financial hub, Makati can be noisy with constant traffic, construction activities, and nightlife. If you prefer a quieter environment, you may find the city's noise levels to be disruptive.

  5. Safety concerns: While Makati is generally considered safe for tourists, like any urban area, it is important to remain vigilant against petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded areas.

  6. Air pollution: Due to heavy traffic and industrial activities in the vicinity, air quality in Makati may not be the best. If you are sensitive to air pollution or have respiratory issues, this could be a concern during your stay in the city.

  7. Limited cultural attractions: Makati is primarily a business district with a focus on commerce rather than cultural heritage. If you are looking for historical sites or traditional Filipino cultural experiences, you may need to venture out to other parts of Manila or nearby provinces.

  8. Lack of public transportation options: While Makati is well-connected by buses and jeepneys, the lack of a comprehensive public transportation system like a metro rail network can make commuting within the city a bit challenging, especially for first-time visitors.

Please note that these are general drawbacks that some travelers may encounter when visiting Makati, and individual experiences may vary.

Makati is one of the 16 cities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It is known as the financial center of the Philippines, housing major banks, corporations, department stores, and foreign embassies.

Early History

  • Pre-Spanish Era: The area that is now Makati was originally a part of the Kingdom of Namayan, a pre-colonial polity that existed along the Pasig River and its tributaries.

  • Spanish Era: In 1571, the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi established the city of Manila and laid claim to the surrounding areas, including Makati. The name "Makati" is derived from the Tagalog word "kati," meaning tide or ebbing, as it is located along the Pasig River.

American Period

  • 1901: Makati was established as a municipality when the Americans reorganized the local government system. It was originally part of the province of Rizal.

Post-World War II Development

  • 1940s-1950s: After World War II, Makati saw rapid development as a commercial and residential area. The Ayala family, one of the most influential business families in the Philippines, played a significant role in developing Makati.

  • 1950s: The establishment of the Makati Central Business District (CBD) began with the development of Ayala Avenue, which is now lined with skyscrapers and is considered the "Wall Street of the Philippines."

Modern Makati

  • 1960s: Makati continued to grow as a business and commercial hub. The Ayala Corporation developed several key areas, including the Ayala Triangle, an urban park in the heart of the business district.

  • 1975: Makati became part of Metro Manila, a newly established region that integrated several cities and municipalities of the Greater Manila Area.

  • 1995: Makati was officially designated as a highly urbanized city.

Significant Events

  • Philippine Revolution (1896-1898): Makati played a role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule, with local revolutionaries participating in the struggle for independence.

  • EDSA Revolution (1986): Makati was one of the focal points during the People Power Revolution which led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Important Landmarks

  • Ayala Triangle Gardens: A green oasis in the heart of the business district, surrounded by skyscrapers and hosting annual events and light shows.

  • Makati Stock Exchange: Located on Ayala Avenue, it is one of the two stock exchanges in the Philippines.

  • Greenbelt Park: A large shopping and entertainment complex that also includes a park and chapel.

  • Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church: A historic church located in Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, known for its Baroque architecture and long history.

  • The Manila American Cemetery: Located at the boundary of Makati and Taguig, it is the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during World War II.

Notable Figures

  • Ayala Family: Pioneers in the development of Makati, playing a significant role in its transformation into a financial and commercial hub.

  • Jejomar Binay: Served as the mayor of Makati for several terms and later became the Vice President of the Philippines.

Makati remains a dynamic and vital part of Metro Manila, continuing to be at the forefront of business and economic activities in the Philippines.