Makati
Discover Makati
Makati lies in the heart of Metro Manila. The city is known for its upscale shopping malls with high fashion brands, restaurants and hotels, and is home to many affluent Filipinos. Makati is considered to be a financial, commercial and economic center; it is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The area of Makati City was first dismissed as worthless swampland by the Spanish conquistador Juan Miguel de Legazpi in 1571. In 1670 it was established as a visita of Sta. Ana de Sapa under the Franciscans. The friars established one of their earliest churches in the Philippines, the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, in Makati, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. At the opening of the 20th century, the Americans established Fort McKinley in Makati. In the 1930s, the first airport, Nielson Airport, opened in what is now the Ayala Triangle. The first centrally planned community was established in the 1950s, and since the 1970s Makati has been the undisputed financial and commercial capital.
What to Experience in Makati
Taste of Makati...
The pizza debate will rage in eternity but thankfully, you're never far from a slice in Manila. No matter your personal definition of pizza, Makati has you covered with a mind-boggling array of choices. Of course, they have Pizza Hut and 14.55845121.012242 Domino's, which if that's your thing, you won't have to look far. The epicenter of Makati's famous nightlife is Greenbelt where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. Meanwhile, there are a series of bars stretched out along Makati Avenue, northeast of Ayala Triangle, including the infamous P Burgos Street red district area. The Poblacion area is next to (or arguably a part of) the Red Light District, and is possibly the best place for bar hopping in the Metro. The historically low rent (by Makati standards) of the area has led to several trendy bars and restaurants popping up, ranging from cheap beer gardens to some of the best bars in the country. Just start in the area around Don Pedro St. and walk around until you find a bar you like. Thanks to its reputation as the country's premier financial district, Makati City is home to some of the country's pricier hotels. Many major international hotel chains have their local affiliates in Makati City. Makati is generally peaceful. Perhaps the more peaceful place than Makati is the Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio) area of Taguig.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Makati into what it is today.
The area of Makati City was first dismissed as worthless swampland by the Spanish conquistador Juan Miguel de Legazpi in 1571. In 1670 it was established as a visita of Sta. Ana de Sapa under the Franciscans. The friars established one of their earliest churches in the Philippines, the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, in Makati, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. At the opening of the 20th century, the Americans established Fort McKinley in Makati. In the 1930s, the first airport, Nielson Airport, opened in what is now the Ayala Triangle. The first centrally planned community was established in the 1950s, and since the 1970s Makati has been the undisputed financial and commercial capital. Makati has also figured prominently in the political history of the country. The community was one of the cradles of the revolt against Spanish colonial rule, and following the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983, it was the epicenter of the protest movement against the dictatorial rule of Ferdinand Marcos. The main language choice for communication in this affluent city is English, making the stays here of international travelers and businessmen a relatively enjoyable experience. A knowledge of Tagalog, the local language, will benefit any traveler. The MRT Line 3 (MRT-3) elevated train has four stations along EDSA. These are the Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations....
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe MRT Line 3 (MRT-3) elevated train has four stations along EDSA. These are the Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations. Getting off at the Ayala Station will set you in the middle of the Ayala Center, a complex of shopping malls and restaurants. MRT-3 is a quick and inexpensive way to get into the city. The cost of a ticket ranges from ₱13-16. Two of Metro Manila's main arteries pass through Makati. EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) passes along the southeast part of Makati and connects the city with Mandaluyong and Pasay. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) runs through the western part of Makati and connects the city with Manila to the north and with southern Metro Manila. The Skyway, an elevated highway built on top of SLEX, provides residents coming from southern Metro Manila a fast way to reach Makati. SLEX and EDSA intersect at the Magallanes Interchange, which is the most complex system of elevated roadways in Metro Manila....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
You can easily walk around the Central Business District by way of the sidewalks or the pedestrian underpasses. Some areas in the Central Business District are connected with overpasses where pedestrians can walk above the streets. Taxis are also abundant, especially around the malls. The flat rate is ₱40 and a ride across town is ₱100-150. Jeepneys, both traditional and modern, prowl of Makati's inner city roads outside Ayala Center such as Chino Roces Ave, Kalayaan Ave and J.P. Rizal Ave. Even before the introduction of modern jeepneys, Makati had traditional-styled air-conditioned jeepneys, mostly plying Gil Puyat Ave. Rides within the city usually do not exceed ₱5. It is inadvisable to drive here. Makati has some of the strictest traffic rules in Metro Manila. Traffic marshals actively enforce rules. The metro-wide road space rationing ("number coding" or "color coding") scheme is active all day unlike in neighboring cities where they are only enforced during rush hour.
Where to Stay
Thanks to its reputation as the country's premier financial district, Makati City is home to some of the country's pricier hotels. Many major international hotel chains have their local affiliates in Makati City. Makati is generally peaceful. Perhaps the more peaceful place than Makati is the Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio) area of Taguig. Choosing between Manila and Makati? Makati is much better security-wise. Be mindful of people coming from outside of Makati though. They tend to be tagged as 'less civilized' by Makati residents because most offenses in the city are made by them. Be wary of strangers and take extra precautions when being approached. Avoid crowded places, as well as sketchy locations. Metro Manila police are generally foreigner-friendly. As usual, the recommended approach is to be on high alert at all times, as incidents may take place anywhere. The international telephone country code for the Philippines is +63. The area code is 2.
Money & Budget
The pizza debate will rage in eternity but thankfully, you're never far from a slice in Manila. No matter your personal definition of pizza, Makati has you covered with a mind-boggling array of choices. Of course, they have Pizza Hut and 14.55845121.012242 Domino's, which if that's your thing, you won't have to look far. The epicenter of Makati's famous nightlife is Greenbelt where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. Meanwhile, there are a series of bars stretched out along Makati Avenue, northeast of Ayala Triangle, including the infamous P Burgos Street red district area.
Language & Talk
The main language choice for communication in this affluent city is English, making the stays here of international travelers and businessmen a relatively enjoyable experience. A knowledge of Tagalog, the local language, will benefit any traveler. The MRT Line 3 (MRT-3) elevated train has four stations along EDSA. These are the Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations. Getting off at the Ayala Station will set you in the middle of the Ayala Center, a complex of shopping malls and restaurants. MRT-3 is a quick and inexpensive way to get into the city. The cost of a ticket ranges from ₱13-16. Two of Metro Manila's main arteries pass through Makati. EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) passes along the southeast part of Makati and connects the city with Mandaluyong and Pasay.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Makati is generally peaceful. Perhaps the more peaceful place than Makati is the Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio) area of Taguig. Choosing between Manila and Makati? Makati is much better security-wise. Be mindful of people coming from outside of Makati though. They tend to be tagged as 'less civilized' by Makati residents because most offenses in the city are made by them. Be wary of strangers and take extra precautions when being approached. Avoid crowded places, as well as sketchy locations. Metro Manila police are generally foreigner-friendly. As usual, the recommended approach is to be on high alert at all times, as incidents may take place anywhere. The international telephone country code for the Philippines is +63. The area code is 2. English is spoken everywhere. All traffic signs and business establishments are in English. In formal business engagements, English is the language of choice. Expect heavy daytime traffic in Makati. Avoid traveling during peak hours.
Glimpses of Makati
a man sitting on a bench in the middle of a park
View of Makati city during night time showing that the city never sleeps
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landscape photography of high-rise buildings
aerial view of city buildings during daytime
bird's eye view photo of city at night
aerial photography of city skyline
city skyline under white sky during daytime
city buildings under cloudy sky during daytime
green grass field near city buildings during daytime
a man sitting on a bench in the middle of a park
View of Makati city during night time showing that the city never sleeps
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