Makati

Metro Manila, NCR

Makati

The Business Capital

Business TravelNightlifeShoppingFine Dining
Best timeNovember - February
Ideal stay2-3 days
Budget / day₱4,000 - ₱15,000
1 day minimum · Cool SeasonPhoto by jon manosca (Pexels)
Best timeNovember - February
Duration2-3 days
Budget / day₱4,000 - ₱15,000
From ManilaLocated in Metro
Plan trip with AI

Overview

The lay of the land

Makati is the financial capital of the Philippines, home to towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping, vibrant nightlife, and the best dining scene in the country. From the sophisticated Ayala Center to the hip streets of Poblacion, Makati offers an urban experience like no other.

Makati, officially the City of Makati, is a highly urbanized city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It is the country's leading center for finance, commerce, business, and diplomacy, and is home to numerous foreign embassies and diplomatic missions. Makati has the largest skyline in the country, with 432 high-rises and skyscrapers, including 138 that exceed 100 m (328 ft) in height. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 309,770 people.

Read more on Wikipedia

Travel guide

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).

Get inGet aroundSeeDoEat

Full travel guide on Wikivoyage

Highlights

01

Premier business and financial district

02

World-class shopping at Greenbelt and Glorietta

03

Vibrant Poblacion nightlife scene

04

Best rooftop bars in the Philippines

Travel tips

  • Traffic is terrible - use the MRT or walk within CBD
  • Poblacion comes alive after 9 PM on weekends
  • Book popular restaurants in advance, especially on weekends
  • Greenbelt has free WiFi throughout
  • Weekend markets are cash-preferred
  • Dress code applies at many rooftop bars and clubs
  • Grab is the best way to get around
  • Many establishments are in malls - they're air-conditioned escapes

Best time to visit

Recommended monthsNovember - February
SeasonCool Season

Less rain and more comfortable for walking around the city

Plan with AI

Ready to explore Makati?

Let our AI help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Plan my trip

What to see

Top attractions

landmark

Ayala Triangle Gardens

Green oasis in the heart of the CBD with light shows during holidays

cultural

Ayala Museum

Premier museum featuring Philippine art, history, and culture

landmark

Greenbelt Park

Upscale outdoor shopping complex with gardens and chapel

cultural

Poblacion

Hipster neighborhood with rooftop bars, cafes, and art galleries

cultural

Legazpi Sunday Market

Weekend market for organic produce, food, and crafts

cultural

Salcedo Saturday Market

Popular weekend market with international food stalls

How to spend the days

Things to do

Activity

Rooftop Bar Hopping

Visit iconic bars like Vu's Sky Bar, Firefly, and High Street

Guide price₱500-2,000/bar

Activity

Poblacion Food Crawl

Explore the food scene from hole-in-the-wall to fine dining

Guide price₱500-2,000

Activity

Shopping at Greenbelt

Luxury brands, local designers, and dining

Guide priceVaries

Activity

Ayala Museum Tour

Dioramas of Philippine history and contemporary art

Guide price₱450

Activity

Spa Day

World-class spas at hotels and standalone locations

Guide price₱1,500-5,000

Activity

Weekend Markets

Salcedo (Saturday) and Legazpi (Sunday) markets

Guide price₱200-500/meal

Gallery

See it first

Klook Philippines

Ad

Klook Philippines

Discover and book amazing experiences across the Philippines. Best price guaranteed!

Explore Deals

Logistics

Getting there

Nearest airportNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
From ManilaLocated in Metro Manila - 30-60 min from airport depending on traffic

Travel options

  • Taxi/Grab from NAIA (₱200-500)
  • Airport bus to Ayala/EDSA
  • Hotel shuttle service
Loading map...

Eat

Local food

Fine Dining

Michelin-quality restaurants like Gallery by Chele, Toyo Eatery

Poblacion Eats

Hip restaurants and bars in the nightlife district

Market Food

International cuisine at Salcedo and Legazpi markets

Coffee Culture

Specialty coffee shops like Yardstick, Commune, EDSA BDG

Sleep

Where to stay

Ayala Center

Premium hotels connected to malls

Nightly range₱6,000-20,000/night

Poblacion

Boutique hotels near nightlife

Nightly range₱2,000-8,000/night

Rockwell

Quiet upscale area with Power Plant Mall

Nightly range₱5,000-15,000/night

Salcedo/Legazpi

Residential feel, near weekend markets

Nightly range₱3,000-10,000/night

Start here

Ready to explore Makati?

Let our AI help you plan the perfect itinerary — day by day, around your budget and travel window.

Plan my trip