Makati
The Business Capital
Overview
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 one of the highly urbanized cities that make up Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines. Makati is a center for finance, commerce, culture, the arts and fashion, academics, and as the home to numerous diplomatic missions and embassies, is the center for the country's international diplomacy. With 432 high-rises and skyscrapers, Makati has the largest skyline in the Philippines, 138 of which exceed 100 m (328 ft). According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 309,770 people.
Read more on WikipediaMakati 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).
Top Attractions
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Green oasis in the heart of the CBD with light shows during holidays
Ayala Museum
Premier museum featuring Philippine art, history, and culture
Greenbelt Park
Upscale outdoor shopping complex with gardens and chapel
Poblacion
Hipster neighborhood with rooftop bars, cafes, and art galleries
Legazpi Sunday Market
Weekend market for organic produce, food, and crafts
Salcedo Saturday Market
Popular weekend market with international food stalls
Things to Do
Rooftop Bar Hopping
Visit iconic bars like Vu's Sky Bar, Firefly, and High Street
Poblacion Food Crawl
Explore the food scene from hole-in-the-wall to fine dining
Shopping at Greenbelt
Luxury brands, local designers, and dining
Ayala Museum Tour
Dioramas of Philippine history and contemporary art
Spa Day
World-class spas at hotels and standalone locations
Weekend Markets
Salcedo (Saturday) and Legazpi (Sunday) markets
Photo Gallery
Klook Philippines
Discover and book amazing experiences across the Philippines. Best price guaranteed!
Explore DealsGetting There
- Taxi/Grab from NAIA (₱200-500)
- Airport bus to Ayala/EDSA
- Hotel shuttle service
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
Where to Stay
Ayala Center
₱6,000-20,000/nightPremium hotels connected to malls
Poblacion
₱2,000-8,000/nightBoutique hotels near nightlife
Rockwell
₱5,000-15,000/nightQuiet upscale area with Power Plant Mall
Salcedo/Legazpi
₱3,000-10,000/nightResidential feel, near weekend markets
Weather Forecast
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
Less rain and more comfortable for walking around the city