Makati

Makati is Metro Manila's premier business and financial district, known for its upscale shopping malls, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels. The city offers a cleaner, safer, and more organized environment compared to central Manila, making it popular with business travelers and tourists seeking comfort. Its Central Business District (CBD) features interconnected shopping complexes like Glorietta and Greenbelt, while the Poblacion neighborhood has emerged as a trendy bar-hopping destination with affordable nightlife.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay is the closest airport, about 6-8 km from Makati CBD. The MRT Line 3 runs along EDSA with stations at Ayala Center (connected to One Ayala bus hub), Buendia, and Guadalupe. Jeepneys connect Makati to neighboring cities, with rides within the city not exceeding PHP 5. Taxis are abundant around malls with a flat rate of PHP 40 and cross-town rides costing PHP 100-150.

The Central Business District is walkable via sidewalks and pedestrian underpasses, with some areas connected by overpasses above streets. Taxis are plentiful near malls with metered fares (PHP 40 flat rate, PHP 100-150 across town). Both traditional and modern air-conditioned jeepneys operate on Chino Roces Ave, Kalayaan Ave, and J.P. Rizal Ave, with rides under PHP 5. Driving is inadvisable due to strict traffic rules, number coding restrictions enforced all day, frequent jams, and draconian parking enforcement with clamping or towing.

The best time to visit Makati is during the dry season from November to May. The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. December brings Christmas decorations throughout the malls and business districts. Heavy daytime traffic is common, so avoid traveling during peak hours. The city is undergoing constant construction, sometimes operating 24/7, so check nearby construction activity when booking hotels.

Makati offers accommodation for all budgets, from budget inns on Santillan Street (PHP 1,500-2,500) to luxury hotels at Ayala Center (PHP 8,000-15,000+). Budget travelers should consider areas like Pio del Pilar and Bangkal with affordable inns like Saint Illian's Inn and Franchise One Inn. Mid-range options include Jupiter Suites and City Garden Hotel. Luxury stays at The Peninsula Manila, Makati Shangri-La, and Raffles Hotel offer premium amenities in the heart of the CBD.

Makati's dining ranges from affordable Filipino fast food (Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Greenwich) to international cuisine. Fast food chains dominate Glorietta 1, while Greenbelt 2, 3, and 5 have upscale restaurants. Local favorites include Circles Event Café at Shangri-La for buffets and Sentro 1771 for Filipino cuisine. The Poblacion area offers trendy bars and affordable dining, with Don Pedro Street being ideal for bar hopping. P Burgos Street is known as the red-light district but also has nightlife options. Greenbelt remains the nightlife epicenter with restaurants, cafes, and karaoke around the park.

Visit the Ayala Museum (Dela Rosa St, Tu-Su 9AM-6PM) showcasing Philippine history and paintings by Amorsolo and Luna. The Greenbelt Chapel (Santo Nino de la Paz) offers a peaceful retreat within Greenbelt Park. Explore the free parks: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Greenbelt Park (11AM-9PM), Legazpi Active Park (Sunday markets), and Salcedo Park (Saturday markets). The Yuchengco Museum in RCBC Plaza features Filipino art. For history, see the Ninoy Aquino Monument and the Nielson Tower Historical Marker at the site of the former 1937 airport.

Makati is generally more peaceful and safe than central Manila. The Bonifacio Global City area in neighboring Taguig is considered even more secure. Be mindful of people from outside Makati, as most offenses in the city are attributed to them. Be wary of strangers and avoid crowded or sketchy locations. Metro Manila police are generally foreigner-friendly. Standard urban precautions apply: stay alert and vigilant against petty crimes like pickpocketing.

The international telephone country code for the Philippines is +63, with area code 2 for Makati and Metro Manila. WiFi is widely available in hotels, malls, and restaurants. All business establishments have English signage. Mobile carriers include Globe, Smart, and Sun Cellular with good coverage throughout the city. Power plugs use Type A/B (two or three flat prongs, US-style) at 220V.

Daily budget for a backpacker in Makati ranges from PHP 1,500-2,500 (accommodation PHP 500-1,000 dorm/budget inn, food PHP 300-600, transport PHP 100-300, activities PHP 200-400). Street food and fast food chains offer meals under PHP 100. Jeepney rides cost under PHP 5. Taxi rides within the CBD start at PHP 40. Mid-range travelers should budget PHP 3,000-5,000 daily.

Makati connects to neighboring cities via MRT and jeepneys. Pasay (south) is home to Mall of Asia and NAIA airports. Quezon City/Cubao (north) is accessible via MRT. Manila (Tutuban station) is reachable via PNR Metro Commuter Line. Muntinlupa/Alabang (south) connects via the Skyway. Taguig and Bonifacio Global City are accessible via jeepneys and buses. Tagaytay (south) offers scenic views of Taal Volcano.