Makati

Understand

History 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.

Local information Makati City website

Getting there

By train 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.

1 Ayala-MRT Station, EDSA, Ayala Center. Serves Ayala Center. Station is connected by overhead walkways to One Ayala, the BGC Bus Ayala terminal and SM Makati. There are some food kiosks before the turnstiles. (updated Dec 2023) 2 Buendia MRT station, EDSA corner Gil Puyat Ave. Accessible to the bus terminal going to North Edsa or Caloocan or trips going to Moa/PITX bound to Southbound and jeepneys going Makati Avenue and Mandaluyong City Hall. Escalator and stairs are present on site. No food establishment at the station but there's a nearby Shell with Jollibee and Mercury Drug store as their landmark. (updated Dec 2023) 3 Guadalupe MRT station, EDSA, Guadalupe Nuevo. (updated Dec 2023)

By car 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. Other major roads in Makati include Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly, but still commonly called Buendia Ave), which connects EDSA and SLEX in the north; Ayala Ave, an important street that runs through the CBD; and Makati Ave, which connects Ayala Ave with Gil Puyat and also extends north to cross the Pasig River to Mandaluyong.

By bus 4 One Ayala, EDSA cor. Ayala Ave. A three-story city bus station, serving as a connecting hub for several city bus lines terminating at the CBD. Direct connection to EDSA Carousel southbound and the MRT is available. Transfer to EDSA Carousel northbound or BGC Bus required crossing via the Ayala MRT station. (updated Nov 2023) Frequent city bus service from around Metro Manila as well as suburban Laguna, serve Makati. Most buses ply either EDSA or Gil Puyat; buses terminating at Makati usually make a loop passing through Gil Puyat and Ayala Ave through the CBD. The BRT service ED

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. Traffic jams are a headache, one-ways streets are common, and left turns are less common than rights. Parking fees are steep, especially in the CBD, and enforcement is draconian, with clamping or towing for violations.

See

1 Greenbelt Chapel (Santo Niño de la Paz Chapel), Ayala Center, Arnaiz Avenue (in Greenbelt Park). The church is popular for church-goers, most people find it relaxing though because of the park around it. The church is surrounded by trees and a fish and lily pond is on the side of the chapel. The Greenbelt Chapel might be the most relaxing chapel in the Philippines. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also found here. 2 Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, 7440 Bernardino St. Built by the Augustinian friars and is inspired by European Baroque. It is named Nuestra Señora de Gracia in honor of the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary that can also be found inside. (updated Feb 2026) 3 Philippine Stock Exchange, Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Avenue. One of the two stock exchanges in the Philippines, it is known to have Asia's shortest trading times which lasts only for two hours. Nearby the PSE is the Ninoy Aquino Monument. 4 Ninoy Aquino Monument, 6766 Ayala Ave, Legazpi Village. Open 24 hours. Erected in honor of the late Filipino senator, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who was the husband of late Philippines president. Corazon Aquino. Free. 5 Nielson Tower Historical Marker, Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue. The Nielson Airport was built by Laurie Reuben Nielson, a businessman born in New Zealand. It was built in 1937 and served as the control tower and passenger depot of the city's airport. Until 1948. The Nielson Airport was built on a 42-hectare piece of land owned by Ayala y Cia. During World War II, commercial flights were relocated so that Nielson could serve the U.S. Army Air Corps. (updated Nov 2023) 6 Gabriela Silang Monument, Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue. Open 24 hours. (updated Nov 2023) 7 Sultan Kudarat Monument, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas Avenue. Open 24 hours. (updated Nov 2023)

Museums 8 Ayala Museum, Dela Rosa St, ☏ +63 2 759-8288, [email protected]. Tu-Su 9AM-6PM. Showcases the rich and vivid history of the Philippines from the earliest times of the Mactan battle to the struggle of democracy in EDSA. Also present are some famous paintings by Filipino painters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna and Fernando Zobel. Guided tours are available if booked in advance for large groups. ₱425/adult, ₱300/concession. (updated Nov 2017) 9 Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, ☏ +63-2-889-1234, [email protected]. 10AM-6PM. The museum was created to house the art collection of Secretary Alfonso T. Yuchengco, and highlight his distinguished career as a busi

Do

1 Manila Polo Club, 35 McKinley Road. Exclusive: you can't order or get water inside if you're only a guest and not a member. Though there's ample parking inside. Comfort room operating and wheelchair accessible. (updated Nov 2023)

Buy

Ayala Center is the Philippines' answer to Singapore's Orchard Road or Thailand's Siam Square, and has a number of upscale malls. High-end brands and restaurants usually have branches here. The cost of buying in Makati is far more expensive than its neighboring cities or in any other city in the Philippines because of the upscale brands they have in Makati. 1 Glorietta, Ayala Avenue. 10AM–9PM. It is one of the biggest malls in Metro Manila. Aside from shopping and dining, it has indoor facilities such as a kids' playground and an activity center for concerts and shows. Its tenants include Adidas, Aldo, Cole Haan, Lacoste, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Puma, and Zara. (updated Nov 2023) 2 Greenbelt, Paseo De Roxas Avenue. 11AM–9PM. The one stop for high-end stores. Dining options include walk-in restaurants and fast food chains; fast food chains are found in Greenbelt 1, while restaurants are located in Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5. (updated Nov 2023) 3 Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive. 11AM–9PM. A four-level complex in the heart of Rockwell Center that has shops, international and local restaurants, and cinemas. (updated May 2026) 4 Salcedo Weekend Market, Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village. 7AM to 2PM. In the heart of the Business Center District is the Salcedo Park. Every Saturday, vendors take over part of the park to sell their specialty items. There are ornamental plants, organically grown vegetables, bakery products, lechon from Cebu, etc. Be sure to come early for the full experience. (updated Nov 2023) 5 SM Makati, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. 10AM–9PM. Department store & supermarket. (updated Feb 2026) 6 Ayala Malls Circuit, Hippodromo St., Brgy. Carmona. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F-Su 10AM-10PM. In the heart of Circuit Makati. (updated Aug 2025) 7 Southgate Mall (Alphaland Southgate Mall), Chino Roces Ave. 10AM-9PM. A low-key mall within the Alphaland Southgate complex. (updated Aug 2025) 8 Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave. cor. Salamanca St., Brgy. Poblacion. 10AM-9PM. In the heart of Century City. (updated Aug 2025) 9 WalterMart Makati, Chino Roces Ave. cor. Antonio Arnaiz Ave., Brgy. Pio del Pilar. 8AM-9PM. (updated Aug 2025) 10 Cash & Carry Mall, Filmore St. cor. South Superhighway. 10AM-9PM. (updated Aug 2025)

Eat

Budget 1 Earl of Sandwich, 3rd Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center. Excellent submarine sandwiches. (updated Apr 2025) Mang Inasal. Filipino-style chicken. (updated Apr 2025) Jolibee. A growing fast-food chain in the country serving fried chicken, burgers, fries, sundaes, etc.

Pizza 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 2 Domino's, which if that's your thing, you won't have to look far.

Greenwich. A favourite of locals. Very affordable yet tasty pizza. Yellow Cab Pizza (Multiple locations). One of the Philippines' most successful pizza franchises that has gained its market share with good value for money, lots of toppings and imported cheese. (updated Apr 2025) Sbarro (Multiple locations throughout Metro Manila). Yes, it's a chain store but where else are you going to find Chicago-style deep dish? Nowhere. Sbarro's it is. Their pastas are also filling and tasty. (updated Apr 2025) 3 California Pizza Kitchen, 8471 Kalayaan Ave, ☏ +63 962 626 6503. It is what it is. If thin crust is your taste, head here. Dine in, take away or delivery. (updated Apr 2025) Shakey's (Multiple locations). Great traditional thin crust pizzas and a family restaurant. (updated Apr 2025)

Mid-range 4 Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square, 132 L.P. Leviste Corner Sedeno St., Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2-843-4075. Comfort foods with a twist, served in a bistro-style setting. Highlights include French onion soup and cream cheese samosas. Though the prices (₱410 average starter; ₱670 average sandwich; mains from ₱690 for Mango BBQ Chicken, to ₱3,550 for the Steak Frites) come out on the high side of mid-range dining options, Apt. 1B is well worth it. Persia Grill (Three locations in Makati), ☏ +63 2-403-9999. The Legaspi location is directly across the entrance to Greenbelt 5, at the corner of Dela Rosa Street. Highly recommended. 5 Circles Event Café, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., ☏ +63 2 8814 2580. Offers an array of continental, oriental, à la carte and buffet selections in a relaxing ambiance. (updated Apr 2025) Cibo. Italian restaurant with several branches, most notable at Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong and Glorietta 4. Their pasta dishes and panini sandwiches are great. Don't miss the very refreshing fresh red grape shake. (updated Apr 2025) 6 Hossein's Persian Kebab, 7857 LKV Building, Makati Avenue (along Makati Avenue and opposite of Bur

Drink & nightlife

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.

In Greenbelt: 1 Museum Cafe, Ground Floor, Ayala Museum, Makati Ave corner Dela Rosa Street (adjacent Greenbelt 3 and 5), ☏ +63 2-757-3000. Kind of a swanky joint. Usually featuring live music. It's common to see well-heeled expats sipping mimosas at noon. (updated Apr 2025)

Sleep

Budget 1 Lorenzzo Suites, 1803 Evangelista Street, Bangkal, ☏ +63 2 8822 2723. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms are equipped with set breakfast, free morning coffee or tea daily, Wi-Fi Internet access, Air-conditioning and flat-screen TV. Some of its services are 24-hour standby generator, 24-hour security, sprinkler system, CCTV surveillance and airport transfer (upon request). (updated Nov 2023) 2 Makati Apartelle, 4411 Montojo Street, ☏ +63 2 8974219. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Offers 1-bedroom fully-furnished units. Each unit has an air conditioner, one double-bed with towels and linen (one bed, sleeps 2 people), a refrigerator, a 24" LCD TV with cable, a living room set, dining room set, an electric kettle, a private bath with hot and cold shower, kitchen utensils, an electronic vault/safety deposit box, fans and a telephone/intercom (free calls within Metro-Manila). Wi-Fi is free. Utilities included. Daily housekeeping provided. All-female, friendly staff. Very clean, safe and inexpensive. (updated Nov 2023) 3 Citadel Inn - Residential Tower, 5007 P. Burgos Street, Bel-Air, ☏ +63 2 897-2370. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. In the middle of the business, shopping and entertainment districts of Makati City. The 33-storey condominium hotel now boasts of 120 rooms equipped with complete dining and kitchen facilities. (updated Nov 2023) 4 Spaces Hotel Makati, Mezzanine Floor Creekside Mall, Amorsolo St. cor VA Rufino St., Legazpi Village, ☏ +63 2 8817 8726. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The rooms are small but clean and equipped with cable TV, air conditioning and hot water shower. No phone.There is no in-house restaurant or room service, though they can provide a few things like coffee and sandwiches on request and there is a vending machine for soft drinks. However, there are plenty of restaurants nearby, including at least three Japanese restaurants and a pizza place in the building. The surrounding area has many more places, mostly Japanese: at least a dozen restaurants, plus bars and nightclubs. From ₱2,100. (updated Nov 2023) 5 Franchise One Inn, 7430 Santillan St, Brgy Pio del Pilar (corner Fernando Street), ☏ +63 2 8856 7900, fax: +63 2-8864667, [email protected]. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 1PM. Each accommodation is air-conditioned, and boasts an LCD television with cable, DVD player with movies, and comfortable beds. (updated Nov 2023) 6 Saint Illian's Inn, 7461 Santillan Street, Pio del Pilar, ☏ +63 917 107 0525, fax: +63 2 812-1998. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 2PM. In the business district of Makati City, a budget hot