Not far from Manila centre is Makati, one of the capital’s 16 metropolitan cities. Although it’s the financial hub of Manila, replete with tall office buildings and wealthy bankers, that doesn’t mean there is nothing here for the intrepid traveler. Quite the opposite. If you choose to stay at a hostel in the Philippines, we highly recommend you make this district your base. You can find a range of accommodation, food, shopping and entertainment options to suit any budget. Despite being a bustling city, Makati is a safe, clean and friendly place, where you can quickly bounce between plenty of fun attractions. To help you fill your days, we’ve compiled a top ten list to help you along. So, without further ado, let’s take a look!
- Market! Market!
If the heat of the tropics is starting to wear you do, take a much-need air-con break in Market! Market!, the area’s premier shopping mall. Here you will find a premier shopping destination filled with high-end shops, a flower market, themed bazaars, hawker stands, outlets stores, food court and cinema.
- Legazpi Active Park
If you want to get physical, this is the place to come. Legazpi Active Park is the area’s premier place for active people. From jogging and yoga to Frisbee throwing and dog walking, this delightful park has grassy meadows and tall shady trees to accommodate all manner of sporting pursuits.
- Leon Gallery
Leon Gallery is regarded as the premier home of Filipino art and culture in the country, housing an impressive array of old master paintings, antiques and modern works side-by-side. A trip here will be pleasing to the eyes and ears as it’s staffed by a team of passionate scholars.
- Guadalupe Ruins
You wouldn’t normally expect to find a collection of 17th Century ruins puncturing the city landscape, but that’s exactly what you get with the Guadalupe Ruins. Dating back to1629, these are some of the oldest ruins in the country. Besides being a place of worship, the church once served as a fortress for Spanish conquistadors.
- Rufo’s Famous Tapa
Tapsilog is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. The word is an acronym, standing for Tapa Sinangag at Itlog’, the three components of the meal fried marinated beef slices (tapa), garlic fried rice (sinangag) and a sunny-side-up egg (itlog). The best place to find tapsilog in Makati is at Rufo’s Famous Tapa. If you don’t make it in time for the breakfast staple, the quaint dinner offers a range of classic, home cooked-style Filipino dishes all day long.
- Greenbelt Chapel
From the outside, Greenbelt Chapel appears to be a modern art gallery. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see that it’s a futuristic dome placed in the middle of a park beside a small pond and eye-catching cross. Visitors are enthusiastically welcomed, so stop by for Sunday mass or any other time to experience enlightenment and/or serenity in this serene setting.
- Yuchengco Museum
Yuchengco Museum is the perfect place to visit to get a quick overview of Filipino culture. Owned and operated by the wealthy Yuchengco family, this amazing private collection features amazing pieces from around the world and classic paintings and modern artworks by renowned Filipino artists.
- Salcedo Saturday Market
If you’re on the hunt for Filipino delicacies, gourmet treats and artisanal creations, look no further than Salcedo Saturday Market. From pigeon stew and lobster rolls to garlic cream cheese and whole lechon (roast pig), this market is sure to satisfy all your foodie cravings in one convenient place.
- P Burgos Street
The nightlife on P Burgos Street is wild and lively! There are tons of bars where you can have a few drinks, plenty of restaurants and food stalls at which to grab a bite to eat and heaps of fun people-watching opportunities. As the street is near a bevvy of offices and hotels, you’ll find an eclectic mix of locals, expatriates and tourists here. A stay in Makati is not complete without a night out here.
- Ayala Museum
To get a well-rounded appreciation of Filipino history, culture, tribes and customs, head on over to the well-respected Ayala Museum. This renowned institution houses thought-provoking exhibits designed by contemporary Filipino artists. They also routinely host concerts, pop-up exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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