"Central Business District" Makati by yellowbell

Makati Travel Guide: 518 reviews and 2,059 photos

Of Walkways and Tall Buildings in Ayala Ave.

Makati, being the central business district, you'd find tall buildings and people in corporate clothes rushing to a different rhythm. Maybe you'd bump into me one time because this is where I work!

People use elevated walkway that connects one office building/ mall/parking area to another. The elevated covered walkway stretches throughout the whole of Ayala Avenue.

If you fancy riding a jeep or bus, remember there is a separate loading and unloading zone for commuters. You cannot just hail a cab nor make the bus/jeep stop except in designated zones.

For an overview of what to see in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, do check out my article "How to beat the heat in Manila"

Malls and a Museum

Greenbelt Park

Foremost among the attractions in the heart of Makati is the upscale shopping mall called Ayala Center (named after the prominent Ayala family, owner of Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecommunications etc.). Ayala Center is composed of Glorietta Malls and Greenbelt Mall. Filipinos, lighthearted as they are, love to wine, dine and watch movies.

We've elevated malling as part of our daily exercise routine. Who needs the gym if walking around the numerous malls can burn as much calories?

To get a snapshot of the Philippine's 400 year-history without leaving the comforts of Makati, visit the Ayala Museum.

Al Fresco Restaurants - Greenbelt

Greenbelt

The park is surrounded by coffee shops like Seattle's Best, Cafe Havana, and the ubiquitous Star Bucks. The place comes alive at night with acoustic music in its al fresco bars/restaurants.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Everything is here - head offices of big corporations, malls, exclusive restaurants/shops
Cons:bad traffic
In a nutshell:Work hard, party harder!

Intro Updated Sep 22, 2009
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Reviews (14)

Singing is a National Past time Local Customs (1)

Aside from Filipinos' love for basketball, we also love to sing. That was why, on my despedida de soltera, my friends... more travel advice

Korean Food Restaurants (2)

From the outside, this restaurant looks closed because the doors are always shut but you'd wonder why there are so many... more travel advice

Like a Farmer's Market Shopping (1)

Within the compound of Fort Bonifacio, a fast emerging growth area, is Market Market. Fort Bonifacio will soon rival... more travel advice

Salcedo Village Weekend Community Market Off The Beaten Path (3)

It's a community weekend market that opens at 7:30 am until around 2 p.m. Fish/chicken are being grilled, baked mussels... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
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Things to Do (4)
See All Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (5)

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junecorlett Jul 20, 2009 at 9:14 AM

What a lovely place to visit.
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jumpingnorman Feb 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM

Hi Jing! Meron palang Manila-American cemetery - interesting...enjoying looking through your pages and nice tips...Norman:)
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victorwkf Nov 24, 2007 at 12:15 AM

Hi Jing, great tips on Makati and hopefully I will be able to find some time to visit some of these places at night after my work meeting :) Also, thanks a lot for the information on corregidor!
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tionegro Oct 30, 2006 at 5:49 AM

hello how are you. I´m from argentina and i will be visiting manila next nov 13. i will like o rent an apartment for 3 month. do you have any contact. i heard the best a rea is Makati, any advce? Regards Sergio
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Tijavi Apr 18, 2006 at 6:59 AM

I miss Makati so much! Dining al fresco with friends, spending lazy Sunday afternoons at Greenbelt sipping cappuccino. And the Saturday market at Salcedo Park - all those pritchon, paella, etc!