If you’ve been watching travel videos about the Philippines, chances are you’ve seen Makati.

Whether it’s travel vloggers, digital nomads, returning Filipinos, expats, or tourists visiting Manila for the first time, Makati always seems to appear on the itinerary.
After spending more than 15 years living in Dubai, I recently spent a week in Makati, and I finally understood why.

What is Makati and Why Is It Different?

Makati is one of the major cities that make up Metro Manila and has long been considered the country’s financial and business capital.
What many visitors don’t realise is that Makati wasn’t always the modern skyline we see today. Much of its development was shaped by the Ayala family, who transformed large areas into master-planned communities, business districts, residential developments, parks, shopping centres, and walkable public spaces.
As a result, Makati feels noticeably different from many other cities in the Philippines.
The roads are generally more organised. Pedestrian walkways are easier to navigate. Public spaces are cleaner. Buildings are well maintained. Many establishments utilise modern technology and digital payment systems. It feels international while still remaining distinctly Filipino.

Why First-Time Visitors Love Makati

As someone who has spent more years living abroad than in my own home country, I immediately noticed the difference.
Of course, this is based on my personal experience.
I grew up in Pangasinan, spent time living in busy Cavite, and eventually moved abroad. Compared to the places I’ve experienced, Makati felt more structured, more walkable, and less overwhelming.
The city still has the energy of Manila, but without some of the chaos that can be intimidating for first-time visitors.
For foreigners arriving in the Philippines, Makati offers a softer introduction.
The streets are easier to navigate.
The shopping centres are interconnected.
There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafés, parks, and transport options within walking distance.
For many travellers, it provides the comforts of a modern city while still allowing them to experience local culture.

Where I Stayed in Makati

For my trip, I stayed at Prince Plaza II Condotel, conveniently located right beside Greenbelt.
The location turned out to be one of the biggest advantages of the stay. I could easily walk to Greenbelt, Glorietta, restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, and nearby parks without needing transportation.
Watch my full hotel review below:

Exploring Greenbelt: The Heart of Modern Makati

One of the places I found myself returning to throughout the week was Greenbelt.
Greenbelt is not just a shopping mall. It is a collection of interconnected malls, gardens, restaurants, cafés, luxury boutiques, lifestyle stores, and open spaces that create a unique atmosphere rarely found elsewhere in Metro Manila.
One feature many visitors appreciate is the balance between nature and urban life. Unlike many enclosed shopping centres, Greenbelt incorporates landscaped gardens, ponds, pathways, and shaded areas that make the experience feel more relaxed.
Many online reviews describe Greenbelt as one of the most pleasant shopping environments in the Philippines because it doesn’t feel overly crowded despite being located in the heart of a busy business district.
For first-time visitors, it is often one of the easiest places to spend an afternoon exploring.
Watch my Greenbelt walking tour below:

Legazpi Sunday Market and Legazpi Active Park

One of my favourite experiences in Makati was visiting the Legazpi Sunday Market.
Held every Sunday morning, the market brings together local food vendors, specialty products, fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and some of the most interesting food finds in the city.
Many locals and tourists consider it one of the best weekend markets in Metro Manila because it offers a mix of authentic Filipino food, international cuisine, artisanal products, and a relaxed community atmosphere.
What made the experience even better was its location beside Legazpi Active Park.
After picking up food from the market, many visitors head to the park to sit under the trees, enjoy breakfast, and spend time outdoors.
The greenery, open space, and family-friendly environment create a refreshing contrast to the surrounding city skyline.
It’s one of those simple experiences that helps you appreciate another side of Makati.
Watch my Legazpi Sunday Market experience below:

Glorietta Mall: Convenience at Its Best

Another reason many travellers enjoy Makati is how connected everything feels.
Glorietta Mall sits right beside Greenbelt and forms part of the larger Ayala Centre complex.
The mall offers everything from shopping and dining to entertainment and everyday essentials.
Many visitors mention how easy it is to spend an entire day walking between Greenbelt, Glorietta, SM Makati, Landmark, and nearby attractions without ever needing to leave the area.
Compared to other busy commercial districts in Metro Manila, the surrounding streets feel more organised and pedestrian-friendly.
For travellers unfamiliar with Manila, this convenience makes a huge difference.

My Overall Impression of Makati

If I were to return to Manila, I would absolutely stay in Makati again.
In fact, one week didn’t feel enough.
There were still cafés I wanted to try, parks I wanted to visit, restaurants I wanted to experience, and neighbourhoods I wanted to explore.
As a Filipino who has spent much of her life abroad, Makati felt familiar and international at the same time.
It offered the convenience and comfort that many travellers appreciate while still giving me opportunities to reconnect with the Philippines.
Perhaps that’s why so many first-time visitors fall in love with it.

Planning a Trip to the Philippines?

Have you visited Makati before?
What was your first impression?
Or are you currently planning your first trip to the Philippines?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Travel Essentials for the Philippines

The Philippines is warm, humid, and tropical for most of the year.
Here are some of my favourite travel essentials for staying comfortable:
☀️ Portable fan
🧴 Sunscreen
💧 Reusable water bottle
🧢 Hat or cap
☔ Compact umbrella
🔋 Power bank
🦟 Insect repellent
https://a.co/d/0aRIdgXv