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Things to Do in Makati City

Things to Do in Makati City

Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures Day Trips

Makati's urban setting means most traditional outdoor adventures require day trips.

Hiking & Trekking

Within Makati

No significant hiking or trekking routes exist within Makati City.

Day Trips Rizal & Batangas

Rizal (Mt. Daraitan, Mt. Batulao) and Batangas (Taal Volcano trek) routes range from easy to challenging. Research current trail conditions.

Safety & Access

Always check current volcanic action for Taal Volcano and trail conditions before planning.

Water Sports & Adventure

  • Water Sports: No facilities directly in Makati.
  • Day Trips for Water Sports: Batangas (Anilao for diving/snorkeling), Laguna (wakeboarding).
  • Adventure Sports: Skydiving, ziplining, ATV rides found outside Metro Manila (Subic, Tagaytay).
  • Wildlife Encounters: No safaris in Makati. Zoos beyond the city (Manila Zoo, Avilon Zoo).

Cycling

  • Limited designated bike lanes within Ayala Triangle Gardens.
  • Some streets in Salcedo/Legazpi Village.
  • Cycling on major roads can be hazardous.
  • Mountain biking requires travel out of city.

Art Workshops

  • Galleries and art spaces in Makati occasionally offer workshops.
  • Painting, drawing, or other visual arts.
  • Check local listings.

Cooking Classes

  • Several culinary schools in Metro Manila offer Filipino cooking classes.
  • Learn to prepare traditional dishes.
  • Some are based in Makati or accessible.

Important Note on Outdoor Adventures

Makati is a highly urbanized city. Expect to travel outside its borders for most nature-based and adventure sports activities.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Filipino culture through various workshops and experiences.

Cultural Performances & Language

  • Cultural Performances: Major hotels and cultural centers showcase Filipino dances and music.
  • CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) in Pasay hosts national dance and musical ensembles.
  • Language Learning: Private tutors or language schools offer Tagalog lessons.
  • Even learning a few basic phrases significantly boosts interactions.

Community & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

Less prevalent in highly urbanized Makati. More common in rural provinces for local interaction.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Makati participates in national celebrations. Christmas a significant cultural event.

Ayala Triangle Lights Show

Most notably the Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show during Christmas season.

Spa & Wellness

Makati boasts numerous high-end spas, often within luxury hotels. Stand-alone massage and wellness centers available.

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs exist in Makati. Day trips to Laguna province (e.g., Los Baños) access various hot spring resorts.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga studios common in Makati. Specialized retreats typically outside the city in outdoor locations.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Makati buzzes with options for nighttime activities, from live music to clubs.

Live Music & Theater

  • Live Music: Poblacion district a hub for acoustic sets, jazz, and live music groups.
  • High-end hotels often feature lounges with sophisticated live performances.
  • Theater: Greenbelt 3 and Glorietta malls screen movies and host smaller productions.
  • CCP in Pasay is the premier venue for major theatrical plays and musicals.

Nightclubs & Bars

Poblacion District

The main district for nightclubs and bars, a range of atmospheres from upscale lounges to casual dance spots.

The Palace Manila

Complex in Bonifacio Global City (near Makati) hosts multiple popular clubs.

Late-Night Options

KTV (karaoke) bars, late-night dining options, and 24/7 convenience stores.

Traditional Healing Practices & Beach Clubs

Traditional Healing

Some traditional Filipino massage practitioners, known for Hilot (a traditional healing massage), can be found. These habits are sometimes integrated into modern spas.

Beach Clubs

A lot of luxury accommodations in Makati feature impressive swimming pools exclusive to guests. For sand and sun and pool club experiences, visit resorts outside Metro Manila.

Day Passes

Some resorts outside Metro Manila offer day passes for their beach and pool facilities. Inquire ahead for options.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Makati a major attraction, everything from luxury brands to local crafts.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Salcedo Saturday Market & Legazpi Sunday Market: Fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts.
  • Pasar ng Makati (Makati Public Market): Authentic local retail for fresh ingredients.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Small boutiques and galleries for local crafts.
  • Local Products: Larger malls feature sections for Filipino-made items.

Souvenir Recommendations

Local Delicacies

Dried mangoes, barquillos (rolled wafer cookies), polvoron (shortbread cookies).

Crafts & Textiles

T-shirts with Filipino designs, Abaca products (handbags), wooden handicrafts, native bags.

Jewelry

Pearls from reputable jewelers.

Luxury Shopping

Greenbelt 4 & 5, Power Plant Mall home to international luxury brands, high-end boutiques.

Mid-Range Shopping

Glorietta & SM Makati offer a wider mix of international and local mid-range brands, department stores, and specialty shops.

Ethical Shopping

Look for "Filipino-made" or "fair trade" labels when purchasing handicrafts. Inquire about product origin.

Shipping & Customs Information

International Shipping
  • Services (DHL, FedEx, PhilPost, LBC) available in Makati.
  • For big buys.
  • Keep receipts for high-value items.
Customs Regulations
  • Be aware of customs regulations in your home country.
  • Potential duties for imported goods.
  • Research before shipping.

Shopping Tip

Many malls in Makati are interlinked by elevated walkways, making it easy to stroll between them even during hot or rainy weather.

Activity Planning Summary

What to do in Makati

  • Explore diverse shopping opportunities.
  • Indulge in culinary experiences and local flavors.
  • Visit iconic landmarks and cultural institutions.
  • Experience the nightlife.

Beyond Makati

  • Day trips for hiking and outdoor adventures.
  • Head to coastal areas for water sports.
  • Discover natural hot springs in nearby provinces.
  • Visit major cultural centers outside the city.