Makati (Old Manila)

Regional travelers that make it over to Manila are sure to enjoy its affordable hotels and amenities. If you’re in the mood for a real treat, however, you’ll want to book a room in Makati City: the stand-alone definition of class in the Philippines.

Known for its upscale shopping centers, Makati’s central business district is a step above the rest in terms of quality, which also translates to an increase in prices. The Ayala Center is considered the best place to do it all, including several malls such as the Glorietta, with more than 500 shops and restaurants, and the Greenbelt, which is home to basically every high-end brand imaginable.

There are also a number of landmarks in Makati that allow visitors to soak in the Filipino culture. At the Ayala Museum, you can revisit the earliest days of Filipino history or see famous art from local, modern painters including Fernando Zobel.

Makati City, as a business district, is also home to the visitor Philippine Stock Exchange. Nearby you will find a tribute to the country’s beloved national hero and politician, Ninoy Aquino, at the Ninoy Aquino Monument.

Located smack in the heart of Manila, there are several ways to get into Makati City, but none better than the Metro Rail Transit, where a stop at Ayala Station puts you in the middle of all the shopping action. If you choose to go by car, you can take either the Epifanio De los Santos Avenue or the South Luzon Expressway, depending from which direction you are heading.