Makati

Enjoy some serious retail therapy in the upscale malls of Makati City or visit some of Manila’s finest museums. Although the area is one of the most densely populated in the world, it still offers stunning green spaces to escape to as well as an 18-hole golf course. You’ll find food from across the world in the many food courts and restaurant quarters and in the evenings, join the cosmopolitan mix of expatriates and locals in the lively bars.

Shoppers flock here from across the Philippines and beyond to indulge in the luxury boutiques found in Ayala Center. Even if you don’t plan to splurge, it is worth going for a look at the sheer decadence on display in the shop windows. The displays by some of the most well known brands in the world are works of art in their own right. Explore three of the most popular malls, Glorietta, Greenbelt and Power Plant.

Find out about the rich history of the Philippines when you visit the Ayala Museum. This traces the country’s roots from pre-colonial times to the present day and also contains a vast range of Filipino art. Head to the Yuchengco Museum, which showcases the diverse art collection of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco.

If the hustle and bustle of the metropolis leaves you in need of some space, head to Greenbelt Park. It also contains a peaceful chapel, popular with local worshippers. To enjoy more of the outdoors, head to the Circuit Makati and San Lazaro racecourses for a day at the races or watch a match at the Manila Polo Center.

Most of the malls and other sights in Makati city are easily reached on foot or by bus. The metro is the quickest way to get from here to other areas in Manila. When night comes, head to the entertainment districts to enjoy international cuisine with the locals and expatriates who call this unique city home.