How to Capture the Best of Makati

Makati has long been considered the financial district of the Philippines so you wouldn't expect to find too many fun things to do here. This is not the case. In reality, Makati is versatile, arty and has a very enthusiastic nightlife scene. If you are looking to capture the best of Makati and make it a series of charming photos for your Instagram feed, here are some of the best places to visit.

Ayala Museum

Located in between De La Rosa Street and Makati Avenue, Ayala Museum is the first on our list of the best of Makati. There are some great permanent displays including the must-see "Gold of Ancestors" display which focuses on golden relics from the history of the Philippines as well as a plethora of other displays. Depending on the kind of access you require the prices will vary. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

Little Tokyo

While Makati might be the last place you would be looking for Japanese cuisine, if you head to Little Tokyo you would be able to satisfy your ramen cravings. Walking into the street of restaurants immediately whisks you away to the East Asian islands and you would think you are actually in an old-fashioned izakaya on the streets of Tokyo. The aesthetic is so culpable that you would find plenty of areas where you can take the most beautiful shots for your Instagram. Check out their Sekitori and sushi dishes. If you are a Japanese food enthusiast it is highly likely that what you want to eat would be on the menu. The restaurants in Little Tokyo open at 11 am and close at 1 am every day.

Salcedo Saturday Market

If you are staying at a hotel apartment in Manila you can drive over to Makati for the Salcedo Saturday Market over the weekend. It's about 40 minutes to get from one city to the other. Entrance is free and the market is open from 7 am to 2 pm. If you are on the hunt for delicious produce, we recommend going early, but if it's the photographs you are after you can go at any time preferably not towards midday as all the produce will have been sold out.

B-Side at the Collective

Another reason to spend the rest of the weekend in Makati is that you can stay over at a hotel the likes of Somerset Olympia Makati and go out clubbing when the sunsets. B-Side at The Collective is not just a nightclub, you can check out the haunting street art and take a peek at the wall murals. You can also grab a drink and vibe to some contemporary tunes. It is open from 9 pm to 4 am every Wednesday to Sunday and is especially great if you are a fan of reggae.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

The wonderful thing about Ayala Triangle Gardens is that it is a showcase of contemporary local art amid nature and greenery. Entrance is free and you can visit from as early as 6 am until 10 pm.

The Red Light District

The Red-Light District in Makati is famous for its nightclubs and dens of debauchery. It comes alive at night and is also a great location to grab a bite especially if you are feeling puckish at ungodly hours. But always make sure that you have all your wits about you if you are visiting for the first time, and that you have your valuables in a safe place.