Makati City is one of the most upscale areas of metro Manila. Though prices tend to be higher here than elsewhere in the Philippines, deals can still be found. In fact, Makati City is one of the most pleasant places to visit in Manila. While it is not the only place to visit in Manila, there are some reasons Makati is a good choice for visitors:

1. Most Filipinos are bilingual. English is the language of education in school, meaning many educated people are fluent. This is especially the case in Makati City. Makati is a more affluent city, with many of its residents highly educated. Getting around in English solely using English is not a problem, although any attempts at Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines, will be appreciated.

2. Makati City is pedestrian friendly. Some roads have flyovers, or footbridges, which cross above especially, busy streets. Getting around the central area of Makati, where all the businesses and malls are located, is easily accomplished on foot. On especially hot days, taxis and buses run in a seemingly continuous stream down the central district’s roads.

3. Even if blatant consumerism makes you uncomfortable, The Ayala Center is impressive. It consists of 2 shopping malls, half-a-dozen hotels and an office complex. It would take days to completely explore Ayala, and one can spend a lot of money very easily. Rockwell Center is another comparable venue. The oddly named Power Plant Mall is located here as are the city’s most luxurious condos.

4. Despite the prevalence of upscale venues, it is possible to find deals in Makati. Travelers on a budget will be happy with the modern, reasonably priced accommodations at hotels like St. Illian’s Inn. Guadeloupe Commercial center is a place to find cheaper goods. A lot of the things you can buy here are also found in Ayala Center, though without the outrageously plush surroundings.

5. Outside the city center are gated communities where the city’s most affluent residents live. This is not the only example of living conditions in Makati, however. Most people live on the outskirts of Makati in relative poverty. The migration of Filipinos from the provinces to the city has led to a widespread housing problem. Squatters’ camps (shantytown, if you like) are everywhere. Despite the poverty, these places are also examples of life in the Philippines.

6. Spanish era Churches are stately reminders of Philippines’ colonial past. Asia’s only predominantly Catholic country, these religious venues are seen as symbols of faith, not reminders of colonialism.