Party in the Philippines: The best nightlife in Manila

Clubs in the metro area of the Philippines’ capital Manila, are some of the best in Asia, with international and local DJ’s entertaining the local and travelling crowds. The bars and restaurants range from chic rooftops with stunning city views, to themed venues representing the multicultural influence in this diverse country. So, whether you’re passing through en route to the more tranquil islands or you’re in Manila because you’ve already realised this is a city with plenty to offer, read on and get ready to party! Let us introduce you to some of the very best nightlife in Manila.

The Best Bars in Manila:

The Filling Station

This bar and café’s decor is inspired by the interiors and atmosphere of the 1950’s and 1960’s American diners. The Filling Station has everything from gas station memorabilia, old movie posters, servers in vintage diner uniforms, to jukeboxes playing old tunes. The menu offers both American and Filipino food and is a little pricier than other venues, but their servings are huge. Treat yourself to a cocktail or explore the long list of local and international beers. Expect a lively and social place, which is great if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time for some retro vibes.

Location: P Burgos, Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None

Z Hostel

Hostels with bars are in the spotlight, and for good reason. Some of Manila’s best nightlife can be found right where you’re staying – handy! Located in the city of Makati, Z hostel is known as one of the best hostels in Metro Manila. The great thing about this hostel is that it has its own rooftop bar with a perfect view of the Manila skyline. Head up, grab a drink and make friends while watching an awesome city sunset. Non-guests are welcome too, just pay 70 pesos for an RFID bracelet and load it with a minimum of 300 pesos credit (total cost 370 pesos is around $7 USD). The drinks are cheaper compared to other bars in the area, so it’s ideal for a backpacker budget.

Photo by: @zhostelph

Location: Don Pedro, Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: Free for guests, or 370pesos ($7 USD) which includes 300 pesos of drink vouchers

Pura Vida

If you’ve been to Costa Rica, you’ll be familiar with the phrase “Pura Vida,” which means “simple life” or “pure life.” Pura Vida is a bar that perfectly lives up to its name, with a relaxed ambience, delicious food, and great service. The walls of the bar are adorned with Bob Marley posters and reggae music plays all night long, filling the bar with good vibes. Aside from an air-conditioned room, the bar also has an alfresco set-up, which is great for socialising in. The extensive menu of authentic Costa Rican dishes is full of well-prepared, must-try options. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, the portions served are generous, and the prices are accessible for budget travellers. If you are craving Central American cuisine and a refreshing beer with friends, then this is the place to be. This bar is situated on the second floor of the building right beside Z hostel.

Photo by: @puravidamnl

Location: Don Pedro, Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None

Bunk 5021 Hostel

If it’s welcoming vibes and top-notch Filipino food you’re after, Bunk 5021 Hostel is where it’s at. The budget-friendly drinks menu is awesome too, and if you’re looking for a local beer to wash down your local food, try Beerkada (short for “Beer” and “Barkada,” which is a Filipino slang term meaning “group of friends”). You may be dazzled by the bar’s neon signs but once your eyes adjust you’ll see they’re common Filipino phrases – see, it’s an education really! Once you’re fluent you could treat yourself to an en-suite private room or dorm bed.

Location: P Burgos, Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None

El Chupacabra

El Chupacabra is a very well-known and popular Tex-Mex bar and restaurant in Makati. Like Mexico, the Philippines was once part of the Spanish empire, ruled by the Viceroy of Nueva España, for over 300 years. Which explains why Filipino cuisine has a strong Spanish influence, much like Mexican food. El Chupacabra is a great place to visit for mouth-watering tacos, quesadillas and the Pinchos Morunos de Pollo is an all-time favorite skewer that works well with a local beer or two. Expect current Latin hits and backpacking budget prices.

Location: Felipe, Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None

Lub D Makati

Lub D’s rooftop bar is an epic place to hang-out; marvel at the sleek architecture and city views. It’s a relatively new kid on the block, opening in November 2018, but is already a favourite with backpackers and locals.

The bar itself is intricately designed with rustic chic interiors, warm-lighting, eye-catching sleek wooden furniture, and artistic metallic designs that pop against the glass windows and natural wooden tables. There’s both an alfresco and air-conditioned bar, so head up whatever the weather. The food menu includes a variety of western and eastern cuisine. The must-try, Wagyu Patty Melt is both delicious and affordable – the patty is made with authentic wagyu beef, and is topped with melted gruyere cheese, served on rye bread with delicious homemade fries.

The drink prices are a bit higher than at other hostel bars in the area, but the quality is superb. The rooftop bar is always open from 6am – 3pm for the all-day menu, from 3pm – 6pm for bar snacks and drinks, and from 6pm – 10pm for the Thai dinner menu and the all-day menu. Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a checked-in guest! You can also get takeaway meals, but nothing beats eating your order fresh. This bar belongs to the famous Lub D hostels.

Location: Makati Avenue, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None

The Best Clubs in Manila:

House Manila

If you happen to be in Manila Airport and in need of some party time, head to House Manila in Newport, just in front of Terminal 3. Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9pm onward, this club is on the classier end of the clubbing scale, competing with other high-end clubs in the Philippines. Expect a sophisticated crowd and electronic beats. Prices reflect the luxurious experience, but it is totally worth it.

Photo by: @housemanilaph

Location: Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport, Pasay City

Entrance fee: 500 pesos ($10 USD) which includes one drink

Royal

Makati City is a club and bar haven, and Royal nightclub is one of the most popular. You can’t go to Royal without trying the “Flaming Lamborghini.” What’s that? It’s the club’s speciality shot, where several glasses are stacked on top of each other to form a tower. The alcohol is poured and then set on fire and you drink the flaming shot through a straw. Join locals and dance to popular tracks, mixed by the greatest DJs in town.

Photo by: @royal_club_makati

Location: General Luna Street Makati, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: 500 ($10 USD) inclusive of one beer or cocktail

The Island

Considered the first pool and day club in the Philippines, The Island resembles Ibiza’s Ushuaia. The club has cabanas, daybeds and a stunning swimming pool; the best part is there is no door charge! This indoor tropical club is where your floral and tiki shirts really belong. Many famous local and international DJs play here. If you have a limited budget but want to enjoy taking a dip in the pool, or you want to relax in the cabanas while sipping on your favourite cocktail, then this club is for you!

Photo by: @theislandph

Location: Bonifacio Global City Taguig, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: None during weekdays

LGBTQ+ Friendly Clubs:

Nectar

Located at the Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), this new nightclub caters to the LGBTQ+ community and of course, to all allies as well. Nectar has an amazing line-up of drag queens and talented male dancers showing off their moves on the bar. International and local DJs congregate to mix pop and electronic music here.

Location: The Fort Strip, 5th Avenue Corner 26th Street Bonifacio Global City

Entrance fee: 300 pesos ($6 USD) with 1 free alcoholic drink

O-Bar

What started as a small bar in Malate, has evolved into a modern and spacious club in Ortigas. O-Bar is regarded as the pioneer of LGBTQ+ dance clubs in the Philippines, and it is open to all. The drag show is an entertaining spectacle, and you have the opportunity to meet the dancers after they perform on stage. This club is both stunning and inviting! O-Bar promotes freedom of yourself and your mind, so there’s no dress code.

Photo by: @egggnogg

Location: Ortigas, Metro Manila

Entrance fee: 500 pesos ($10 USD) inclusive of 3 beers or 1 cocktail

If you’ve had a wild night out in Manila and have a top bar or club to recommend, let us know in the comments below. Sharing is caring! Or if you want to explore the islands have a read of The Best Beaches in the Philippines.

About the author:

Rafael Loreto is a Manila-based freelance travel journalist and photographer who is currently exploring and expanding his horizons through the lens of his camera and teaching people about the best in budget travel without compromising its quality. Follow Rafael’s adventures on his blog rarelygohome.com and Instagram