Where to Find Nightlife in Manila: From Buzzing Bars to Cool Clubs

There's always something fun happening in Manila, and that's especially true when it comes to the nightlife scene. With so many diverse venues popping up every year, the ever-evolving capital city of the Philippines is a thrilling destination to explore once the sun goes down.

With its high-octane nightclubs, speakeasy-style cocktail bars, and sky-high rooftop lounges, there’s rarely an evening in Manila without a bit of after-hours fun.

Whether you’re looking for a casual place to grab dinner and drinks with your crew in the upscale BGC (Bonifacio Global City) area or on the prowl for a nightclub where you can dance the night away in the nightlife district of Poblacion, there are options for all types in Manila.

As the self-proclaimed "No. 1 Nightlife Destination in the Philippines," The Palace brings together a collection of clubs, bars, and restaurants into one massive nightlife hub in the middle of BGC. Because these venues are located in the same complex, it's an easy place to go club-hopping in Manila. 

The most high-end offering at The Palace is undoubtedly Revel, a ritzy nightclub and lounge catering to a more mature and well-heeled crowd. Revel brings luxe clubbing to a whole new level with its celebrity clientele, VIP service, top-shelf drinks, and some of the most high-profile DJs in the industry.

A night here doesn't come cheap, but if you want to see and be seen, Revel should be your club of choice. Do note, there is a strictly enforced "smart" dress code to enter Revel.

Address: Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11pm to 5am

For a less formal option in The Palace, Yes Please is a unique blend of cocktail bar, restaurant, and nightclub. With its Instagrammable neon signage, industrial-chic aesthetic, and all-night party vibes, Yes Please is oh-so cool and a big hit with the younger crowd. Come for the experimental 90s movie-themed cocktails and elevated pub grub and stay for the eclectic DJ sets and endless dancing. 

Address: Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours: Daily, 8pm to late

Clubhouse is yet another trendy option in The Palace complex. Enter this underground wonderland and be prepared to be immersed in a neon kaleidoscope of colours, punctuated by plush velvet couches, wild street art murals, and Insta-worthy LED wall displays. 

From hip-hop to EDM, the music keeps the party going until late, as do Clubhouse's famous Bad Bunny's Slushies, which you can even sip while waiting to get inside the venue.

Address: Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10pm to 4:30am

Medusa offers a one-of-a-kind supper club concept that starts with a gourmet dinner and transforms into an exclusive party geared toward Manila's sophisticates and celebs. The venue itself is a work of art with magazine-calibre rooms and an art-deco sensibility. As with any supper club, dinner takes centre stage at Medusa, with a European menu featuring dishes like Wagyu Beef Cheeks and Lobster Linguine.

Of course, the cocktail and wine lists - like the supper club's patrons - are also dressed to impress. After dinner, when the lights dim and the music starts thumping, is when the party really gets going. This is the time to indulge in Medusa's bottle service, or, better yet, order one of the photogenic punchbowls for the table. 

Address: Uptown Parade, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday; supper from 6pm to 10pm, party from 10pm to 2am

For a sophisticated dinner-and-drinks experience in Manila's posh BGC, Dr. Wine BGC is a go-to spot for locals and expats alike. The restaurant has happy hour specials on food and drinks every day from 3pm to 7pm, and things are always buzzing on weekend nights when live DJs take the stage. 

The long list of curated drinks is nothing short of impressive, and each dish is crafted to pair perfectly with a glass of wine. So whether you're in the mood for appetisers and after-work drinks or a French meal with friends on a Saturday night, Dr. Wine BGC is a unique option for nightlife in Manila. 

Sometimes, the best nightlife spots are in the most unassuming locations. A case in point is The Blind Pig, which is known as one of the first speakeasies in the Philippines. To get to this Makati institution, make your way to the ground floor of Windsor Tower in Legazpi Village.

In true speakeasy fashion, there is no sign, but you’ll know you’re in the right place when you come across the unassuming metal door with a braille sign. Just knock on the door and you’ll be ushered inside a space defined by brick walls and moody lighting.

The Blind Pig has a simple cocktail menu with 10 choices on offer. Local favourites are the gin-and-juice-infused Haji Lane and the rum-forward Tog and Jerry. But your best bet is to opt for the Bartender’s Choice and let your talented mixologist dream up something new and unique.

Address: Windsor Tower, 163 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City

Hours: Daily, 6pm to 2am

Set in Makati Cinema Square, Nokal is where to go for a New York-style underground club experience in Manila. The talented Filipino and international DJs at this spot tend to focus heavily on house and techno music. When it comes to nightlife in Manila, Nokal is known for music and dancing, but the food and drink offerings also take centre stage. 

The elevated cocktails are refreshingly creative for a nightclub and the food is top-notch. Those in the know will order a signature Studio 54 cocktail alongside the famous NoKal Cheeseburger or Nokal Steak Rice - but the food and drink offerings go far beyond these popular picks.

Address:  Basement 1, Parking Area, Makati Square, Fernando, Legazpi Village, Makati City

Hours: Friday and Saturday, 8pm to 5am

The Spirits Library is touted as one of the top-rated cocktail bars in Manila, and it's an excellent pick for a sophisticated night out in Poblacion. This isn't the place to go for cheap drinks but you get what you pay for at The Spirits Library.

With a two-story wall of spirits, the cocktail menu at this speakeasy-inspired bar is vast and varied. As they put it, "every bottle tells a story," so expect to learn a little bit about Filipino history and culture as you sip your expertly mixed drinks.

Address: 4963 Guerrero, Makati City

Hours: Daily, 6pm to 3am

Set on the wild and rowdy P Burgos Street in Poblacion, Octopus offers the best nightlife in Manila if you want to drink and dance the night away.

With electric vibes, top DJs, hypnotic light displays, and a state-of-the-art sound system, this is a hot spot for both tourists and locals. The beats will be pumping, the cocktails will be flowing, and the VIP bottle service will be in full flow.

Do note that there is a strict dress code for this nightclub. 

Address: 5043 P Burgos St, Makati City

Hours: Daily for cocktails from 7pm until late; Wednesday to Sunday, 9pm to 5am for the main club

Located just blocks from Octopus, The Bolthole Bar is a super popular spot for Manila's younger crowd and a must if you're planning to go club-hopping in Poblacion. The drinks are cheap and the live DJ sets keep the party going until the crack of dawn. This is the ideal option if you want to dance the night away with friends without breaking the bank.

Address: 5354 General Luna, Makati City

Hours: Daily 9pm to 5am

Looking for nightlife in Manila that's completely unique? The Filling Station is another late-night institution on P Burgos Street.

However, the atmosphere is totally different from what you'll find at Octopus or The Bolthole. This retro American-style diner is open 24/7, but it gets particularly busy at night and in the wee hours on weekends. With its blinding neon signs, highly Instagrammable '50s decor, and SPAM-inspired breakfast menu, this place is wild.

The servers here are as friendly as can be, and the vibe is laid-back and fun. It's a great place to go after a night out on the town or just to try something a little zany. In addition to huge American-style breakfasts, there's a drinks menu with everything from wine and cocktails to shooters and sangria.

Address:  5012 P Burgos St, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City

Hours: 24/7

For an upscale yet low-key experience, Run Rabbit Run is another popular cocktail bar in Poblacion. From date night to a mellow evening with friends, Run Rabbit Run is always a solid choice. This place is housed in an old residential home. You'll find the cosy bar in the downstairs area, a living room-like space in the upstairs area, and an outdoor deck with magical fairy lights. 

The skilled bartenders here pride themselves on mixing up hand-crafted cocktails infused with spices, herbs, and a twist of the unexpected. With options like the Kaya Toast, Tipsy Halo-Halo, and Mango & Rice, you're going to want to try more than one of these creative concoctions.

Address: GF, Six Axis Building, 4347 B. Valdez, Poblacion, Makati City

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 1am; Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 3am; closed Sunday 

Dr. Wine in Poblacion is a lovely French bistro, perfect for dinner and drinks. If you can, try to reserve a table on their romantic rooftop terrace. The setting is absolutely magical.

With over 150 wines on offer, this is a prime spot for all you oenophiles out there. There are wines for every budget, which is much appreciated. Plus, Dr. Wine often has happy hour drink specials. While you're more than welcome to just sip and socialise, the French-inspired menu has loads of tempting options that will make you want to stay all night. Because nothing goes better with a glass of wine than a steak dinner. 

Address: 5921 Algier, Makati City

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to 1am; Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 2am; Sunday, 12pm to 1am

For a completely different vibe, Apotheka is one of the hottest nightclubs in Poblacion. Unlike other nightlife spots in Manila, the live entertainment at Apotheka runs the gamut and crosses genres. From R&B nights to techno bonanzas to performers and artists, you never know quite what to expect. But one thing's for sure - you're going to want to dance all night long.

Address: G/F, White Rabbit Blg, 5672 Dona Carmen St, Cor General Luna, Poblacion, Makati City

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 9pm to 4am; closed Sunday to Tuesday

If you're looking for nightlife in Manila that's a bit more food-oriented, El Chupacabra is a festive spot for dinner and drinks. This popular hangout offers a Mexican street food experience in Makati.

Foodies come for the mouthwatering street tacos and stay for the drink deals. Whether you're sitting out on the patio or in the colourful dining room, the vibe here is always buzzing on weekend nights. From ice-cold beers and frosty margaritas to tempting offerings like the Gonzo Chicken Adobo Tacos, SF Style Pork Sisig Burritos, Carnitas Sharing Platter, and Queso Fundido, you're going to want to come hungry and thirsty. 

Address: 5782 Felipe, Makati City

Hours: Daily, 11am to 1am

The Penthouse 8747 is one of the best spots for nightlife in Manila if you prefer to sip your cocktails in style and with a view. This Great Gatsby-inspired lounge is perched on the 22nd floor of the Lepanto Building in Makati, and it's the perfect choice if you want to get dressed up and have a night out on the town.

This place just oozes art-deco glamour. Think plush velvet booths, gold-trimmed walls, and elegant cocktails to match. While the interior is fit for a magazine cover, the best seats are on the terrace, where you can take in bird's-eye views of the Manila skyline while grooving to live DJ beats.

Address: 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

Hours: Daily, 4pm to 2am