Manilla has one of the best nightlife in Asia for several reasons:

Party atmosphere:
Filipinos are famous for their fun and outgoing personalities. They love to drink, to dance, to sing, and to play music. Clubs in Manila are rarely uptight or boring, and dress codes are almost never implemented. The ambiance can get really wild, especially in the more local venues with fewer expats (in Quezon City for instance).

Cheap prices for alcohol, entrance fees, and taxis:
Even high-end nightclubs will only charge a 10$ entrance with 2 strong drinks included. You can easily get yourself drunk for 30 dollars in Manila, which is the price for one cocktail in some bars in Singapore.

Foreigner-friendly:
English is spoken everywhere in Manila, even by security guards or taxis. 

- Rather easy to meet pretty girls that are not prostitutes
While prostitution is big in Manila with several red-light districts, you also have a great dating and flirting scene with normal local girls.

Clubs and bars open late and every day:
You can go out any night of the week in Manila, you'll always find a crowded bar or nightclub. Also, there are no real curfews: Many clubs close at 6am, a few keep going until 8am.

There are a few negative sides about Manila though. The city is still developing and you won't see the kind of sophisticated bars and clubs as you would in Singapore, Bangkok or even Jakarta.

Hotels are usually a bit more expensive than elsewhere in Southeast Asia and their quality is average. The internet is terrible, even when advertised as being fast. During the day, you may spend a lot of time in traffic (not as much as in Jakarta anyway). There is a metro system but it is packed and hot. The food is not great unless you are a fan of junk food/fast-food chains.

Finally, security is an issue but it is quite exaggerated in my opinion. As long as you stay in the safest neighborhoods (like Makati) and use reputable taxi companies, you are not particularly at risk.

If you want to know more about Manila nightlife, this review will cover everything you need to know to party hard and to have fun. 

Where to Party in Manila?
Metro Manila is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. It is actually made of several cities including Manila itself, Makati, Pasay, Taguig and Quezon City. You cannot visit everything in one night, of course. 

The nightlife is active in the following areas, by order of personal preference:

Makati
This is the main business district in Metro Manila and it is home to many expatriates. Within Makati, you should head to the subdistrict of Poblacion to find the most happening bars and clubs.

Not far from there, on P Burgos Street, the nightlife is much seedier. This is a red-light district area full of gogo bars, freelancers and brothels.

The hotels I recommend near Makati nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I'M Hotel - US$100/night
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas - US$60/night
⭐⭐Green Suites Makati - US$30/night

Bonifacio Global City (BGC or The Fort)
This is a newer business district that currently competes with Makati. It is more modern and attracts younger Filipinos and expats. It is built on a grid, meaning it's easy to go from one place to another. It's probably the safest area in Metro Manila. The clubs and bars are located either in The Fort Strip or in The Palace Complex (#1 nightlife spot in Manila).

Accommodation is hard to find in BGC, especially in the budget segment. The available hotels near the nightlife are all quite expensive, for instance:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shangri-La at the Fort - US$250/night (it has a cool hidden bar inside called the back room)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seda Bonifacio Global City - US$150/night

Ermita/Malate
These are two districts of Manila located next to each other near the Manila Bay. They attract budget travelers, backpackers, tourists and Koreans/Japanese businessmen. It is also where most government buildings are. The area can be considered a red-light district with its Korean-style karaokes and its pubs with freelance prostitutes. You also have some street prostitution and a few popular expat bars. For partying, go to Adriatico and nearby streets.

The hotels I recommend near Ermita/Malate nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pan Pacific Manila - US$170/night
⭐⭐⭐ Hop Inn Hotel Ermita - US$40/night

Quezon City
It is actually the most populated city in the Philippines, before Manila. It is very authentic, mostly residential, with at least 10 good nightclubs, dozens of bars and a few karaokes/massage parlours.

The crowd is usually young and almost 100% local. Prices are low. There used to be a red light area with naked striptease but it was closed down by the Mayor a few years ago. To party, you can go to Tomas Morato Avenue, Timog Avenue, Quezon City Avenue and Cubao X (for hipsters).

The hotels I recommend near Quezon City nightlife are the following:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Novotel Manila Araneta Center - US$110/night
⭐⭐⭐ Red Planet Aurora Boulevard - US$30/night

Secondary nightlife areas:
Pasay/Parañaque are two municipalities located around the airport in the South of Manila. That's certainly not the most recommended area, except if you are looking for sex. In particular, you have the EDSA International Entertainment Complex, a sort of smaller local version of Nana Plaza with 6 bars lined up next to each other. You also have a few bordellos and gogo bars scattered around, for instance, Universe Strip Club or Air Force One KTV.

Ortigas Business District (Metrowalk): Several local bars with live music. Fun and good-natured atmosphere.

Meeting Girls in Manila
Filipino girls are very friendly and they are interested to meet foreigners. Most are quite religious though (Catholic), and living with their families. For this reason, one-night stands and hookups are not that common unless you go to the right clubs and bars (or if you pay a sugar baby, for instance on SugarBook or Seeking).

A good idea is to download a few dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Badoo or Skout. Those apps work best if you are living in the Philippines or at least in Asia.

If you are only a tourist, then I would recommend the very popular FilipinoCupid instead. It can have up to 5,000 girls online, and many among them do not mind if you live abroad. Ideally, you should register on the site a few weeks before landing in Manila so you can already organize a few dates.

Best Nightclubs in Metro Manila
I list here my favorites ones, starting with the best. I usually go clubbing with 1 or 2 persons maximum so I tend to prefer when there is a dancefloor, a nice bar area and where it is easy to meet new people.

Black Market
The current trendy club in Manila among expats and hip Filipinos. Music is anything but EDM. Lots of pretty girls but not so easy to chat with them.

XX XX and 20 20
This popular expat haunt consists of the 20 20 bar and the XX XX club. Underground vibe, with techno DJs mostly. Nice courtyard that welcomes events once in a while.

Xylo at the Palace (ex-Valkyrie)
Located in The Palace in Bonifacio Global City, it is huge and modern with a great party atmosphere. If you are new in Manila, Xylo is my first recommendation as you can meet girls easily. It is also connected to The Island Pool Club and Revel.

Cove Manila
This new luxury place features an indoor beach club and a huge nightclub. Very impressive décor and an upmarket crowd (many Koreans). It is opened just 3 nights a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it often has special DJs or parties.

Core Nightclub
Located in Quezon City, about 30 minutes from Makati without traffic, Core is worth a visit if you want to experience another side of Manila nightlife: Younger, cheaper and probably crazier. In Quezon City, you can also check URBN QC and Guilly's.

Revel
Revel is crowded with 30+ years old executives and expats. It could be a fantastic club but there is almost no dancefloor so unless you book a sofa, you don't really feel comfortable. It is connected to Valkyrie and The Pool Club. Easy for meeting girls.

ZZYZX
This little club in Malate is packed every night of the week. Though targeting mostly Koreans, it is still one of my favorite places to party in Manila, especially on weekdays. You have a lot of pretty girls but 90% of them are freelance prostitutes.

URBN
URBN is more like a pub turned nightclub after midnight. Located next to the Fort Strip, it is considered to be a pick-up joint by many expats.

Clubs usually close around 5am-6am. If you want to keep going after that, you can go to LA Café (open 24-hour with many freelance prostitutes) or Bronx in P Burgos Street. (also a bar with working girls).

Best Bars in Metro Manila
You have hundreds of bars in Manila, from low-class joints in working-class neighborhoods to luxury rooftop bars in Makati. The best ones can usually be found in Poblacion (hipster/chic crowd) or in BGC (executives, expats, office workers).

In Poblacion, there are dozens of nice bars, walking distance to each other. The current best ones are Ms Gee, Boogie, NoKal, and Pura Vida.

In BGC, check the bars in The Fort (Early Night?, Bank Bar, The Keg, Draft) or in the Forbes Town Center (Tipsy Pig and several others).

Manila is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for live music. You can listen to any genre in hundreds of bars, but these are the current top spots:

Rock Music: Craft, The Brewery @ The Palace, Handlebar
Oldies/Retro: Strumm's
Indie Rock/Acoustic: 12 Monkeys, Saguijo, Route 196
Jazz, World Music, Reggae: Tago

31 comments to '' Manila Nightlife: Best Clubs and Bars (Updated) "

ADD COMMENT
  1. I was there for a week in December. Loved it, I will go again tomorrow. I'd put it somewhere between Singapore and Jakarta. The developed places give you a nice break from the hectic parts that are less developed. it's clean and can walk to most places. Have not gone out much when I was there but this guide will certainly help me out this week to come. In contary to many people i very much like the local Food I.E Bulalo or Tocino. Don't get why people say it's shit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. is there any spa in manila have qualty like delta spa(jakarta) or maybe near to it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you can check pegasus maybe... the quality is not as good as Delta though...

      Delete
  3. Awesome post. I am using this to plan my upcoming trip. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Are any of the clubs/bars non-smoking? Are any quiet enough where you can have a chat with a girl? Angeles City was SO noisy [and smoke filled] it was near impossible to hear anything but the [not-very-good] music. Thanks all! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should go to the Palace.. there are 3 nightclubs in 1 place: Revel, Valkyrie and Pool Club... when you are in Pool club you don't have any problem with the smoke and it is more quiet... if you need to meet someone, you can go to Revel or Valkyrie for a short while....

      Delete
  5. great article!

    by the way, which bar is lively in weekdays to meet people before party on Tuesday / Wednesday in Makati area?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I think you can go to the Fort in BGC, it's not too far from Makati and you always have lively bars and clubs... Burgos in Makati is also busy but mostly with hostess bars...

      Delete
  6. Great article mate..im visiting over a weekend. would you recommend either the bars/clubs in malate or bgc for meeting non working girls? I'm a late 30s Aussie guy ok looking, game isn't great. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think BGC is better for non working girls, but if you don't have a great game don't expect to pick up girls by the dozen...

      What I would do if I were you is to chat open-minded girls on Tinder/Badoo and arrange to meet some in clubs or bars... They are much more friendly if you've already had a discussion before...

      Delete
  7. Great Article Pal, I wish to know which is a better place to stay Makati or malate if you are only looking for good looking girls to party with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks.. I stayed in Malate at first but I didn't like it... mostly Korean karaokes and massage parlours with prostitutes... then i stayed in Quezon City... I liked it as it is more authentic and you have fun local clubs ... (but it's far from City Center)... I didn't stay in Makati but I'm pretty sure it is better than staying in Malate in terms of crowd and atmosphere...

      Delete
  8. hello everyone's,
    I intend to come in Asia for 5 night, to relax in a 5 star hotel and find girls for fun ( even escorts). Can you tell be the best cities for this ?
    Thank you in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket (Patong), Jakarta, Manila, Bali, Angeles City, Koh Samui

      Delete
    2. Great information bro. Which clubs play hip hop music? Also do the women out there like black guys?

      Delete
  9. Great article. Wondering if you could recommend some bars/clubs in Manila that might draw a "older" crowd. Like around 35yo and up? Maybe with a dj or band.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very Complete. My favs are also XX XX, Black market, Revel is also great for old school hip hop. Best bar is for me Cafe Curieux. And there are all beach festivals schedules on www.vyblab.com for the event updats. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  11. I will go for first time in 15 of july
    I will try to follow your steps. Thx

    ReplyDelete
  12. I live in Jakarta and enjoyed clubs in classic hotel (Terminal 1 & 2) which are very cheap and provide you all services in single amount including rooms. Is there something similar available in Manila??

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey everyone! If y'all are planning to fly to Manila mid of this year, 2017, come check us out! I'm one of the senior hosts of Cove Manila - the new ultra-luxury nightclub and beach club here in Manila. We're located inside Okada Manila - the casino resort near the airport. For table reservations, guestlist, or any inquiry, email me at cornelia.escriba@okadamanila.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. is there any place in Manila that similar to The Pool ( Colosseum Club 1001 Hotel)

    ReplyDelete
  15. There any very good tantra massage spa in manila or jakarta?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello Thibaud,

    first I have to say that I love your homepage. It is always a big help for me to survive the nightlife of Jakarta.

    I visited with a good friend of mine Manila for ten days in January 2018. I want to share my experience with you; maybe it will be a help for your Homepage.

    First: We are both tall Europeans in the age of 33. We are very often in Jakarta because of our jobs.

    Accommodation: In my view there are only two parts of Metro Manila to stay in. Makati or BGC. The crowd there is business-like, lot of beautiful girls around and also a lot´s of bars are located there. We choose “The Gramercy” in Makati. Best decision. A well-equipped high-rise-building with a infinity pool on the 36th floor and a well-equipped gym. The best thing is that there is a direct connection to a mall. Perfect spot to meet your tinder dates, because there are a lots of cafes located in the mall. There are some clubs around and poblacion, a part of Makati with a lot´s of bars. Also perfect for a date. We never got problems to get our girls to our flat. I heard, that in some buildings in Makati it is forbidden to take girls to your flat. We also went to the pool with our girls.

    Girls: Well educated. Everybody speaks English. The girls are superior. Well dressed and in contrast to Jakarta they wear nice underwear and also don’t smell like onion, garlic and chili. And they are very well groomed.

    How to get in contact with the girls: If once is not into daygame he has to use a dating-site. We use tinder. It works, but not so heavy like in Jakarta. Clubgame is very hard, because only younger girls go out. Mostly they are in a group and they are not so flirty than in Jakarta. We meet a lot of tinder girls in the age of 30 to 35. All told us, that they stopped going out in the age of 25 – 27.

    Bars: A lots of bars in poblacion (good to get in contact with younger girls) and bgc (more high class). And there is a new trend in Manila: hidden places. You have to be an insider to know where these spots are and where these parties go.

    Club (I use the order from your Manila-Site):

    XX XX or 20 20: We visited in on a Saturday night after going to blackmarket and Finders Keepers. Around 1am. It was crowed at the beginning but got empty till 2:30am. Very loud, so it`s hard to talk to somebody. Not good for picking up girls. But perfect if you love underground techno music and if you enjoy it to close your eyes and dance the night away. No entrance fee. Next to XX XX or 20 20 is a bar (their name is maybe also XX XX or 20 20) in which is soul and 70s disco music played.

    Finders Keepers: This club is not on your list. It is my recommendation for Manila. It is located next to Blackmarket. It is more like a bar. But they play music there and the crowd is dancing. We visited on a Saturday. It was full and with lots of girls there. No entrance fee.

    1.Blackmarket: Trendy club. As you said it is hard to chat to the girls there. It is too loud. We visited Blackmarket on a Friday and Saturday.

    2. Valkyrie: We visited Valkyrie on a Friday. Crowded and the crowd is very young. A lots of beautiful girls, but they are not interested in Westeners which are in their 30s. We can not recommend this club.

    4. Time: We visited Time on a Sunday Morning around 4am. Very empty. We will recommend this club only to go dancing. Fine techno music. No entrance fee if you go there with local girls.

    6. Revel: We visit it two times. High class club. Everybody is sitting on their sofas. Nobody is dancing. A lots of bouncers. We miss the good mood in this club. Very high entrance fee; 20 dollar plus on a Saturday. A lots of beautiful girls but very hard to chat with them. Absolutely no flirty mood in this club. Absolutely overrated club. No recommendation.

    9. Gramercy 71: Its closed!!!!!!

    I hope that my experience of Manila, especially Makati would be a help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for this! I'm going for my second time next month.

      Delete
  17. Hello, which bar is the best to visit if I am coming alone? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello i’m A black women,it’s possible to meet a Filipino guy as a friend?tell me.thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi everyone. New scam report from Manila. Specially on tinder or other dating apps. The girl comes to your room you do what ever u agrees. Once all done. She asks for 500$ and she threatens u saying she is under age or call the police that we molestered her. She got naked and wanted to run around the corodor. And ended up paying 500$ ����. Watch out. For these assholes infact 2 of my friends got caught. Agreed to a price after job done she asks for 500$ if not she comes up with some molestering story.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi guys, can anybody recommend what are best clubs to go on weekdays? For example, when i visited Jakarta i realized that there are only 3 nights what really matters, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, unlike Bangkok where u can party in crowded clubs every single night in week. So basically, i don't want make same mistake like in Jakarta, when i turned down some tinder dates just to get completely disappointed finding out most of clubs are empty. I prefer clubs over tinder, but obviously on some nights, tinder is much better option.
    What i'm looking for are no prostitutes, just normal girls, crowd over 25 (30+ would be perfect), casual outfit. Is it worth going party on let's say Thursday or Monday?
    If anybody can help, i appreciate your time and effort to write me few suggestions. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most good clubs are crowded from Wednesday to Saturday night, including on Thursday. The rest of the week, you have some bars that can be busy, for instance at the Fort or in Poblacion, or in Malate (ZZYZX). The red-light in Burgos can also be crowded but obviously that's not what you are looking for.

      Delete
  21. Whats the best/most modern/best girls ktv in manila?

    ReplyDelete
  22. don't go to the Philippines for the night life, it's utterly disappointing. the filipinos idea of going out is always a large mixed group of friends that stays together or prostitutes freelancers. you will not be picking up girls in clubs since they wont leave their friends, actually they wont even talk to you since as a foreigner you gonna bring too much attention and they don't want to lose face with their friends and freelancers cost x3 what they should worth.

    best way to meet girls in manila is online dating. tinder has the most amount of girls but it's very slow and usually out of every 100 matches i get only one is seriously interested and is invested in me. pinalove is a great option, it's quick and reliable and the girls there are serious about meeting foreigners, but the girls usually are not that good looking.

    ReplyDelete