Metro Manila has a dynamic, diverse, and fairly large nightlife scene. Depending on your mood, budget, and what kind of vibe you want—upscale, casual, live music, dance floors, or just good food & drinks—you’ll find somewhere to go. Here are things to expect, hotspots, types of venues, and tips.
🔦 What to Expect
- The nightlife usually begins around 9-10 PM and goes on until the early morning in many places. (mywonderfultrips.com)
- Different areas have different feels: upscale and polished vs gritty/local vs hipster/arts-oriented.
- Drink prices and cover charges vary a lot depending on the location: BGC & Makati tend to be more expensive; places in Quezon City, Malate, Ermita offer cheaper options. (RichestPH)
- There are many karaoke / live music / indie-band options, in addition to dance clubs and bars. Filipinos love singing/taping into karaoke. (Travel Beats)
📍 Popular Nightlife Districts
Here are the places that tend to stand out:
| Area | What To Expect / Highlights |
|---|---|
| Makati (especially Poblacion) | Trendy bars, hidden speakeasies, craft cocktails, a mix of locals & expats. Stylish, walkable. Great food + drinks combos. (RichestPH) |
| Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig | Upscale, polished, modern. Rooftop bars, big clubs, high-end restaurants, lively crowd. More expensive. (MyTourGuide) |
| Quezon City (Tomas Morato, Timog, Katipunan) | More local, more variety. Lots of bars, karaoke joints, live music venues, student crowds. More affordable. (Federal Land, Inc.) |
| Malate / Ermita (Manila) | Historic areas, more relaxed, more mixed crowd. Dive bars, live music, cheap eats, tourist-friendly. (Travel Beats) |
| Kapitolyo, Pasig | A foodie-bar scene. Great for pre-drinks or quiet nights out where you want good food + decent drinks in a less chaotic setting. (Federal Land, Inc.) |
🎯 Notable Bars / Clubs / Venues
Here are a few names worth remembering:
- Nokal (Makati) — known for its electronic music nights, DJs, house/techno vibes. (Tatler Asia)
- Izakaya Geronimo (BGC) — Japanese bar/restaurant that transforms into a more energetic place at night. (Tatler Asia)
- The Beef Bar (Alabang) — mix of steakhouse + DJ nights. Good option in the south of Metro Manila. (Tatler Asia)
- Fat Cat (Makati) — intimate cocktail bar with a jazz vinyl / cozy vibe. (Tatler Asia)
- Apotheka (Poblacion, Makati) — more underground / experimental music & crowd. Good if you don’t want mainstream clubbing. (Tatler Asia)
- Rampa Drag Club (Quezon City) — a drag-show / LGBT friendly nightclub. (Wikipedia)
⚠️ Tips / Considerations
- Transportation: Night traffic can be rough. Plan rides home, use ride-hailing apps. Keep safety in mind.
- Dress code: Many upscale bars & clubs enforce “smart casual.” No flip-flops or very casual clothes in some places.
- Cover charges / drink minimums: Some clubs charge entry fees, especially for guest DJs or weekend nights. Drinks tend to cost more in BGC / Makati.
- Crowds & timing: Weekend nights (Friday & Saturday) are busiest. If you go early (before 11 PM), easier to get in, less waiting.
- Noise, age restrictions, etc.: Many places are strict about underage entry (ID check), some bars/clubs have stricter policies.
Mapped list of bars/clubs by area with photos and approximate prices vary from time to time. Just check their social links where you can see updated information.