Hedonism and Manila’s nightlife go hand in glove long into the night. Many first-time foreigners are dazzled by Malate and Ermita’s nocturnal street scene, buzzing with lively clubs and gritty music alongside sleazy girlie bars. Meanwhile, dedicated clubbers and ice-cool cats are likely to be slinking off to Makati City or Quezon City to seek out drum and bass DJ sets or sip the latest imported vodkas. ClickTheCity (www.clickthecity.com) is a good source for nightlife listings in Manila. Tickets for cultural events in Manila are available from Ticket World (tel: 63 2 891 9999; www.ticketworld.com.ph) and Ticket Net (tel: 63 2 911 5555; www.ticketnet.com.ph).
Bars in Manila
Blind Pig
Pioneering a trend for hidden, speakeasy-style cocktail bars in Manila, Blind Pig is located behind Stockton Place restaurant - look out for an unobtrusive sign in braille. Inside, the candlelit interior has dark wood furnishings and chandeliers. Make sure to reserve in advance, especially on weekends.
Address: Legaspi Village, 227 Salcedo Street, Manila,Telephone: +63 917 549 2264.
Hobbit House
If Tolkien murals don’t hint at this bar’s theme, the ‘little people’ staffing this long-standing favourite certainly do. It’s a lively place in Manila with a dark interior popular with foreigners, and serving over 150 different beers. Listen to nightly music with a bluesy country and western twang.
Address: , 1212, MH del Pilar corner of Arquiza Street, Ermita, Manila,Telephone: +63 2 521 7604.
Website: http://www.hobbithousemanila.com
Salon de Ning
Decorated the style of 1930s Shanghai, this ornate bar is a treasure trove of art deco delights. The main room has seating and an intimate bar (try the Ning Sling or house branded champagne) and features a jazz band most nights; there are also four themed rooms that can be privately hired for groups.
Address: Makati City, The Peninsula Hotel, 1226 Ayala, Manila,Telephone: +63 2 887 2888.
Website: http://www.manila.peninsula.com
Clubs in Manila
Black Market
A welcome change from commercial pop played at the superclubs, this underground/indie club in an industrial warehouse style venue has DJs spinning bass, dub, techno and hip-hop etc, depending on the night, and has an easy-going vibe. The speakeasy-style lounge bar, Finders Keepers, is the ideal place to start out the night.
Address: Makati, 2723 Sabio Street, Manila,Telephone: +63 978 294 162
Website: http://blackmarketmnl.com
Valkyrie
The biggest nightclub in the country, this smart superclub on two levels can accommodate over 2,000 people. The music is commercial house and techno, and international DJs regularly feature. You can book VIP tables or couch areas.
Address: Taguig, 9th Avenue, corner of 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Manila,Telephone: +63 917 680 8888.
Website: http://valkyrie.thepalacemanila.com
XX XX
This underground-style night club features international and local DJs playing electronic house and techno. The emphasis is on quality (of both music and sound) and there's a Martin Audio sound system. It's open until 5am from Wednesday-Saturday.
Address: Makati, 20a-20b La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 China Roches Ave, Manila,Telephone: +63 917 634 8765.
Website: http://www.20-20.asia
Live music in Manila
70s Bistro
There's a pub-like feel to this honest music venue where different bands headline every night (closed Sundays). Serves hearty Filipino food with clientele that varies from student to die-hard reggae and rock aficionados.
Address: Quezon City, 46 Anonas Street, Project 2, Manila,Telephone: +63 2 433 8070.
Website: http://www.the70sbistro.com
Conspiracy Garden Café
This chilled music venue in Manila, with a pleasant atrium and art gallery, exudes a bohemian appeal. The garden café is idyllic for mixed-age audiences on warm evenings listening to acoustic music. Nightly events often feature renowned Filipino artists such as Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon.
Address: Quezon City, 59 Visayas Avenue, Manila,Telephone: +63 2 453 2170.
Website: http://conspi.net
saGuijo
This old converted house may be somewhat run down and simple in decor, but it's the spiritual home for live music of the experimental, indie and avant-garde kind - including indie, punk and new wave.
Address: Makati, 7612 Guijo St, San Antonio Village, Manila,Telephone: +63 2 897 8629.
Images of Philippines beaches
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Hotels
Manila Hotels
Travel to Manila