Team Out of Town
Manila Nightlife: Things to Do at Night in Manila
Manila, the Philippine capital, is a fascinating city. The food, numerous points of interest, and beautiful scenery all make Manila a charming place to be. Many tourists only use Manila as a gateway to hundreds of other Philippine islands. Still, there are a lot of fun activities that can keep you in the city for a couple of days, especially at night.
Best Things To Do in Manila at Night photo by Eugenio Pastoral via Unsplash.
Here are some exciting activities and the best places to visit in Manila at Night.
Watch the sunset in Manila Bay
Sunset over Manila Bay is a must-see experience; even if it is still early in the morning, just wait for it; it is worth it. The sunset views have something romantic and relaxing about them.
The spectacular sight of the sunset turning the skies, sea, and land to gold can take your stress away. Manila Bay is one of the best places in the world to watch the sun go down, especially along Roxas Boulevard.
Dinner at the Bayleaf Sky Deck
Catch a bus to the Bayleaf for some scrumptious dinner. One of the most sought-after restaurants in this area is Sky Deck. The restaurant has fantastic scenery, with a rooftop offering a 360-degree view of Manila. Sky Deck restaurant also strategically places its seating so guests can watch the city move at its typical bustling pace. Additionally, the restaurant serves some of the best Filipino dishes in the area, such as Bayleaf Tapa, served with garlic rice and eggs.
Visit Star City
Star City does it well, mixing retail and amusement; although it is now a common trend in most malls, Star City is second to none when combining shopping and enjoyment. Some of the best things to do here include: the indoor carnival for kids – located indoors so that kids can enjoy their ride even as it rains, unique adult scary rides, the surf dance – a 44-seat family gondola ride with the height of a five-story building, snow world, star flyer, as well as Peter Pan and Land of the Giants Attractions.
Sunset Cruise on Manila Bay
This is the best way to end your day: a gorgeous sunset cruise on Manila Bay. You can add a delicious dinner of Filipino cuisine to your cruise itinerary and enjoy it over the scenery of the palette sky caused by the sinking sun.
Visit a Comedy Club in Malate
Malate has several comedy clubs, but one that stands out is the Library Malate, with its well-known enthusiastic performances. The Library Malate includes a bar, a restaurant with a cozy ambiance, and a good mix of locals and visitors.
Videoke Night
Visit one of the many videoke spots in Manila and sing until sunrise. One of the most popular venues for a videoke night is the Music 21 Plaza Family KTV and Restaurant, which has been around since 1995.
The venue is quite pocket-friendly too, charging P42 per person per hour during ‘Happy Hour’ between 3 pm and 7 pm. Another videoke nightspot is the No.38 Sports Lounge and Grill, located along Jupiter Street in Makati City.
Walk in the Walled City – Intramuros
This is the oldest part of Manila and has been around since the 16th century. This tight network of structures is enclosed by sturdy ancient walls, providing a contrast to the surrounding high-rise cityscape. Visit Intramuros to see European-inspired architecture and other attractions, such as the statue of King Carlos IV, the Puerta de Isabel II gate with a statue of a queen, and the recently restored Ayuntamiento building.
Roam around Rizal Park
Rizal Park – also known as ‘Luneta’- covers 60 hectares of space and features ornamental gardens, ponds, open lawns, wooded areas, paved walks, and scattered monuments of Filipino heroes. Rizal Park is excellent for walking or jogging, especially on weekends, in the late afternoon, and in the early evening. It is also at this park that Spanish colonial authorities executed Jose Rizal.
Try your luck at the City of Dreams
When you arrive at the City of Dreams, you will not fail to notice the exhilarating casino atmosphere on every corner. The 201,823-square-foot space includes a 365-table gaming area with games like Baccarat, Poker, and Blackjack, as well as over 1,600 gaming machines. Signature Club is also a members-only club that offers beyond-compare privileges for just a few players. City of Dreams also has a daily tournament featuring PokerStars from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
Visit the Mall of Asia
Mall of Asia, sometimes abbreviated as SM MoA, is a massive shopping complex in Bay City, Pasay, Manila. For years, the Mall of Asia has been one of the top tourist hotspots in Manila, and rightly so. The mall has several spots you can check out, such as the Exploreum and SM Bowling on the ground floor, the Mall of Asia Arena along J.W. Diokno Boulevard, and the SM Skating Rink.
Watch Amazing Show
Amazing Show takes place at the Manila Film Center building in the middle of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It is usually a one-hour show featuring a beauty contest and all types of trans people. Admission to the Show is open to all.
Try Filipino Food at the Aristocrat Restaurant
This Filipino-owned family business is located on Roxas Boulevard and serves chicken barbecue, chicken honey, crispy pata, Kare-Kare, pancit canton, lumpia, and dinuguan. Aristocrat Restaurant has other branches in Metro Manila, all serving quality Filipino foods, making it the most popular restaurant in the Philippines. The restaurant accepts cash and credit cards, and if you are having a party, they can deliver to your venue.
Chill at Café Adriatico
Located in central Manila, Café Adriatico has been a fascinating guest for over 36 years. This Filipino-Spanish bistro offers one of the best chilling spots in Manila. Despite its age, Café Adriatico still offers its loyal patrons unending charm.
Bargain shop till you drop at Tutuban Night Market
No time to shop during the day? No problem. Tutuban Night Market, just as the name suggests, offers a non-stop shopping experience from sunrise to sundown, to dawn again, and it personifies the phrase “shop ’til you drop. The Night Market runs from 6 pm to 5 am, with over 330 stalls to browse.
When you are done shopping, try the Tutuban Virtual Zoo, which features 12 fantastic 3D figures of real-life animals. Another spot you can try in Tutuban Market is the Tutuban Food Strip. The place is quite spacious and is perfect for a family or group of friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best things to do in Manila at night?
Some of the best nighttime activities in Manila include exploring Intramuros after dark, enjoying Manila Bay sunset views, dining at local restaurants, visiting rooftop bars, shopping at night markets, listening to live music, and experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Malate.
2. Is Manila safe to explore at night?
Many popular tourist and entertainment areas are busy and well-lit at night, but visitors should still take normal precautions. Stay in populated areas, keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit streets, and use reputable transportation when traveling between destinations.
3. Where can I enjoy the Manila Bay sunset at night?
Manila Bay is one of the city’s most popular places to watch the sunset. The waterfront offers beautiful views as the sky changes color. Arrive before sunset to find a good viewing spot, especially on weekends.
4. What can I do in Intramuros at night?
Intramuros has a different atmosphere after sunset. Visitors can walk along its historic streets, admire Spanish-era architecture, enjoy dinner at nearby restaurants, and join evening heritage or cultural tours.
5. Where should I go for nightlife in Manila?
Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Malate, and Poblacion are among the most popular nightlife areas. They offer restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and nightclubs to suit different tastes and budgets.
6. What are the best places for rooftop views in Manila at night?
Makati and BGC are excellent choices for rooftop dining and drinks with panoramic city views. Several hotels and high-rise establishments also have rooftop lounges where visitors can enjoy Manila’s illuminated skyline.
7. Can I experience Filipino food at night in Manila?
Yes. Nighttime is an excellent opportunity to sample Filipino dishes such as sisig, lechon, adobo, pancit, grilled seafood, and Filipino street food. Food markets and late-night eateries are particularly good options for casual dining.
8. Are there night markets in Manila?
Yes. Manila and surrounding districts have evening markets and food bazaars where visitors can find street food, snacks, clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and other local products. Operating schedules can vary depending on the location and day.
9. What are the best things to do in Manila at night for couples?
Couples can watch the sunset at Manila Bay, enjoy a romantic rooftop dinner, explore Intramuros, listen to live music, enjoy cocktails overlooking the skyline, or take an evening stroll around BGC.
10. What can families do in Manila at night?
Families can enjoy dinner, visit shopping malls, watch a movie, explore family-friendly entertainment venues, or stop at cafés and dessert shops. Manila’s major malls are convenient because they combine dining, shopping, and entertainment.
11. Is Manila good for nightlife?
Yes. Manila offers a diverse nightlife scene, from relaxed neighborhood bars and live-music venues to sophisticated cocktail lounges and energetic nightclubs. Visitors can easily find entertainment that matches their preferred style.
12. What time does nightlife start in Manila?
Restaurants and casual bars generally get busier around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., while clubs and late-night venues tend to get livelier later in the evening. Weekends are usually the busiest.
13. What should I wear for a night out in Manila?
It depends on where you are going. Casual clothes are suitable for restaurants, food markets, and sightseeing, while rooftop bars, upscale restaurants, and nightclubs may require smart-casual attire. Comfortable footwear is recommended if you plan to walk.
14. What is the best way to get around Manila at night?
Ride-hailing services, taxis, and private transportation are convenient choices. Manila traffic can remain heavy in the evening, so allow extra travel time. When walking, stick to busy and well-lit areas.
15. What are the best free things to do in Manila at night?
Free activities include watching the sunset at Manila Bay, strolling through public areas, admiring the illuminated skyline, exploring busy neighborhoods, and window-shopping in major commercial districts.
16. Is Manila worth visiting at night?
Absolutely. Manila becomes especially lively after sunset, with illuminated historic landmarks, restaurants, nightlife districts, street food, live entertainment, and beautiful city views. Experiencing Manila at night is a great way to see a different side of the Philippine capital.
Manila Travel and Tour Packages
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Manila, Philippines, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also, see:
- Where to go: The 20 Best Day Trips from Manila
- A Guide to the Best Shopping Spots in Manila
- Top 10 Things to Do in Metro Manila that are Free (Nearly Free)
- Binondo Food Crawl: Best Places to Eat in Manila’s Chinatown
- IKEA Philippines to Open Two Stores in Metro Manila Soon
