Must see nightlife in Manila

A precinct of cool bars, cheap eats and boutiques, Cubao X is a must for anyone interested in Manila's underground scene. Venues come and go, but boozy…

This snazzy tequila bar and Mexican eatery carries a rotating selection of close to 85 different tequilas and mezcals, Mexican beers and several types of…

This arty new bar is a breath of fresh air on the fringes of Makati's Central Business District. Superb selection of craft beer, both in bottles and on…

Inspired by the Singapore original, this lobby-level watering hole at the Raffles Makati has an unbeatable happy hour – all-you-can-drink beer, wine and…

Agimat should be a mandatory stop for any cocktail person. The head bartender forages for obscure herbs and other natural ingredients around the country…

A self-described 'drinking den', this sophisticated secret bar is hidden behind a 7-Eleven in The Fort. It has a huge selection of spirits, craft…

In the heart of The Fort, this is Manila's top LGTB nightclub. No flamboyant drag shows here, just hunky dancers and top DJs holding court in front of a…

Owned by a Costa Rican, Pura Vida brings a dash of laid-back Caribbean attitude to the heart of Poblacion, with occasional reggae bands, arroz con…

Around since 1977, the Oarhouse is a Malate treasure, attracting an intelligent, boozy crowd of regulars, comprising students, journalists and foreigners…

There's no doubt where the top backpacker party spot is in Manila. The roof deck at Z Hostel draws hot local and foreign DJ talent and is popular with…

A happening, down-to-earth craft-beer specialist nestled in an open-air nook near Burgos Circle. There are 25 beers on tap (P225 to P295), including a few…

A real bohemian hang-out with suitably tattooed bartenders slinging original drinks like the signature 'baywalker' (a salted-rim Long Island iced tea of…

Perched atop the Bayleaf hotel in Intramuros is one of Manila's best open-air rooftop bars, with 360-degree views of the metropolis. Come for sunset post…

This elegant rooftop lounge is 32 storeys up at the City Garden Grand Hotel. It has nearly 360-degree views of Makati, a wide-ranging cocktail and craft…

The latest and greatest nightclub offering from the Palace Group, which brought superclub Valkyrie to Manila. The crowd is even wealthier, more…

Manila's best selection of craft beer can be found at this little shop/bar in the Fort. Huge range of both domestic and international brews available …

Rooftop Casa Bambu is a great stop for open-air beats and all-around fun. They also get quality live-music from time to time – check the Facebook page.

This leftist-themed institution adjoins the HUB Make Lab in the artsy First United Bldg and represents an important step in the revival of once-chic…

In the alternative village known as Cubao Expo, Fred's is Manila's most famous counterculture hang-out, although it also draws its fair share of regular…

A new concept for Manila's trendiest bar district, the Social is a mini food-park infused with pumping beats and centred around a bar that specialises in…