14 Best Nightlife Experiences in Manila

Black Market Manila is a trendy club that caters mostly to a cool crowd looking for something beyond DJs playing top 40 pop hits. A warehouse-style club with an industrial concept that plays edgier underground music, the place sees a good mix of locals, expats, and tourists all looking to have a good time. Music depends on the night, but you might hear anything from drum & bass to dubstep to hip hop. 

Filipino musicians are famous all around the main tourist destinations of Southeast Asia and beyond. It seems that the talent for singing or playing a musical instrument is in the blood of every person in the country. There are live music bars aplenty in Manila, and you should easily find a bar dedicated to your favourite style of music.

Craft Rock & Grill and Handlebar specialise in rock music, while Tago Jazz Cafe attracts world music and jazz aficionados, 12 Monkey’s Music Hall & Pub and Tomato Kick are into indie and acoustic, and Strumm’s Makati is the right venue if you like retro music.

City of Dreams Manila is 6.2-hectare complex that houses 3 hotels (Crown Towers Manila, Nobu Hotel Manila and Hyatt Hotel) and a casino, as well as plenty of bars, lounges, KTV rooms and nightclubs. You can also find the DreamPlay theme park and The Shops at The Boulevard Mall within this massive complex. City of Dreams Manila is open for 24 hours.

Many Filipinos are skilled musicians and talented singers, and they usually enjoy spending the evening around a drink while singing along with their favourite tunes. Therefore, KTV or karaoke boxes can be found all around the city.

Club ZZYZX Manila occupies a large space with a mezzanine overlooking the dancefloor. It's one of the best places in Malate to dance and drink all night long. This nightclub also serves food for you to enjoy in the comfortable lounging areas on the 2nd floor. Club ZZYZX Manila is located on Remedios Circle in Malate, a district reputed for its lively nightlife scene.

House Manila at Holiday Inn Express Manila offers a world-class clubbing experience. It's an opulent and large venue that can accommodate up to 1,600 people, including 400 seats. Electronic Dance Music and Top 40 hits rock most of the nights, with local and international DJs on tour bringing original sounds on special nights.  

Revel at The Palace is a luxurious nightclub that attracts stylish locals, expats and tourists looking to enjoy a fun night out. You’ll find lavish décor and furnishing, upscale and intimate ambience, and a wide range of dance music. International DJs often stop by Revel at The Palace on weekends, so head there early for the best spots. The entrance fee allows you 2 drinks and gives you access to Palace Pool (another famed club set around a swimming pool).

Royal Night Club on General Luna Street, features a French and English-inspired, palatial décor, top-quality sound and lighting equipment, and plenty of comfortable VIP lounges, both around the dancefloor and in a mezzanine above it.

Special theme nights include Ladies, Throwback, Fresh, and All Star, which take place from Thursday to Sunday. The music policy at Royal Night Club is a mix of House, EDM, Top 40, mashups, and hip hop.

The Palace Manila is a popular nightlife destination located in the hip and dynamic city of Taguig. The complex consists of several nightclubs as well as a day club, bar, and restaurant. The entire facility is all about a luxurious experience, so expect a good mix of local celebrities, expats, and Manila's affluent youths. Some of the busiest spots within The Palace Manila include  XYLO Nightclub, The Island, and Revel.