When things become overwhelming, one can wind down by enjoying the nightlife. In Metro Manila, travelers and locals alike have a wide array of choices for destinations where they can either dance the night away or just sit down and chill.
Recently, a survey by urban culture website Time Out ranked Manila as the second out of 13 cities in the world with the best nightlife, even describing it as the “most affordable” city. The city received a “quality score” of 78 from a poll before “thousands of people in hundreds of the world’s best cities.” (https://www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-nightlife)
“A night out won’t drain your bank account in the Philippine capital, which came out as the most affordable city on our list to go out at night. Not only that, but Manila’s nightlife scene earned an impressive 78 percent quality score, too, with locals describing the city as ‘beautiful,’ ‘bright,’ and ‘alive’ after hours,” said the Time Out article.
Whether into delicious food, cold drinks, bright lights, or live acts, Metro Manila has a lot in store for travelers, as well as surprises.
Manila City, the capital of the Philippines, is no stranger to nightlife. The busy city in the daytime is transformed into a lively scene as soon as it is covered by the darkness of the night. Even at night, parts of the city remain alive, with shops, restaurants, and attractions always eager to welcome guests.
One destination travelers, especially foodies, cannot miss when visiting Manila is the district of Binondo. This part of the city, which used to be a settlement for Chinese immigrants, houses restaurants at every turn. From sumptuous Chinese dishes like dim sum, fresh spring rolls, roasted ducks, and siopao or pork buns, to crowd favorites like hopia and fresh sugarcane juice, Binondo is surely a haven for food enthusiasts.
After a satisfying dinner in Binondo, tourists can stroll in the historic walled city of Intramuros, named Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, at the 2024 World Travel Awards. When most attractions close at 5 pm and when night falls in the historic spot, the Manila Cathedral, Ayuntamiento, or the former Manila city hall, the Palacio del Gobernador, the San Agustin Church, and its streets made of cobblestones become bright with lights. Travelers can explore the walled city on foot or onboard the kalesa or horse-drawn carriages. For visitors who are looking for a nighttime thrill, Fort Santiago is open for night walking tours until 11 pm, ideal for appreciating the nostalgic ambiance of the walled city.
Manila’s neighboring cities of Pasay and Parañaque also have the potential to become top destinations for nightlife. Both cities host shopping centers and world-class facilities that can satisfy a traveler’s desire for entertainment and recreation.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Makati City’s financial district lies Poblacion, known as a hub for late-night parties. This vibrant neighborhood is home to clubs, bars and restaurants that attract travelers to experience its many charms. Either rule the dance floor or just sit back and relax with your drink, guests will surely have a fun night in Poblacion, where it is also easy to make new friends.
Another destination that night crawlers can consider visiting is Bonifacio Global City, a fast-rising business district in Taguig City. Since the area’s establishment not so long ago, it has proven itself as a haven for casual and fine dining and lively parties. From time to time, it also hosts exhibitions of exceptional artists that can make the night even livelier and brighter.
Tourists have the option of exploring these cities in Metro Manila either by themselves or with the help of tour guides accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
For more options and travel tips, the DOT established the Tourist Assistance Call Center. Travelers can reach out to the DOT anytime round-the-clock for their inquiries and concerns through the hotline number 151-TOUR or 151-8687 or mobile at +63995-835-5155. They can also contact the DOT online through email at touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; Facebook messenger at https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism; web chat at https://philippines.travel/ and https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/; or via https://philippines.travel/ and https://beta.tourism.gov.ph.
The Tourist Assistance Call Center is also connected to concerned agencies that can tackle emergencies and other forms of assistance needed by tourists.
Aside from discovering Metro Manila’s nightlife spots on their own, tourists can have the convenience of joining tours via the Philippines Hop-on Hop-off Travel App available at https://philippines-hoho.ph/ or through download on Android and iOS. The app enables users to choose tours to the cities of Manila, Makati, Pasay and Parañaque, as well as other destinations in Metro Manila, already at their fingertips.
The Philippines Hop-on Hop-off Travel App has “successfully promoted our heritage sites, museums, and lifestyle centers in the metropolis, and the entertainment spots, heralding our stories as a people,” according to DOT Secretary Christina Garca-Frasco.
She added, “In adopting and applying new technologies, we continue to ensure the competitiveness of the Philippines in the global tourism realm while providing travelers with a cost-efficient, smart, and digital environment for tourism.”
Visitors can look forward to an exciting and memorable nightlife spent in Metro Manila. By indulging in its sights and lights, food and drinks, and world-class acts, tourists will discover another reason to love the Philippines.
Visit https://thephilippines.online/ or download the Travel PH App on Android or iOS to learn more about Metro Manila and the Philippines.
