Affordable Night-Time Adventures: Exploring Manila After Sundown

I was a noob when it came to the Manila night scene. The first time I came to Manila, I spent nights at my hotel watching Netflix. When people ask me what they can do at night in Manila, my usual answer is hmm, I am not sure.

There are many things you can do at night in Manila. Since I lived here in 2018, my friends brought me to many places we can do at night. Here are the places I recommend to you.

Fun things to do and cool spots to check out in Manila at night

Venturing out into Manila’s nightlife is a thrilling experience. From unique dining on private yachts in Manila Bay to the pulsating dance floors of local clubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

1. Visit a Comedy Club in Malate

You should check out a comedy club if you want a place to release steam and stress. Comedy clubs in the heart of Malate, Manila, offer a unique blend of humor and local culture.

Learn from the comedians’ jokes here. The atmosphere in these clubs is designed to foster laughter and joy, providing guests with an unforgettable night of entertainment.

2. Watch Amazing Show

Check out The Amazing Show, celebrated as the country’s premier theatrical family show. It offers a vibrant and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

This spectacular production showcases many performances, likely featuring talented artists and performers who bring various stories and cultural highlights to life through dance, music, and theatrical acts.

The amazing show combines Asian culture and mainstream pop mixed with funny and dramatic short shows, so you will be entertained for the whole time. 

Situated in Pasay, it provides unique and memorable entertainment. For more information, you can visit their website at www.amazingshow.net.

3. Plan a Dinner Cruise for Your Special Someone

If you are here for a romantic holiday or your honeymoon, why not plan a romantic dinner on a cruise?

Eat delicious food, enjoy the sunset on Manila Bay, and have a lifetime of memories. Check out the pictures.

There are many cruises available for this. I have listed some below.

3. Sing Your Heart Out at a Karaoke Bar

Interestingly, Filipinos believe that everyone is a talented singer. I am a Grammy-worthy singer as well. Hahaha.

It is not surprising that the karaoke business is thriving in the Philippines. If you have nothing to do at night, why not go to one of these karaoke bars and enjoy the night with singing and laughter?

Best Night Markets in Manila

Check out the night markets if you like shopping and cheap food. Manila has many night markets, but the two are best for me.

1. Divisoria Night Market

If you have time to visit only 1 night market, you should make Divisoria Night Market the one for you to visit.

This is like going to Alibaba/Aliexpress on foot. Shoes, garments, bags, fashion accessories, and home furnishing, you name it, and you can find it here.

There is more to this night market than shopping. If you want to try something new, try the local delicacies here.

Try to go here on weekdays and if you do, get there by train. I just wanted to inform you that you will thank me later.

2. Mercato Centrale

Number 2 on my list is a different yet equally vibrant scene at the Mercato Centrale.

Mercato Centrale in Manila is a vibrant night market famous for its wide range of food stalls. Visitors can indulge in everything from traditional street foods to gourmet dishes.

Food lovers should come here; this is a food lover’s paradise.

Catch live music by local indie bands and artists.

For those who are into live music, Manila has an abundance of places where you can catch live music by local bands and artists. The two places below are my favorite places.

1. Jess & Pat’s Bar in Quezon City

There’s always something that attracts you back to this place again. There is Nice food, outdoor and indoor areas, good service, and, best of all, live music to enjoy. I don’t know how many times I have come here.

There are weekly gigs, events, and open mics. They usually update this on their social media. You can get the band merch here as well.

2. SaGuijo in Makati City

Another place to catch live music is SaGuijo. It’s a house converted into a bar in a residential area.

Almost all the big, well-respected artists have performed here. Although the food is not up to par with Jess & Pat’s bar, it is decent for me.

This place is a good alternative to Jess & Pat’s Bar; you can also try to enjoy live music here.

Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views

If you want a romantic night out or enjoy stunning views of Manila at night, check out these bars. They are not cheap, but they are money well spent.

1. Sky Deck View Bar

Sky Deck View Bar is located on top of the Bayleaf Hotel. The Sky Deck View Bar offers a fabulous view of Manila city center.

I love the sunset here. If you can, come here early to catch the beautiful sunset. If you are lucky, there are sometimes live performances.

Food-wise, it is average, and the menu is a hit-and-miss. My favorite is the Kare-Kare.

2. The Nest Dining in the Sky

This sky bar is located at the Vivier Hotel. It offers awesome city views, relaxing music, and hit-and-miss food.

One good thing I like about The Nest is the service. I was with my friend, and she was under the weather. They helped and gave her the best service possible by attending to her needs.

Trendy Nightclubs and Bars

Fancy dancing throughout the night? Then check out these nightclubs and bars.

1. Revel at the Palace

This place mostly starts to hype past midnight; you could meet cool new people to party with.

For your information, there’s a dress code to enter. You’ll need to dress appropriately and smartly. I have seen people get rejected because of this. I would suggest that you try your best to dress accordingly.

The service here is top-notch, though. There is nice music and good vibes, and it is a good place to enjoy. The entrance fee includes two free drinks.

2. Manila nightlife scene in Poblacion

The Poblacion district is where you want to be for nightclubs in Manila. Not too far from Revel, there are many nightclubs to choose from.

My personal favorite is Royal and The Fun Roof. The Royal is a normal nightclub with all the vibes of a nightclub. I like to go to Royal to enjoy the true blue nightclub vibe.

The Fun Roof is another way to experience a nightclub. There are games you can play in there. Games such as Curling and Extreme Basketball. It is another way to enjoy the night out of the usual nightclub vibe.

Chill and budget-friendly activities to do in Manila during sundown

For the budget-conscious backpackers, who says you need to dig deep into your pockets to enjoy Manila when the sun goes down?

Check out these activities.

1. Go Jogging Around National Parks for a Breath of Fresh Air

Manila has a lot of parks where you can jog or just stroll and enjoy the beautiful Manila nightlife.

There is Rizal Park, to begin with. It has a deep history and monumental moments in Philippine history.

With tree lights, outdoor restaurants, museums, and parks, Ayala Triangle Garden is my favorite place to hang out at night. Sitting down, soaking in the atmosphere, and looking at the people around me makes me feel at ease.

2. Dabble on Night Photography and Capture the Best Moments

For the photographer enthusiast, you can try to take pictures of Manila. There is everything here for you to take a picture of.

From the bustling streets to the night markets and more, all these places are Instagram-worthy places to snap pictures.

3. Join a Group Night Walking Tour in Intramuros

How about a guided night tour of Intramuros? Escape the heat of Manila with the tour of the Walled City.

There are many affordable guided tours to choose from.

4. Watch the Sunset in Manila Bay

One of my favorites is to chill around Manila Bay and catch the sunset. My go-to place after work. I love to just stroll here, walking leisurely, and then catch something to eat. There are a lot of places to dine here.

Popular places like Roxas Boulevard, the Baywalk, and SM Mall of Asia are good places to catch the sunset.