Manila Nightlife
This modern city teeming with 20th century architecture and metropolitan influences has all the evening entertainment that you would expect from a modern city.
Friendly and charming, the city is used as a base by many to explore the surrounding area, and this is reflected in the welcoming evening atmosphere.
Urban chaos it may be, but look beyond the surface and you might fall in love with this authentic, living Philippino gem.
One top site for those seeking a rewarding culinary experience is Ilustrado. Described as garden dining, this Spanish-era house is a popular coffee shop by day and a formal dining area by night. The food is a Spanish and Filipino mix, elaborately prepared and served with care. Speciality dishes include the pork chops in spicy sauce.
Harbor View specialises in Filipino menus and is laid back and authentic.
Situated on a jetty, the restaurant sticks out so far into the water that you?ll feel like you?re bobbing along on a boat. Head towards South Boulevard to find this hidden paradise with a top location.
For something a little more international, head to the People's Palace on the Greenbelt. This Tai restaurant is in the popular entertainment district of Makati, marking the change in focus from the previously more popular Malate.
Colourful and sprightly fare greets the restaurant?s patrons and, surrounded by high concept interior design, you have a great location here to sit and observe the day to day activity of the city.
Makati itself is actually the city's financial centre, or central business district, but it is here that the real evening buzz can be found. It is just 20 minutes from the airport, so perfect for finding a welcome beverage on arrival.
Makati is an area popular with expatriates who live and work in the city, so has a really international flavour. This has the additional consequence of attracting high class shopping malls like the Rockwell Centre, as well as the most expensive hotels.
Though the district is a fun and lively one, particularly when the sun goes down, this can give a misleading impression to visitors as it is a hugely wealthy area in comparison to some of Manila's other quarters.
"The area defined as the 'tourist belt' is very close to the [Rizal] park," says the city's official website. "Along Roxas Boulevard are located most of the first class hotels, coffee shops, nightclubs, speciality restaurants and bars."
"Parks, museums, theatres, recreational facilities and exhibition centres catering to the needs of local residents are also generally the places that entertain and attract foreign tourists."
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Nightlife and Eating & Drinking
