Makati Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

Makati,  Philippines: Clubs, Bars, and Nightlife Tips

Makati, which is the financial capital of the the Philippines, features tall skyscrapers, large shopping centers, and historic landmarks and museums. Once the sun goes down, people hit the town to experience a booming nightlife scene that offers something for everyone.

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Greenbelt Complex

The Greenbelt complex is a large shopping mall divided into five sections, complete with bars, lounges, and nightclubs. Greenbelt sections two through five each offer a distinct flair, and the entire complex is a sight to see, so you may want to walk through each section before choosing a place to settle at.

Generally, spots open at 11:00 a.m., but you won’t start to see groups gather until around 5:00 p.m., and the action continues until 2:00 a.m. Most establishments offer a Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where you can find discounted food and drinks.

The dress code for this area isn’t demanding. Casual attire is fine, so this a good place to visit if you want to enjoy yourself without having to get too dressed up.

All-Night Fun at Burgos Street

After the former red light district of the city was gentrified in the 1990s, many of the go-go bars and disco bars relocated to Burgos Street. This is the place to be if you’re looking for all-night entertainment, as most of the establishments are open for almost 24 hours a day. You’ll find everything from restaurants and sports bars to more unusual places like Ringside Bar, which features different types of boxing with visitors acting as referees in the ring. Don’t volunteer to be a referee unless you’re willing to buy drinks for the boxers after the bout.

Another popular place in Burgos Street is Cafe Cubana Makati. This place is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, so you can visit at anytime to enjoy a variety of Cuban food items such as tamales and arroz a la Cubana. You’ll also find a lengthy drink menu, featuring everything from cocktails to foreign and local beers, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The bar features outdoor seating and indoor seating, so you can sit outside and people-watch when the weather is nice, or go inside and chat with locals and foreigners. Happy Hour is offered every day from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on all local spirits and beers.

High-End Bar Experience

Visit the world-famous Long Bar, located at the Raffles Hotel Chain in the Ayala Center. This high-end bar offers standard bar food, but specializes in international beer and cocktails. If you’re willing to splurge, try out the Singapore Sling cocktail, which was created at the original Long Bar in Singapore, or go with the Manilla Sling, a luxurious cocktail that’s topped with gold leafs for an elegant appearance that complements its delicious taste. This bar has a smart casual dress code, so you’ll need to leave the flip-flops and shorts at your hotel.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tips on Makati Warnings and Dangers – Stay Safe!
• Philippines Travel Guide: What to Do in Philippines
• In the Southernmost Part of the Philippines

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about nightlife in Makati.