Best Rooftop Bars in Manila: Skyline Views & Sunset Cocktails

Rooftop bar with Manila city skyline view at sunset

Panoramic Views

360-degree Manila skyline vistas from multiple elevated locations perfect for sunsets and city lights

Craft Cocktails

Expertly crafted drinks from sophisticated bars ranging from classic to creative house specialties

Special Occasions

Perfect venues for dates, celebrations, and memorable moments with unbeatable backdrops

Golden hour (5:30-6:30 PM) during sunset offers the most spectacular lighting with warm hues across the city. Just after sunset (6:45-7:30 PM), the city lights illuminate brilliantly while the sky retains some color. For atmosphere, twilight hours are perfect. Late evening (9 PM onward) offers stunning night views but loses the sunset magic.

Most rooftop bars follow smart casual dress codes. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, and tank tops. Collared shirts, nice blouses, closed-toe shoes, and neat casual wear are generally acceptable. Higher-end venues like The Penthouse may expect slightly dressier attire. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to have dressier crowds, but enforcement is typically relaxed.

Cocktails typically range 300-500 pesos depending on venue and drink complexity. Most venues don't have minimum spend requirements for walk-ins, though weekend reservations sometimes do. Arriving before happy hour or during weekday early evenings often offers better pricing. Many venues offer reasonably priced local beers and softer drinks alongside premium options.

Firefly Roofdeck

📍 32nd Floor, City Garden Grand Hotel, 8008 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati

Perched on the 32nd floor of City Garden Grand Hotel, Firefly Roofdeck offers one of Makati's highest vantage points with 360-degree views of the city skyline. The outdoor terrace provides unobstructed views perfect for sunset watching, while the indoor area offers air-conditioned comfort. The menu features a mix of Asian and international cuisine alongside craft cocktails and premium spirits. Open until 2 AM daily, Firefly attracts both hotel guests and locals seeking elevated dining and drinking experiences. The venue is particularly popular for special occasions and group celebrations, with its panoramic views creating a memorable backdrop. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings and sunset hours. Contact +63 2 8554 3429.

"The views from the 32nd floor are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset. Cocktails are well-crafted and reasonably priced for a rooftop venue. Service is attentive and the atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated." - Based on reviews

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Manila's rooftop bars each offer distinct personalities reflecting their locations and target audiences. Firefly attracts sunset seekers and special occasion celebrants. O2 draws BGC professionals and cosmopolitan visitors. The Penthouse 8747 serves mature crowds seeking refined elegance. Straight Up caters to Instagram-savvy travelers and local weekend crowds. Antidote appeals to night owls and international travelers. Choosing between them depends on your timing, dress code tolerance, budget, and whether you prioritize classic ambiance or modern energy.

O2 Rooftop Bar

📍 27th Floor Penthouse, The Residences at Bonifacio Civic Center Tower, 6 McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig

Located on the 27th floor of D2 Residences in BGC, O2 Rooftop Bar delivers a sophisticated rooftop experience with panoramic views of Bonifacio Global City and beyond. The modern, sleek design creates an upscale atmosphere perfect for after-work drinks or weekend socializing. Live entertainment adds energy to the space, while the cocktail menu features creative signatures like the Gimlet alongside classic favorites. The outdoor deck offers fresh air and unobstructed skyline views, while the indoor lounge provides a more intimate setting. Located near SM Aura, O2 is easily accessible and draws a cosmopolitan crowd of BGC professionals and visitors.

"One of BGC's best rooftop experiences. The 27th floor location offers amazing views, especially at night when the city lights up. Cocktails are creative and well-executed, and the live music adds great ambiance." - Based on reviews

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Manila rooftop bar at sunset with panoramic city skyline view

Expertly crafted cocktails on a rooftop bar with Manila city lights in background

Upscale rooftop bar lounge area in Manila at night with skyline view

Elegant rooftop bar counter with Manila skyline views and professional ambiance

Rooftop Bar Planning Tips

Visit for sunset (5:30-6:30 PM) for the best city light show. Reservations are essential on weekends at popular venues. Dress code varies: Firefly and O2 are smart casual, The Penthouse 8747 requires dressier attire. Many rooftops have minimum spend requirements on weekends. The best time to experience Manila's skyline is just after sunset when the city lights have kicked in but the sky still has color.

The Penthouse 8747

📍 20th Floor, Lepanto Building, 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati

The Penthouse 8747 transports guests to old Hollywood glamor with its Art Deco-inspired design and sophisticated atmosphere. Located on the 20th floor of the historic Lepanto Building along Paseo de Roxas, this rooftop bar exudes elegance with vintage furnishings, mood lighting, and stunning views of the Makati skyline. The cocktail menu leans classic with impeccable execution, while the tapas selection offers elevated bar food. The dress code skews smart casual, attracting a mature, professional crowd seeking refined nightlife experiences. The space works equally well for romantic dates and intimate group gatherings. Live jazz and acoustic performances on select evenings enhance the upscale ambiance.

"Feels like stepping back to golden-age Hollywood. The Art Deco design is stunning, cocktails are expertly crafted, and the views are spectacular. Perfect for special occasions or impressing a date." - Based on reviews

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Call ahead or use social media (Facebook/Instagram) to reach the venue. For smaller groups (2-3 people) on weekdays, walk-ins are often fine. Weekend reservations should be made 1-2 weeks advance. Larger groups (6+) need reservations 2-4 weeks ahead. Many rooftop bars hold a few tables for walk-ins; arriving before peak hours (9 PM) increases your chances of getting a table without a reservation.

Firefly offers mid-range pricing and accessible sunset views. O2 suits BGC professionals with modern design and live entertainment. The Penthouse 8747 caters to those seeking old Hollywood glamor and sophistication. Straight Up balances modern design with reasonable pricing. Antidote is best for night owls and unique experiences (jellyfish tank). Choose based on your vibe preference and budget.

Straight Up Bar

📍 15th Floor, Seda BGC, 30th Street corner 11th Avenue, Taguig

Straight Up Bar, Seda Hotels' signature rooftop venue, offers a sleek and modern rooftop experience in the heart of BGC. The 15th-floor location provides sweeping city views complemented by a sophisticated design aesthetic. The bar specializes in craft cocktails and premium spirits, with a menu that balances creativity and classic appeal. Gourmet bar bites pair perfectly with the drinks, making it easy to spend an entire evening here. The indoor-outdoor setup allows guests to choose between air-conditioned comfort or open-air atmosphere. Straight Up attracts hotel guests and BGC residents alike, creating a social yet refined vibe. The venue works well for both casual drinks and special celebrations.

"Consistently excellent rooftop bar in BGC. The modern design is Instagram-worthy, cocktails are top-notch, and the city views from the 15th floor are gorgeous. Great for sunset drinks or late-night sessions." - Based on reviews

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Yes, a "rooftop crawl" is entirely feasible since most venues are distributed across accessible areas (Makati and BGC). Start early evening at a sunset-focused venue like Firefly, then move to a more energetic spot like O2 or Straight Up. The key is pacing yourself--allow 1.5-2 hours per venue and eat at some stops to maintain your energy and consumption level.

Absolutely. Rooftop bars are Instagram-famous for a reason. Most venues welcome photography, though some request you don't overly disrupt other guests. The best light for photos is golden hour (sunset) or twilight blue hour (20-30 minutes after sunset). Daytime shots can look washed out; early evening lighting is most forgiving and photogenic.

Antidote Gastropub

📍 Rooftop, I'M Hotel, 7862 Makati Avenue, Makati

Antidote Gastropub combines panoramic Makati skyline views with a unique attraction--a mesmerizing luminescent jellyfish aquarium that adds an otherworldly element to the rooftop setting. Open until 5 AM most nights, Antidote caters to night owls and after-hours crowds seeking quality drinks with a view. The gastropub menu offers creative tapas and elevated bar food that goes beyond typical rooftop fare. The cocktail selection balances innovation with classics, executed by skilled bartenders. The outdoor deck maximizes the skyline views, while the indoor area features the signature jellyfish tank. The late hours and central Makati location make Antidote a go-to for ending long nights or starting early mornings with sunrise views over the city.

"The jellyfish tank alone is worth the visit, but the skyline views seal the deal. Open until 5 AM makes it perfect for late-night drinks. Cocktails are solid and the tapas menu is surprisingly good." - Based on reviews

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