Poblacion, Makati, Philippines
When in Manila and looking for an interesting spot for a drink or a bite, Poblacion in Makati is the place you definitely won't want to miss. A favorite of foreign travelers due to its many bars and it's red light district, Poblacion has recently reinvented itself into a hip area full of cafes, boutique hotels, bars and restaurants, most with an intimate and artsy vibe. With all the establishments within walking distance, travelers can book their stay in one of the many affordable hotels and hostels in the area and explore the place or generally a pub crawl is the another way to best experience the area. Although not in a high-end part of Makati, Poblacion is relatively safe, and the humble surroundings also adds to the experience of exploring this vibrant part of Makati.
There are many places to choose from when exploring Poblacion, from hole in the wall joints, rooftop bars, and outdoor grill restaurants among others that suits every taste. You'll also be seeing what the Philippines' busiest area looks like after the sun sets, with workers, vendors, sightseers, and travelers all keeping the place busy even to the late hours of the night. A must if you're out with friends or looking to make new ones and want to experience something fun and different in Metro Manila's central business district.
Makati Avenue
Lub D
A clean, simple and conveniently-located budget hotel in the heart of Poblacion. You can choose from a private room, dorm-type or a barkada room. Very ideal for backpackers or for people who want to experience the Poblacion night life across multiple days. They have a spacious lounge where you can play some games, socialize with other guests, have some coffee and eat some free popcorn from 4-6pm.
W https://www.lubd.com/makati/
Antidote
I’M Hotel’s rooftop bar features an aquarium full of jelly fish and in my opinion has the best roof deck view in Poblacion. Since it’s located in a hotel expect the food and drinks to be a bit pricey.
W https://imhotel.com/antidote/
Kalayaan Avenue
NoKal MNL
A multi-level bar and restaurant with each of the three floors featuring a different vibe and façade. Featured DJs play chill house and hiphop music all through the night. Be sure to try their own craft beer, Joe’s brew.
FB https://www.facebook.com/nokal.mnl/
IG https://www.instagram.com/nokal.mnl/
Century City Mall
Don't expect it to be huge like some other malls, but this compact mall has a lot of shopping, and dining options to offer while staying in Poblacion.
FB https://www.facebook.com/CenturyCityMall/
IG https://www.instagram.com/centurymallph/
Don Pedro Street
Alamat Filipino Pub & Deli
They have a wide selection of premium local craft beers, IPAs, stouts, lagers -most of which are on tap, and they also offer a varied menu of local dishes with a twist.
FB https://www.facebook.com/AlamatFilipinoPub/
IG https://www.instagram.com/alamatfilipinopub/
Z Hostel
Their roof deck bar is a great place to dance and drink with a great view of the Makati skyline. You pay for an RFID bracelet, which is consumable – a very easy way to order drinks and food. This place gets really crowded so better to go a bit early and save a spot that maximizes the view.
