Best Places to See the City Skyline in Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines, Manila, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Places to See the City Skyline

Best Places to See the City Skyline in Manila, Philippines

Manila Baywalk

1. Manila Baywalk

- This scenic promenade along Roxas Boulevard offers breathtaking sunset views and a complete panorama of Manila's skyline. It provides an open space to stroll or sit by the bay, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying the cityscape. An advantage is its easy accessibility from various parts of the city.
  • Accessibility: Located adjacent to major roads and transport links.
  • Cost: Free to access, making it budget-friendly.
  • Atmosphere: Provides a calm and relaxing environment by the water.
  • Photography: Perfect location for capturing sunset skyline photos.
  • Safety: Frequented by tourists and locals, offering a secure space.
Bayleaf Skydeck View Bar

2. Bayleaf Skydeck View Bar

- Situated in Intramuros, this rooftop bar offers a bird’s-eye view of both historic sites and modern buildings. The combination of good food, drinks, and views makes it ideal for unwinding. It addresses the challenge of experiencing Manila’s colonial charm alongside its vibrant skyline.
  • Dining: Offers an excellent combination of dining and skyline viewing.
  • Ambiance: A lively, yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for evenings.
  • Location: Located in the historic Intramuros area, adding historic context.
  • Timing: Best visited in the evening for sunset and night skyline views.
  • Accessibility: Easily reachable via public transport or walking within Intramuros.
Top of the Alpha by Louie Y

3. Top of the Alpha by Louie Y

- Located on the 34th floor of the Alphaland Corporate Tower, this bar provides a luxurious setting with sweeping views of the Manila skyline. This venue answers the demand for a high-end vantage point coupled with entertainment. Guests can enjoy live jazz music along with their view.
  • Entertainment: Live jazz enhances the experience.
  • Luxury: Offers upscale amenities and services.
  • Vantage Point: Provides a high-altitude view, ideal for clear sightseeing.
  • Exclusivity: Offers a less crowded, intimate atmosphere.
  • Accessibility: Located near key hotels and business areas.
Sky Deck View Bar

4. Sky Deck View Bar

- Located in The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, this bar offers panoramic views of Manila's skyline and the historic city walls. It's a great spot to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the city. This venue caters to travelers looking to experience both modernity and history.
  • View: Offers clear views of both historic sites and the modern skyline.
  • Atmosphere: Provides a relaxing environment with a historical twist.
  • Accessibility: Nestled within a historic zone with easy access.
  • Dining: Offers both dining and bar options for visitors.
  • Timing: Best experienced during sunset for an enhanced look.
Fort Santiago

5. Fort Santiago

- While primarily a historical site, the walls of Fort Santiago offer an impressive perch for viewing the skyline across Manila Bay. It caters to travelers interested in coupling historical exploration with skyline views. The open-air setting provides fresh perspectives of the city's modern growth.
  • Historical Context: Combines historical significance with modern views.
  • Location: Centrally located within the historic Intramuros area.
  • Experience: Offers a unique exploration experience along with views.
  • Style: Blends outdoor walking and viewing for full immersion.
  • Timing: Daylight hours provide the best visibility of the skyline.
Marco Polo Ortigas Sky Bar

6. Marco Polo Ortigas Sky Bar

- Located on the 45th floor, this sky bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating, presenting a 360-degree view of the city. This bar solves the problem of limited sky viewing access in Ortigas. It's ideal for visitors who appreciate luxury with their urban views.
  • View: Offers stunning, all-around views of the metropolis.
  • Luxury: High-end atmosphere with exquisite service.
  • Interior/Exterior: Options for both indoor dining and outdoor viewing.
  • Location: Central placement within a business district.
  • Timing: Best for evening trips to enjoy the lit-up skyline.
Aspire Tower by The Upperhouse

7. Aspire Tower by The Upperhouse

- This exclusive tower in Quezon City provides a rooftop bar with expansive skyline views. It caters to those who prefer an off-beat location coupled with city views. The unique setting is especially appealing to visitors looking for something less mainstream.
  • Exclusivity: Provides a special, less crowded experience.
  • Location: Situated away from usual tourist trails for a different vibe.
  • Dining: Offers high-quality food and drink options.
  • Atmosphere: Trendy and sophisticated ambiance.
  • Accessibility: Not as easily reachable as more central locations, perfect for explorers.
Antipolo Overlooking

8. Antipolo Overlooking

- Although slightly outside Manila in Antipolo, this area offers stunning views of Manila's distant skyline framed by lush greenery. It's the perfect escape for those seeking a closer connection with nature while appreciating urban vistas. This area is great for day trips and leisurely picnics.
  • Nature: Scenic greenery surrounds enhance the viewing experience.
  • Accessibility: Reachable by a short drive from Manila.
  • Cost: Mostly free access, making it budget-friendly.
  • Picnic: Suitable for day trips with family or friends.
  • Photography: Offers picturesque settings for garden-city skyline shots.
Spiral at Sofitel

9. Spiral at Sofitel

- This upscale dining venue offers a view over Manila Bay, providing diners with a cityscape backdrop as they enjoy world-class cuisine. It serves travelers looking for gourmet dining combined with scenic outlooks. Its location by the bay ensures an always changing backdrop.
  • Dining: Extensive buffet with incredible culinary variety.
  • View: Provides an attractive view of Manila Bay and skyline.
  • Ambiance: Sophisticated, with a focus on culinary art.
  • Service: Known for exemplary guest service.
  • Occasion: Perfect for celebratory dinners or special occasions.
Sky Lounge at The Peninsula

10. Sky Lounge at The Peninsula

- The Peninsula Manila’s Sky Lounge offers a sophisticated environment with mesmerizing skyline views. It focuses on combining high-quality service with a serene environment to effectively view the city. It appeals particularly to those wanting luxury away from the usual hustle.
  • Service: Renowned for luxurious and attentive service.
  • View: Offers clear, unobstructed views of Makati's skyline.
  • Vibe: Peaceful and elegant atmosphere.
  • Music: Often features live music enhancing the mood.
  • Timing: Evenings provide mesmerizing night views.
Palacio De Memoria

11. Palacio De Memoria

- This restored pre-war estate offers an unexpected blend of history with an art-decor inspired garden and acts as a unique spot to enjoy city backdrops. It is perfect for travelers who want an offbeat historical stop with a skyline view. Events and exhibits often add extra interest.
  • Historical Venue: Provides rich historical context with modern views.
  • Garden: Stylish outdoor spaces enhance viewing.
  • Exhibits: Often hosts art and cultural exhibits.
  • Architecture: Offers insights into pre-war architectural beauty.
  • Timing: Best visited during open events for full experience.
The Pool Bar at Solair

12. The Pool Bar at Solair

- Adjacent to the pool area, this bar offers relaxing views of the city skyline, specially enchanting during evenings. It provides an excellent option for those who enjoy calming water features alongside city lights. A chic option post-swim or just for evening cocktails.
  • Poolside: Offers the relaxing ambiance of a poolside setting.
  • Evening Views: Best during sunsets and evenings for calm city lights.
  • Vibe: Laid-back and chilled environment.
  • Accessibility: Conveniently located within a major hotel.
  • Patrons: Ideal for travelers already staying at the hotel or nearby.
Helicopter Tour

13. Helicopter Tour

- A helicopter tour over Manila offers a unique aerial perspective of the city skyline unlike any other. It solves the challenge of viewing Manila from atop, catering to those willing to splurge for an exceptional adventure. The view from above reveals the city's expanse and river networks.
  • Unique Perspective: The only truly aerial view on the list.
  • Experience: Offers thrilling, unforgettable memories.
  • Accessibility: Requires advance booking and planning.
  • Timing: Daylight hours present the most comprehensive city views.
  • Cost: Premium price point but unmatched in experience.
Manila Ocean Park’s Aqua Room

14. Manila Ocean Park’s Aqua Room

- This room provides a cozy, almost underwater perspective of Manila's skyline views. An aquarium hotel room offers a unique combination of land and sea views. It's perfect for those who enjoy marine life alongside an urban backdrop.
  • Unique Setting: Combines aquarium experiences with skyline views.
  • Novelty: One-of-a-kind experience in the city.
  • Family Friendly: Ideal for families with children.
  • Atmosphere: Creates a serene, almost meditative ambiance.
  • Accessibility: Within Manila, often part of longer city visits.
71 Gramercy

15. 71 Gramercy

- Once one of the city's highest nightlife destinations, 71 Gramercy still stands out for its superior views from the heart of Makati. This high-altitude vantage point responds to the need for city views paired with vibrant nightlife. Visitors can savor the hustle below from a serene height.
  • Nightlife: Adds a party element with spectacular views.
  • Centrally Located: In the heart of Makati, easy to reach.
  • Altitude: Its height guarantees sweeping cityscapes.
  • Design: Stylish interiors complement the view.
  • Timing: Ideal for night owls and late evening visitors.
McKinley Hill Venice Grand Canal

16. McKinley Hill Venice Grand Canal

- Venice Grand Canal offers canal-side views with the skyline elegantly reflected in the water, creating a serene city exploration experience. It's a place that solves the need for memorable, photogenic experiences in Manila. The area is also full of shops and dining spots.
  • Scenic Waterways: Enhances the city view with canal reflections.
  • Atmosphere: Provides a European-style, elegant setting.
  • Accessibility: Well-connected via public transport.
  • Shopping: Offers retail therapy alongside views.
  • Dining: Many food outlets provide a range of options.
Bonifacio High Street

17. Bonifacio High Street

- This open-air mall in BGC features green spaces intermixed with excellent views of towering cityscapes. It's an answer to those wanting to combine shopping with light outdoor relaxation and skyline views. The pedestrian-friendly setup invites casual strolls.
  • Shopping: Numerous shops and brands to explore.
  • Pet-Friendly: Open spaces allow for pets.
  • Urban Design: Innovative layout with views as part of the experience.
  • Transport: Surrounded by efficient transport means.
  • Local Vibe: A favorite spot among locals and expats.
RCBC Plaza

18. RCBC Plaza

- This dual-tower complex offers a range of terraces and views of the Manila skyline from its central location. It addresses the need for both arts and business-centric visits with exhibitions and events often hosted in-house. The skyline vistas from different floors offer variety.
  • Business Hub: Often combines work with pleasure views.
  • Artistic: Venue for cultural and artistic events.
  • Versatility: Offers multiple vantage points.
  • Location: Nestled in a busy business area, easy access.
  • Design: Modern architectural design enhances viewing experience.
Coconut Palace

19. Coconut Palace

- A unique architectural piece, the Coconut Palace provides surrounding garden views leading out to Manila Bay's skyline. It resolves the need for combining architectural sightseeing with skyline appreciation. Known for its unique construction materials and history.
  • Unique Material: Built from local coconut and palm wood.
  • Gardens: Lush landscaped gardens enhance skyline views.
  • Historical Design: Architecturally significant with a story.
  • Location: Positioned ideally near the bay.
  • Timing: Day trips offer the most detail in architecture and scenery.
The Penthouse 8747

20. The Penthouse 8747

- This 1930s-themed rooftop bar in the heart of Makati offers fine views alongside a speakeasy-style ambiance. It fulfills the aesthetic and viewing need for vintage flair combined with modern cityscapes. Ideal for those seeking a unique nightlife backdrop.
  • Ambiance: Offers 1930s-themed design and mood.
  • Centrality: Located in Makati’s bustling district.
  • Night Views: Perfect for an illuminated skyline experience.
  • Exclusivity: Intimate and elite setting for gatherings.
  • Entertainment: Regularly highlights jazz and themed events.