Review · Drinking Tours

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City

★ 4.5 · 6 reviews From $55

Operated by Makati City Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour · Bookable on Viator

Seven stops, one evening, plenty of variety. This Makati pub crawl takes you from a rooftop bar to cocktail lounges, tapas, live music venues, a boxing bar, and a late-night club, all in a small group of up to 10 people. I like the wide mix of venues and the chance to move through several sides of Makati nightlife in one go. I also like that taxes and fees are included in the $55 price.

The main drawback is hard to ignore: one detailed review reports that nobody appeared at the meeting point and that the hotel staff did not know about the tour. That is a serious warning, especially since the experience requires you to meet at 8 p.m. and pay for your own drinks, food, and transport. Confirm the tour shortly before departure and keep the free-cancellation deadline in mind.

Key Points At A Glance

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - Key Points At A Glance

  • Seven Makati stops: The route includes a rooftop bar, cocktail bar, Spanish tapas venue, retro cafe, live music bar, boxing bar, and upscale club.
  • Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 10 people, a useful size for moving between venues.
  • Drinks are extra: The $55 covers fees and taxes, but not alcoholic drinks, dinner, or private transport.
  • The evening begins at I’M Hotel: Meet outside I’M Hotel on Makati Avenue at 8 p.m. for the first rooftop stop.
  • The final stop is Royal Makati: The night ends at a high-end club on General Luna Street, not back at the starting hotel.
  • Booking caution required: The published score is 4.3 from six reviews, but one account describes a complete no-show at the meeting point.

What This Makati Nightlife Tour Is Trying To Do

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - What This Makati Nightlife Tour Is Trying To Do

This is not a single-bar tasting with a fixed drink package. It is a guided night across several kinds of nightlife, with roughly 30 minutes at most stops and one full hour at Bourbon New Orleans PH.

That format suits you if you want a quick introduction to Makati and prefer not to plan every venue yourself. You can see several places in one evening, then decide which style suits you best. The trade-off is pace. Half an hour is enough to look around, order a drink, and get a feel for a venue, but it may not be enough for a relaxed meal or a full night of dancing.

The group cap of 10 is helpful. A smaller party should make it easier to leave one venue together and keep track of the guide. Still, the schedule is tight, so arriving early at the first meeting point matters.

There is also a timing wrinkle. The advertised duration is approximately four hours, but the listed stop times add up to four and a half hours: six stops of 30 minutes each, plus one hour at Bourbon New Orleans PH. You should plan for the longer figure rather than assume you will finish at midnight. The final end point is Royal Makati, not I’M Hotel.

You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in Luzon

Starting At I’M Hotel’s Rooftop Bar

The tour starts outside I’M Hotel, at 7862 Makati Avenue, Makati, at 8 p.m. The guide is supposed to meet you there and lead you to the rooftop bar.

This is a sensible opening. A rooftop setting can give the group a little room to gather before the quicker venue changes begin. It also gives you a first drink and a chance to meet the others without committing to a long dinner.

The first stop is scheduled for 30 minutes, and admission is listed as free. Do not read that as a complimentary drink. Alcohol is not included in the tour price, so you should expect to pay for anything you order.

For the smoothest start, arrive before 8 p.m. and wait outside the hotel as instructed. The meeting point is near public transportation, but private transport is not included. You are responsible for getting to I’M Hotel and arranging your own way home from Royal Makati.

Stories And Cocktails At The Spirits Library

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - Stories And Cocktails At The Spirits Library

The second stop, The Spirits Library, shifts the mood from rooftop views to an intimate bar lined with books. Its menu centers on spirits from around the world, with cocktails tied to literary themes and rare bottles.

This is one of the more distinctive ideas on the route. If you enjoy cocktails with a story behind them, this stop may feel more personal than a standard club visit. The candlelit setting and book-lined room also offer a useful change of pace after the opening rooftop bar.

You have only 30 minutes here. That means you may need to choose one drink rather than study the full selection. Since drinks are extra, check prices before ordering if you are trying to hold your total spending near the $55 tour fee.

The stop is best viewed as a short introduction, not a full cocktail session. You get a sense of the room and its style, then move on before the evening slows down too much.

Spanish Tapas And Jazz At Las Tapas

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - Spanish Tapas And Jazz At Las Tapas

Las Tapas brings food and music into the evening. The venue combines Spanish tapas with live jazz, and its 30-foot bar provides the main setting for cocktails, wine, and small plates.

I like this stop because it gives the night some culinary balance. A pub crawl made up only of drinks can become tiring fast. Even a small amount of food can make the rest of the evening more comfortable, although dinner is not included in the price.

The schedule allows 30 minutes. That is enough to order a few tapas if the kitchen and group timing cooperate, but it is not a leisurely dinner reservation. You should treat this as a chance to sample the Spanish food and listen to some music, not as the evening’s main meal.

The live jazz is also a welcome contrast to the louder stops later. If you prefer conversation and a sit-down drink, this may be one of the most appealing venues on the route.

A Retro Break At Filling Station Bar And Cafe

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - A Retro Break At Filling Station Bar And Cafe

Filling Station Bar and Cafe uses a restored vintage gas station as its setting. The venue combines retro decor with comfort food, local beers, cocktails, live music, and a social cafe atmosphere.

This stop adds visual character to the crawl. It is not simply another dark bar with loud music. The restored gas station theme gives you something to look at, and the menu provides another chance to eat if you skipped the tapas.

Again, the visit lasts about 30 minutes. You can order food or a drink, but you may not have time for both in a relaxed way. Dinner remains your own expense, so keep this in mind if you plan to eat at several stops.

The mood here sounds more casual than the final club. That makes it a useful middle point in the evening, when you may want a change from cocktails and formal nightlife.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Luzon

The Longest Stop At Bourbon New Orleans PH

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - The Longest Stop At Bourbon New Orleans PH

Bourbon New Orleans PH receives the longest scheduled visit, one hour. The focus is live-band music, drinks, and a comfortable place to relax.

The extra time matters. Unlike the 30-minute stops, this venue gives you a chance to settle in, hear more than a brief song or two, and talk with the group. It may also be the most natural point to order a proper drink or take a break before the last two venues.

The name suggests a New Orleans theme, but the supplied details confirm only the live band and comfortable setting. I would not assume a particular music style, food menu, or performance schedule beyond that.

Because the tour price excludes alcoholic drinks and dinner, this is a good place to watch your spending. A one-hour stop can encourage another round, especially with live music. Decide in advance how much you want to spend for the night.

Ringside Bar And Its Fight-Night Theme

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - Ringside Bar And Its Fight-Night Theme

Ringside Bar is the most unusual stop. It presents an old-school fight-night setting with live boxing matches, cold drinks, and a cheering crowd.

This venue will appeal to you if you want nightlife with a clear spectacle rather than just music and conversation. The stop is planned for 30 minutes, so you may catch part of a match rather than see a full program.

The description uses the term midget boxing. That wording is dated and can be offensive. The important practical point is that this is a boxing-themed entertainment venue, and you should decide in advance if that kind of show fits your comfort level.

As with every other stop, the drinks cost extra. The venue’s high-energy setting may also make it harder to talk with the group, so stay aware of the meeting time before the party moves on.

Finishing At Royal Makati

Manila Nightlife And Pub Crawl Tour Makati City - Finishing At Royal Makati

The final stop is Royal Makati, at 5343 General Luna Street. This is presented as the most upscale venue on the route, with DJs, premium bottle service, polished interiors, and a late-night club atmosphere.

Ending here makes sense. The evening moves from rooftop drinks and small bars toward louder, more formal nightlife. If you want to dance or experience Makati’s club scene, this is likely the stop that matters most.

The scheduled visit is 30 minutes, which is short for a club. You may get an introduction to the venue, but you will not have much time to settle into a full night there unless you choose to remain after the tour ends. The tour does not promise that a cover charge, table, or bottle service is included, so budget for your own purchases.

Royal Makati is also the end point. Make a plan for your return before the group separates. Private transport is not included, and the tour does not state that a ride back to I’M Hotel or another area is provided.

Is $55 Good Value?

The $55 price is reasonable only if you value the guided route and the number of venues. You are paying for access to a planned evening across seven stops, along with the guide and included fees and taxes. You are not paying for a meal, drinks, or private transportation.

That distinction matters. Your final cost can rise quickly if you buy cocktails at several bars, order tapas, eat at Filling Station, and continue partying at Royal Makati. If you want a low-cost night, you will need to control your orders.

The tour offers better value for someone new to Makati nightlife who wants structure. You avoid spending time choosing venues and working out the sequence yourself. The small group limit also has practical value, since a party of 10 is easier to move than a large bus group.

It offers less value if you already know Makati well or prefer to spend two or three hours in one favorite bar. The rapid pace is part of the product, so you should enjoy changing venues more than settling in.

Group discounts are available, though no discount amount is provided. If you are booking with friends, check the final price before paying. The mobile ticket is convenient, but it does not replace the need to verify the meeting details.

The Biggest Booking Risk

The experience has a published rating of 4.3 from six reviews, but the evidence is limited. One detailed one-star account says the customer arrived at I’M Hotel, found no guide, and was told by hotel staff that they did not know about the tour.

That is not a minor complaint. It goes to the basic question of whether the tour will operate as promised. The supplied information does not explain what happened or provide a guide’s name, phone number, or backup contact.

I would take these steps before committing:

  • Confirm the 8 p.m. meeting instructions shortly before the day of the tour.
  • Save the booking confirmation and mobile ticket offline.
  • Arrive early at the hotel entrance.
  • Keep the free-cancellation deadline in mind. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.
  • Avoid making expensive dinner or transport plans that depend on the crawl operating perfectly.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. Still, the lack of a named guide and the no-show report make confirmation especially important.

Who Should Book This Evening?

I would consider it for a first visit to Makati, especially if you are comfortable with nightlife, want several short stops, and enjoy live music, themed bars, and club settings. A group of friends may also benefit from the group discount and the built-in plan.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet evening, a full dinner, or detailed time at each venue. It also may not suit you if you dislike boxing-themed entertainment or do not want to pay separately at every stop.

You should also be realistic about the group format. A maximum of 10 people is small enough to feel manageable, but the guide controls the pace. You may have to leave a venue just as you are beginning to enjoy it.

Should You Book The Makati Pub Crawl?

I would book this only after confirming that the tour is running and that a guide will meet you at I’M Hotel. The route itself has appeal: it covers seven very different venues, includes live music and food options, and ends at an upscale club. The $55 fee can be fair for that structure, provided you budget extra for drinks, dinner, and your ride home.

I would skip it if the operator cannot give you clear confirmation before the 24-hour cancellation cutoff. The reported no-show is too serious to brush aside. If you receive firm confirmation and want a fast introduction to Makati nightlife, this could be a fun, varied night. If you need certainty, comfort, and a guaranteed meal or drinks package, choose a more clearly supported option.

FAQ

How much does the Makati nightlife tour cost?

The tour price is $55. All fees and taxes are included, but alcoholic beverages, dinner, and private transportation are not included.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately four hours. The listed stop times add up to four and a half hours, so you should allow extra time.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8 p.m.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet outside I’M Hotel at 7862 Makati Avenue, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines. The guide is then supposed to take the group to the rooftop bar.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Royal Makati, located at 5343 General Luna Street, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is not included. The tour is near public transportation, but you must arrange your own transport to the starting point and from the final venue.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

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