In the wrong location, de-stressing with drinks can loose its purpose as quick as tequila burns your throat. Unless you arrive happy-drunk already (good for you), a cramped up club with flashing strobe lights and a contained smell of cigarettes + sweat can be quite the huge buzz kill. Thank goodness for Manila’s evolved party scene, now catering to varying vibes. And if you’re not into the aforementioned, it’s time to take the fun elsewhere—perhaps somewhere higher.

Unwind as you get an infinite whiff of fresh air, and savor Manila’s beautiful lights with a drink in hand (or better, in both hands) in these rooftop bars.

Antidote

I’M Hotel, Roof Deck, 7862 Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati
(02) 755 7888 | Facebook
Open Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 2am, Friday & Saturday from 6pm to 3am
Budget for two – P800

As if Makati’s bright skyline isn’t captivating enough of a view, Antidote adds something even more interesting into the mix. This bar features a gaping, neon aquarium filled with tons of jellyfish. What a way to bring the sea into the city, huh? Antidote offers outdoor and indoor seating with a huge layout that provides an amazing 360-view of the metro.

Firefly Roofdeck

32F City Garden Grand Hotel, Makati corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati
(02) 554 3429 | Facebook
Open daily from 10am to 2am
Budget for two – P1000

Just steps away from the previous entry is another hangout spot with a glorious view. Perched on top of City Garden Grand Hotel, Firefly is a laidback bar slash restaurant where you can appreciate Makati’s skyscrapers eye to eye. Here, you can even take a refreshing dip in the pool in between delicious trips to the buffet.

The Nest

31F Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 771 7777 | Facebook 
Open daily from 5:30am to 1am
Budget for two – P2500

Southerners need not brave the traffic going to the north for an awesome night out. Vivere’s The Nest combines fresh air, an elegant ambiance and delectable intoxicants all in one gorgeous restaurant-bar. Wine and tapas is must here, but feel free to explore their wide selection of fine food and liquor as well.

The Penthouse 8747

B.A. Lepanto Building 8747, Paseo de Roxas Street, Makati
0917 801 0655 | Facebook | Website
Open Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 2am
Budget for two – P1400

The Penthouse 8747 is a speakeasy bar that truly provides an escape—from your daily stresses, repetitive views and even 2018. Yes, time travel. Well, almost. With its black and gold furnishings, servers dressed to the nines and overall topnotch ambiance, the Penthouse 8747 transports you straight to The Great Gatsby era. Warning: You might find yourself not wanting to come back.

Z Hostel Roofdeck

5660 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati
(02) 856 0851 | Facebook | Website
Open daily from 5pm to 2am
Budget for two – P700

Z Hostel Roofdeck is the perfect place to go solo and meet new friends. It’s very laidback and unintimidating, attracting people with a similar vibe. But, even if you do go with your crew, you’ll for sure have a fun time with their affordable food and drinks, coupled with either live music or a DJ spinning cool beats.

The Rooftop

CCA Building, 40 Esteban Abada Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
0917 804 5662 | Facebook
Open Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to 2am, Friday & Saturday from 4pm to 3am
Budget for two – P700

Katipunan’s first rooftop bar is fresh, vibrant and perfectly chill. You’ll find most of the students in the area unwinding here at The Rooftop, with one or two (or five) of their affordable yet great quality cocktails. Just some of the must-tries are the Lychee Mojito, Soju Yakult and Pineapple Spritz.

Vu’s Sky Bar & Lounge

Marco Polo Ortigas, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig
(02) 720 7777 | Facebook | Website
Open Monday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am, Sunday from 5pm to 12mn
Budget for two – P2000

If you don’t mind spending more than usual for a memorable night, Marco Polo’s rooftop bar will make sure you’re duly rewarded. Drinking at Vu’s Sky Bar & Lounge while appreciating the Ortigas skyline will make you feel fancy AF. Decide whether to have your libations indoors or outdoors, but wherever you choose to stay, don’t miss their Mediterranean tapas.

Straight Up

15F Seda Hotel, 30^th Street corner 11^th Avenue, BGC, Taguig
(02) 945 8888 | Facebook
Open daily from 4pm to 1am
Budget for two – P1500

While partying in BGC is nothing new, it’s not every weekend you get to party up above here with a great view to boot. For that, head to Seda Hotel’s Straight up. Look forward to a breath of fresh air, along with live music, tapas and booze. They even offer unli-wine from 4pm to 8pm, perfect for getting lit early.

Where else can we drink with the stars? Sound off with other rooftop bars below!