15+ Best Rooftop Bars in BGC for City Views and Cocktails
Looking for the best rooftop bars in BGC for city views and cocktails? The absolute top spots to grab a drink while looking over the Manila skyline include Straight Up at Seda, The Peak at Grand Hyatt, and the brand-new O2 Rooftop Bar at Brittany Hotel. Because Bonifacio Global City has strict zoning laws, true open-air rooftops are rare right inside the city center. That is why the ultimate BGC night out often spills over into neighboring Poblacion and Makati.
We put together the ultimate list of high-altitude lounges, alfresco terraces, and sky-high bars in and right around BGC to satisfy your craving for sunset drinks.
BGC Proper: Sky-High Drinks and Luxury Views
BGC is famous for its towering skyscrapers and upscale lifestyle. While zoning rules keep the fully open-air rooftops to a minimum, the city still offers some incredible high-altitude bars that will take your breath away.
Straight Up at Seda BGC
Straight Up sits on the 22nd floor of the Seda Hotel and gives you a sweeping look at the city skyline. You can expect a stylish indoor lounge and a spacious outdoor terrace that feels both lively and intimate. The music here is a fun mix of house and 80s remakes.
Pro Tip: Arrive around 5 PM to catch the sunset and grab a spot on the couches outside. You can check the official Seda BGC website for their current wine buffet schedule.
The Peak at Grand Hyatt Manila
If you want to feel like you are on top of the world, head to The Peak. This spot occupies the 60th to 62nd floors of the Grand Hyatt Manila. It is literally the highest bar in the country. The vibe is ultra-luxurious, giving you a grill, a speakeasy, and a music lounge all in one place.
Pro Tip: The dress code here is strictly smart casual, so leave the flip-flops at home. Valet parking is your best friend here. For menu details and reservations, visit the Grand Hyatt Manila dining page.
O2 Rooftop Bar at Brittany Hotel BGC
O2 Rooftop Bar is the newest high-altitude playground in the city. It sits on the penthouse floor of the Brittany Hotel BGC. You get an unobstructed look at both the city skyline and Laguna de Bay. The bar serves up crafted signature cocktails and a really solid menu of comfort food.
The Margherita Flatbread is the perfect snack after a couple of drinks. You can book a table directly through the O2 Rooftop Bar website.
Samba at Shangri-La The Fort
Samba is technically on the 8th floor of Shangri-La The Fort. But its massive outdoor pool deck gives it that exclusive rooftop energy. This place focuses on fresh Peruvian flavors. The cocktails heavily feature Pisco and bright tropical fruits.
Order the classic Pisco Sour. It pairs perfectly with their fresh ceviche. Check out their menu on the Shangri-La The Fort official site.
High Street Lounge at Shangri-La The Fort
High Street Lounge features massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the busy BGC streets. It is an indoor venue, but the sheer amount of glass gives you a fantastic elevated view of the city.
This is the perfect place for a late afternoon coffee that slowly turns into happy hour cocktails. They make incredible gin and tonics. You can read more about their premium spirits in this Tatler Asia dining feature.
Niu by Vikings Sky Garden
Niu by Vikings is famous for its massive buffet. But many people miss their outdoor Sky Garden. This open-air terrace on the top floor of SM Aura is a fantastic place to grab a quiet drink. You get a great view of the Taguig skyline away from the busy mall crowds.
Ask the host to seat you near the windows or outside on the terrace. Parking is super easy right inside the SM Aura basement.
Just Across the Bridge: Makati and Poblacion Rooftops
Because BGC has strict limits on open-air venues, the ultimate rooftop crawl always extends into neighboring Makati and Poblacion. Thanks to the Kalayaan Bridge, you can cross over to these amazing sky bars in just five to ten minutes.
Mistral at Raffles Makati
Mistral sits on the 9th floor of the Raffles Makati. It offers a super sleek indoor lounge and a gorgeous open-air terrace. You get an amazing look at the Makati central business district as the sun goes down.
The cocktail menu here is almost identical to the famous Long Bar downstairs, but the drinks just taste better with a breeze. View the official Raffles Makati page for operating hours.
The Penthouse 8747
The Penthouse 8747 will transport you straight back to the Great Gatsby era. It sits on top of the Lepanto Building on Paseo de Roxas. The art deco design is stunning. You get plush furniture, checkered floors, and a beautiful view of the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
This place serves fantastic high-quality steaks alongside their drinks. You can view their full food and drink menu on The Penthouse 8747 official website.
Dr. Wine Rooftop
Dr. Wine Rooftop brings rustic French bistro vibes to the Manila skyline. It sits right in the trendy Poblacion neighborhood. The rooftop is spacious and surrounded by tropical greenery. It is the perfect place to drink wine and pretend you are in the European countryside.
Skip the heavy cocktails and order a cold bottle of rosé. The charcuterie boards are also a must-try. You can see their latest wine selections on the Dr. Wine Manila Instagram page.
Antidote at I’M Hotel
Antidote sits 40 floors up on top of the I’M Hotel. The 360-degree views of the city are absolutely jaw-dropping. But the real star of the show is the massive jellyfish aquarium glowing right next to the bar.
Try the Midnight Breakfast Pizza. It comes with caramelized ham and a free-range egg right in the middle. Find out more about their unique cocktails on the I’M Hotel website.
Firefly Roofdeck at City Garden Grand Hotel
Firefly Roofdeck covers the entire 32nd floor of the City Garden Grand Hotel. It is a super relaxed and cozy spot. The design is simple, letting the panoramic city view do all the heavy lifting.
This is the best place on the list to order local Filipino bar chow. The pork sisig pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer. You can book a table through the City Garden Grand Hotel website.
Seltsam in Legazpi Village
Seltsam is a hidden gem sitting on top of the Gervasia Hotel in Makati. This place gives off a very cool underground Berlin vibe right in the middle of Metro Manila. The rooftop is full of mismatched vintage furniture and lots of greenery. It feels like a secret garden party.
Finding the entrance is half the fun. You have to take a very ordinary hotel elevator to the top floor. Check out the Seltsam Instagram page to see their latest weekend DJ lineup.
Mireio Terrace at Raffles Makati
Mireio Terrace is the outdoor extension of the elegant Mireio restaurant at Raffles Makati. It is chic, sophisticated, and incredibly romantic. You get a clear, unobstructed view of the city lights away from the noisy streets.
This is the ideal spot for a date night. Order their signature cocktails and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. You can read reviews of their award-winning French menu on the Tatler Dining guide for the Philippines.
Z Hostel Roofdeck
Z Hostel Roofdeck is the most laid-back bar on this list. It is a favorite hangout for both backpackers and locals. The vibe is loud, fun, and very casual. You will hear great live music and find cheap drinks all night long.
You need an RFID bracelet to buy drinks here. Just load it up with cash at the front desk downstairs before you head up to the roof. Check out the gig schedule at Z Hostel to see who is playing tonight.
Top of the Alpha
Top of the Alpha sits on the 34th floor of the Alphaland Corporate Tower. It is an upscale lounge with incredible jazzy vibes. The wrap-around outdoor terrace gives you a stunning view of the entire metro area.
This place is strictly for jazz lovers and cigar aficionados. It is the perfect spot for a high-end nightcap. You can view their dress code and lounge policies on the Top of the Alpha website.
Edge at Discovery Primea
Edge offers a very modern and stylish outdoor drinking experience. It is located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea. You get plush seating and a really relaxed atmosphere looking over the busy Makati streets.
They make fantastic custom craft cocktails. Just tell the bartender your favorite flavor profile and let them surprise you. Find more details on the Discovery Primea dining page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most high-end spots like The Peak and Straight Up require smart casual attire. This means no flip-flops, no sleeveless shirts for men, and no athletic wear. Casual spots like Z Hostel are totally fine with t-shirts and shorts.
Yes. BGC and Makati rooftop bars get extremely crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. You should always try to make a reservation online or call ahead to secure a good table near the edge of the terrace.
Most of the bars on this list have a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. If it rains, the staff will quickly move you to the covered lounge areas. A few spots also have retractable roofs to keep the party going during the wet season.
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