Manila dazzles with its breathtaking sunsets. Best viewed along the banks of Manila Bay, the sun is at its most romantic when it bids goodbye to the Philippine capital, leisurely transitioning the city from day to night as it paints the sky a million shades of yellow, orange and crimson.
If you’re looking for the best spots to bask in this colorful afterglow, visit these exquisite lodgings around the capital.
No doubt about it, this 993-room resort screams opulence inside and out, but the best place to savor the last of the day’s rays is at the property’s lavish garden.
This blooming bayfront sanctuary sprawls across more than 322,000 square feet with five reflective ponds nestled within the confines of carefully mowed grass, gorgeous greenery and captivating flora. The Garden is open to the public, so you can visit any evening to catch a stellar sunset.
However, if you’re planning to stay at Okada Manila, be sure to splurge on a Manila Bay Suite, Celebrity Suite or even the Presidential Suite to enjoy 24/7 views of Manila Bay.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
This historic property has a picturesque perch right along majestic Manila Bay, meaning that many of its guest rooms provide unobstructed views of overwater sunsets from their balconies.
But even if you’re not staying at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel, you still can enjoy the sights from La Veranda, a brasserie-inspired bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace. Sunset Bar also affords a gorgeous vista along with a poolside location, live music and an impressive roster of drinks.
Resembling a luxury yacht moored along Manila Bay, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended retreat gives a front-row seat to the sunset from almost every room. In fact, a vast water view welcomes you as you step out of the elevator and into the main lobby.
Sip on sundowners and listen to live music at C Lounge, while watching the color-streaked sky through the venue’s double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows.
And if you’re feeling peckish, both buffet hall Brasserie on 3 and Chinese fine-dining restaurant China Blue by Jereme Leung have bay panoramas.
Hop aboard a glass elevator at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended retreat to soak up a bird’s-eye view of Manila before arriving at the seventh-floor Sunset Lounge.
As its name implies, this terrace bar boasts stunning views of the bay and its colorful evening skies. But the best part is that it’s an intimate space seating only about 60 guests, so it doesn’t get too loud or rowdy.
Sink into a cozy lounger and order a round of Singapore Slings to sip as you gaze at the dipping sun.
Sky Tower at Solaire Resort & Casino
This all-suite Five-Star stay is no stranger to the bay and the glorious sunsets it casts.
Pair those vibrant vistas with flavorful Italian cuisine at Finestra. Savor the culinary masterpieces of Italian chef Alan Marchetti (try the veal ossobuco with saffron risotto and porcini mushroom-crusted halibut) as you watch the sun go down, leaving only its golden gleam through the restaurant’s wall of windows.
Venture a little farther from Manila Bay and you still can take in a striking sunset. At this Four-Star tower’s Mistral rooftop bar, order a cocktail (like the creamy, gin-based Manila Fizz) as the sun sets over the city, revealing the thriving business district’s equally beautiful skyline.
Prefer dinner with a view? Some parts of Provençal-inspired fine-dining restaurant Mirèio overlook the city and the setting sun peeking between skyscrapers.
You’ll encounter awe-inspiring views of the city and mountains on one side and (on a clear day) shimmering golden sunsets on the other end of this sleek Five-Star hotel.
The tower may be nowhere near Manila Bay, but at 45 floors off the ground, the sunset spectacle from Vu’s sky bar and lounge is still a must-see from this side of the metropolis.
Carrying a wide selection of cocktails and flavorful antipasti, the elevated lounge allows you to drink in the view while listening to live music and smoking shisha.
Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
If you find yourself in the heart of commercial district Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila, head to this luxurious skyscraper for a Peruvian feast with stellar sights to match. It’s always a festive time at Samba, the hotel’s South American eatery serving dishes inspired by the cuisines of Peru, Spain and the Philippines. For the best evening vistas, choose to dine alfresco.
And if you plan to stay at Shangri-La at the Fort, opt for a Horizon Deluxe Room to gain access to the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge, which not only delivers delectable fare all day, but also features jaw-dropping skyline scenes.
