10 Creative Hangout Spots Around Metro Manila for Artsy Souls

Whenever I want to feel inspired or just need a place to think, I don’t always go to the usual malls or cafés. I mean, sure, it’s nice to sit in Starbucks with a latte and pretend you’re writing a novel, but sometimes you just need something different. Something that feels alive and not cookie-cutter. Manila can feel too busy, too repetitive, and if you’re a little artsy like me, you probably crave spaces that actually spark ideas instead of drain you.

Don’t get me wrong, I also love brainstorming in my own bed. Some of my wildest ideas came to me while lying half-asleep with messy hair. But let’s be real, it hits different when you’re in a space that’s built for creativity. These spots have that energy. They’re not just for wandering alone with your sketchbook, they’re also the kind of places where you can bring your team, meet other artists, and actually feel like you’re part of a bigger creative scene.

So if you want to take your collab sessions out of boring cafés and into spaces that inspire, here are ten creative hangout spots around Manila worth checking out.

Image credit: @modeka.art | Instagram

This one looks like a hidden warehouse, but when you walk in, it’s full of art everywhere. Paintings, sculptures, digital art, even photography. Sometimes they invite artists to talk or open their studios so it doesn’t feel stiff like other galleries. It’s more like a hangout where you can see what other people are working on and maybe get ideas for your own thing.

Image credit: @wabisabistudio.ph and @wabi.cafe | Instagram

If you’ve ever wanted to touch clay, this is the spot. They only allow a few people per session so it feels calm and not stressful. You can shape mugs, bowls, plates, whatever your hands decide. It’s messy but in a fun way and the whole process feels like therapy. Perfect if you want alone time but still want to make something with your hands.

The nice thing is it’s not just for total beginners. If you’ve already taken a class here or you’re confident in your pottery skills, you can book the studio and work on your own projects. They provide the clay, the wheel, the glazes, and even the firing so you don’t need to bring much. It’s a pay-as-you-go setup, which makes it flexible if you’re not ready for a big commitment but still want regular practice.

Also read: Where to Take Pottery Classes in & Around Manila

Image credit: Gravity Art Space Facebook Page

I feel like this place is for people who want art to be more than just pretty things on the wall. They do shows, performances, even screenings, and it feels very community-based. You’re not just looking at art, you’re part of it. The vibe is raw and real, not commercial at all, so if you want to see what young artists are up to, this is where you go.

Image credit: Museum of Contemporary Art and Design Facebook Page

This museum is inside Benilde and the cool thing is they don’t keep a permanent collection. So every time you visit, it looks different. They mix technology, new media, and international collabs so you’ll probably end up staring at something you’ve never seen before. Honestly, sometimes it’s confusing but in a good way. You leave with something new to think about.

Image credit: Art Circle Cafe Facebook Page

Okay, imagine you’re having coffee while being surrounded by paintings. That’s exactly what this is. You can eat pasta aligue or dessert while staring at art and the place feels homey. It’s not fancy, but it’s the type of café where you can sit for hours doodling in your notebook and nobody will bother you.

Image credit: Ateneo Art Gallery Facebook Page

This is the country’s first modern art museum but don’t worry, it doesn’t feel too intimidating. It’s inside Ateneo’s Arete building which already looks very artsy on its own. They rotate exhibitions so every visit is a little different. You just have to book online first since they don’t allow random walk-ins.

Also read: Dave & Buster’s Opens First Branch in Manila: New Hangout Spot Alert!

Image credit: UP Vargas Museum Facebook Page

If you’re in UP, this is a must. They have paintings, books, coins, archives, all connected to Filipino culture. It feels like stepping into history but through an artsy lens. Also, if you’re a UP student or alumni, Wednesdays are free which is such a good deal.

Image credit: Common Room PH Facebook Page

This is basically a treasure chest for anyone who loves crafts. Everything is handmade by local makers, from zines and postcards to jewellery and washi tapes. Every time I go, I find something random I didn’t know I needed. It’s also the kind of place where you can feel the creative energy of so many people in one space. Check out for their social media announcements too, as they sometimes give out free used and some brand new art materials donated by other creatives! My friend was able to score some of those freebies before!

Also read: Makati Museums & Galleries that Bring Out the Inner Artist in You

Image credit: 98B Facebook Page

Escolta already feels like stepping back in time but 98B makes it feel alive again. It’s an artist-run space where you meet not just painters but also designers, writers, filmmakers, and more. They host bazaars, talks, and gatherings that feel very casual, almost like a big barkada hangout but for art.

Image credit: @artbuds.ph | Instagram

This one is more workshop-based so if you want to actually create something instead of just looking, this is where you go. They run sessions, events, and classes where you meet other people who are also figuring out their creative side. It’s welcoming, no pressure, just a safe space to try things.

Also read: 9 Must-Visit Indie Bookstores Near Manila for Every Filipino Bookworm

So, if you’re a creative with an itching hands to create and a playful mind full of ideas, these are the spots you can check out if you’re looking for something more inspiring than the usual mall café! Manila can feel chaotic, but places like these remind me that there’s a whole creative community quietly thriving in corners of the city.

Going to these places is great for collaborating and meeting fellow artists. I really think every creative should spend time with like-minded people because it helps you share ideas, grow together, and actually bring big projects to life!

Featured image credit: Gravity Art Space Facebook Page, Canva Pro, @artbuds.ph | Instagram