Nielson Tower
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Nielson Tower

4.3
·10 reviews·Makati City, Philippines

Nielson Tower: Philippines' first commercial airport control tower, now a historic landmark housing exquisite dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

More intimate dining experience

CrowdLow
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Nielson Tower

Nielson Tower

Best Time

Weekday evenings

More intimate dining experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nielson Tower: Philippines' first commercial airport control tower, now a historic landmark housing exquisite dining.

4.3
(10 reviews)

"A great dining spot with excellent service and superb food in a historic setting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are essential, especially for dinner and special occasions. Call or book online well in advance!

👗 Smart Casual Dress Code

Dress to impress! Many visitors opt for elegant attire for a memorable dining experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Nielson Tower

The Historic Nielson Tower

Ayala Triangle, Makati

Step back in time at the Philippines' first commercial airport control tower, now a stunning Art Deco landmark.

Blackbird Restaurant Ambiance

Blackbird Restaurant Ambiance

Inside Nielson Tower

Experience exquisite fine dining in an Art Deco interior, perfect for romantic dates and special celebrations.

Filipiniana Collection

Filipiniana Collection

Filipinas Heritage Library (formerly within Nielson Tower)

Explore a rich collection of rare Filipiniana, offering a deep dive into Philippine culture and history.

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Planning Your Visit

A Taste of History

Nielson Tower, once the Philippines' first commercial airport control tower, now houses a renowned restaurant. Plan for a sophisticated dining experience steeped in history. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings.

Dress for the Occasion

While not strictly formal, Nielson Tower's ambiance calls for smart casual attire. Many visitors opt for elegant outfits for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, as seen in social media posts.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
More intimate dining experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere for celebrations
Crowd
High
When
Lunchtime
Why
Bright, airy ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

very special day for our MOTHER 👩🏻‍🍼 thank you The Blackbird at the Nielson Tower!
decenagyanne
0 likes • 3.2K views

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are essential, especially for dinner and special occasions. Call or book online well in advance! Instagram+1

👗 Smart Casual Dress Code

Dress to impress! Many visitors opt for elegant attire for a memorable dining experience. Instagram+1

Birthday Dinner at our happy place Blackbird at the Nielson Tower
gigi_s_bautista
22 likes • 180 views
#firstweddinganniversary #date at The Blackbird at the Nielson tower ❤️
dyanxela
150 likes • 5.5K views

📸 Capture the Art Deco Charm

The interior and exterior offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Instagram+1

✈️ A Piece of Aviation History

Learn about its past as the Philippines' first commercial airport. InstagramReddit

Having an exquisite seafood dinner at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower.. …an art Deco interior fine dining restaurant and bar that used to be part of the Philippine’s very first commercial airport from 1937 to 1948, named after 🇬🇧Laurie Reuben Nielson. 2023 and 2024 #Tatler Awardee #blackbird #nielsontowers
explorewithtonyray
7 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Dining

Reservations are essential, especially for dinner and special occasions. Call or book online well in advance! Instagram+1

👗 Smart Casual Dress Code

Dress to impress! Many visitors opt for elegant attire for a memorable dining experience. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Art Deco Charm

The interior and exterior offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Instagram+1

✈️ A Piece of Aviation History

Learn about its past as the Philippines' first commercial airport. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nielson Tower is lauded for its stunning Art Deco architecture and its historical significance as the Philippines' first commercial airport. Diners at Blackbird consistently praise the superb food, excellent service, and captivating ambiance, making it a top choice for special occasions. Some visitors note that it can be pricey, but the overall experience is considered well worth it.

"“ NEILSON TOWER “

Location: Ayala Triangle, Makati Ave., Makati , Philippines
Wayback 1937

THEN AND NOW

DID YOU KNOW ?!
•The Nielson Airport was built by Laurie Reuben Nielson, a businessman born in New Zealand
•It was built in 1937 and served as the control tower and passenger depot of the city's airport. Until 1948
•It was situated in Makati because Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue used to be runways
•The Nielson Airport was built on a 42-hectare piece of land in Makati owned by Ayala y Cia
•During WWII, commercial flights were relocated so that Nielson could serve the U.S. Army Air Corps
•After the airport was closed the runways were eventually converted into roads and the tall buildings of today were built along side
•Today, the old Nielson Tower is already known And occupied being The Filipinas Heritage Library, and the home of an extensive collection of rare Filipiniana"

Froilan Bulaong

"This area used to be an airport with this building serving as a hangar?"

Victorio Ong

"Service was excellent, food was superb. A great dining spot."

Dion Jackson (DJ)

What People Like

Historic Art Deco architecture
Superb food and service
Romantic ambiance

What People Dislike

Can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nielson Tower is located in the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City. It's easily accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public transport. If driving, there is parking available nearby. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the Ayala Triangle area via various jeepney and bus routes that pass through Makati. From there, it's a short walk to the tower. Reddit

Nielson Tower is situated in the heart of Makati's business district, near major hotels, shopping centers like Greenbelt and Glorietta, and other historical sites. Reddit

While Nielson Tower itself may not have dedicated parking, the Ayala Triangle Gardens area offers ample parking spaces in nearby buildings and public lots. Reddit

Absolutely! The Ayala Triangle Gardens is a beautifully landscaped area perfect for a stroll, especially in the evenings when it's lit up. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Nielson Tower primarily houses the Blackbird restaurant and previously the Filipinas Heritage Library. Entry to the tower's grounds is generally free, but access to specific establishments requires admission or dining reservations. Reddit

The operating hours depend on the establishments within the tower. Blackbird restaurant typically serves lunch and dinner, with hours varying on weekdays and weekends. Check their official website for the most current information. Instagram+1

There is no specific entrance fee to see the exterior of Nielson Tower. However, if you plan to dine at Blackbird or visit any other establishment within, you will be subject to their respective policies. Reddit

While you can admire the exterior without a reservation, dining at Blackbird, especially during peak hours or for special occasions, requires advance booking. Instagram+1

The Filipinas Heritage Library was a significant institution housed within Nielson Tower, known for its extensive collection of Filipiniana. Its current status and location should be verified independently. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Blackbird offers contemporary cuisine with a focus on European and Asian flavors, often featuring seafood and classic dishes. They are known for their exquisite dining experience. Instagram+1

Blackbird is considered a fine-dining establishment, so prices are on the higher side. It's a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations. Instagram+2

The dress code is smart casual. While not strictly formal, guests are encouraged to dress elegantly to match the sophisticated ambiance. Instagram+1

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends, as it's a popular spot for dates and celebrations. Instagram+1

While specific recommendations vary, many diners praise their seafood dishes and the overall quality of the food and service. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Art Deco architecture of the tower itself, both exterior and interior, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding Ayala Triangle Gardens also provide scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos inside Blackbird, but be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography, especially during busy times. Instagram+1

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. Professional shoots or commercial photography might require prior permission. Instagram

Golden hour (late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting for the exterior. Evenings are also great for capturing the tower's illuminated charm. Reddit

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a DSLR camera will work well. The Art Deco details are best captured with a lens that can handle intricate designs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Nielson Tower is primarily known for its fine dining at Blackbird, families can still appreciate its historical significance. The exterior architecture and the surrounding Ayala Triangle Gardens offer a pleasant environment for a stroll. Reddit Consider visiting during lunchtime at Blackbird for a more relaxed atmosphere, though the menu might be more suited for adult palates. Instagram+1 The story of the tower as the country's first airport can be an engaging historical lesson for older children. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Special Occasions

Nielson Tower, with its romantic Art Deco ambiance at Blackbird, is an ideal destination for couples. It's a popular spot for anniversaries, date nights, and proposals, as frequently highlighted on Instagram. Instagram+1 The exquisite food, impeccable service, and historic setting create a memorable experience. Booking a table in advance is crucial to secure a spot for your special celebration. Instagram+1

✈️ History Buffs & Aviation Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by aviation history, Nielson Tower is a must-visit. It represents a pivotal moment in Philippine aviation as the site of the nation's first commercial airport. Reddit Exploring the tower's architecture and learning about its past as a control tower and passenger depot offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century transportation. Reddit While the Filipinas Heritage Library's presence has changed, the tower itself remains a testament to this historical era. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of Nielson Tower

Nielson Tower stands as a significant historical landmark, originally built in 1937 by Laurie Reuben Nielson. It served as the control tower and passenger depot for the Philippines' very first commercial airport. The airport's runways were strategically located where Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue now stand, highlighting the area's transformation over the decades. Reddit During World War II, the airport was repurposed to serve the U.S. Army Air Corps, underscoring its strategic importance. Reddit

After the airport ceased operations in 1948, the runways were eventually converted into roads, and the surrounding area developed into the bustling business district of Makati City we know today. The Nielson Tower itself has been preserved and repurposed, most notably housing the Filipinas Heritage Library, which held an extensive collection of rare Filipiniana. Reddit This preservation ensures that a tangible piece of the Philippines' aviation and architectural history remains accessible to the public. Reddit

Today, the tower is most famously known as the home of Blackbird, a highly-regarded restaurant. This adaptive reuse allows visitors to experience the tower's historical grandeur while enjoying a modern, sophisticated dining experience. The blend of history and contemporary luxury makes Nielson Tower a unique destination. Instagram+1

Dining at Blackbird: An Exquisite Experience

Blackbird, situated within the iconic Nielson Tower, offers a fine-dining experience that complements the historical setting. The restaurant is celebrated for its Art Deco interior, meticulously preserved to evoke the glamour of a bygone era. Instagram+1 This ambiance makes it a popular choice for special occasions, romantic dinners, and celebratory gatherings, as frequently showcased on social media. Instagram+2

The menu at Blackbird features contemporary cuisine with influences from European and Asian culinary traditions. Diners often rave about the quality of the ingredients, the skillful preparation, and the attentive service. Reddit Popular choices often include their exquisite seafood dishes and well-executed classic meals. InstagramReddit The restaurant has also garnered accolades, including awards from Tatler, recognizing its culinary excellence and overall dining experience. Instagram

Due to its popularity and the sophisticated nature of the dining experience, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for evenings and weekends. Instagram+1 Guests are encouraged to adhere to a smart casual dress code, ensuring the ambiance remains elegant and fitting for the historic venue. Instagram+1 Dining at Blackbird is not just a meal; it's an immersion into history with a taste of refined gastronomy.

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