Get Inked At These 8 Tattoo Shops in Metro Manila For Your First (or Seventh) Tattoo

Getting inked is no joke, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top tattoo shops in Manila. There’s no denying the artistic streak of Filipinos, and some of our best artists happen to wield a tattoo gun as a paintbrush with skin as canvas. The quote “wear your heart on your sleeve” takes a whole different meaning in the eyes of a tattoo artist.

Each piece of inked art, whether small or big, etched on skin tells someone’s story, which is perhaps why it’s easy to get addicted to getting inked. But before getting one, first settle on what design or style you want and feel free to consult the tattoo artists at the tattoo shop you choose. Remember: The best tattoo shops are the ones that will stop you from making bad decisions with lame designs you got off Pinterest. Tattoo removal is pricey and never 100 percent successful, so try not to make a permanent mistake on your skin.

Most tattoo shops, or at least the big ones like the ones on this list, start with a standard rate of P2,000 for a medium-sized tattoo. Expect the rate to increase if you’re planning a full sleeve. And remember that getting inked isn't a one-time deal—it requires a lot of aftercare so your skin doesn’t get infected in the weeks following your tattoo appointment. Good tattoo shops will make a point to guide you on your aftercare journey.

From minimalist to tribal, here are eight tattoo shops in Manila to get your first (or seventh) tattoo.

P&P Tattoo

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Tat work by Kevin Albofera #skinbling #pandptattoo #radiantcolorsink #siargao>pA post shared by P&P tattoo (@pandptattoo) on Nov 22, 2019 at 12:48am PST>p

>pAddress: Unit G1-C, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Eastwood, Quezon City
Unit G8 Bel-Air Soho Condo, 45 Polaris Street, Makati City
282 Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City>pIf you want something big, go to P&P. The tattoo parlor in Poblacion can do anything from line work to watercolor designs. P&P is also big on making sure its clients are making the right decision with their tattoos, so consultations with their artists are free.>pFifty-Five Tinta>h2

Address: Building 2, 2nd Floor, Luisa, 107 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Unit R07 G/F Knightsbridge Residences, 4392 B. Valdez, Makati City

Perhaps one of the most popular tattoo shops in Manila, Fifty-Five Tinta has three branches throughout the country: Maginhawa, Quezon City; Poblacion, Makati; and La Union. Tinta also happens to be home to some of the most skilled tattoo artists in the country, so your tattoo is in safe hands with these folks.

Arte Tattoo

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One more closer look at this customized mandala X skull design by Charles Arteta. What do you think? #tattoo #art #design #pen #ink #tattooed #lifestyle #life #artist #designer #skin #photography #igers #photooftheday #instagram #instalike #vscocam #vsco #love #followme #instagood #instadaily #fashion #style>pA post shared by Arte Tattoo (@artetattooph) on Nov 16, 2017 at 2:29am PST>p

>pAddress: 203 General Luna, Building Don Pedro, Makati City>pAlso located in Poblacion, Makati, Arte Tattoo parlor can do almost anything, but it is most known for its amazing work with mandala, minimalist, and floral designs.>pWhiplash Tattoo>h2

Address: 134 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

If you have a design in mind with a lot of detail, look no further than Whiplash. Its artists are capable of doing some incredibly detailed—and colored—work, not to mention that some of its designs are pretty edgy, even for a tattoo parlor.

Katribu Tatu

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Arm band Preparation for fullsleeve All handtapped No machine #tribaltattoo #blackart #solidblack #culture #tribalculture #pinoy #pilipino #maharlika #philippinetribal #pinoypride #katributattoo #katributatu #tattooculture #batuk #archipelago>pA post shared by Jonathan Cena (@katribu_tatu) on Nov 8, 2019 at 4:48am PST>p

>pAddress: San Guillermo Avenue cor. A. Santos. Buting, Pasig City>pYou don’t have to go all the way to Kalinga to get a tattoo from Whang Od as the culture of tribal tattoos is well and live in the heart of Pasig. Katribu Tatu creates hand-tapped tribal tattoos in the similar fashion as the elders of Kalinga.>pGoodHand Tattoo>h2

Address: G/F Paulina Guilding, 162 M. Almeda Street, Barangay San Roque, Pateros

Like its name implies, the artists of GoodHand know what they’re doing. Located in Pateros, GoodHand caters to very distinct styles based on the tattoo artist you get.

Chronic Tattoo Culture

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White ink tattoo by @ryanbonesdizon done at CHRONIC :) #tattoo #ink #inkedgirls #whiteink #whiteinktattoo #chronic #chronicphilippines #chronictattooxculture #philippines #manila #pinoy #pinoytattoo #mendhitattoo #mandalatattoo #mandala>pA post shared by CHRONIC Tattoo X Culture (@chronictattooculture) on Feb 2, 2016 at 6:11am PST>p

>pAddress: 19F, Concepcion Street, San Jose, Pasig City>pAside from its stunning artists, Chronic has two advantages to its repertoire: a cozy, dimly lit environment and, get this, white ink.>pDon Antonio Tattoo>h2

Address: 2F, 24 Chanca Building, Commonwealth Ave., Barangay Matandang Balara, Quezon City

Located in Quezon City, Don Antonio’s is a favorite in the region. It’s undoubtedly one of the best tattoo shops in Manila, but it’s also one of the best places to get a piercing if you’re in the mood for one.