Cebu City on Cebu Island is one of the Philippines’ most important and oldest cities. The city is perfect for learning and exploring Philippine and Spanish Colonial history. The area contains some of the oldest churches, important battles, and the best food in the region.
Many folks just stop through the area due to the international airport, but don’t just skip town! You’ll miss out on a great city to explore and opportunities to meet local people and try unique cuisines. So if you can, come along with us and explore the Best Things to Do in Cebu City. You won’t regret it.
Magellan’s Cross
Location: P. Burgos St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
The Magellan Cross in Cebu is a powerful symbol of faith and history that has endured for centuries. Erected in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan to symbolize the introduction of Christianity to the archipelago, the cross has stood the test of time and remains a valued symbol for Filipinos.
The site has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, with the latest in 2016 due to damage from an earthquake and deterioration. The cross is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is free to visit the pavilion.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Location: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
If there’s a must-visit stop in Cebu, this may be it. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the city and the story is pretty interesting too. There was a famous Santo Niño statue brought by the early Spanish. It was lost, thought destroyed in a fire, and then ‘rediscovered’. The statue here is believed to be that original statue.
Whether true or not, the story is important to the city here. It’s a fascinating statue and history and you can visit it while here in the basilica. The complex has two statues, one outdoors and the other indoors. The one indoors I believe is the original of the two and it requires you to wait in line to visit. You can also light a candle in the courtyard with the outdoor statue. This is incredibly popular, and you’ll notice with all the used candles.
Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, which is free and open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. The complex is beautiful and large and you can spend 30 mins to an hour or more exploring it all. A small museum also houses artifacts and relics from Cebu’s Christian heritage.
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Location: Mactan Shrine, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
Visit the Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, and pay homage to Datu Lapu-Lapu, a national hero who valiantly resisted Spanish colonization. Admire the bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu holding a traditional sword, symbolizing his victory against Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Explore the nearby museum and learn about Lapu-Lapu’s life and the pre-colonial era through various artifacts and exhibits.
I’m a big fan of the story and the national hero symbolism of this larger-than-life character. He is known as the first “Filipino” for his fight here for freedom. The plaza and statue are free to visit. And for those flying in or out of Cebu, it’s close to the airport.
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Location: 6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Built in the 16th century (under the guidance of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi the conquistador who founded Cebu City), the cathedral is one of the most sacred places in the city. It has witnessed many significant events including religious ceremonies, royal proclamations, and even battles.
Built using coral stones and wood in Spanish colonial style, the cathedral underwent renovations and reconstructions due to disasters and fires. The current facade, with intricate carvings, dates back to the late 19th century.
The cathedral is open daily for both visitors and religious ceremonies. Be sure to be aware and respectful during masses and other events.
Cebu Taoist Temple
Location: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community, the temple features intricate prayer halls, meditation rooms, and towering pagodas. The Taoist Temple offers travelers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Taoist culture and philosophy.
To reach the main temple, visitors can climb the 81 steps, symbolizing enlightenment. Once there, they can explore the tranquil surroundings while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Whether you’re seeking spiritual reflection or cultural exploration, the Taoist Temple promises a memorable experience steeped in tradition and tranquility.
The Temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no entrance fee. It’s a beautiful space to explore and enjoy beautiful surroundings, gardens, and city views.
Colon Street
Location: Colon Street, Cebu City, Philippines
Named for Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon), Colon Street was the heart of Spanish Colonial Cebu City. These days it still is the heart of Cebu City commerce and it’s an important hub of activity in the city.
The street may not have as many small shops, but its malls and big stores are just as important and popular with tourists and locals. Wandering the streets, you get a feel for the hustle and bustle of the city, which can be chaotic during busy times, too. Even with all the commotion, it is surprisingly clean and well-maintained! It is a must for those who want to get a feel for the pulse of Cebu.
Visit a Night Market
Location: 39 Junquera St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
One of my favorite things in Southeast Asia is the night markets. These are some of the liveliest places to explore during the evenings in the cities around the region. You can see where the locals shop and eat and often try some of the most interesting foods in the area.
There are several in Cebu City, but one of the best is the one located on Junquera Street not far off from Colon Street. Here you’ll find rows of stalls of different food from across the region. You can pick and choose a few, and they’re some of the cheapest eats you’ll get, too! There’s also lots of random shopping around the food stalls but it’s not worth it unless you are looking for basic home items.
Fort San Pedro
Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Fort San Pedro, originally constructed as a military defense structure by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the fort showcases the region’s Spanish colonial and Philippine history. The fort was built as a defensive outpost against pirate attacks and has seen several transformations, from garrison to prison, and is now a historic landmark.
The architecture and grounds blend Spanish and Filipino styles. You can wander around the gardens and stone walls. The fort houses a small museum with artifacts, weapons, and history exhibits. You can even stroll along the ramparts to get cool views over the harbor.
The fort is open daily, 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. You can stroll the grounds for free, or visit the fort’s interior for 30 – 60 PHP.
Temple of Leah
Location: Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
I knew so little, that I thought this Temple was religious before visiting. However, the Temple of Leah is one man’s gift to his beloved wife. Built in the early 21st century by Teodorico Adarna, a wealthy Filipino businessman, the majestic structure is dedicated to Leah, his late wife.
The temple is built in a grandiose style of Greek and Roman styles and feels more like a temple in Europe than a monument in the Philipines. The courtyard area is large with statues and a stunning city view. The stairs lead to the interior chamber, with a massive Leah statue adorning it. Side rooms lead to memorabilia, photographs, works, and information on Leah.
Overall it’s a cool place to check out, but it’s an odd spot with a cute story. The temple is open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm with a 50PHP entrance fee. Going later in the day is recommended for good light.
Top of Cebu (Restaurant)
Location: Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Located at one of the most enviable positions in the city, the Top of Cebu Restaurant is more famous for its views than its food. The restaurant is a large complex (and it seems at the time of visiting there was a larger one being constructed) with an incredible overlook of Cebu below.
The best seats are those along the balcony’s edge and you’ll need reservations to get these. These were reserved more than a day ahead of time from what we learned. The most popular time to visit is around sunset as you’ll get a day and night view of the city.
The food itself, however, was rather lackluster. This was by far the biggest disappointment of visiting so if you are here more for the view then you may be fine.
Sirao Flower Garden
Location: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Known as the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu,” The Sirao Garden welcomes travelers to a vibrant oasis of colorful blooms and picturesque landscapes. Originally a hillside farm, the garden became a popular tourist attraction, boasting rows of blooming flowers, including celosia, sunflowers, and various ornamental plants.
Established by a local farming couple, the Sirao Flower Garden has become a sensation thanks to Instagram. It has a lot of photo-worthy sites including the famous “hands” that you can climb and pose upon. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, inspiration, or simply a burst of natural beauty, the garden promises a memorable experience for travelers of all ages.
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, costing 50 – 100 PHP for entry. Getting here is possible via taxi or tricycle. It’s a bit of a hike from the city so it’s worth visiting with other places in the area such as the Temple of Leah, the Taoist Temple, and/or Top of Cebu Restaurant.
Cebu Heritage Monument
Location: Sikatuna St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Constructed in 2000 by artist Eduardo Castrillo, the monument showcases scenes from the arrival of Spanish explorers to modern-day Cebu. The monument features various important moments of Cebu’s (and Filipino) history along its various facades. Visitors can wander around the monument and see the impressive work and stories it shares.
The monument is open for visitors daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Even if the monument is closed, you can still catch most of the views from outside. The monument is also located close to Magellan’s Lechon which is a well-known lechon place (I admit I don’t eat pork so didn’t try it but my friends enjoyed it)
Where to Stay
- One Central Hotel: Centrally located in downtown Cebu and close to Colon Street. Good option with good prices.
- Cebu Family Suites: Great hotel with good service and clean rooms. You’ll need a taxi or tricycle to many tourist spots though.
- Radisson Blu: One of the top Hotels in Cebu City. Located close to the SM City Cebu Mall. It’s a taxi ride to most of the tourist attractions.
Trips from Cebu City
There’s plenty to explore beyond the Cebu city along the Island of Cebu (and beyond). Here are some of our suggestions on how to get away from the bustling city and into some more beautiful surroundings.
Many can be done as a day trip but it will be a very loooong day trip. We recommend doing these as an overnight or a couple of days if possible.
Moalboal
Located several hours from Cebu City, Moalbal is a cool little beach town with much to explore. The most famous thing in Moalbal is the Sardine Run. This is the 2nd largest sardine run in the world (after South Africa) but it’s also the most consistent. You can see large schools of sardines nearly every day. It is also the most convenient with folk able to explore the sardines close to shore.
If you are planning to go, try to make sure to visit during high tide. This is the best time to see the schools as many will move further off-coast during low tide. Beyond the sardines, there are opportunities to see many other fish and even sea turtles! We saw a turtle on our swim which was wonderful.
Access to the sardine run is free. You can snorkel on your own. There are plenty of places in town that will rent you equipment or even provide a guide.
Whale Sharks in Oslob
This was my favorite adventure in all of the Philippines. Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the world and the Philippines are one of the best places to encounter them. There are several places in the country to see Whale Sharks and Oslob in particular is very popular.
It’s also one of the more guaranteed spots to see them. It’s an operation to explore here and you’ll have the option of snorkeling or scuba diving if you prefer.
You can do this as a long day trip from Cebu City or as an overnight with other activities. For day trips, its a long day with about 4hrs each way of driving. If you do it as an overnight, we recommend showing up at the whale shark area early (like 6 am or earlier), so that you can get your slot. Otherwise, you may be waiting hours for your time.
Canyoneering
Located between Molaboal and Oslob, Canyoneering is one of the top attractions in Cebu. The canyon allows folks to wade through the river, jump off cliffs, waterfalls, and more. There’s even a zip-line option you can take (and shave off some of the walking).
There are quite a few outfits that take visitors through Kawasan Falls, so you have a choice on where you go. In terms of differences, it usually comes down to the equipment provided. You want to ensure you get good footwear, as the rocks are slippery. There’s a spot to buy lunch along the route as well, and some places even offer food along with the trip.
Exploring Beautiful Beaches
You are in the Philippines, so incredible beaches are among the top draws in the country. There are many amazing beaches all along Cebu depending on what you are seeking or how much time you have. You can explore White Beach, Panagsama Beach, or Pescador Island in Moalbal for instance, and also check out the sardine run or the white sands of Borromeo for something much closer. There’s a lot to see, explore, and enjoy in the region.
Bohol
This is doable as a day trip, you can take a 2-hour ferry from Cebu to Bohol. However, with the amount of things to do in Bohol, we recommend at least 2 days on the island. Visitors here can explore sights within the capital, Tagbilaran, the Chocolate Hills, beaches, a Tarsier Sanctuary, a riverboat ride, and more! There’s so much to see on Bohol, and the Chocolate Hills (UNESCO Site) and Tarsier Sanctuary are among the best.
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