If you are planning to visit the Philippines, Cebu City is a good place to start. As the capital of the Southern Philippines and the most populated city in the Visayas, it has lots to offer to travelers and visitors. If you are a fan of history, Cebu City is the place for you. Busy streets, lots of food; Cebu City is bursting with energy.
Arriving from the airport in Cebu City, I recommend spending at least two days in Cebu City.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Cebu City.
Top 10 things to do in Cebu City
1) Magellan’s Cross
Photo by Jairam Poupart, 2019.
Planted by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 upon arriving in Cebu, this famous historic landmark is a popular place for tourists to visit.
Because some people began to chip away pieces of the cross, believing it had miraculous powers, it was encased by the City of Cebu to protect it. However, some people believe it is only a recreation, as the original was stolen or destroyed.
It is free and a great place to stop, maybe buy a candle or two for a few pesos for a prayer if you want and begin the day.
Address: P. Burgos St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
8 AM- 6 PM
2) Basilica del Santo Nino
Photo by Jairam Poupart, 2019.
Founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera, the Basilica del Santo Nino is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country.
It was declared ‘‘the symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in Philippines’’ when Pope Paul VI made it a basilica in 1965.
Inside the Basilica.
Address: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Morning Mass every day from 6 AM to 8 AM. Afternoon Mass at 12h15 and 5 PM.
3) Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was one of the first church to be built in the Philippines in 1565. Dedicated to Mary and Saint Vitalis of Milan, it is a beautiful church to visit.
During World War II, a lot of it was destroyed by the bombings of the Allied Troops. It was later rebuilt in 1950.
Address: Legaspi St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
4) Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro was built by the Spanish in 1739 under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, first governor of Philippines.
In the early 17th century, it was used to repel Muslim raiders. It was taken by the Filippino revolutionaries and used as stronghold during the Philippine Revolution in the 19th century.
Rich in history, many tour guides will give you a tour of this historic place. The Fort is also used nowadays as a wedding venue.
Address: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
8 AM - 7 PM
5) Tops Lookout
The Tops lookout is a great vantage point over Cebu City. 600 meters up above the city, it is the perfect place to see the sunset.
This 20 minute ride up through the mountain road is exhilarating and quite the experience.
Address: Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
11 AM - 11 PM
Places outside the city
6) Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah
This temple about 40 minutes from Cebu City was constructed by Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna as a symbol of undying love and careless devotion.
It has Greek and Roman inspired architecture, as you can see lions, greek statues, columns....
It is the perfect romantic stop to see the sunset, with a beautiful view on the city.
The entrance fee is quite afordable and is well worth it: only 50 pesos.
Keep in mind that lots of tourists visit this famous place and even in rain season, it is almost impossible to get pictures without people in your shot.
How to get there:
You can go there by Jeepnee or taxi but I recommend taking a scooter ride. It cost around 500$ to go and come back but you can negociate.
Address: Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
11 AM - 11 PM
7) Sirao Flower Garden
If you love to take pictures, this place was meant for you! A bit artificial because all man-made, it still is the perfect spot for these perfect instagram posts.
Again, expect to see lots of tourists because this place is quite popular nowadays.
This Hand location is one of the most popular in the garden and have quite the line-up, so be patient and wait for your turn.
The entrance fee is only 50 pesos and I highly recommend this place if you are nearby.
It is quite near to Temple of Leah, so I recommend making it a stop before going to Temple of Leah for sunset.
Address: Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
6 AM - 7 PM
8) Taoist Temple
Kind of unexpected to see a Taoist temple in Cebu City but here it is.
Built in 1972 by the Chinese community of Cebu City, it is open to everyone. In order to access the temple, you must climb exactly 81 steps to represent the number of chapters in Taoism scriptures. The entrance to the temple was a replica of the Great Wall of China.
It is said that if you wash your hands, go in the chapel barefoot and drop two blocks of wood, you may ask for a wish if your two blocks of wood remain face up. If it doesn’t happen, then you were not ready for your wish and better luck next time you visit.
I really enjoyed to visit this place as it is not too far from Cebu City and a great place to take pictures.
Address: Beverly Hills, Cebu City, Philippines
9 AM - 5 PM
9) Sky Experience Adventure
If you don’t know what else to do in Cebu City, you could try Sky Experience Adventure. If you are on a time limit or your budget is tight, I wouldn’t recommend it. The entrance fee and the activities can be a bit pricey.
For the entrance fee and one ride, it cost me 600 pesos. Keep in mind that you need socks to do any of the rides. If you don’t have any, you will have to buy some at the desk. They sell them 50 pesos.
As my journey in Cebu was coming to an end, I decided to try the Tower Zip as a last activity in the Philippines. It is a zipline of 250 feet that goes through two buildings (the first building is 473 ft high and you land on the second one which is 461 ft high).
Keep in mind that you cannot bring your own camera in the ride: you will have to ask for pictures from the photographer there.
Address: Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
2 PM - 12 AM
10) Explore the rest of Cebu or go Island Hopping
The Island of Cebu has lots to offer : beautiful beaches, waterfalls and snorkel/diving spots. You should definetely go to Moalboal and Oslob by bus. If you can, hop on a ferry and check out Siquijor and Bohol.
As Cebu City has the busiest sea port of the Phillippines, it is easy to find an affordable ferry to explore any of the other islands of the Philippines. The most popular places to go on vacation would be Boracay, Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princessa and Bohol.
Where to stay in Cebu City?
If you are a budget traveler like me and don’t want to spend all your money in big expensive hotels, I recommend two places:
1) Happynest Hostel
Quiet hostel perfectly located by the main historic attractions of the city. The staff is nice and polite. The dorms are pretty cheap for the city: 750 pesos for the night.
2) Mad Monkey Hostel
If you are looking to celebrate your vacations and have a party, this is the place to go. The staff is energetic and wants you to have a great time. Many events during the whole week, this place will keep you entertained.
It has a beautiful view of the city and a big pool.
It gets pretty wild on the weekends with beer pong competitions. I could have stayed four days!
It cost 750 pesos per night.
Other suggestions
Cebu Heritage Monument
10 000 Roses Cafe
SM Mall Cebu
Colon Street
1730 Jesuit House
Mountain View Nature Park
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
Terrazas De Flores Botanical Garden
Yap San Diego Ancestral House
Eat at Jollibee
Conclusion
Cebu City is a place rich with history and beautiful landmarks. Quite busy, there is lots to do and places to see. I hope this list was useful for your travels, check out my other travel guides. Leave a comment to where you plan on going if you plan on visiting Cebu City soon. Subscribe to my email list to get more travel related content.
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January 2020
- Jan 29, 2020 Why you shouldn’t swim with Whale Sharks in Oslob, Philippines Jan 29, 2020
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December 2019
- Dec 1, 2019 Top 7 Things to do in Moalboal Dec 1, 2019
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November 2019
- Nov 13, 2019 Top 10 things to do in Cebu City Nov 13, 2019