Overview

The tropical island of Cebu features sparkling, narrow coastlines and coastal plains leading to verdant rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges that traverse the island. Stunning sun-kissed Cebu stretches for 122 miles north to south and measures 20 miles wide. Its tropical shorelines are filled with historical, natural, and cultural attractions and the ideal mixture of relaxation and adventure. The islands' lush, verdant landscapes lead to excellent outdoor activities, and the electric blue waters and vibrant coral atolls are filled with rich marine life great for water activities. Explore colonial landmarks on the oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines, soak up the sun at upscale resorts, go island hopping, or climb mountains; Cebu has it all. 

Things to see and do

Explore the city with a tour of the Historic Cebu streets. Stroll around the fascinating historical area and check out interesting landmarks like Fort Sand Pedro along the way.

Fort San Pedro is the place to learn about Cebu’s Spanish legacy. A triangular piece of history dating back to 1565 when it was established under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines. There are two sides of the landmark facing the sea, the third faces land with 20ft tall walls that are 8ft thick. Visit the small museum on-site and see ancient cannons, historical documents, and other artifacts.

Visit Magellan`s Cross , one of the most popular historical sites and landmarks in Cebu. This Christian cross was planted by the Portuguese, paying tribute to Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer who died during the Battle of Magellan. A common practice at the cross is to drop coins or light candles at the base of the cross.

Situated next to the cross is the Basilica del Santo Nino, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country, built in 1565. The sacred image of the Santo Nino de Cebu, `Child Jesus', is located inside the church, which is made from gold and precious stones.

Check out `The Tops Lookout, ' locally known as `The Tops, ' a popular observation deck set on top of Mount Busay. Once you reach the top, you can bask in magnificent panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding islands. A great location to watch the sunset from 1,968 feet above sea level, there is a café and shops found at the top that sell snacks and beverages along with dining areas and picnic spots to sit back and relax while the sun sets on the city.

Visit the Cebu Taoist Temple, this unique vibrant Chinese temple dates back to 1972 when it was constructed by the Chinese community. The beautiful temple sits 980 feet above sea level and features a towering, multi-tiered temple set on beautiful grounds with a chapel, a library, and a souvenir shop. Some balconies offer breathtaking views over the island.

Museo Sugbo is a Spanish-style coral stone building housing several galleries with rooms dedicated to different eras in Cebu`s history, including the American Gallery and a WWII gallery.

Head out to the famous Kawasan Falls, located in the Barangay Matutinao Mountains. Take a small hike through the lush green rainforest to the stunning site of the serene falls. There are 3 waterfalls in total, and the highest fall cascades down from 9 feet into tranquil blue waters. You can take an exciting bamboo boat ride under the falls and swim in the blue waters. For the adrenaline junkies, you can try out `canyoneering` a form of water adventure where you hike, cliff jump and abseil in the canons. Enjoy some food in the unique nipa huts and restaurants found close to the falls.

Shopping

Shopping in Cebu can be a fun island experience, with a few modern shopping centers, fun marketplaces, and spacious malls to explore and soak up some AC. There are unique ways to enjoy some good old retail therapy on the island and escape the heat. The SM City Cebu is a luxury shopping mall spread across four levels, boasting hundreds of retail options as well as dining, a movie theater, and a supermarket. The Ayala Center boasts luxury shopping opportunities in the heart of the city. A nice area lined with unique stylish boutiques, mini-malls, and al fresco dining opportunities. The Carbon Market in Cebu is the oldest and largest farmers market in the city. A vibrant, bustling, open-air market offering a unique, authentic shopping experience found throughout hundreds of colorful stalls.

Dining

Cebu boasts some sophisticated dining options across the island. There are some fantastic restaurants to choose from, especially along the beautiful beaches. The island is a food-lovers' paradise and was raved about by the great, late food critic Anthony Bourdain, who called the island’s lechon baboy (roasted pig) one of the best in the world. This delicious local, authentic dish is known for its perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. This is just one of the island’s few delicacies showcasing its rich culinary history. SuTuKil is another popular dish.

Different cuisines found across the island's restaurants include Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Continental, and Fusion. Street food is widely available and popular on the island of Cebu, especially around the Ayala Center and IT Park. There are some excellent new restaurants found at The Terraces, and the Ayala Center that boast sought-after outdoor seating. Luxury beach resorts around the island offer diners unique, romantic dining experiences in stunning tropical settings.

Nightlife

Cebu City has a good party scene for visitors, offering a wide array of bars, clubs, and entertainment establishments to suit everyone`s needs. Mango Avenue and Mango Square are the heart of most of the nightlife found in the city, where bars, clubs, and karaoke places line the streets along with girlie clubs. Comedy clubs are common throughout the city, where you can head for a good laugh accompanied by some drinks. Rooftop bars offer visitors unobstructed views of the city at night and a unique location for an exciting evening. Mactan Island offers the luxurious Ibiza Beach Club with a breathtaking location and an upscale, romantic evening on the sand.