Best Things To Do in Cebu City, Philippines

Are you looking for what to do in Cebu City?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Basilica de Santo Nino: One of the most famous attractions in Cebu city, the Basilica Del Santo Nino is also amongst the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Philippines. The basilica is a sight worth revering when it is all decked up during the Sinulog Festival. The church was made on the spot where an image of child Jesus was found by Spanish explorers in the 16th Century.
  • Cebu Taoist Temple: The Cebu Taoist temple is one of the prettiest sights of Cebu city. The temple stands proudly tall, at an elevation of about 900 feet from sea level. Tranquil peace engulfs you as you enter the Taoist Temple, a calm spirituality takes over the scattered mind. Try your luck with the block of wood while you’re here; drop two blocks of wood and if both the blocks are face up, you get to make a wish. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cebu.
  • Museo Sugbo: Once the Provincial Jail of Cebu , this museum was incorporated at this historic place in 2004 and since has attracted thousands of visitors for not just the uniqueness of the location but also the richness of its exhibits. The exhibitions take visitors through various phases of Philippine history; right from the Stone Age to the revolution of 1898 to even the American Liberation. 

THINGS TO DO

  • Scuba Diving: Cebu has been blessed with amazing sea life and crystal clear waters. The surrounding islands of Malapascua and Moalboal offer some stunning underwater views. Scuba diving is by far one of the most fun things to do in Cebu city.
  • Snorkeling: For those who prefer the leisurely alternative to scuba diving, Cebu and its surrounding islands provide many opportunities to discover the colorful sea bed and exotic fishes.

Below we have a list of things to do in Cebu City and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Cebu City getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Cebu City with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Cebu City

Here is the list of things to do in Cebu City and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Basilica Del Santo Nino

    4.7 (3081 Votes)
    Basilica Del Santo Nino

    Church, Religious Site, Observatory, Historical Site

    One of the most famous landmarks in Cebu, the Basilica Del Santo Nino is also amongst the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Philippines. The basilica is a sight worth revering when it is all decked up during the Sinulog Festival. The church was made on the spot where an image of child Jesus was found by Spanish explorers in the 16th Century. The church is made of hard stone and the interiors ar...Read more
  2. Magellan's Cross

    4.4 (3890 Votes)
    Magellan's Cross

    Church, Religious Site, Observatory, Architecture

    Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross that was commissioned by Portuguese and Spanish explorers on the orders of Ferdinand Magellan to commemorate their arrival in Cebu during the 16th century. This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, near the city centre . A sign below the cross describes that the original cross is encased inside ...Read more
  3. Cebu Taoist Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Observatory, Historical Site

    The Cebu Taoist temple is one of the prettiest sights of Cebu city. It was built in 1972 by the wealthy Chinese community of the city and since then has attracted a number of devotees and tourists alike. The temple stands proudly tall, at an elevation of about 900 feet from sea level. Tranquil peace engulfs you as you enter the Taoist Temple, a calm spirituality takes over the scattered mind. T...Read more
  4. Kawasan Falls

    4.5 (1927 Votes)
    Kawasan Falls

    Outdoors, Observatory, Entertainment, Adventure

    Just 130 kilometers southwest of Cebu City and about three hours bus ride, the Kawasan Falls is located inside the mountains of Barangay Matutinao, Badian. Silver cascades of waters drop down into gorgeous freshwater pools that beckon visitors to swim and explore the surroundings further. There are two main waterfalls and they are known for their turquoise blue water basins. If you can trek a b...Read more
  5. Fort San Pedro

    4.2 (3974 Votes)
    Fort San Pedro

    Educational Site, Historical Site, Architecture , Fort

    Fort San Pedro dates back to 1565. Built as a defensive fortress under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, the fort protected the city by Muslim invaders. The fort has played many roles; that of a prison camp, a mini zoo and now a handsome ruin. The views from the fort are spectacular because two sides of it are facing the sea.  A welcome getaway from the chaos of the city, the ...Read more
  6. Ayala Centre Cebu

    Outdoors, Mall, Market, Shopping Center

    One of the biggest shopping malls in Cebu, Ayala is the answer for all your retail needs. On an average day, more than 85,000 people visit Ayala Center Cebu, with the figure increasing to 135,000 on weekends. The mall has brands, restaurants and local shops that offer some interesting, trendy options for clothes, accessories and appliances.  There are cafes, fast food joints and a number o...Read more
  7. Tops Lookout

    4.4 (2424 Votes)
    Tops Lookout

    Outdoors, Landmark, Observatory, Educational Site

    Located 2,000 feet high at the peak of Mt Busay, Tops Lookout, or just Tops to locals, provides the most spectacular views in Cebu, especially at sunrise or sunset where you can see Cebu glowing from a distance. There is a steep winding drive up the hill which takes about 30 to 45 minutes and plenty of parking space if you plan to drive. There is a snack stall that serves basic refreshments and...Read more
  8. Lapu Lapu Statue

    4.1 (1914 Votes)
    Lapu Lapu Statue

    Outdoors, Landmark, Observatory, Educational Site

    Lapu-Lapu, Cebu’s local hero is well known for his resistance of the Spanish rule. He is said to have fought them valiantly and is responsible for the death of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In honour of this brave man and his fight for his land, a 66 feet tall statue and monument have been erected by the Philippine government at Mactan. The history is clearly depicted here and t...Read more
  9. Yap Sandiego Ancestral House

    4.4 (4256 Votes)
    Yap Sandiego Ancestral House

    Outdoors, Landmark, Educational Site, Historical Site

    This historic house is close to two centuries old. The house is owned by Maria Florido and Don Juan Yap and has been preserved beautifully. A visit here sheds light upon the lifestyles and architecture of people hundreds of years ago. Unlike a regular museum, the house is more informal and you even get to touch and feel the objects. Still retaining most of its original structure, the house is m...Read more
  10. Tumalog Falls

    4.5 (1712 Votes)
    Tumalog Falls

    Outdoors, Observatory, Entertainment, Adventure

    If you decide to visit just one thing around Cebu, visit Tumalog falls. The most stunning scenes await you as you start your hike up to Cebu’s fantastical waterfalls. Not thundering or fierce, these falls are gentle and mystical. They are set amidst the most beautiful surrounding; trees that are hundreds of years old, soft rounded rocks and misty leaves. The falls are nature’s bount...Read more
  11. Mountain View Nature's Park

    4.1 (3266 Votes)
    Mountain View Nature's Park

    Outdoors, Garden, Park, Landmark

    Mountain View Nature Park is a perfect getaway destination for families and kids. There are a number of activities that involve adventure, adrenaline and a close rendezvous with nature. The top of the park offers splendid views of Mactan and Cebu city and during twilight and night, the place is lit up with a million twinkling lights above and below. Offering a number of recreational activities,...Read more
  12. Kalanggaman Islet

    Beach, Water Body, Walking Area, Scuba

    Known as “paradise island,” Kalanggaman boasts of pristine waters and soft white-sand beaches with long sandbars stretching on both sides of the island. It is located in the middle of the sea between Bogo City in northern Cebu and Palompon. Kalanggaman is quite tiny , spanning only seven hectares, which makes it an islet. Named after the Cebuano word, “langgam” which mea...Read more
  13. Casa Gorordo Museum

    4.6 (3373 Votes)
    Casa Gorordo Museum

    Museum, Educational Site, Architecture , Arts And Crafts

    Originally the private home of Juan Gorordo, Casa Gorordo is now a museum that portrays life of Spanish expatriates in Cebu. Full of antiques and old furniture, the house has stunning architecture and design. High ceilings give it an airy, spacious quality and the use of coral stone and wood gives the house a unique feel. The house was turned into a museum in 1980 after an elaborate restoration...Read more
  14. Cebu Heritage Monument

    Monument, Architecture , Heritage Building

    The Heritage of Cebu Monument is an illustration of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass and steel portraying scenes that shaped Cebu city. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000. Built by local artist Eduardo Castrillo who along with Senator Marcelo Fernan successfully built the monument with donations from other private individuals and o...Read more
  15. The Ruins Talisay

    4.4 (895 Votes)
    The Ruins Talisay

    Outdoors, Landmark, Educational Site, Ancient Ruin

    Sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built this ten bedroom Italianate mansion in honour of his wife, who died when she was pregnant with her 11th child. Located on a sugar plantation in the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines, this mansion is the skeletal of a glorious, heroic past. WWII Filipino guerrillas set the house on fire in order to prevent invading Japanese forces from bei...Read more