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Top things to do in Cebu City

Attractions, tours, and activities in Cebu City

About Cebu City

Including tips for the best time to visit Cebu City

Nicknamed ‘Queen City of the South’, Cebu City graces the eastern seaboard of Cebu Island and serves as a major domestic shipping port of the Philippines. It reigns among a cluster of islands within the Central Visayas region as a magnet for commercial activities and tourism.

As the oldest city of the Philippines, Cebu City is backed by centuries-old landmarks. To delve deeper into the history of this city, visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument, an ensemble of sculptures depicting significant events from Cebu’s past. You can spend some quiet time in Santo Nino Basilica, the city’s holiest church, housing a statuette of the Christ Child. The Spanish-style stone kiosk of Magellan's Cross Pavilion is situated right next to the church. You can also make your way to Fort San Pedro, a remarkable military stronghold.

Along with being a teeming metropolis, Cebu City is also a vibrant cultural centre dotted with serene hideaways. You can enjoy shopping at Colon Street, the busiest road in downtown Cebu, or indulge in retail, dining and entertainment experiences at Ayala Center Cebu, a sprawling shopping mall. For sweeping views of the city away from the bustling streets, head to the Tops Lookout, a 600-metre-high viewpoint nestled in the mountains. To take in the cityscape from a different perspective, visit the multi-tiered and colourful Cebu Taoist Temple, standing tall at an elevation of 110 metres.

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Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency ₱ 100 = $1.75
Language Filipino
Average weekend price $45 per night
Average weekday price $47 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Cebu City

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Cebu City

Cebu City reviews

What other travelers say about Cebu City

10

We used a guided tour on one day and the other day we did...

August 6, 2025

We used a guided tour on one day and the other day we did our walk tour which was not covered in the guided tour. People were very friendly offering assistance to some of the location we wished to visit.

Gerald Moreta
Gerald Moreta Australia
10

This was my very first visit to the Philippines, and Cebu...

July 4, 2025

This was my very first visit to the Philippines, and Cebu won me over instantly. The airport alone had me thinking, 'Wait... am I in a resort or an arrivals terminal?' But what truly blew me away were the people—some of the kindest, warmest souls I’ve ever met. I’d bottle that hospitality if I could. Now, let’s talk traffic. Honestly, when you start reminiscing fondly about Bangkok’s gridlock, you know things have gone off the rails. Cebu traffic is… character-building. But even that can’t dull the shine of this amazing place. I already can’t wait to come back—maybe with a scooter and nerves of steel next time."

Mark
Mark United Kingdom
4.0

Cebu City: Between Modernity and Contrasts

June 29, 2025

Cebu City: Between Modernity and Contrasts Cebu City presents a striking contrast between its modern areas, characterized by green spaces and contemporary infrastructure, and its numerous poorer zones and shantytowns. If your stay will not be in the more developed areas, it is advisable to be mentally prepared for these social and environmental disparities. Generally, costs in Cebu City tend to be higher compared to other cities in the Philippines. Furthermore, it's important to note that Cebu City does not offer direct access to nearby beaches, making it less advantageous to stay here if your primary goal is a beach vacation. In the modern districts, the culinary landscape is dominated by fast-food chains and coffee shops, with a prevalence of frozen and fried foods. Finding fresh and healthy food options can be challenging. The few restaurants offering traditional or more refined cuisine are relatively expensive, giving the city an atmosphere reminiscent of classic American metropolises.

Gianfranco
Gianfranco Italy
10

Cebu City is what you make of it.

June 20, 2025

Cebu City is what you make of it. If you want to have fun in Cebu get online and if possible, ask friends who live in Cebu City. Cebu is a beautiful island. Cebu City is so convenient because of the airport and sea port. Its great for travel. I like Cebu City because it is not as big as Manila and its easier to move around in the city. So many places to eat. Ive been to TOPS or Top of Cebu.. The Gardens of Leigha...Im more for hanging out in town and Mandaue and lapu Lapu fascinate me.. The rooftop at the Bai Hotel... I like the view but didnt like The Bai Hotel. Ive used the ports at pier 1 and 3 to go to Bohol and Leyte. Mactan Airport... Its a convenient city

DAVID
DAVID United States
10

Cebu City has all the stores and restaurants I typically...

April 24, 2025

Cebu City has all the stores and restaurants I typically frequent in Manila. Also, Cebu City residents are much more welcoming than those in Manila. In addition, traffic in Cebu City is manageable, and drivers aren’t as aggressive as those in Manila. Basically, Cebu City has replaced Manila as my “go to” city” in the Philippines.

George
George United States
10

In the past I had several taxi drivers try to not use their...

April 11, 2025

In the past I had several taxi drivers try to not use their meters. It really makes a bad impression on the whole city. I wouldn’t have gone to Cebu if I wasn’t needed there by my family. I was almost in a fist fight back in November with a very rude taxi driver. If they use their meters meters and just give good service they will be tipped by the foreigners. But they try the scams of setting prices and the meter price is not near what is charged. Really makes me mad to be scammed this way.

keith
keith United States

Popular places to stay in Cebu City

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