Cebu City Guide

Things to Do

✨Culture, Religion & History:

Fort San Pedro

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Fort San Pedro is a historical gem that dates back to the Spanish colonial era, offering tourists a captivating journey through time. Its well-preserved walls and structures not only provide a glimpse into the city's rich history but also offer a serene escape, making it a great spot for tourists seeking a blend of cultural immersion and tranquility

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Basilica del Sto. Nino

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This religious site is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. This Spanish colonial design is a visually striking landmark in the city.

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Cebu Taoist Temple

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The Cebu Taoist Temple, nestled in the mountains, offers a serene escape with its intricate architecture and vibrant colors, providing visitors a taste of Chinese culture and spirituality. The temple's ornate details, picturesque surroundings, and panoramic views of Cebu City make it a must-visit destination for both spiritual seekers and tourists exploring the cultural diversity of the region.

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Temple of Leah

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Elaborate Roman-style villa with impressive architecture. The Temple is currently undergoing some construction. Although the view is breathtaking, the temple is quite touristy and can become overcrowded.

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Magellan's Cross

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Cross brought by Spanish Explorers in 1521, marking the start of Christianity in the Philippines. It is best to do some research before arriving here, to understand the significance of this place for Filipino Christians.

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✨Nature:

Budlaan Falls

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Escape from the heat with this gorgeous hidden gem only 45 minutes away from the city. It is the perfect refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is only a short 30 minute hike to reach the falls

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✨Family Friendly:

Cebu Ocean Park

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This place is a perfect family-friendly activity. Kids love the walk-through tunnel, surrounded by sharks and rays. If you are feeling bold, you can even dive in the aquarium! Perfect for a rainy day

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Anjo World Theme Park

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Extremely fun and family friendly themepark. Ot is perfect for kids and kids at heart! It is best to book your tickets online in advanced (check the link below).

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✨Other:

AYO AYO Sauna & Cafe

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This is the place to be if you are stressed, tired or jet-lagged. It is best to book in advance to secure your spot. Enjoy a steam in the sauna, a cold dip (it's great for your health) and even a massage. Pssst... The food is great here :)

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NUSTAR Resort & Casino

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Check out the impressive casino on the cities outskirts. It is a great place to have a laugh and blow off some steam!

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Places to Eat

✨Local Food:

Muvanz Pocherohan And Seafoods

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Open 24/7, this place is perfect for when you have the munchies. I highly recommend the Pochero, Baked Scallops, Fried Chicken and the Calamari!

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Siomai Sa Tisa

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Tisa is known to be the speciality of Siomai (Chinese Steamed Pork Dumplings). It is a cheap and delicious street food, that is often eaten with rice and chilli sauce. You will not find better dumplings anywhere else in Cebu!

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Pares Pares

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Filipino restaurant highly reccommended for it’s Silog and batchoy. It serves until Midnight (perfect for drunk munchies!)

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Kuzina Guadalupe

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A taste of the local Filipino food with the addition of aircon and comfort. A perfect place for any traveler who wants to understand the local food better.

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✨Mountain Resteraunts:

Top of Cebu

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Great food, great atmosphere and of course great scenery. It is the perfect place to unwind. The food is a little expensive here, but worthwhile for the mountain view overlooking the city. Don't forget to bring a jacket - it can get cold in the mountains at night.

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Liel's Kitchen

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This is one of my favourite places to visit in the city. Come before sunset to see the gorgeous mountains, overlooking the city. Chill on the beautiful hanging nets and soak in the scenery. The Japanese food here Is a must try! Please note: no alcohol is served here.

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Woods Smokehouse

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A great mountain restaurant. We recommend getting here early to watch the sunset with a drink, followed by a meal overlooking the city lights. Dress code = Smart

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La Parisienne Sky

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A laid-back restaurant up in the mountains, overlooking the city lights. The architecture is beautiful and it is perfect for a date night. The food is great, but the views are the real highlight here. There is a deposit on entry but this gets taken off of your food bill

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✨Romantic Restaurants:

La Vie Parisienne

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Such a gorgeous restaurant, perfect for a date night. Make sure you order the gelato :)

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Tales and Feelings

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A small but intimate restaurant with a relaxed and romantic atmosphere at night. They have an amazing selection of wine, and great-tasting, well presented food at a reasonable price

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Circa 1900

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A beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere. We celebrated our anniversary here and were very pleased with the friendliness of the staff and the great-tasting food (which we devoured).

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CAVA

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Great atmosphere, incredible food and delightful service! Cava's food is mouthwatering and looks so pretty once served. The interior designs helps create a wonderful ambience.

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✨International Restaurants:

Acacia Steakhouse

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An outdoor steak restaurant with a rustic vibe. The food is delicious and has a good portion size. The staff were so kind here (they walked us in from the car with an umbrella during a huge downpour). It is a great spot for either a date or a nice dinner with friends.

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Maretes Cajun Seafood

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Juicy seafood cooked with a delicious cajun sauce. It is a boodle spot (you eat with plastic gloves instead of cutlery). Its seafood is some of the best in Cebu. A little pricey, but worth it for the experience.

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Banri Noodle House

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Unbeatable noodles, sushi and gyozas. If you love Japanese food, this is the place to be.

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Shawarma Gourmet

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Best Lebanese food in the city. We love their hummus, shwarma, cheese falafels, garlic sauce and even their chips are great. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Banana Pancake Trail

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Extremely Tasty South East Asian Streetfood

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Phat Pho

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Best Vietnamese dishes in Cebu. Make sure not to skip the satay skewers, Noodles or spring rolls! The food is always heartwarming here.

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Draft Punk Craft Cafe

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A laidback, open-air restaurant that often has a live DJ. The food is always impeccable and presented beautifully. If you don't fancy eating, it's a nice place to catch up with friends over a beer.

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PUESTO

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Enjoyable Mexican food with a laid back atmosphere. If you eat here, we recommend coming at night, as it is extremely hot in the daytime.

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The Burger Joint

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One of the best burgers you will have in the Philippines. The Hawaiian burger is very juicy and full of flavor. Make sure you pair it with the onion wings!

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Cafes:

Abaca Baking Company

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Standout Coffees, Cakes and Pastries. The staff are always super friendly here.

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Kupola Maaya Cafe

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An underrated hidden gem, nestled in the city. I was impressed by everything about this cafe - beautiful interior, delicious food, great coffee and friendly staff. They even serve cocktails in the evenings. My favourite Cafe in Cebu :)

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5G Coffee House

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One of the top-rated cafes in the City! They are known for their delicious and flakey Croissants. If you are craving a pastry, then this is the place to be.

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COOEE

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A cafe perfect for Breakfast and Lunch. They serve delicious and healthy meals. Their smooth bowls are incredible and are always aesthetically presented. Their waffles are mouthwatering. Don't skip their smoothies! There are so many options to choose from here. You can't pick wrong at COOEE!

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Merci Dessert Cafe

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Craving a sweet treat? Pop over to this cafe and have a delicious slice (or two) of cake.

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Kahoy Cafe

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A cute cafe and nature escape, just outside of city. It belongs to the Greenhouse Cabins (see accommodation)

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Commonly Uncommon Coffee

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This modern cafe serves some of the best looking and testing food in the city. They do great drinks as well. recommended drink = matcha latte. Slightly expensive but is worth the visit.

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Tamp Cafe & Co. KASAMBAGAN

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Modern-style cafe in Cebu serving big portions. It is a nice spot to chill and slow down. The Vietnamese Coffee served here is highly regarded.

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Nightlife:

Verified Rooftop Bar & Lounge

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Very beautiful rooftop bar in the heart of the city. Sip on a great cocktail overlooking the bustling city below. This is the only place in Cebu where I have found a great Expresso Martini! Make sure you dress up a little to come here as they do have a dress code.

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The Distillery Cebu

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Busy bar located in Crossroads. It is a great place for a drink with friends. It is conveniently located, within walking distance of many great restaurants.

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Shopping

✨Local

Carbon Market

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Explore Cebu's local market. Try the local food. Head upstairs near the food court towards the woodwork section. This is the best place to find hand-crafted gifts, trinkets and souvenirs, (without the hefty price). Don't be afraid to haggle!

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Colon Street

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If you want to experience local shopping, this is where to head. This is the oldest street in the Philippines, lined with diverse shops, markets, and cultural landmarks, it remains a bustling thoroughfare that reflects Cebu City's rich heritage.

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✨Malls

Ayala Center Cebu

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This is the best mall for clothes shopping, dining and relaxing.

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SM City Cebu

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Large mall with lots of opportunities for shopping and dining

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SM Seaside City Cebu

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Best place for shopping if you are staying In the closeby Nustar Resort & Casino

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Where to Stay

✨Backpacker:

Hostel 7 Cebu

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As a backpacker, this is the first place I stayed in Cebu. I was welcomed with open arms into the hostel. The hostel is normally busy, so book in advance. The owner is friendly and often organises group activities for guests. The dorms are spacious , comfy and provide privacy.

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✨Mid-Range:

BAI Hotel Pool & Bar

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Gorgeous hotel with a rooftop pool, buffet and bar. Double Rooms avaliable from 4200php per night

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Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

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Best place to stay if you are looking for comfort, location and relaxation. Staying here allows you access to both the pool, sauna and gym! It is only 30 minutes from the airport and they provide free shuttles to the nearby malls (Ayala & SM City)

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✨Luxury:

Fili Hotel Cebu

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5* accommodation with places to eat and relax. Spend time in the casino or exploring the local area.

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Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

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Resort Hotel in Mactan, close proximity to the airport. We highly recommend this place if you want convenience, style and luxury. They have beachfront access, ocean views and top-quality pools.

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✨Nature Escapes:

The Greenland Cabins

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Cabin in nature outside of the city. Relax in the pool or enjoy a lovely coffee at their very own cafe.

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Lava Mountain River Farm

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Beautiful place to stay, rejuvenate and reconnect with nature.

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Transport

✨Rent a car with Discover Cars

Best Car Rental Deals with Free Cancellation, Compare & Save! | Discover Cars

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✨use 12Go to book busses and ferries

12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights

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Other Guides

Do you want to travel the island? The City is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our guide below:

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Available for hire

Cebu's Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-trodden paths, this guide unveils the island's hidden gems, inviting you to discover enchanting waterfalls cascading through lush jungles, pristine beaches embraced by turquoise waters, and secluded diving spots teeming with vibrant marine life. Unearth the secrets of Cebu's nature. Whether you seek adventure or tranquillity, this guide ensures an immersive experience, blending tourist favourites with the island's best-kept secrets for an unforgettable exploration of Cebu's wonders. Included in this Guide: 📍Recommended Tours 📍Waterfalls 📍Springs 📍Adrenaline & Adventure Activities 📍Snorkelling & Scuba Diving 📍Hiking & Camping 📍Beaches 📍Restaurants 📍Bucketlist Accomodation & Unique AirBnbs

Backpacker • Digital Nomads • Family • Female Solo • Couples • Adventure • Camping • Outdoors • Road Trip • Budget

Free

Guide

Beyond the well-trodden paths, this guide unveils the island's hidden gems, inviting you to discover enchanting waterfalls cascading through lush jungles, pristine beaches embraced by turquoise waters, and secluded diving spots teeming with vibrant marine life. Unearth the secrets of Cebu's nature. Whether you seek adventure or tranquillity, this guide ensures an immersive experience, blending tourist favourites with the island's best-kept secrets for an unforgettable exploration of Cebu's wonders.

Day Trip Tours - Explore Further 

Sometimes planning can feel very stressful. That's why we’ve researched and carefully crafted a list of highly-rated tours of the island! Skip the stress and book a premade tour of some of the best activities in the Philippines. All tours include transport to and from Cebu City.

1✨ Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

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2✨Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

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3✨Mactan Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch - Gilutungan, Caohagan, Nalusuan

Mactan Island Hopping with Lunch

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Enjoy!