Cebu, heralded as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, is truly a blissful Filipino hub full of bangs, attractions and thrills. From historic landmarks to state-of-the-art modern wonders, Cebu has a dazzling and endless array of pleasant things to offer to foreign globe-trotters and wandering Pinoys. Whether you are a foodie, history buff or a fitness junkie, there is something sweet and special that awaits you in Cebu.
Wondering what are the best things to do in Cebu? Check out our eclectic list of the top things to do in this lovely and laid-back Filipino city.
Within metro Cebu
1. Spend a day at the Cebu Westown Lagoon
Traveling with a bunch of kids? Then, make your way to the newest man-made lagoon in the metro – the Cebu Westown Lagoon. Trust me, your children will love the kiddie pools, gazebo and water park in this lagoon. Adults, on the other hand, may soothe their jaded muscles in the relaxing Jacuzzi, or try the whirling Aztec-designed slides.
2. Check out the cool graffiti in Queen City
Queen City, which is a Chinese cemetery near SM Cebu, has an amazing collection of wall art that depicts the creativity and artistry of the Cebuanos.
3. Take pictures of SM’s The Cube
Even though it was just finished a few months ago, SM’s “The Cube” in SRP is fast becoming one of the city’s most popular icons.
4. Stargazing in IT Park
For those who are looking for a free and relaxing thing do in Cebu, try stargazing in IT Park. While IT Park is often praised for its buzzing nightlife circuit, it has plenty of pretty spots where you can sit down, relax and watch the beautiful skies above you.
5. Take a jeepney ride
For foreigners, riding a jeepney is a genuine Filipino activity that lets you know more about the Cebuanos and their fascinating culture.
6. Eat lechon
When it comes to roasted pig or lechon, I believe no one cooks it better than my fellow Cebuanos. I may be a little bias, but everyone knows Cebu has the best-tasting lechons in the country. As a matter of fact, Anthony Bourdain, a world famous TV host, had nothing but sweet words for Cebu’s lechon. He even called it as the best pork dish ever.
7. Build your own pizza
For an affordable price of 245 PHP (5 to 6 USD), Pizza Republic lets you build and customize your own pizza from a wide selection of toppings, including herbs, fresh vegetables, cheese and meats. One of the hottest pizza joints in Cebu today, Pizza Republic can also satisfy your sweet tooth with its luscious desserts, including the Blueberry Mango Cheesecake and Tiramisu.
8. The ultimate burger challenge in Cebu
Go to Buddies in Escario, finish their juicy quadruple burger in five minutes or less, and get this big hearty treat for free. As a bonus for your speedy work, you will also receive a free souvenir shirt as well as have your picture posted in their wall of fame.
9. Barbecue overload in Larsian
Indulge on the appetizing barbecued goodies of Larsian in Fuente, Cebu.
10. Sample Tuslob Buwa
The Tuslob Buwa, a trending food craze in the metro, is an exotic street food dish that guarantees to please your gastronomic urges.
11. Food trip in Tisa
To experience the ultimate food trip in the city, head off to Barangay Tisa, and tickle your taste buds with its tasty street food dishes like the noteworthy siomai, steamed rice, siopao, batchoy, inasal manok, pancit canton and a whole lot more.
12. Eat ginabot
Ginabot, or also referred as chicharon bulaklak, is a salty and crunchy street food delicacy you must try in Cebu.
13. Late night treats
Grab a cup of sikwate and a plate of puto in Salvador, for an appetizing late night culinary experience.
14. First-class dining
Dine and wine at a top-notch restaurant in the Terraces in Ayala Center.
15. Run with the best runners
Here is something for running aficionados and fitness junkies like me. Every week, Cebu hosts at least one running event that oftentimes includes Kenyans and some of the elite runners in the country. To get more information about the city’s upcoming running events, visit Cebu Fun Run.
16. Learn the art of pole dancing
Instructors of pole dancing in Gold’s Gym performing at a local bar
Burn tons of calories and build strong ripped abs in a fun and sultry way by taking pole dancing lessons in Gold Gym’s Cebu.
17. Practice Yoga or Tai Chi
Rejuvenate your senses and stretch out your tight muscles by taking a Tai Chi or Yoga class at Studio 108 Fitness and Wellness Center in Banawa.
18. Zumba party
Dance and burn hundreds of calories, by joining a Zumba fitness class in Abellana Cebu City Sports complex.
19. Learn to box like a pro
ALA Boxing gym, the biggest boxing stable in the Philippines, offers classes to people who want to lose weight as well as to aspiring boxers who want to hone their boxing skills. In ALA Boxing gym, not only will you get to sweat it out and torch fats, but you may also get a close look at the country’s upcoming and top boxing superstars, such as Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Rodel Mayol. Who knows? You might get a chance to spar with these world-class athletes.
20. Spend an afternoon in the Celestial Garden
The Celestial Garden, or also referred as Go Shepherd, is a quaint 12-acre memorial park known for its lush rolling hills, peaceful scenery, and wondrous white statues. By the way, the park also offers a panoramic view of SRP and other parts of Cebu.
21. Pay homage to Santo Nino
Lit a few candles, and say your prayers to the Supreme Being at Santo Nino, home of the oldest church in the country.
22. The heart-pounding thrills at Crown Regency
For those who are looking for an extra dose of adventure within the city, make your way to the Crown Regency Hotel, and try their spine-tingling activities like the Vertical Climb, Urban Zipline, and Coaster.
23. Gun firing
Experience Cebu with a bang by firing off a few rounds at Crown Regency’s Ultima Sharp Shooters Club.
24. A view from the “Tops”
One of the most romantic spots in Cebu, Tops is definitely an awesome park that has lived up to its name and billing. On a good and clear day, Tops will give you breathtaking panoramas of Cebu, the sea and its adjacent islands.
25. Chill out and listen to sensational live music
Hang out with the coolest musicians and kids in the town at the Outpost.
26. Karaoke
There are literally hundreds of places in Cebu, where you can sing your favorite karaoke tracks.
A friendly tip
Don’t have the guts to sing in public or in front of a bunch of friends? I suggest that you drink a few ice-cold bottles of Red Horse Beer. Not only will drinking help you overcome your fear of singing in public, but it can also increase your scores in the karaoke machine. Don’t believe me? Just give it a shot, and you’ll notice your scores improve drastically.
27. Buy seafood and Cebuano goodies in Tabo-an
Tabo-an market offers the best deals for seafood delights like the dili, squid, tuyo and danggit. As you drop by this market, you will also find a handful of other Cebuano delicacies, such as otap, and dried mangoes.
28. Wander around Carbon market
Frenetic, vibrant and supremely colorful, the Carbon Market is the place to be, when buying fresh vegetables and fruits as well as cheap clothes, handicrafts, shoes, toys and more. Here, not only will you get good deals for produce and items, but you will also get a chance to savor exotic Filipino culinary treats, such as balut and isaw.
29. A glimpse of Cebu’s history
Delve into the gripping history of Cebu by making a quick sojourn to the Heritage of Cebu Monument.
30. Pay homage to the Magellan’s Cross
The Magellan’s Cross, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, draws throngs of foreign travelers and locals every day, thanks to its religious significance in the country’s history.
31. Visit Museo Sugbo
Museo Sugbo, a former prison, is a treasure trove full of relics from the Spanish colonial era.
32. Swing by Fort San Pedro
For a deeper insight of Cebu’s intriguing history, make sure to pay a visit to Fort San Pedro, a former stronghold built in 1738.
33. Take pictures of Fuente Osmeña
Nestled right at the heart of a circular park, the Fuente Osmeña is by far one of the highly valued symbols of this burgeoning metropolis.
34. Visit Taoist Temple
Behold the spellbinding beauty of Cebu’s Taoist Temple, a peaceful Taoist haven open for tourists and worshipers.
35. Experience the grandest festival in the Philippines
Visit Cebu during the Sinulog Festival, and be utterly amazed by its vibrant street parades, chromatic fireworks and brilliant cultural shows.
36. A python spa treatment
Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary in this destination? Go to Cebu City Zoo, and get a one-of-a-kind spa massage from four big pythons.
37. Meet the zoo’s charming animals
While visiting the Cebu zoo, take time to meet and greet Boggart the tiger as well as the other charming creatures in this animal refuge.
38. Drop by Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
One of the undervalued gems in Cebu, the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is a lovely, educational and museum that displays a fantastic collection of paintings and exhibits. Moreover, it has a small garden that has served as a breeding ground for psychedelic butterflies.
39. Relax at Plaza Independencia
The Plaza Independencia is a lush and eye-catching park that gives you a peaceful respite away from the urban jungles of the metro.
Outside the city
40. A heavenly mountain escape
Do you want to get away from all the buzz and commotion in your bustling city life? With its cool mountain temperature and marvelous scenery, it is easy to see why some Cebuanos have fallen in love with the JVR Island in the Sky resort. Aptly nicknamed as “Little Baguio”, this mountainside resort will treat your senses with its lush greenery, cool breeze and scenic sights.
41. Freshwater fishing
Liloan has a trio of spots where you can try freshwater fishing, namely Co-Jordan, D’pond and Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon.
42. Zipline ride in Papa Kit’s
Speaking of Papa Kit’s, this fishing lagoon is also well-known for its 800-meter zipline ride.
43. Visit Esoy Hot Springs
Experience a nature trip like no other by visiting Esoy Hot Springs.
44. Swimming with the Butandings (whale sharks)
Swimming with the gentle sea giants in Oslob, Cebu is a surreal and memorable experience that you will surely cherish for years to come. For some travelers, this breathtaking experience may only happen once in their lifetime.
45. Water massage in Tumalog Falls
After getting up close and personal with Oslob’s butandings, go to the Tumalog Falls, and experience a refreshingly rejuvenating water massage.
46. Trekking in Dalaguete
Be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of the entire Cebu and its nearby islands by taking a trekking adventure to Dalaguete’s Osmeña Peak. For mountaineers and campers, the peak is also a great place to set up a camp.
47. Diving in Nalusuan Island
With its kaleidoscopic corals and turquoise waters, it is no wonder a lot of professional divers deem Nalusuan Island as one of the finest diving spots in the Philippines.
48. Spend a weekend in Kawasan Falls
The Kawasan Falls is an inviting natural wonder that delights its visitors with its dashing ice-cool waters, breathtaking natural backdrop, and relaxing vibe. A favorite weekend getaway among city dwellers in Cebu, this spectacular waterfall also has a plethora of adventures to offer to outdoor aficionados, including trekking, rock climbing, canyoneering, waterfall jumping and rapelling.
49. A week in an idyllic tropical paradise known as Bantayan
In Bantayan, you won’t find any flashy restaurants, chic shopping centers, luxurious hotels, movie houses and metro discos. Still, it continues to lure countless of way-faring foreigners and Filipinos every year, thanks to its warm locals, bucolic feel and of course, pristine white sand beaches like the highly acclaimed Sugar Beach.
50. A layover to a solemn shrine
Sacred and downright beautiful, the Simala Shrine is a splendid monastery with a medieval castle-like architecture. Known as a miraculous church, Simala Shrine is usually flocked with pilgrims who would pray and show their devotions to Mother Mary.
Cebu, as a booming city and a sought-after tourist destination, is oozing with pleasures, bonanzas and excitement in every corner. And to be honest, the suggestions shared in this list are just the tip of the iceberg. Despite its relatively small size, there are hundreds of treasures and exciting things you can do in the “Queen City of the South” and its nearby areas. I could list a hundred of them, but unfortunately I don’t have much time to do that. On the bright side, I’ll be sharing more about Cebu on the next posts. Till next time. Ayu ayu bai!
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