Cebu may be a small island but it certainly offers a plethora of things to do for everyone of all size and ages.
While a 4D3N Cebu Itinerary is not enough to squeeze all the amazing adventures you can do in the province, we’ve come up with one that will allow you to experience the best of the best!
This has been specially put together for the history and adventure junkie!
You can also read our other comprehensive guide for another cite: Insider’s Guide to Manila
Day 1: Historical Tour
#1: Arrive early and get out of the airport
It is always best to get to a new place early on to make sure that you can get the most out of your time there.
Getting out of the Mactan International Airport is fairly easy with numerous taxis around but if you can plan your stay with a travel agency, that would be even better so you do not have to check in at the hotel early.
#2: Fort San Pedro
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Constructed in 1565, the Fuerte de San Pedro — or Fort San Pedro — is a military defense structure built during the Spanish era under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines.
The fort still contains a few of the original cannons could still be found here today and has a museum that contains artefacts such as documents, paintings and sculptures gathered during the 333 years of Spanish rule in the country. Fort San Pedro, now a National Historic Landmark, is also part of the Plaza Independencia.
Address: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 7:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +632 256 2284
#3: Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño
The Magellan’s Cross was planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers upon the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu on Marh 15, 1521.
The cross is now housed inside a chapel that is located right next to the Basilica del Santo Niño. The Church, on the other hand, was founded back in 1565 and is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines.
The complex also has a museum which features antique relics showing the history of Christianity in the country.
Address: Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City
Tel: +632 255 6697
Website: basilicasantonino.org.ph
#4: Cebu Heritage Monument
Made from bronze, concrete, steel and brass, the Cebu Heritage Monument is a tableau of events and structures that showcase the history of Cebu. It was created by local artist Eduardo Castrillo back in July 1997.
The monument shows important structures such as the Basilica del Santo Niño, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and the Magellan’s Cross, among others, as well as significant events including a Roman Catholic mass and the Battle of Mactan.
Address: Plaza Parian, Cebu City
#5: Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
One of the oldest houses in the Philippines, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is made from wood and coral stones and was built during the late 17th century. A look inside the house will give visitors a glimpse of old and new artworks, life-size statues and furniture pieces.
This structure was once the house of Don Juan Yap and Maria Florido and is currently under the custody of Doña Maria’s great great grandson, Val Sandiego.
Address: 155 Lopez Jaena cor. Mabini Street, Parian, Cebu
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +632 514 3002 / 514 3003 / 253 5568
#6: Casa Gorordo Museum
Built in the 1850s, this house was originally owned by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales until it was brought by a Spanish merchant, Juan Isidro Gorordo, in 1863.
The house features coral stones, molave posts, windows with translucent capiz shells and clay tile roofs. Before it was acquired by RAFI and opened to the public in 1983, the house was home to four generations of the Gorordo family including Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first Cebuano bishop.
Address: 35 Lopez Jaena Street, Cebu
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Daily)
#7: Lunch at Larsian
Larsian is the most popular barbecue strip in Cebu where numerous vendors offer grilled meat and fish dishes to customers and serve them with puso (hanging rice).
Much has changed in the way the place is being operated, from using solar lightbulbs to using charcoal briquettes sourced from a Cebu town, but its flavors and the experience itself still continues to draw in a lot of diners.
Address: Fuente Osmeña, Cebu
#8: Check in at hotel
There are numerous hotels, inns and spaces for all comfort and budget levels. Check in right away, leave your bags and get out right away!
#9: Taoist Temple
This towering, multi-tiered temple is the center of worship for Taoism in the island. It was built back in 1972 and located within a prominent Chinese community.
On Wednesdays and Sundays, Taoist worshippers climb the 81 steps (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures) and light joss sticks and have their fortunes read by the monks.
Address: Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
#10: Temple of Leah
The Temple of Leah is a Greek-inspired architecture commissioned by Teodorico Adarna for his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.
In the FB page, it states:
This Temple was constructed in the year 2012 A.D as a symbol of my undying love for her and my ceaseless devotion to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.
The temple has been likened to the Taj Mahal in India.
Address: Roosevelt Street, Cebu
Tel: +632 233 5032
#11: Dinner at Lantaw Cebu
After the success of its floating restaurant, Lantaw opened up yet another branch and this time around, it is located in the mountains.
The native restaurant features the best Filipino dishes and provides the most picturesque view of the city. It is best visited at night when the city lights start to shine.
Address: Roosevelt Street, Cebu
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +632 511 0379
Cell: +63 922 575 1173 / 933 950 5323
#12: Head back to the hotel
The adventures in this itinerary require one to travel for a few hours to experience it. While it is tempting to join the vibrant night life of the city, it is highly suggested to take a rest to prepare for the early day ahead.
Day 2: Adventure Tour
#1: Head to Alegria for Canyoneering adventure
Canyoneering, or canyoning, is a wildly popular activity for adventure junkies visiting Cebu. It involves jumping off waterfall cliffs, sliding, swimming, scrambling on rocks and so on. The entire activity takes about 3-4 hours to complete and ends in Kawasan Falls.
There are several tour groups offering canyoneering packages and already includes transportation, private guide, entrance fees and equipment.
#2: Enjoy Kawasan Falls!
Situated in Barangay Matutinao, Kawasan is a multi-layered waterfalls that has been a hit among local and international tourists alike.
The falls is located at the foot of the Mantalungon Mountain Range and is a popular end point to a four-hour trek from Osmeña Peak or a canyoneering adventure.
Numerous cottages can be found here so it is possible for visitors to stay overnight.
#3: Catch sunset and camp at Lambug Beach
Lambug Beach offers long coastlines, white sands and clear waters perfect for experiencing the laid back life in Cebu. The area remains unspoiled so there aren’t any high-end resorts in the area, only small cottages, rooms for rent and lots of tent spaces. Lambug Beach is also popular among those who want to catch the sunset.
Address: Badian, Cebu
Day 3: Adventure Tour
#1: Early out to catch sunrise at Osmeña Peak
While a four-hour traverse trek from Osmeña Peak to Kawasan Falls is more common, it is also possible to do the reverse. Make sure to get out of Badian and hop on a motorcycle early to catch the sunrise in the highest peak of Cebu.
More popularly known as O-Peak, the place simply looks surreal. Make sure to cover up a bit since it is highly likely that you will be experiencing a foggy and chilly morning.
Address: Mantalungon, Dalaguete, Cebu
#2: Spelunking at Balay sa Agta, Argao
The Tourism office of Argao usually provides local guides to help visitors into the famous cave, which usually takes around 2-3 hours to reach.
Agta, in the Cebuano dialect, is a mythical creature who lives on big trees and is always seen to be smoking a big cigar.
While getting in the Balay sa Agta is not a walk in the park, it certainly provides a great experience even for beginner spelunkers.
Address: Barangay Usmad, Argao, Cebu
#3: Visit Heritage Structures in Carcar
Carcar City is considered to be the Heritage City of Cebu with the numerous heritage houses and ancestral homes found in the area. Most of them have been partially preserved although the ground floor of most of these structures houses commercial establishments.
A handful of these houses, including the Balay na Tisa Heritage House, Mercado Mansion Heritage House, Sa Dakong Balay/Don Florencio Noel House and the Silva House Heritage House, have been declared heritage houses by the National Historic Institute.
#4: Carcar City Museum
The old American-era dispensary has been converted into a museum and houses several artefacts including antique furniture pieces, jars and other items. Much of the town’s history can be read and learned inside.
Address: Carcar City, Cebu
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Daily)
#5: Eat Carcar Lechon for dinner
A visit in Cebu is not complete without tasting the world-renowned Carcar lechon. Lechon is a pork dish served in various regions all over the world, specifically in Spain and other former colonies.
Lechon is a Spanish term which means roasted suckling pig and it is considered to be one of the national dishes in the Philippines. We have put together a food guide featuring some of the best foods of Manila.
Address: Carcar City, Cebu
#6: Get back to hotel
Or, if you still have some energy, you can enjoy a few shots in any one of the bars located in Mango Avenue.
Day 4: Wind Down, Head Home
#1: Brunch at STK ta Bay!
More than just a restaurant, STK ta Bay brings more than food to its customers. It is actually a spacious family house converted into a restaurant that also has a mini museum showcasing a large collection of antiques and paintings.
Its menu includes exotic dishes such as turtles, snakes and eels along with homecooked favorites.
Address: #6 Orchid Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 11:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +632 253 4732 / 256 2700
#2: SM Seaside City Cebu
Currently the 3rd largest shopping mall in the country and the 8th in the world, SM Seaside City Cebu opened in November 2015 and features more than 400 stores, a rooftop Sky Park, an Olympic-size ice skating rink and many more.
The San Pedro Calungsod Chapel can also be found beside the mall and an Ocean Park is also in the works.
Address: South Road Properties, Cebu City
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm (Daily)
#3: Or Pasalubong shopping elsewhere
Islands Pasalubong offers a one-stop shop for tourists to make pasalubong shopping much easier.
What to buy?
Danggit (dried fish)
Pusit (dried squid)
Otap
Rosquillos
Chicharon
Dried mangoes
Masi
Peanut adobo
Tagaktak
Budbud
Sylvanas
Chorizo de Cebu
Address: Magallanes Street, Cebu City / Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City (across Ayala Center Cebu)
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 12:00mn (Daily)
Website: www.theislandsgroup.com/islands-pasalubong.html
#4: Head back to hotel; finalize packing
Assuming you did some packing early in the morning, adding your pasalubong in your bag should not take very long. Then you can simply relax and wait until you are ready to go to the airport.
#5: Early dinner at Casa Verde
Established back in August 2002, Casa Verde is a chain of family-owned restaurants that started as a small canteen serving college students.
The restaurant’s name is Spanish for green house, to honor the owner’s Spanish roots and to describe the color of the Ramos branch.
Must-try dishes in the restaurant include their mouth-watering ribs, steaks, pastas and desserts.
Address: #69 Lim Tian Teng Street, Ramos, Cebu City
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Daily)
Website: www.casaverdecebu.com
#6: Til next time, Cebu!
Quick Summary: 4 Day 3 Nights Cebu Itinerary (Adventure Trip)
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Morning
Airport
Historical sites
Canyoneering at Badian
Osmeña Peak
Balay sa Agta
Brunch at STK ta Bay!
Lunch
Larsian
Kawasan Falls
(somewhere along the way)
Afternoon
Check in at hotel
Taoist Temple
Temple of Leah
Heritage Structures in Carcar
Carcar City Museum
SM Seaside City Cebu
Islands Pasalubong
Dinner
Lantaw Cebu
Lambug Beach
Carcar lechon
Early dinner at Casa Verde before heading home
Evening
Optional: Bars at Mango Avenue
The post How To Spend 4 Days 3 Nights at Cebu City appeared first on Path Finder City.