Cebu City

Travel Guide

A coastal village with houses, palm trees, and a steep cliff.
A waterfall in a lush forest with clear turquoise water.
A grand, ornate church with multiple spires and crosses, surrounded by lush greenery.
A clear turquoise sea with visible coral reefs and a sandy beach lined with palm trees.
A beach with several colorful boats anchored near the shore, clear turquoise water, and a backdrop of lush greenery and buildings.

Visit Spanish cathedrals, colonial buildings and ancient temples, or just enjoy the stunning beaches of one of the prettiest islands in the Philippines.

Brush up on the island’s history at the Museo Sugbo. It’s an old prison that’s been converted into a museum. Head inside to see artifacts from pre-Spanish times right up to today. Stop by the charming Casa Gorordo Museum or the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House and head inside to see the antique furniture.

Another interesting place to visit is the Santo Nino Basilica and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Here you can see religious buildings from the Spanish era. Check out Fort San Pedro and the Jesuit House for more colonial relics. Wander up to Tops, a popular observation deck, to get a great view of the city and then make your way back down to cool off in the sea. There are beaches all around the province, with the most popular ones over on Mactan Island. Waters are crystal clear and the sand soft, white, and clean.

If you want to avoid flashy resorts and pricey restaurants, head to the smaller cities and beach communities in the south. Prices are lower and locals friendlier. Be sure to drop by religious sites like the Simala Shrine and make your way inland to the stunning Kawasan and Tumalog Falls. Get even farther away from the crowds and take a trip out to one of the province’s near-deserted islands.

Cebu is a stunning destination with something to offer history buffs and leisure seekers alike. Gaze at old buildings and explore museums or just sit back on a beach and stare out at the pristine waters. It features an intriguing mixture of architectural styles and some fascinating museums. It’s also home to a well-developed tourism industry that caters to both luxury seekers and those looking for something more authentic.

Where to stay in Cebu City

Find the best Cebu City areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Cebu

Downtown Cebu is noteworthy for its churches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Magellan's Cross and Colon Street.

Lahug

Lahug is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Waterfront Cebu City Casino while you're in town.

Capitol Site

When in Capitol Site, you can plan a visit to Mango Square and Ayala Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Banilad

Unique features of Banilad include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Streetscape Mall Cebu or D' Family Park while you're exploring the area.

Mabolo

If you're spending some time in Mabolo, SM City Cebu and Cebu Kartzone are top sights worth seeing.

Fili Hotel Cebu

Fili Hotel Cebu

5 out of 5
Nustar Resort, Kawit Island South Road Cebu City Central Visayas
The price is RM538 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
RM538
RM660 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions SM Seaside City Cebu and Ayala Center are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (315 reviews)
"Rooms are gorgeous, service impeccable, property amenities top notch. Breakfast buffet absolutely out of this world!"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Fili Hotel Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu

Radisson Blu Cebu

5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna Cebu City Cebu
The price is RM290 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
RM290
RM327 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,220 reviews)
"5 stars as this hotel is so convenient and the people are EXCELLENT ! Each one of the staff knows what top class customer service is all about ! If I can suggest one thing -----> The Lounge food and beverage DEFINITELY needs improvement. The selection is too small... It falls short compared to the ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Radisson Blu Cebu
NUSTAR Hotel Cebu

NUSTAR Hotel Cebu

5 out of 5
Kawit Island, South Road Properties Cebu City
Fully refundable
The price is RM768 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
RM768
RM937 total
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions SM Seaside City Cebu and Ayala Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
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Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026

NUSTAR Hotel Cebu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Cebu City

Citadines Cebu City

4 out of 5
Baseline Center Juana Osmena Street Cebu City
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
Citadines Cebu City
Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals

Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals

3 out of 5
Avida Towers Riala, Jose Maria del Mar Ave Cebu Cebu
Stay at this condo in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Waterfront Cebu City Casino and Ayala Center ...
8.4/10 Very good! (83 reviews)
"It’s a decent place for short term or long term because of location."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals
Cebu Rooms- Sunvida Tower

Cebu Rooms- Sunvida Tower

2 out of 5
J. De veyra St Cebu City Central Visayas
Stay at this aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions SM City Cebu and Ayala Center ...
6.4/10 (38 reviews)
"Pros: near SM, big fridge, good WiFi connection, easy check-in. Cons: Broken furnitures, lights, plugs. Nasty pull out bedding, and dirty pillow. Stained, discolor towels. Molds on the bathroom. Room has strong odor (a mix of sewage and a fabcon smell)."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026

Cebu Rooms- Sunvida Tower
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Cebu City attractions

Things to do