Cebu City

Travel Guide

Cebu which includes general coastal views and tropical scenes
Cebu which includes general coastal views and tropical scenes
Kawasan Falls featuring a river or creek and a waterfall
Simala Shrine
Santa Fe Ferry Terminal featuring general coastal views

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

Cebu City showing a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Downtown Cebu
I got the chance to dance with the famous prison inmates at the Cebu prison. Yes it was very weird but also really cool. #Cebu #ThePhilippines

Lahug

4/5(17 area reviews)

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.

Lahug
Ayala Center featuring a garden

Luz

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Luz and surrounding area, you can visit Ayala Center and Waterfront Cebu City Casino.

Luz
I am not yet done for the day! 😃
Today has been an interesting walk... my happy feet seems to know where the most happening place is and found myself at another happy place! National Bookstore in Mango Avenue 😃 where they are currently having their 2019 Book Binge Bazaar. I immediately sent photos and sale alert to my fellow bookworms who might also want to take this book binge opportunity ☺️

#ginnysjournal #bookworm #booklover #happyplace #happyfeet

Camputhaw

If you're spending some time in Camputhaw, Cebu Business Park and Mango Square are top sights worth seeing.

Camputhaw
Mandaue, Cebu Philippines - July 2019: View of Mandaue City and the main skyline of Cebu.

Mabolo

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Mabolo
The cross of Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu, Philippines

Capitol Site

3/5(6 area reviews)

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

Capitol Site
Radisson Blu Cebu

Radisson Blu Cebu

5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna Cebu City Cebu
The price is RM461 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
RM461
RM520 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,082 reviews)
Outstanding customer service. Clean rooms and excellent breakfast. Best Breakfast layout in Cebu

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Radisson Blu Cebu
Seda Ayala Center Cebu

Seda Ayala Center Cebu

4 out of 5
Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu City
The price is RM408 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
RM408
RM464 total
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (604 reviews)
Good service.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Seda Ayala Center Cebu
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

4 out of 5
Cebu Veterans Drive Cebu City Cebu
The price is RM270 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
RM270
RM303 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Very pleasant checking although I arrived at midnight. The airport transportation by hotel connection was professional and very nice vehicles. The hotel is beautiful. Room is 20th with city view. Spotless. Did not have time to enjoy breakfast buffet but the display are huge and colorful live big ...

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Marco Polo Plaza 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (571 reviews)
Great room, great breakfast, great staff, great pool. Can’t go wrong with this hotel.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Citadines Cebu City
88th Avenue

88th Avenue

3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave Cebu City Central Visayas
Stay at this aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
Staff are very friendly, helpful.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

88th Avenue
Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals

Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals

3 out of 5
Jose Maria del Mar St Cebu City Central Visayas
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! (39 reviews)
The Microwave oven tripped the circuits out ,and I was told by the repair man not to use it?Why have these features in a room and you cannot use. Need additional power points for the Microwave oven as well?

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Avida Riala IT Park - Virgo Nest Rentals
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cebu City

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 26%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cebu is a nice place with nice people.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We live in Cebu. We are used to it. A first timer may find it a little taxing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It is a pleasant city but the traffic very congested. I now prefer to walk within the central area as at busy time with the help of Google maps it is quicker than taxis. On occasion I have had to use motorcycle pillion taxi (habal-habal).

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

After having been to Cebu resorts on previous occasions, this visit to Cebu City was not very nice.

5/5 - Excellent

marcel

Ive always liked cebu.its changed so much since my first trip in 1989 but has grown into a very busy and lively place to visit.always somewhere new to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The local people are lovely and very friendly.