Cebu

Travel Guide
Kawasan Falls featuring a river or creek and a cascade
Visit Spanish cathedrals, colonial buildings and ancient temples, or just enjoy the stunning beaches of one of the prettiest islands in the Philippines.

Enjoy authentic markets, beautiful beaches and delicious food on the Phillippine Island of Cebu.

Walk around the streets of Cebu City and take in the sights, smells, and atmosphere of the island’s economic and cultural center. You’ll find markets, old colonial buildings, and some great food. 

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

Cebu City which includes a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

4/5(8 area reviews)

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

Downtown Cebu
Philippines Taoist Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Lahug

4/5(24 area reviews)

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

Lahug
Cebu harbour, Philippines. Waiting to catch my boat over to Bohol. Recommendation - supercat ferry. 
Book online and pay when you get there. 

#pangloa #bohol #philippines #cebu #supercat

North Reclamation Area

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

While visiting North Reclamation Area, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Cebu and Pier 4 Cebu Port.

North Reclamation Area
Carmelite Monastery which includes a statue or sculpture

Mabolo

4/5(3 area reviews)

Though Mabolo might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like SM City Cebu and Ayala Center.

Mabolo
Cebu showing a luxury hotel or resort, tropical scenes and a beach

Capitol Site

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Capitol Site, Osmeña Fountain Circle and Jose Rizal Memorial Library are top sights worth seeing.

Capitol Site
Cebu Lechon is "the best pig ever!" According to Anthony Bourdain. Only in the Philippines. :)

Santa Cruz

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

Though Santa Cruz might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Osmeña Fountain Circle and Mango Square.

Santa Cruz
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
3 out of 5
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu, Cebu
The price is CA $59 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $59
CA $73 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good place and friendly"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Quest Hotel & Conference Center
Radisson Blu Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu
5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna, Cebu, Cebu
The price is CA $129 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $129
CA $145 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cebu. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel is exceptional from the time you arrive to the time u leave. Truly a pleasant stay"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Radisson Blu Cebu
Holiday Inn Cebu City, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Cebu City, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Lot 5 & 6 Block 20 Samar Loop, Cebu Business Park, Mabolo, Cebu, Central Visayas
The price is CA $93 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $93
CA $115 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"Walking distance from mall"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Holiday Inn Cebu City, an IHG Hotel
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
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (285 reviews)
"Great staff, nice rooms. I love the full kitchen, nice grocery store & dining options onsite. Abaca Bakery breakfast buffet was delicious."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Citadines Cebu City
88th Avenue
88th Avenue
3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Waterfront Cebu City Casino and Ayala ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"Very nice rooms, great beds, great air con and beautiful views from the balcony and rooftop, especially at night. jacuzzis on the roof are a nice addition. plenty of great restaurants right outside the main door, it’s not just the hotel, you get an entire gated in area filled with high end food, ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

88th Avenue
Hayat Skytower
Hayat Skytower
5 out of 5
Cebu Veterans Dr, Cebu, Central Visayas
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions SM City Cebu and Waterfront Cebu City Casino ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
First time stay
"This is a new hotel. The staff is very pleasant. The food here is outstanding. Bar services are also very good. Very affordable. Located in the hills overlooking the city."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Hayat Skytower
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

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
18
" "5 - Excellent 18.75%
4 - Good
56
" "4 - Good 58.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 17.708333333333332%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 5.208333333333333%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Jan. 20, 2020

Dirty, overpopulated city. So many homeless naked children it is heartbreaking.

5/5 - Excellent

Ron
Jan. 18, 2020

Sinulog is the best!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Dec. 2, 2019

Was in and out so didn’t see anything

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Nov. 30, 2019

Traffic is still a problem, not as bad as Manila.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 29, 2019

Place that’s safe, good shopping, good food and warm people thats always friiendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Sep. 30, 2019

Traffic is teribble and very poluted.

Cities near Cebu