Places to Stay in Cebu | Explore Top Things to Do & Attractions

As one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, Cebu offers an exciting mix of historical landmarks, unforgettable festivals, and traditional Filipino culture. Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism, Philippines joined Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch in the inaugural edition of #AgodaDialogues, outlining the incredible tourism opportunities in the Philippines: “The strength of the Filipino identity is evident in our deep well of culture, our long-standing traditions, our history as a people, our immense biodiversity, and diversity across our regions”. Check out their full conversation in the video below:

With its sweeping vistas, exciting attractions, and rich, cultural history, Cebu Province stands out as one of the top places in the Philippines to visit. Now, thanks to the Love the Philippines campaign between Agoda and the Tourism Promotions Board in the Philippines, travelers can save up to 16% on their hotel stays and more when booking with Agoda. Saving money while traveling in the Philippines means visitors can see more, do more, and appreciate more of what this stunning country has to offer.

With this handy guide, travelers will discover the best places to stay in Cebu, along with other useful tips and information about Cebu attractions. So, get ready for an adventure and head out on a vacation that is sure to impress.

Where to Stay in Cebu

The province of Cebu consists of a main island, plus over 150 smaller islands, which means there are plenty of top Cebu accommodations to consider. Here are just some of the top hotels and resorts for visitors to pick from, all of which come with Agoda’s special deals!

Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel

Live the resort life at Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel. This stunning hotel is situated on Mactan Island in Cebu and offers amazing views, unparalleled private beach access, and impressive amenities. Guests can step out onto their private balconies and enjoy views of the surf, all while appreciating the in-suite air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and a minibar.

Around the hotel, there’s so much to do and see for guests of Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel. Visitors can dip their toes into the crystal-clear waters of the sea, or they can sit poolside and relax by the several outdoor pools. On-site, visitors can also expect entertainment options, like a fitness center, massage services, spa services, billiards, and more. Things get even more fun on the water, as the hotel also offers boating access, watersports equipment rentals, and snorkeling opportunities. All this, and so much more, awaits visitors to Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel.

Cebu Parklane International Hotel

Enjoy the city life with a stay at Cebu Parklane International Hotel. This top hotel is located in the heart of Cebu City, conveniently close to numerous attractions, with great eateries and entertainment options just a short walk away. Guests are certain to be impressed when they step inside this boutique hotel, which boasts modern rooms and decor, plenty of on-site dining and several restaurants, and 24-hour check-in.

Inside its rooms, the hotel offers air conditioning, blackout curtains, free bottled water, and daily housekeeping. For relaxation, guests can enjoy the good life thanks to spa services, body scrubs, massage services, and the on-site steam room. When it comes to fun, the hotel offers tours and water sports access, karaoke facilities, a fitness center, and an on-site garden. Its exceptional location, along with its top-notch facilities, makes the Cebu Parklane International Hotel one of the best hotels in Cebu.

Pescadores Suites Moalboal

The Pescadores Suites Moalboal in Moalboal, Cebu offers spectacular views of the sea, private beach access, and a tropical vibe that can’t be beat. This modern hotel offers amenities that include air conditioning, room service, daily housekeeping, a continental breakfast, and babysitting services, along with a kids’ club and playground.

The well-appointed rooms will be a comforting oasis, while around the hotel guests are certain to enjoy the outdoor pool, spa services, and massage services. Guests can indulge in adventurous outings that include boating access, canoeing, snorkeling, and more. For budget travelers, there are also shared accommodations onsite, including pod-style rooms, proving that Pescadores Suites Moalboal does have something for every kind of traveler.

Movenpick Mactan Island Cebu

Travelers who are looking for a luxury experience in Cebu should be certain to stay at Movenpick Mactan Island Cebu. This resort offers gorgeous views of the sea and amenities that will impress. Slip into the glittering, on-site outdoor pool and enjoy the sea view, or slip into the steam room and relax.

Spa and massage services are also offered at this location, and for fun, visitors can step onto the private beach or enjoy the boating services. For room amenities, this hotel offers air conditioning, blackout curtains, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and more. For luxury in Cebu, Movenpick Mactan Island Cebu is a top choice.

Bai Hotel

Business and leisure travelers will love staying at Bai Hotel. Not only is this hotel exceptionally located in Mandaue City, but it’s packed with amenities, including a pool, an on-site bar, and on-site salon services.

For room amenities, travelers are sure to appreciate the air conditioning, in-room safe box, wake-up service, and free Wi-Fi. Around the hotel, there are several dining options to choose from, along with a fitness center, on-site golf course, massage services, and spa services. With nearby local attractions and nightlife spots available to guests, Bai Hotel is the perfect location for a stay in the city.

Badian Island Wellness Resort

Enjoy the resort life at Badian Island Wellness Resort. This exceptional resort offers unique accommodations, with beachfront villas, private pool villas, and more. The view from Badian Island Wellness Resort is impressive, as are the amenities, which include a private beach, pool, access to watersports, table tennis, windsurfing, and more.

In rooms, guests will appreciate the individual air conditioning, daily housekeeping, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, and walk-in showers. For food, the hotel offers delicious on-site dining, including a restaurant, along with a poolside bar, continental breakfast, room service, and more. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime with a stay at Badian Island Wellness Resort.

Top Things to Do in Cebu

Whether visitors are hoping to catch some rays on a pristine beach, scope out some amazing natural attractions, or indulge in some retail therapy, Cebu has plenty to offer. Here are just some of the top things to do in Cebu that are certain to thrill visitors to the area.

Island Hopping

Island hopping is a popular activity for visitors to Cebu, as it’s easy to do, relatively inexpensive, and gives travelers a great overview of the area and its natural beauty. Most people start their island hopping adventures in Mactan, as it’s pretty close to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (about a 20-minute drive from the airport), and is also within driving distance of Cebu City. From the port at Mactan, there will be plenty of tour operators that can take visitors to different islands in the area. Beforehand, visitors will want to decide which island to visit. Here are a few island options to consider:

• Pandanon Island – Perfect for visitors who are hoping to spend some time on white, sandy beaches.
• Olango Island Group – This grouping of islands is known for its wildlife sanctuary and is ideal for visitors who enjoy beaches and diving.
• Caohagan Island – Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and seafood options dominate this Cebu island.
• Pescador Island – This tiny island is a great spot for travelers who are hoping to get away from it all and experience some pristine diving and snorkeling in the Philippines.

After choosing which islands to visit, travelers will also want to remember a few handy tips before their journey begins:

• Arrive early to the port in Mactan – There will probably be other visitors vying for boats, so to get the best deals and boat offerings, it’s recommended that travelers arrive early to the port, or book a tour in advance, to ensure the best experience.
• Load up on cash – Cash is king in the Philippines, and the islands will be the same in this regard. Visitors should be certain to have plenty of cash on hand to use while island hopping, as there will be lots of opportunities to grab souvenirs or engage in fun activities, like watersports.
• Pack along water and food – While there will be opportunities to pick up items during this island excursion, it’s a good idea to pack along some food items, cutlery, and water, to ensure that everything travelers need is on hand, just in case of dietary restrictions or other situations.
• Don’t forget sunscreen – The sun’s rays are strong in the Philippines, and visitors need to remember to stock up on sunscreen. Clothing that provides SPF protection is also a good idea, as well as a hat!

Cebu Waterfalls

Cebu is famous for its waterfalls, and travelers to the area should be sure to explore a site or two before they leave. Pack a bathing suit and get ready to dip your toes in some of these famous waterfall locations:

• Kawasan Falls – The pristine, turquoise waters of this waterfall are perfect for viewing and swimming. Only the first level is accessible by foot, the rest can only be seen via canyoneering tours.
• Tumalog Falls – With its curtain falls and gorgeous turquoise waters, these falls are the perfect paradise for swimming and swoon-worthy social media pictures. The abundant fish in this area will also nibble at swimmer’s feet as they enjoy the waters.
• Mantayupan Falls – These falls are the perfect location for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing, and are also the highest falls in Cebu.
• Binalayan Hidden Falls – These secluded falls are the perfect escape, and feature a pool that’s great for swimming, plus plenty of jumping spots for adventurous swimmers.

Cebu Historical Sites and Temples

Cebu’s colonial ties and rich history mean that it’s a premier destination for tourists who love history. Step into the past and learn about this rich area, all while stopping at some of these famous sites.

• Casa Gorordo Museum – This stunning home is an architectural dream and a brilliant showcase of a Balay nga Tisa, a historical building that features a blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Philippine design elements. It is also home to a museum, artwork, a shop, and a small cafe.
• Magellan’s Cross – This landmark is one of the most famous in Cebu. The octagonal building is home to a great cross and acts as a pilgrimage site for tourists and the devout alike.
• Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral – This cathedral is one of the oldest in the Philippines and features a Spanish Colonial architectural style. Many visitors come to marvel at its design, to appreciate the artwork within, or to experience Catholic Mass at this site.
• Taoist Temple – This temple in Cebu City offers stunning views, and an ornate Taoist Temple, with beautifully manicured grounds to explore. Perfect for a visit on a sunny day.

Cebu Shopping

Cebu has plenty of quality shopping establishments to choose from, from expansive locations to small local shops and everything in between. To help visitors narrow down their options, here are some of the best shopping locations in Cebu.

• SM Seaside City Cebu – This massive mall is perfect for travelers who are looking for one-stop shopping. With an abundance of local and international retailers, plus eateries and bakeries to choose from, this mall offers visitors all they need and more.
• Gaisano Island Mall Mactan – For Mactan Island shopping, this mall is a great fit, offering plenty of retail shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a play area for kids.
• Sugbo Mercado – No trip to Cebu is complete without stopping at its premier night market: Sugbo Mercado. Though this market offers retail shopping, it’s also perfect for foodies. Come hungry and try as much as possible from the many food stands!
• Taboan Market – Experience a traditional market in Cebu with a visit to this location. With dried fish, fresh veggies, and more on display, this market offers visitors a sense of what local life is like, and the opportunity to pick up delicious eats for less.