Going to an air-conditioned shopping mall on hot afternoons is a common pastime in the Philippines, and travelers looking for the best shopping in Cebu can find the best places to shop by following locals! Shopping malls throughout Southeast Asia, Cebu included, are popular for their one-stop shopping and dining experiences, and the best malls in Cebu also feature kid-friendly activities, cheap food and an obscene amount of shops, boutiques and fashion chains. And don’t forget to add one of Cebu’s outdoor markets to the itinerary. Whether you’re looking for great deals on market finds or luxury items at world-class malls, Cebu most likely has a shopping spot that qualifies. Start at these top five shopping spots in Cebu City for a shopping spree you’ll never forget during a trip to the Philippines.
1. Ayala Center Cebu
The centerpiece of Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center Cebu is a six-story shopping mall and one of the largest shopping complexes in the region. One of the biggest attractions at Ayala Center Cebu is The Terraces, a scenic garden area featuring more than 100 restaurants and places to eat. A fabulous place for a family outing, Ayala Center Cebu also contains a cinema, two supermarkets, spas and dozens of dessert and coffee shops.
Location: Cebu Business Park, Cardinal Rosales Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
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2. Carbon Market
For some of the finest local shopping in Cebu, tourists should head to Carbon Market near Magellan’s Park and Magellan’s Cross. This traditional open-air market has been hopping for more than a century and is aptly named for the coal depot that used to sit in its place. Carbon Market is a big place, so shoppers should wear comfy shoes and drink plenty of water. Visitors can buy everything from souvenirs to fresh meats, and it’s the perfect place to pick up traditional Filipino handbags, clothing and food.
Location: 59 M. C. Briones St.
Hours: Carbon Market is open 24 hours a day. Mornings offer the freshest seafood, meats and produce, and evenings are a good time to stuff your face with street food.
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3. SM City Cebu
Cebu’s go-to spot for cheap electronics is SM City Cebu, but this gigantic shopping center has way more to offer than smart phones. This local favorite offers seven floors of fashion outlets, restaurants and activities, like a state-of-the-art cinema, bowling alley and indoor children’s playground. SM City Cebu also offers baggage storage for travelers going to or coming from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, just 11 kilometers away.
Location: Juan Luna Avenue, North Reclamation Area
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
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4. Taboan Public Market
One of Cebu’s fishiest attractions indeed, Taboan Public Market is an experience for all the senses, especially the smell! While visitors will find a good array of clothing and souvenirs here, they’ll mostly find dried fish, danggit fish to be precise, and the Cebu version is supposed to be the best in the country. Tourists who aren’t a fan of dried fish, or the smell, might not love this market, but it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Shopkeepers also specialize in other dried products, like mango, tamarind and locally flavored meats.
Location: B. Aranas Street, Pahina Central
Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
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5. SM Seaside City Cebu
Just as its name suggests, this circular-shaped giant sits on the seaside and offers all kinds of kid-friendly and family activities. Besides a huge selection of restaurants, ice cream shops and bakeries, SM Seaside City Cebu also offers an ice-skating rink, bowling alley, amusement center with arcade and a cinema. Parents will love that they can shop at the onsite grocery store and spend a little “me time” at a salon as well.
Location: SRP-Mambaling Rd. (Cebu South Coastal Rd. and F. Vestil St.)
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Check In to a hotel in Cebu City
Crimson Resort and Spa
Montenova Hillside Resort
Hotel Elizabeth Cebu
Step Out to shopping in Cebu
