Located in the gorgeous central Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu City is a tropical paradise situated on the coast of the Mactan Channel in Magellan Bay. Because of the capital city’s historic and scenic location, it’s tough to decide what to do in Cebu City first. These top 5 attractions will get travelers started on an unforgettable sightseeing trip to the Philippines, and tourists will discover more things to see and do in Cebu City along the way!
What to Do in Cebu City | Visit Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
This captivating landmark that dates to the 1520s is one of Cebu City’s most beloved and visited attractions. The Catholic church houses a famous wooden statuette of Jesus as an infant, or the Christ child (Santo Niño), which was presented as a gift to island officials by Ferdinand Magellan. Though the original church was established in 1521, the existing complex was built in 1737 after previous structures were destroyed by fire – three times! Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu is considered the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines and still serves as a working church for Cebu City locals and visitors today.
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What to Do in Cebu City | See Magellan’s Cross (Krus ni Magellan)
In a chapel next to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, visitors will find Magellan’s Cross, a wooden relic that marked the 1521 arrival of Portuguese and Spanish explorers to Portugal. Magellan is given credit for having the cross erected, and legends surround its current authenticity. A sign on the existing exhibit indicates that the original cross is housed inside the cross that is on display, but some historians believe the original cross was destroyed long ago in one of three fires that destroyed the church grounds. Either way, the historical exhibit explains some fascinating history and is one of Cebu City’s can’t-miss attractions.
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What to Do in Cebu City | Picnic in Fort San Pedro
With two sides looking out over the Mactan Channel and a third side facing Plaza Independencia, this triangular-shaped landmark fort is as scenic as it is historic. Originally constructed of wood in 1738, Fort San Pedro was later reconstructed in stone to fortify its defensive integrity. It is recognized as the oldest triangular bastion (fortified) fort in the Philippines. Visitors can stroll around the scenic grounds to view strategically placed cannons, preserved artifacts and documents, sculptures and paintings. Walkways throughout the grounds take guests through each of the three bastions, where visitors are welcome to stop for picnics or take photographs in garden areas.
Travel tip: Cebu Central Post Office is just across the street, so grab a few souvenir postcards at Fort San Pedro and stick them in the mail while you’re here!
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What to Do in Cebu City | Enjoy Cebu Views on Tops Lookout
Located about 30 minutes north of Cebu City in Mountain View Nature’s Park, Tops Lookout offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Cebu City and the surrounding seaside. Reaching the top of the mountain (600 meters) isn’t too taxing of a trek, so this activity is great for families. Along hiking trails visitors will discover gorgeous waterways, stunning landscapes and a few historic landmarks. Sunset is the most popular time to snap photos, but travelers can plan on getting Insta-worthy shots any time of the day.
Hours: Tops Lookout is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The entrance fee is 100 PHP (2 USD) per person.
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What to Do in Cebu City | Cebu Taoist Temple & Temple of Leah, Cebu
Talk about romantic gestures! The Temple of Leah is a Roman-style temple built by local businessman Teodorico Soriano Adarna in 2012 to express his undying love for his wife, the late Leah Albino-Adarna. The exquisite landmark looks completely out of place in rural Cebu, but that’s also how it got its nickname of “The Taj Mahal of the Philippines.” Cebu Taoist Temple is a mesmerizing architectural wonder that stands 360 feet above sea level. Visitors can get lost in thought admiring the temple’s winding, maze-like tiles and intricate architectural designs.
Travel tip: both Cebu Taoist Temple and Temple of Leah can be seen on the way to Tops Lookout.
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Where to Stay in Cebu
Tourists and sightseers to Cebu City may want to stay near Colon Street, said to be the oldest and shortest street in the Philippines. The street is within walking distance of attractions like Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross. Just a few minutes away is Fuente Osmeña Circle, which marks Cebu City’s modern business and shopping zone. Hotels in this area are trendier, and plenty of luxury accommodations are available. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Mactan Island, a serene paradise offering quiet resorts with private beaches and luxury spas.
Check In to a hotel in Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu (Colon Street Hotels)
Amethyst Boutique Hotel Cebu (Hotels near Fuente Osmeña Circle)
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu (Beachfront resorts on Mactan Island)
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