Cebu City

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Cebu

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

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

Mabolo

While visiting Mabolo, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Cebu and Carmelite Monastery.

Mabolo
Ayala Center featuring a park

Luz

Though Luz might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 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
The cross of Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu, Philippines

Capitol Site

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 P6,500 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
P6,500
P7,329 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (1,101 reviews)
Loved our stay in Radisson. Nothing compares to the care Cebuanos give to their guests. Our family have travelled to different countries in Europe, Japan and even in the US, our stay at Radisson tops it all. The breakfast buffet was definitely the best of all! Your staff are just incredibly awesome, ...

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Radisson Blu Cebu
Seda Ayala Center Cebu

Seda Ayala Center Cebu

4 out of 5
Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu City
The price is P5,903 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
P5,903
P6,715 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (627 reviews)
I came to Cebu for business. Having a quality internet connection is vital to me. Seda has very good internet. The rooms are good. Food very good. Location perfect if you want to go to the Alsya Mall. It’s a direct walk without crossing any streets. Overall, the Seda Hotel was very good. Quality ...

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Seda Ayala Center Cebu
Fili Hotel Cebu

Fili Hotel Cebu

4 out of 5
Nustar Resort, Kawit Island South Road Cebu City Central Visayas
The price is P8,330 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
P8,330
P10,225 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions SM Seaside City Cebu and Ayala Center are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
Everything was awesome. Especially the breakfast.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Fili Hotel 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (573 reviews)
Room was cleaned . Staff were very helpful . Location is easy access to everything.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (175 reviews)
Nice staff.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 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 WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Waterfront Cebu City Casino and Ayala Center ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (42 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 Jan 16, 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
57
5 - Excellent 34%
4 - Good
78
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
24
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cebu offers metropolitan facilities, historical sites and beautiful beaches! A great destination, for sure!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

So much to see, limited time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Traffic is now heavier similar to Manila.

5/5 - Excellent

Jun

Sinulog festival is a great experience everybody in Cebu is celebrating it gloriously! It is colorful and much awaited event. Everyone is excited from tourists to locals. Cebuanos are friendly people. Extend your vacation to explore the city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love cebu

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Cebu.