Cebu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kawasan Falls showing a waterfall and a river or creek
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

Cebu City featuring a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

4/5(3 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 which includes religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Lahug

4/5(26 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
Default Image

North Reclamation Area

4/5(7 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 featuring a statue or sculpture

Mabolo

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Mabolo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like SM City Cebu and Ayala Center.

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

Capitol Site

4/5(7 area reviews)

While visiting Capitol Site, you might make a stop by sights like Osmeña Fountain Circle and Jose Rizal Memorial Library.

Capitol Site
Default Image

Santa Cruz

3/5(9 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Santa Cruz, you can explore the larger area and discover places 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 NZ$83 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$83
per night
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,004 reviews)
"always enjoy my stay there"

Reviewed on 8 May 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 NZ$188 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$188
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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 9 May 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 NZ$139 per night from 16 May to 17 May
NZ$139
per night
16 May - 17 May
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! (345 reviews)
"Walking distance from mall"

Reviewed on 2 May 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.
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 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 6 May 2024

88th Avenue
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! (280 reviews)
citadines baseline for me is the best in the city
"we are very pleased with the service team, we love the tuburan coffee at the lobby while waiting if ithere is a line or if we just want to lounge around. we like the space of the room and the breakfast was excellent"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Citadines Cebu City
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 3 May 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

Activities

Reviews of Cebu

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
" "5 - Excellent 27.77777777777778%
4 - Good
48
" "4 - Good 53.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
16
" "3 - Okay 17.77777777777778%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.1111111111111112%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Roselin
11 Feb 2020

My home city! I always feel wlcome when coming bavk home from living in Australia.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

Great but traffic is horrendous!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Jan 2020

Cebu is a great to visit ,many things to do.Great shopping and very nice people.

5/5 - Excellent

AntonyHolden
8 Jan 2020

I love Cebu - one of my favourite destinations in the Philippines

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Nov 2019

I went many places and have stayed in many hotels but this is the first to have ants and mould in the bathroom Broken toilet fixtures And the beds didn't even line up when put together

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Nov 2019

If you are taking taxi around the city, you need to have a GPS phone to confirm route you are traveling. Taxis want to take long routes. Otherwise cebu is a top city.

Cities near Cebu