About Cebu City
Cebu City anchors the Visayas with Magellan's Cross and lechon culture, while Mactan and nearby islands deliver beaches, diving and canyoneering day trips.
Best time
December–May dry season
Weather
Tropical — hot and humid year-round; typhoons possible mid-year
Airport
Mactan–Cebu International (CEB)
Getting around
Grab in the city; organised tours for Kawasan, Oslob and island hops
Experiences
Things to do in Cebu City
1
Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño
2
Fort San Pedro
3
Taoist Temple
4
Temple of Leah
5
Kawasan Falls / canyoneering day trip
6
Oslob whale shark swim (ethical operators)
7
Cebu IT Park and Ayala Center
8
Mactan beaches and lapu-lapu shrines
Budget travel
Free things to do in Cebu City
Taoist Temple
Temple of Leah
Cebu IT Park and Ayala Center
Mactan beaches and lapu-lapu shrines
Sirao Flower Garden
Cathedral Museum
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño
- Visit Fort San Pedro
- Visit Taoist Temple
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Temple of Leah
- Visit Kawasan Falls / canyoneering day trip
- Visit Oslob whale shark swim (ethical operators)
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Cebu IT Park and Ayala Center
- Visit Mactan beaches and lapu-lapu shrines
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Larsian BBQ
Filipino BBQ · Open-air grill institution
- $
House of Lechon
Cebuano · Cebu lechon destination
- $
Abuhan sa Carbon
Filipino · Local carinderia favourite
- $$
STK ta Bay! / Café Laguna
Filipino · Long-running Cebu dining brands
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Shangri-La Mactan
Mactan · Island resort landmark
- $$$
Crimson Resort Mactan
Mactan · Beach resort tourist favourite
- $$$
Radisson Blu Cebu
Cebu City · City-base hotel near Ayala
Shopping
- Ayala Center Cebu
- IT Park
- Carbon Market
Nightlife
- IT Park
- Mandaue / Mactan resorts
Museums & culture
- Fort San Pedro
- Cathedral Museum
Local foods to try
- Cebu lechon
- Pusô rice
- Dried mangoes
- Seafood
Hidden gems
- Temple of Leah
- Sirao Flower Garden
- Alegria highlands
Travel tips
- Traffic between city and Mactan can be heavy — buffer airport time
- Choose ethical operators for any wildlife encounters
- Carry cash for markets and smaller island boats
In pictures
Cebu City gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
