Top Things to Do in Cebu Philippines

Cebu is a thriving metropolis with all the perks of an urban lifestyle mixed in with awe-inspiring historical sites, rustic churches, and tons of exhilarating excursions and activities for the entire family. Whether you’re on a tight budget, or geared towards a more lavish dose of vacation opulence, Cebu has everything that will quench your thirst for adventure and discovery.

What are you waiting for? Come check out the island of Cebu as we take you through some of the top things we enjoyed when we visited the city.

Please check out other posts we have on our Philippine travels:
a. Fun Facts about the Philippines Before You Travel
b. Delectable Street Foods You Must Try When Visiting the Philippines
c. Awesome Places to Go When Visiting Cebu Philippines

#1 Go on a Food Trip

I will travel for food in a heartbeat! And yes, Cebu is definitely a city to begin to find new culinary wonders. From exquisite fine dining restaurants with some of the best views of the city, to cheap eats and street food options, the city brims with mouthwatering options in every street corner. 

Filipino cuisine is a product of centuries of cultural influences through its rich and vibrant history. You can taste various degrees of Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian influences, as well as American influences along with some level of westernization in the Philippines’ food culture. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit Jollibee, the Philippines’ largest fast food chain serving up fast food classics with a delightful Filipino twist.

When in Cebu, here are some of our favorite dining places:
a. The Pig & Palm
b. Ume Japanese Cuisine at Bai Hotel
c. Feria Buffet

#2 Visit Historical Sights and Churches

With over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule, the Philippines has some of the archaic structures and remnants of old Spanish architecture in various areas of the country. Rustic Roman Catholic churches and cathedrals tells the story of the Philippines’ compelling historical past. A must-see for everyone visiting Cebu and nearby islands.

Here are some of our favorite historical sights and churches in Cebu:
a. Magellan’s Cross
b. Fort San Pedro
c. Basilica del Santo Niño
d. Simala Shrine

#3 Endless Shopping Opportunities

Cebu has everything to satisfy every shopaholics’ hankerings. From colossal malls and shopping centers, to the hundreds of small shops, retail outlet and public markets, you’ll be amazed at the sheer amount of shopping options the city has to offer. Year after year, new gigantic malls seem to sprout out of nowhere. Malls seem to be the favorite place for locals to hang out. Maybe more of pleasant escape from the city’s heat and humidity especially during the summer months. Plus, these malls are usually filled with so many things to do, as well as places to eat.

Here is a list of some of the biggest malls in the city:
a. Ayala Center Cebu
b. SM City Cebu
c. Robinson Galleria

#4 Pamper Yourself with a Full Body Massage

The relaxation of a full body massage is such a treat for every weary globe trotter. In Cebu, massage spas are ubiquitous throughout the city, and the best thing is that they’re very affordable compared to hourly rates in other countries. While rates may depend on the level of luxury and service you’re getting, you can get a good full body massage for more or less $8 an hour. Now that’s value!

Luxury spas, although not as many, are also available. Many are located in Mactan island, just an hour drive from Cebu’s bustling city center.

#5 Admire the City’s Most Vibrant Floral Gardens

Outside the hustle and bustle of the city’s busiest streets lies flower gardens that are breathtakingly gorgeous. Rows of polychromatic varieties arranged in deliberate successions bringing out a certain beauty that can only be described as ‘heavenly’.

Cebu has two floral gardens that has captivated us with beautiful floral arrangements and attractive designs. First one is the Sirao Garden at Baranggay Busay. 

Sirao Gardens is made up of two gardens right next to each other. One is called the Original Sirao Flower Garden or the Little Amsterdam of Cebu. The second one is called the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site or PGCS.

Second one is Buwakan ni Alejandra at Baranggay Gaas in Balamban Cebu. This one features an enchanting display of over 200 species of local plants and flowers in beautiful successions and unparalleled kaleidoscopic colors.

#6 Spend Ultimate Relaxation on White Sand Beaches

Cebu is blessed with beautiful stretches of white sand beaches, perfect turquoise waters and some of the most charming backdrops of palm trees and gorgeous sunsets. You can go to these beaches on a day trip, or stay in a resort hotel where you can stay in luxury as some of these resorts have the beach right outside your doorway. 

Check out some of our favorite white sand beaches in Cebu:
a. Bounty Beach at Malapascua Island
b. Paradise Beach at Bantayan Island
c. White Beach at Moal Boal

#7 Swimming with Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks are the largest known species of fish in the animal kingdom. Because of this, tourists all over the world come to Oslob, a small costal town of around 30000 people south of Cebu, to witness these majestic creatures in the wild in all their glory. People love swimming, snorkeling, diving and taking pictures of these slow-moving gargantuan beauties. Such gentle giants!

Oslob is approximately 3 or 4 hours from Cebu City by car or bus. So when packing, bring along some snacks and prepare for a long ride ahead.

#8 Check out Hiking Trails and Waterfalls

Believe it or not, Cebu has over 100 waterfalls up its sleeves. These picturesque wonders of nature are favorites among tourists for their breathtaking views, awesome hiking trails, and that cool water below that is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

For the more adventurous type, canyoneering is also a popular activity among these regions. It involves activities like walking, jumping, swimming and climbing as you travel down creeks or streams within a canyon.

Here are some of the best waterfalls in Cebu:
a. Inambakan Falls
b. Kawasan Falls
c. Kabutongan Waterfall Trek

#9 Experience the Annual Sinulog Festival

Celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January, Sinulog Festival is Cebu’s most awaited event each year with thousands upon thousands of devotees and tourists joining as one in celebration of the feast of the Child Jesus. Streets filled with hundreds of street performers, musicians and devotees dancing for hours while carrying a statue of the Child Jesus (The Santo Niño). Loud music, parties and colorful parades and floats transforming busy city streets into one big religious celebratory party.

Hotels, malls and other public areas playing that all too familiar festival music around this time of the year as school dance groups spend long hours in preparation for the biggest dance competition of the year at the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Expect heavy traffic and lots of walking as several roads are closed off at this time to make room for the parade.

#10 Scuba Diving

Swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, swimming under a waterfall, why not add scuba diving to your list? Cebu has some of the world’s best scuba diving sites that let you enjoy the unparalleled beauty of corals and marine life hidden underneath crystal clear waters. With thousands of species of fish, crustaceans and other aquatic life calling its shores home, it’s no wonder that Cebu has become a renowned scuba diving haven for first timers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Here are some of the city’s best scuba diving sites:
a. Moal Boal
b. Mactan Island
c. Malapascua Island

#11 Visit the Cebu Safari Adventure Park

Cebu Safari is one of Cebu’s newest attractions that features animals from all over the world in an “open zoo” concept with large spacious enclosures that brings them as close as possible to their natural habitats.

For plant lovers, the massive park also features Michel’s Garden, a landscaped promenade saturated with over a million orchid plants from the owner’s extensive collection.

One of the park’s highlights is the popular bird show which features several of our fine feathered friends including rare species of wild birds like the Philippine sea eagle, Philippine owl, and the Philippine hawk. Loads of fun facts, humor, tricks and audience interaction to keep everyone entertained, while spreading the message of the value of environmental conservatism and wildlife preservation to its audience.