Cebu City, also known as the “Queen City of the South,” and it is the most visited place by tourists in the Visayas region. Explore Cebu City on your next vacation.
Carcar-Style Cebu Lechon
Magellan's Cross
Dec – May (Dry Season)
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Sinulog Festival
Cebu City, also known as the “Queen City of the South,” is considered the oldest city in the Philippines. It is the most visited place by tourists in the Visayas region, with the busiest seaports and one of the largest air hubs.With several historical accounts pointing to this place where Ferdinand Magellan died, Cebu City is also considered a historic place. The cross Magellan brought from Spain 500 years ago and other ancient forts can also be found in this city.Today, Cebu City continues to flourish in business, trade, food, and tourism.
Activities in Cebu CityYou can do so much in Cebu City. While you’re taking a vacation, here are some of the best activities in Cebu City.Gastronomical AdventureYour vacation in Cebu City wouldn’t be complete if you haven’t eaten out at different restaurants! Cebu City is known for its exotic dishes and specialties. Try their best-selling Cebu Lechon, a whole pig that is roasted in coals. If you prefer street food, try Ginabot, Nilarang Bakasi, and Tuslob Buwa. For desserts, ampao, bukarilyo, dried mangoes, and otap are must-tries.CanyoneeringIf you happen to visit Kawasan Falls, canyoneering is one of the best activities done here. The activity begins at the Canlaob River, which goes downstream to Kawasan Falls. You have tour guides while canyoneering to accompany and facilitate the tourists the whole time.Learn More About Philippine HistoryAs mentioned earlier, Cebu City is known to have a rich history. Cebu City is the first settlement of the Spaniards in the Philippines. There are different shrines and sites across the city that still exist today. The local government and tourism office renovates and maintains the old architecture of each shrine, and each of these shrines has a story to tell. Pay a visit at Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Colon Street, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Verified flight routes, ferry schedules, bus terminals, and insider transit tips.
The easiest way to get to Cebu City is by air. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia offer direct flights from Manila to Cebu and vice versa. All airlines have flexible flight schedules and offer around 30 flights a day. Depending on the airline, a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 to Mactan-Cebu International Airport takes around 45 minutes to one hour.
If you don’t like traveling via air, you can travel to Cebu City by sea. Go to Pier 15 in Manila and ride a ferry going to Cebu International Port. Super Ferry offers routes from Manila to Cebu only four to six times a week, so be sure to check the schedule. Since the travel time takes around almost 24 hours, you may need to pay for accommodation, which costs around Php 2,000 to Php 5,000. Aside from having a comfortable room to sleep in, you can enjoy other amenities on the ferry like salons and eat out at different restaurants inside.
Verified local food stands, iconic provincial specialties, and culinary favorites.
Signature DelicacyatHouse of Lechon
Golden crispy skin with infused lemongrass and native spices, served with spicy vinegar.
Signature DelicacyatTaboan Public Market
The ultimate destination for crispy fried salted danggit and dried squid pasalubong.
atLarsian BBQ Barbecue
Iconic Cebu night grill experience serving skewered meats paired with woven palm rice.
Signature DelicacyatSTK ta Bay!
Cebuano trio style: grilled fish, sour ginger fish broth, and fresh raw fish ceviche.
Situated in Plaza Sugbo, Magellan's Cross Pavillion is a top-spot destination in Metro Cebu. It houses the Cross planted by Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan on April 21, 1521.
Sinulog festival is an annual religious festival in honor of the patron saint Sto. Niño. It is well-known for its vibrant street dance performances. Sinulog festival is held every 3 rd Sunday of January every year.
Simala Shrine, also known as The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. It is one of the most visited religious places in the Philippines, with magnificent outer landscapes and interior design.
Osmeña Peak is the highest point on Cebu Island located in Badian. This tourist spot is one of the best adventures to try in the Southern part of Cebu! This spot is also near to beach towns Moalboal and Oslob.
The Sirao garden is popularly called a ‘Mini Amsterdam’ by visitors because of the world-famous ‘Keukenhof’ flower garden. It's one of the bucket list spots when you visit Cebu City.
Authentic traveler photography, scenic island landscapes, and local captures across Cebu City.
Scenic panorama of Cebu City
3-star central hotel, popular heritage restaurants, full-day city highlights tour, metered taxi or Grab rides.
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Live atmospheric data for Cebu City (Open-Meteo Edge Forecast)
Color, rhythm, and local heritage celebrations you won't want to miss.
The Grandest Festival in the Philippines honoring the Santo Niño with street dances and vibrant parades.
Discover insider tips, side-by-side island comparisons, and curated reading for Cebu City.
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