Cebu City Travel Guide
On Cebu Island, Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines and has a great deal to offer tourists. This is a well-established metropolis complemented by white-sand beaches, colonial heritage and solid transportation links.
- Worth It?
- Visiting Cebu City is a highlight of a Philippines vacation.
- What to Do
- visit the fort, enjoy the view from 'Tops', walk through the basilica, indulge in the nightlife, try your luck at the casino.
- Best Time to Go
- from November to March when the weather is comfortable.
- How Long?
- A day or two in the city is plenty.
- Trivia
- Cebu City was once capital of the archipelago.
- 2 - Fort San Pedro: constructed in the 16th century, this former military stronghold has been converted to a peaceful collection of gardens and crumbling ruins.
- 2 - Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: built the same year as the fort, this ancient church was rebuilt after burning down in the 18th century.
- 2 - Magellan's Cross: the famous seafaring explorer died here at the hands of locals in 1521, and this cross was planted by Magellan himself. The cross (which most assume is a replica) can now be viewed in a chapel next to the basilica.
- 1 - Taoist Temple: across from prevalent Spanish colonial architecture is this tribute to Chinese immigration, situated on a hill with excellent panoramic views of the city.
- 1 - Mt Busay: overlooking the city is this mountain, capped by Tops Lookout, an observation deck with unparalleled views of the city and environs.
- Butterfly Sanctuary: locals love the butterfly sanctuary, and its prized subjects are everywhere.
Cebu attractions
Nicknamed the 'Queen of the South', Cebu City is the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It is rich in history and is known as fateful place where Magellan met his end in 1521. Today's most popular historic relics are the crumbling fort and rebuilt church, both dating to the mid-16th century.
Cebu has the big-city appeal of Manila without the traffic and metropolitan hassles. Even so, it is well connected with prominent airports, a thriving seaport and a few enormous shopping centers.
The nightlife is concentrated on Mango Avenue and Square, where you'll find a collection of karaoke clubs, bars, discos and a few seedier establishments. One of the five-star hotels operates a casino on the waterfront.
Travel to Cebu City - Getting There
Cebu City's airport is about 30 minutes out of town on an outlying island. Taxis will take you to the city center via a connecting bridge. Regular flights from the airport connect to Manila (1 hour) and a host of major cities across Southeast Asia. The only other way of reaching Cebu is by ferry, and the local seaport is connected to dozens of islands across the region.
