CEBU ITINERARY: 11 Best CEBU TOURIST SPOTS and Things to Do (Travel Guide Blog 2023 for First-timers)

Cebu one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines. Dubbed as the "Queen City of the South," it boasts of many popular beaches, islands and diving spots. It is also rich in natural wonders such as waterfalls, mountains, and spectacular marine life. In the province's capital - Cebu City, lies most of its historical, cultural, and religious sites such as the Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Colon Street, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

At the central part of the province is Metro Cebu, which is a bustling and huge metropolis much like Metro Manila. Rich in history, culture, great-tasting food, and natural wonders, there are so many amazing things to do in Cebu and interesting tourist spots to visit that you will surely enjoy. If it's your first time traveling to Cebu, you have to plan your itinerary very well. The province is so big that it would require you several days to really visit most of the popular tourist destinations in Cebu.

In this Cebu Travel Guide Blog 2023, I will help you in planning an amazing Cebu itinerary. We will be focusing on Cebu City, Mactan, Lapu-lapu, other nearby towns and cities and some parts of South Cebu. Having been to Cebu several times, I must say that there are so many things to do and places to visit in Cebu that you could add in your Cebu Itinerary. For first-timers, I listed here the most popular attractions and things to do in (and near) Metro Cebu, as well as in the Southern part of Cebu.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CEBU

Cebu is the name of the provices and Cebu City is the capital city of the province.
Metropolitan Cebu, or simply Metro Cebu is composed of Cebu City and six surrounding cities (Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay) and six more municipalities. Located at the central part of Cebu Province, it is the main urban center of the province.
Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines and is considered as the very first seat of Christianity in the country.
Cebu has an international airport, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You can go to Cebu directly from many key cities in Asia, and even via a direct flight from the USA.
Language: Cebuano, but English and Tagalog are also widely spoken.
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP).
Mode of Payment: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in many establishments in the city. If you need to withdraw cash, ATMs can be found in many commercial and business areas in the city.
Public Transportation: Main mode of transportation within the city is the jeepney. Multicabs, buses, Grab car and taxis are also available.
Both Globe and Smart mobile signals work very well in Metro Cebu. Mobile data internet are also available in most areas.
Metro Cebu is highly urbanized and heavily populated metropolis next to Metro Manila. Traffic jam is common in its three major cities: Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City. This happens during the rush hours in the morning and in the late afternoon to early evening. Be sure to adjust your itinerary accordingly.
The Sinulog Festival is the most popular festival in Cebu. This is also the best time to visit Cebu City.

HOW TO GET TO CEBU?

As a highly urbanized and developed city, Cebu is well-connected from different parts of the country. International Airlines also have direct flights to Cebu coming from different parts of the world.

To get to Cebu, you can take a flight from Manila or from other key cities in the Philippines - such as Davao, Bohol, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Puerto Princesa.

You may also take a ferry, RORO, or fastcraft to Cebu from many parts of the country. Ferry companies such as 2Go, Oceanjet, and Weesam Express have regular trips to Cebu from Manila and from many key cities around the Philippines.

HOW TO GET TO CEBU CITY FROM MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?

Cebu City is about an hour away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). For ease and convenience in traveling from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Cebu City center, you may book a Private Airport Transfer. Transfers are available 24 hours a day, 7 times a week so you don't have to worry even if you arrive late at night. Get from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to your hotel in no time with a comfortable and safe private transfer. This is ideal for groups because you can split the cost, and it's comfortable transfer especially if you have huge luggage with you or if you're traveling with kids or senior citizens. Both airport pick-up and airport drop-off are available.

HOW TO GET AROUND CEBU?

With so much to offer, Cebu is such an amazing city to explore. For a comfortable tour, I recommend that you avail a private car rental service to visit the best and most popular areas on the island. With a chartered car, you can plan your own perfect day and discover Cebu at your own time, schedule, and itinerary. Alternatively, you can explore Cebu City by public transportation - jeepney, bus, habal-habal, Grab car or taxi are all available. As a huge city, the jeepney is the primary mode of transportation to go to many parts of the city. But if you're not familiar with the routes, I highly recommend booking your transportation via Grab Car or Taxi. This will save you a lot of time and chances of getting lost.

If you're traveling outside Metro Cebu, you need to take the bus. If you're going to the towns and cities in the north, go to the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Subangdaku, Mandaue City. If you're going south, you should go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Sambag, Cebu City. Here, you'll find buses and minibuses headed to the different municipalities and cities in North/South Cebu.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CEBU?

As a tropical country, the Philippines experiences two distinct seasons - wet and dry seasons. During the dry season from December to May, the weather is cooler and there are less chances of rains. The wet season from July to November is when most of the rain showers happen. But this "low season" is also a good time to score cheap airline promos and affordable hotel rooms and tours. This is also the best season if you don't like too much crowd visiting the tourist attractions in Cebu.

If you're into festivals, then January is the best time to visit Cebu. This is when the month-long Sinulog Festival happens. During this time, Cebu City becomes more festive with a lot of events happening. This is also the most crowded and most expensive season to visit Cebu.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN CEBU + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

What to do in Cebu City? Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience? Here are some of my recommendations:

1. Say a prayer at Basilica del Sto. Niño

Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú commonly known as the Santo Niño Basilica is located along Osmeña Boulevard and is one of the most famous landmarks in Cebu. It was founded in the 16th century and it is considered as the oldest Roman Catholic Church established in the country. The present church was completed between 1739-1740 and was built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú was found during the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi. Since then, it has been the home of the Sto. Niño, which is considered as oldest religious relic in the Philippines in honor to the Holy Child Jesus. Outside the church you can buy candles from the candle vendors and they will ask for your family name, then dance to the high heavens while praying for your family. In front of the church is a huge plaza where masses were also held during the celebration of the annual Sinulog Festival.

2. Visit Magellan's Cross

Just a few steps away from Sto. Niño Church is the Magellan's Cross, a symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. Housed in a chapel, the cross is said to have been planted through the order of Ferdinand Magellan to signify one important event - the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in the islands. It also symbolizes the colonization of the Philippines on behalf of King Philip II of Spain. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Cebu that should be added in your itinerary.

3. Check out the smallest fort in the country, Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro (Fuerza de San Pedro ) is a military defense structure which is considered as the oldest and smallest fort in the country. The fort is triangular in shape consisting of three bastions – La Concepcion, San Ignacio de Loyola and San Miguel. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City.

.4. Visit Mactan Shrine

Located in Lapu-lapu City, it is a site dedicated in honor of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan. A life-sized statue of Lapu Lapu and a painting that depicts the war of Lapu-Lapu against Ferdinand Magellan can be seen here. It is also the site of Kadaugan sa Mactan festival where a re-enactment of the battle is held every 27th of April every year.

If you're staying in one of the finest beach resorts in Mactan, why not go on an awesome island hopping tour? Start your island hopping adventure with a nice snorkeling session in Hilutungan Marine reserve. Swim with some tropical fishes and observe some big jack fishes passing by. Enjoy a short swim near the marine reserve of Nalusuan. Relish in a delicious lunch by Pandanon Island.

5. Shop for Pasalubong and Souvenirs at Tabo-an Market

Located in downtown Cebu City, Tabo-an market is the haven for dried danggit, tuyo, squid and dilis, to name a few. Here, you could also find other Cebu delicacies such as dried mangoes, otap, among many others. Pasalubong shopping in Tabo-an Market is definitely an item in your list of top things to do in Cebu that shouldn't be missed! Be sure to drop by here before going back home.

6. Get your adrenaline pumping at Sky Experience Adventure

If you're seeking for great adventures within the city, go to Crown Regency Hotel and Towers near Fuente Osmeña. Here, you could try heart-pounding activities such as Edge Coaster, Tower Walk, Urban Zipline and Vertical Climb.

7. Visit the stunning Cebu Provincial Capitol Building

Located along Osmena Blvd., Cebu City, this is the seat of the Provincial government of Cebu.

8. Relieve history by visiting the Heritage of Cebu Monument

Located along the oldest street in the Philippines, Colon Street in Cebu City, it showcases the significant events in the history of Cebu. The monument was done by National Artist Edgardo Castrillo.

9. Pres. Sergio Osmeña Museum

Located along Osmeña Blvd., the ancestral house of Pres. Sergio Osmeña is part of the facility now owned by CAP Educational Plan. Inside, is like a museum that displays old photos and clothes, memorabilia and many things owned by the former president who hails from Cebu. Built in the 1950's, this house where President Osmeña retired after his political defeat against Senator Manuel Roxas.

Address: CAP Building, Osmeña Blvd., Sambag II; Cebu City
Telephone: +63 32 416 4932
Admission Fee: Free

10. Cebu Taoist Temple

Located inside the posh Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, the Cebu Toaist Temple was built in 1972 for Cebu's substantial Chinese community. A must visit place if you are in Cebu, a beautiful piece of oriental culture. It has several lush gardens, plenty of benches and space to relax or reflect and not too crowded. It's beautiful, quiet, and serene place with an outstanding view of the city.

Address: Beverly Hills, Cebu City
Admission Fee: Free
Note: Picture taking of the gods and statutes inside of the temples are not allowed.

11. Sirao Flower Gardens

Of the many things to do in Cebu, this is one of my favorites! Sirao Flower Garden or Sirao Flower Farm is most popular for their beautiful flower gardens. It has many picturesque spots, flower gardens and you could take as many Instagram-worthy shots as you want. Located on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful sceneries of mountains and hills, every corner of these beautiful gardens will surely be enjoyed by everyone.

There are two Sirao Flower Gardens in Cebu. One is the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS) and the other one is the first Sirao Flower Garden located near the PGCS.

NOTES:

The first Sirao Flower Garden is open from 06:00 am to 06:30 pm, admission fee is PHP 100 per person. While the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site is open from 06:00 am to 06:30 pm for all visitors and 6:30 pm to 6:30 am for overnight campers. Entrance fee is PHP 50.00 per person

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