Top 19 Things to Do in Cebu for First Time Visitors

Amazing is an understatement to describe Cebu. This, I can already say for sure after spending three full days there. The province is teeming with life — literally, when you see the mountains and beaches, the bustling capital, and the flocks of birds flying everywhere, and figuratively when you understand how Cebu’s history has breathed life into the Philippines since time immemorial.

On a more personal note, Cebu brought life to three sleepy travellers — me and my colleagues — trekking its wonders for the very first time. With this, I feel like I owe it to the province to share all its beauty with you. Planning a getaway there for the first time? Here are the top things to do in Cebu.

Also read: 23 Fun and Free Things to Do in Cebu

Where to stay

Whether you’re travelling to Cebu for business or leisure, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the classy Summit Galleria Cebu. A winner of the 2024 TripZilla Excellence Awards — Best Business Hotel (The Philippines), Summit Galleria Cebu combines stylish and contemporary accommodation with artsy decor that brings out the vibrance of Cebu. Plus, with easy access to nearby shopping malls, business districts, and historical landmarks, it’s the perfect accommodation for work and play.

The hotel’s well-appointed rooms and suites are designed with modern aesthetics and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, guaranteeing a comfortable and productive stay. For business travellers, Summit Galleria Cebu offers a range of meeting and event facilities, including versatile function rooms and a dedicated events team to assist with planning and execution.

1. Plan a historical walking tour

Considered as the oldest city in the Philippines, the capital of Cebu has historical landmarks practically lined up against one another. Magellan’s Cross, Colon Street, Carbon Market, Heritage of Cebu Monument and Fort San Pedro are all within a short walking distance from each other.

Also read: Explorer Challenge: Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour Around Old Cebu

2. Explore beautiful ancestral houses

Learning about Philippine heritage is a lot more exciting when you step foot in the homes of those who have come before you. An epitome of the classic “bahay na bato,” the Casa Gorordo Museum serves as an evidence to the richness of Filipino architecture during the Spanish colonial era. Nearby, you’ll also see the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House and the Jesuit House Museum of 1730.

3. Learn history from guided tours

Be prepared to hear a lot of historical narratives from your tour guides as you visit heritage sites. Collect newfound knowledge, ask some questions, and take note of the travel tips your guides might mention every now and then.

3. Experience the fun in Cebu festivals

Every third Sunday of January, Cebu celebrates its most popular festival. The Sinulog Festival commemorates Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, wherein a dance parade colours the streets of Cebu City.

5. Visit elegant old churches

Witness the grandiose of the centuries-old churches in the Philippines. The highly-esteemed Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño is among the oldest cathedrals in the country, the Carcar Church boasts of byzantine architecture, and the Boljoon Church nestles stunningly between the beach and mountain views.

6. Learn basic Cebuano phrases

Considered as one of the major languages in the Philippines, Cebuano is a gem of our country. Not to mention, it’s definitely very convenient if you can speak basic Cebuano phrases when in Cebu. For us, the most useful phrases were “pliti palihug” and “diri lang mi” for jeepney rides, and “salamat kaayo!”  for thanking the warm and friendly Cebuanos we met along our trip.

7. Savour the world’s best-tasting lechon

Cebu is hailed as the Lechon Capital of the World for a reason. It’s known to have the most flavourful lechon in the planet — the crispy skin, tender meat, and savoury juice don’t lie. Believe me, I’ve never liked lechon until I tasted one in Cebu.

8. Food trip in The Market

Aside from lechon, Cebu has a lot more cuisines you have to try out. Luckily enough, we were joined by a local who brought us to The Market by Sugbo Mercado. Here, we tasted a wide range of local dishes — from platters of cheesy baked scallops to cups of yummy milk tea.

Also read: 12 Must-Try Foods at Cebu’s Sugbo Mercado

9. Try out other Cebu delicacies

Cebu’s food culture doesn’t stop there. Go around the province, and you’ll find lots of other tasty dishes you won’t be able to get a hold of in Manila. Some honourable mentions are scallops from Sa Paolito’s Seafood House, siomai from Siomai Sa Tisa, and silvanas from Briquito Silvanas.

10. Admire the blossoming flowers in Sirao

There’s a lot to say about Sirao, but maybe the best word to describe it is “picture-perfect.” With the celosias, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums blooming in this “Little Amsterdam of Cebu,” you might never want to leave.

11. Revel in the allure of the Temple of Leah

After a trip to Cebu’s Amsterdam, feel the magnificence of Greece in the Temple of Leah. Built by actress Ellen Adarna’s grandfather for his wife he loved dearly, the shrine now holds the memories of late Leah Albino-Adarna. More than its Grecian statues, grand staircase, and brass angels, the nine-foot bronze statue of Leah acts as the heart of the temple. Who said love couldn’t be this grand?

12. Find serenity in the Taoist Temple

Nestled in a quiet subdivision in Cebu City, the Taoist Temple was built for the Chinese community to worship their gods serenely. Meanwhile, non-worshipers can also experience the tranquillity of the towering attraction.

13. Go snorkelling in Mactan Island

The liveliness of Cebu isn’t limited to its wildlife on land. Under the sea, whale sharks, manta rays, and a wide variety of colourful fish swim around the reefs. Mactan Island, located southeast of Cebu Island, will already give you a glimpse of the vibrant marine life the province has to offer.

14. Take a day trip to Sumilon Island

Even when you’re only visiting Cebu for a few number of days, a day trip to Sumilon Island is worth it. Lounge around the beautiful beaches, go kayaking, snorkel, trek — you’ll never run out of things to do here.

15. Visit the breathtaking sandbars

Bask in the sun in the fascinating sandbar of Sumilon, which locals and tourists alike admire for its pristine white sand in the middle of crystalline waters. Amazingly, this sandbar shifts position and shape depending on the season.

16. Swim in pristine beaches

From North to South, Cebu boasts of numerous wonderful beaches. While Moalboal and Sumilon may be the most accessible beaches from the centre, the serenity of the beaches in Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island are incomparable.

17. Go scuba diving

Many divers have fallen in love with Cebu, as its seascapes are breathtaking. Monad Shoal, also known as “Shark Point,” in Malapascua Island is especially famous for being the home of the incredible thresher shark.

18. Enjoy a natural shower

Aside from oceans, Cebu has several breathtaking waterfalls too. Among them, Kawasan Falls holds a special spot for tourists. Admired for its turquoise blue water, the waterfall is the perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Try out the bamboo raft and ride towards the falls!

19. Hike up a mountain

Indeed, Cebu has been blessed from sea to summit. Mountaineers of all levels can find a peak to fall in love with, including Casino Peak, which mimics the beauty of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, and Osmeña Peak, which towers the highest among all mountains in Cebu. With the view, every mountain in Cebu is certainly worth the climb.

Also read: 21 Mountains in Cebu with the Most Breathtaking Views

With everything Cebu has to offer, it’s practically impossible to run out of things to do here. You’ll definitely come back for more – I know I will. Salamat kaayo, Cebu!