16 Things (so far!) to Experience in Cebu

Blog Updated on June 3, 2025 by Aldrick ‘chiki’ Agpaoa

Cebu is one of the most popular go-to destinations in the Philippines and is considered to be the major gateway to the South. Being the first province on my personal quest in my #Project82PH, “Sugbo” is one of my favorite provinces to visit because it has an endless number of activities to do and experience! Here are some of the places to see and experience in this thriving island province!

Read more: Things to do in Cebu (during a layover)! 

16 Things (so far!) to Experience in Cebu

Get Heroic and see the majestic Mactan Shrine

Also known as “Lapu-Lapu Monument” in Punta Engaño, the Mactan Shrine is the very place where Ferdinand Magellan first set his foot on Philippine soil. This is where the famous Battle of Mactan happened where he fought the Datu of Mactan in the person of Lapu-Lapu.

Business / Tour Hours

Daily, 0800 – 1700 H

Go back in time by visiting Magellan’s Cross

The famed Magellan’s Cross is one of the founding artifacts of Christianity in the Philippines. Located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Magellan’s Cross is made in tindalo wood and was planted by the Spanish explorers during the first circumnavigation of the world.

Business / Tour Hours

Daily, 0800 – 1800 H

Be mesmerized by Temple of Leah’s Work of Art

Temple of Leah is one of the modern tourist attractions found in the outskirts of Cebu City. Nicknamed “The Taj Mahal of Cebu,” Temple of Leah was built by Teodorico Adarna in honor of his wife Leah Albino-Adarna. The ‘temple’ features Leah Adarna’s extensive art collection and has a large bronze statue of the lady in the main hall of the building. It also has a spacious balcony where you can see Metro Cebu on a clear day.

Entrance Fee	₱ 120 (weekdays) ₱ 150 (weekends)
Business / Tour Hours	Daily, 0600 – 2300 H

Be on top by visiting Tops Cebu

Tops Cebu is a modern panoramic park which shares a 180-degree view of Metro Cebu down below as seen in its spacious view deck. “The Circle” formerly known as “Tops Lookout” is now a five-storey building featuring several restaurants and shops that give a cool view of the metro.

Business / Tour Hours

Daily, open 24 hours Top of Cebu Restaurant: 1100 – 2300 H

Be close to Nature by basking along Sirao Gardens

There are actually two Sirao Gardens in the northern part of Cebu City but they are actually near each other. The first is the Sirao Garden which features several flora and fauna that is manicured all over the park. It also features two giant hands where you can have a photo with the mountains as background. The other park, which is located just 130 meters away, is the Sirao Garden-Little Amsterdam features numerous windmills and tulips reminiscent of the windmills and tulip farms in the Netherlands. If you plan to visit the two parks at once, you have to pay individual entrance fees for each park. 🙂

Entrance Fee (each park)	₱ 100
Business / Tour Hours (each park)	Daily, 0800 – 1730 H

Discover a piece of history at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu houses the oldest image of the Child Jesus (Santo Niño) in the Philippines. This church is also considered as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country and the location of the Basilica is believed to be the site where the Santo Niño was found. This is also the birthplace of the world-renowned Sinulog Festival.

Experience a different kind of Mardi Gras during the Sinulog Festival

Held every 3rd weekend of January, Sinulog Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines – honoring the Child Jesus (Santo Niño). This is also one of the main highlight of the feast and also one of the oldest festivals in the country

Do a different kind of thrill by passing through the Cebu – Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx)

If you have the time to explore Cebu City and nearby Mactan island, why not try to visit the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines! The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway spans around 8.9 kilometers with a height of 145 meters and connects mainland Cebu to Mactan Island. This is also one of the most scenic bridges I have seen in the Philippines!

Toll Prices (subject to change without prior notice):

Class 1M (motorcycles from 100 – 399 cc)	₱ 60
Class 1 (cars, motorcycles 400 cc and above, SUVs, jeepneys)	₱ 90
Class 1 (above 7 feet / 2.1 meters; vehicles with recreational equipment)	₱ 180
Class 2 (buses, light trucks)	₱ 180
Class 3 (heavy trucks and trailers)	₱ 270
Pedestrians / Bicycles	Free

Go canyoneering in Badian + Kawasan Falls

One of the most unique experiences you have to try when visiting Cebu is to go Canyoneering in Badian, ending your journey in Kawasan Falls. This half-day journey will treat you to some eye-candy canyons and the clear water will surely invite you to swim. At the end of the canyoneering and cliff-diving is the equally attractive Kawasan Falls.

Experience a different kind of island life in Bantayan Island

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Cebu was to go to Bantayan Island. The 4 hours land journey from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio is thrilling and the 2 hour vessel ride to Bantayan Island is scenic. The island features white sand beaches, beautiful cliffs and caves, and a mangrove sanctuary which I liked the most. This is also the site of a skydiving activity at the Bantayan airport.

Best Lechon in Cebu? Try Apo ni Bebie’s (Carcar City) and House of Lechon (Cebu City)

People say you have not experienced half of Cebu if you have not experienced eating lechon Cebu! One of the most celebrated foods on the island province (and one of the most delicious variants I have tried) is found here! I have tried the lechon served in Apo ni Bebie’s in Carcar City (whose lead chef, Henry Cui, won the “Best Lechonero Award” in 2024) and the home staple House of Lechon in downtown Cebu City. Cebu lechon is really one of the dishes that you need to try when visiting!

Business / Tour Hours

Apo Ni Bebie’s (Carcar City): Daily, 0500 – 1700 H House of Lechon (Cebu City): Daily, 1000 – 2100 H

Try the famous Binignit in Abaseria Deli & Cafe

Binignit is one of the most beloved homegrown dishes of Cebuanos, especially during the Lenten season. Akin to Luzon’s ginataang bilo-bilo, Binignit is a hearty merienda cooked in coconut milk mixed with local fruits and other ingredients to make a tasty snack, popular during the Holy week, specifically during Good Friday where Catholics fast on meat.

When I visited Cebu for the 6th time (16-17 May 2025), I never missed the chance to try authentic Binignit in one of Cebu’s loved restaurants – Abaseria Deli & Cafe. There are also several Filipino dishes served in Abaseria and I’d love to try them all but my tummy is reserved for other delicious Cebuano food (I promise to come back here soon!)

Business / Tour Hours

Monday to Saturday, 1000 – 2000 H

Hunt for local finds in Carbon Market

Carbon Market is considered to be the largest market in Cebu City. This place is famous for cheap finds, especially for tourists who are looking for souvenirs and other trinkets on the cheap. It is like a local department store where several items here are found and bought. The market also comes much livelier at night when the Carbon Night Market opens – where several food stalls and retail items are sold on the streets surrounding Carbon Market. “The Barracks” hawker center is also a spot to visit to have a taste of local Cebuano food and delicacy.

Business / Tour Hours

Daily, 24/7 (stall times differ) The Barracks: Daily, 1000 – 2200 H

Explore the smallest and oldest Fort in the Philippines that is Fort San Pedro

Considered to be the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines, Fort San Pedro is one of the most popular structures in Cebu. Built in the early 18th century, this fort used to be a stronghold against Muslim raiders.

Entrance Fee	₱ 30
Business / Tour Hours	Daily, 0800 – 1700 H

See the amazing 10,000 Roses Café in Cordova

If you are in for a different (and modern) treat, a place in Cordova would be a good choice. The “10,000 Roses Cafe and more” is a seaside cafe overlooking the Cebu City skyline with the CCLEx expressway on its foreground. This restaurant-slash-park is more beautiful when night falls as the roses are illuminated and swings to the cool breeze of the bay. It is also an experience when you come here and pass through the CCLEx expressway (you have to pay the toll fee though!)

Entrance Fee	₱ 20 Motorcycle Parking: ₱ 20 Car Parking: ₱ 30
Business / Tour Hours	Daily, 1400 – 2200 H

Go on a little Pilgrimage in the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist (Simala Church)

One of the most eye-opening experiences I had in Cebu was when I visited the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist aka the Simala Church in Sibonga. The whole church complex was just peaceful and carefully manicured catching everyone’s attention. Upon entering the church, its frescoes and interiors are more striking in person. Luckily, I had heard the first mass before leaving the monastery.

Business / Tour Hours

Daily, 0800 – 1800 H

Other things to try and experience in Cebu:

– Whale shark watching in Oslob

– Climbing the idyllic Osmeña Peak

– Sardines Run in Moalboal

Planning a trip to Cebu soon? Read my simple Cebu Travel Guide HERE!

We’re born to travel!