2 Days in Cebu City

Cebu City is the capital of the Cebu Province. It is the core city of the second largest metropolitan area in the Philippines, only smaller than the Manila metro area. It has always been an important location for trade and is the main domestic shipping port of the Philippines. The city is often described negatively by tourists – understandably so as there is less natural beauty and fewer tourist activities. However, I found the area to be bustling and full of culture.

I will admit, compared to the jaw-dropping scenery in other areas, Cebu City falls short. But if you find yourself in the city before heading elsewhere, here are some great activities to fill your time!

• Day 1 – Motor Bike Tour

  As soon as you wake up, go rent a motor bike! If you are not confident with your motor biking skills in the city, you can always book a tour or catch a taxi, but a motor bike will be the most budget friendly option.

  Then hop right onto the Cebu Transcentral Highway and make your way to the Cebu Taoist Temple. This temple is in a gated community so do not be freaked out when you have to give your ID over to officers at the gate – you WILL get it back when you exit! Otherwise the entire experience is free, including parking.

  NOTE: As of March 2023 we were still required to wear face masks on the premises. Additionally, women, you will need to have your legs covered or tie one of their provided shawls around your waist if you wish to step inside any of the various worship spaces.

  

  

  Get your ID back and continue along the highway towards Sirao Garden. Once you arrive, grab a quick snack from one of the vendors in the parking lot (I recommend their grilled sweet corn or roasted sugar bananas!), park, and head into the garden.

  For only 70 pesos ($1 USD) you get unlimited time among beautiful flower gardens and interactive sculptures. Go full tourist mode here for some instagram-worthy pics!

  

  

  

  Once you’re satisfied with your camera role, head back the way you came to Tops Lookout. When we went it was closed for construction, but this closure led us to the nearby and delicious Vie in the Sky restaurant. Although it looks boujee, it is surprisingly not a budget buster and it comes with incredible views!

  To be completely transparent, after all of this we were quite tired and went back to our hostel for naps until dinnertime. If you are not tired, however, here are some other activities I recommend:

  • Temple of Leah
  • SM City Cebu
  • SM Seaside and Cebu Ocean Park
  • 10,000 Roses Cafe (for dinner)
• Day 2 – Ultimate Walking Tour

  

  This second day itinerary does depend slightly more on the location of your accommodation. We stayed at Shejoje Poshtel Hostel in the Santa Cruz neighborhood (there is a nearby Mad Monkey if you are looking for a more social vibe) and took a walking tour around the area we were in.

  I found its surrounding neighborhoods of the Capitol Site and Santo Niño to be incredibly fun to explore.

  First, head to Santo Niño to explore Colon Street. This area is full of shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores that are all incredibly fun to wander through. Grab some lunch at Ribshack and head further towards the port for some historical sites.

  Magellan’s Cross in Plaza Sugbo is a famous structure honoring the beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines. Nearby is the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. I especially recommend walking around this site on a Sunday to see the street blocked off for a massive worship service and street vendors along the block.

  

  

  Continue on towards the Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro. The fort is 30 pesos to enter and you can be joined by a free tour guide if you’d like. Down the road from this beautiful area is also a great view of the CCLEX Bridge.

  

  

  As you circle back around towards Santa Cruz, stop into whatever museum strikes your fancy. Here are some options:

  • Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu (50 pesos)
  • Heritage of Cebu Monument (free)
  • Yap-San Diego Ancestral House (100 pesos)
  • Jesuit House Museum (30 pesos)
  • Halad Museum (50 pesos)
  • Casa Gorordo Museum (120 pesos)
  • Museo Sugbo (75 pesos)

  NOTE: prices listed above may be out of date

  

  

  Then for dinner head over to the giant Fuente Osmeña Circle roundabout in the Capitol Site neighborhood, home to numerous restaurants and fast food chains. La Lucha Taqueria was perfect for dinner at the end of a long day.

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