What are the finest things to do in Cebu City? What are some interesting things to do on Cebu Island? World Pinoy Flights has the answers! This guide shows off the best things to do and see in Cebu by listing the top 10 tourist attractions. These include historic sites in Cebu City, as well as beautiful beaches and waterfalls located outside the city. 

Based on our over ten years of expertise offering travel services in the Philippines, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Cebu City and Cebu Island to round out your Cebu itinerary. 

You’ll find something here to adore, whether you’re drawn to culture, nature, or both. We’ll also provide you with two common travel routes to help you make the most of your time. 

Things to do in Cebu City 

Explore 5 Cultural & Historical Attractions 

Magellan’s Cross 

Magellan’s Cross serves as more than a mere religious emblem; it is situated in the heart of Cebu City, in close proximity to the waterfront. It’s where the Catholic tale in the Philippines started. On April 8, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition established Christianity on Philippine soil at this small, worn Cross. 

A few quick facts: 

• Every day from 8 AM to 6 PM (great for a short stop!). 

• Price: Free. 

• Visit time: 30 minutes (take pictures, soak up the feelings, and move on). 

This Cross is anything but average, even though it’s housed in a simple pavilion that many would overlook. The original wood (which is now protected by wood) saw the birth of a religion that more than 80% of Filipinos still follow today. Look up at the murals on the ceiling that show what happened that day. It’s like a history lecture without the book. 

Official page for Magellan’s Cross 

Fort San Pedro

This 16th-century Spanish fort sits amid Cebu’s port area (now Plaza Independencia). It was previously the site of artillery rulers’ plans and cannon fire. The Philippines’ oldest fort was built in 1565. Also, a live scrapbook of Spanish colonial drama. 

A few quick facts: 

• Every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM 

• Cost of entry: ₱30 (approximately $0.50), which is less than a coconut drink! 

• Visit time: 30 minutes at most (excellent for quick history lessons between ferries). 

This triangle-shaped castle has two sea-facing sides and one land-facing side. It was Spain’s show of dominance. You may walk around its 380-meter circumference, look at 14 authentic guns (see if you can count them!), and take pictures of the 9-meter watchtower. 

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño 

Visit the Philippines’ oldest Catholic church, built in 1565. Meet the star of the show: the Santo Niño de Cebú, a wooden Jesus doll that is a foot tall and has withstood fires, wars, and 500 years of fan devotion. According to legend, Magellan gave this symbol to Queen Juana of Cebu. Thus, her husband, King Humabon, was baptised, and the nation became Catholic. 

A few quick facts: 

• Open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (go early to avoid crowds). 

• Price: Free (if you take pictures, please contribute ₱20–50 to the donation box). 

• Time to visit: 30 minutes (unless you enjoy observing people, in which case, stay all day). 

People pray quietly by the St. Niño Fountain in front of the church, which is lit by candles. This isn’t TikTok, so keep your voice down. Visiting the Basilica and its surroundings is one of the most meaningful things to do in Cebu City. The Pilgrim Centre, a large plaza across the street, features a January Sinulog Festival dance procession and a stunning Christmas light show.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral 

Come here instead of going to the busy Santo Niño Basilica. It’s the calmer, spacious relative. A chapel made of white coral stone from the 1800s. It was the first church in the Philippines and the first Catholic church in the country. It’s a great place to take ‘I found a hidden treasure’ pictures because it has a big front garden and fewer tourists. 

A few quick facts: 

• Open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then again from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (a schedule that accommodates siestas). 

• Cost: Keep up with the repairs. 

• Time spent there: 20 to 30 minutes (unless you’re a stained-glass nerd). 

Colon Street & Heritage Walk 

Cebu’s oldest street older than Manila’s is a charming mix of colonial buildings, fried street food, and bargain retailers. This region is centred around the Metro Colon mall and has: 

• During the day, look for ₱100 sunglasses, eat lechon (roast pig) at CNT, and look at structures that were built before the war. 

• At night (after 6:00 PM), the Colon Night Market is full of ₱20 skewers, karaoke battles, and socks sold by the dozen. 

Admire Moalboal Town’s Sardine Run 

Moalboal, tucked away on Cebu’s southwest coast, is a three-hour drive from Cebu City. 

No one needs to be told about the famous sardine run. If you put on your mask at Panagsama Beach and float face down, all of a sudden, you’ll be circled by silver tornadoes of fish. By hanging on to the reef’s edge, even people who can’t swim can see this underwater dance. 

But Moalboal is more magical than just its famous fish: 

• Green sea turtles eat seaweed just meters from the shore on Talisay’s shallow beaches, where you can see them. 

• White Beach’s kilometre-long stretch of white sand is beautiful, with sea fans and starfish scattered throughout. 

• The technicolour coral gardens of Pescador Island are full of clownfish colonies. To get to this snorkelling paradise, rent a bangka boat from the main beach for about 1,500 PHP for 4 hours. 

Watch whales and sharks in Oslob town

Oslob is a tiny southern Cebu town and one of the best places to see whale sharks. While it’s a bit outside the city, visiting Oslob is often included in the top things to do in Cebu City for adventurous travelers. The sharks here aren’t very big, and because they’re mostly fed, they’re usually calm and friendly. Local fishermen offer them prawn shells every morning, allowing them to swim around the outrigger boats—giving you the chance to meet these gentle giants up close.

When is the best time to go? The earlier, the better. 

You can work from 6 AM to 11 AM, but before 9 AM is best. When the sharks are full, they stop biting. The process typically takes around 30 minutes to complete. 

Types of Tickets 

• A boat ride costs ₱500, equivalent to approximately $9. 

• ₱1,000 ($18) for snorkelling 

• ₱1,500 plus a ₱1,000 guide fee, which is about $45. 

Tip: Buy tickets online or in person. Divers get ahead of the crowd! Others wait an hour or more. 

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: An Exciting Water Adventure 

Instead of a walk, this is a 5-hour thrill ride through turquoise gorges, jungle cliffs and, most importantly, waterfalls. At the end, you can cool off in the blue water at the beautiful Kawasan Falls. 

Cost 

You can purchase food, gear (including a helmet and vest), and a personal guide for ₱2,000 ($36). There is one guide for every two to three people. 

What to do 

Get ready and put your bags away before meeting your group in Badian Town. 

Then, pick your adventure: take a 15-minute walk to reach the beginning of the canyon. You can also pay 600 pesos for a fast track zipline that lasts one minute. 

Go down into the bush, jump off four cliff waterfalls that are 3m, 5m, 7m, and 10m high, and swing like Tarzan on a vine for an extra 10 pesos. 

Survival advice: 

• Not needed the heavy bag. Bring money, sunscreen, and a phone case that won’t get wet. 

• You’ll burn a lot of calories if you eat a loaded breakfast. 

Visit more than one island on Mactan Island 

In Mactan, Cebu, travelling from island to island is a fun and affordable activity. There are beautiful beaches, places to swim, and lots of sea life. You can get to three to four islands in a day by boat in thirty minutes to two hours. 

Top 3 Islands in Mactan for Snorkelers and People Who Want to Relax 

• Coral reefs with neon fish swim through the island of Gilutongan, which is a marine refuge.  Turtles might let you swim with them! 

• It’s just a beach, but Nalusuan Island is quite large. There are hidden coral gardens in waist-deep water on this tiny island. Great for snorkelers who are nervous. 

• Caohagan Island has picture-perfect white sand and real life. You can bargain at the fish market, drink coconut rum, and even see a rooster fight (yes, they happen here). 

Thresher Shark Central is on Malapascua Island 

This quiet island, located north of Cebu, is an ideal spot to spot sharks. Thresher sharks, which have tails that look like whips and eyes that are the size of anime characters, glide through the Kimod Shoal every day at 5 AM to get cleaned by smaller fish. It’s likely that you’ll see something if you dive here. 

Explore Cebu’s Top Tourist Spots with World Pinoy Flights  

From historical landmarks to stunning resorts, Cebu has something for every kind of traveler. One must-visit destination is Plantation Bay Cebu – a luxurious beachfront resort known for its lagoon-style pools, world-class amenities, and relaxing tropical vibe. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Cebu’s vibrant city life and natural wonders.

There’s no better way to end your Holidays in Cebu than with World Pinoy Flights, which will show you the best of this lively island. We have the best plans to make your trip easy, fun, and full of must-see places, whether you want to explore the historical sites in Cebu City or enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby islands and beaches.  

Want to see Cebu in a way you’ve never seen it before? World Pinoy Flights can help you! Do not worry—our team will manage everything.  Enjoy your journey. Waiting how long?  Plan an enjoyable holiday to Cebu with World Pinoy Flights!  

FAQs about Cebu City