Things to do in Cebu (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated October 2025) | Trip.com

About Cebu

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Cebu Local Travel Guide 2025

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Cebu Brief Guide

Cebu, the Philippines' bustling island hub, mixes urban energy with pristine beaches and world-class diving spots like Moalboal. Hike to Kawasan Falls for a refreshing cascade swim or trace history at the Basilica del Santo Niño. This guide lays out your seamless trip, from island hops to street food favorites.

Cebu Must-try local experiences

1. Visit Historic Sites in Cebu City Cebu City's old quarter holds key spots from Spanish colonial days, easy to explore on foot or by tricycle. Begin your journey at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the Philippines' oldest Catholic church, constructed in 1565. It features a wooden statue of the child Jesus, attracting daily crowds for prayers. Nearby, see Magellan's Cross, marking the spot where Ferdinand Magellan planted the first Christian cross in 1521, now under a pavilion. End at Fort San Pedro, a small 16th-century fort with gardens and cannons for a quick history lesson. 2. See the Sardine Run in Moalboal Moalboal, a short drive south of Cebu City, is famous for its massive schools of sardines that swim in thick, swirling clouds just offshore. Snorkel or dive with them in clear waters—no feeding needed, as they come right up to you. Combine it with a visit to nearby Pescador Island for turtles and reefs. Tours start around PHP 1,500 and run daily; mornings are best for calm seas. It's a simple, wow-worthy way to see marine life up close without crowds. 3. Swim with Whale Sharks in Oslob In Oslob on Cebu's southern tip, join a morning boat tour to snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks, the world's largest fish, fed with small fish to keep them around. Groups are small for safety, and guides explain their habits while you float nearby—touching is not allowed. The water's warm year-round, and tours cost about PHP 1,000 including gear. It's an exciting, bucket-list activity that's family-friendly and runs daily. 4. Explore the Waterfalls Cebu's inland spots, such as Osmena Peak, offer short hikes to grassy hilltops with sea views, or longer treks to falls like Inambakan for cliff jumps into clear pools. Kawasan Falls in Badian offers a fun canyoneering adventure through jungle canyons with jumps, slides, and swims into turquoise pools. Guides lead 3-4 hour tours with helmets and life vests, starting with a short hike—levels suitable for beginners or thrill-seekers. It's a refreshing escape from city heat, best in the dry season (November-May). 5. Relax on Bantayan Island Beaches Bantayan Island, a ferry ride north from Cebu, has long white-sand beaches like Paradise Beach for quiet swims and sunset walks. Rent a motorbike to hop between spots, or try fresh seafood at beach shacks. It's a laid-back alternative to busier islands, with calm waters perfect for all ages. 6. Spot Wildlife at Cebu Safari Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, near Cebu City, lets you drive through enclosures with giraffes, rhinos, and tigers, plus tram rides for closer looks. Feed camels or watch bird shows in the aviary area. Open daily, it's an easy half-day outing for families wanting a zoo-like experience with open spaces. 7. Taste Cebu Lechon and Street Food Cebu is known for its crispy lechon roast pig—try it at places like CnT Lechon for whole or by-the-kilo portions with rice and liver sauce. Wander Carbon Market for street eats like pusô rice dumplings or mango shakes. It's a tasty way to sample local flavors in casual settings. 8. Explore Sumilon Island Sumilon Island, off Oslob, has white sands, a sandbar that appears at low tide, and snorkeling spots with corals and fish. Stay in cliffside cottages or do a day trip with lunch included. Kayak around the lagoon or relax at the beach club. It's a serene, less-crowded island hop with clear waters year-round. 9. Day Trip to Bohol for Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills A quick ferry from Cebu City (2 hours to Tagbilaran) opens up Bohol's top sights as an easy day trip. Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to see these tiny, big-eyed primates in a protected forest—guides explain their shy habits during short walks. Then head to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, 1,200+ grass-covered mounds that turn brown in dry season, with viewpoints and stairs for photos.

Cebu Must-see Attractions

Cebu is a Philippine island that offers a diverse array of attractions, from the unique interaction with whale sharks in Oslob and the historical significance of Magellan's Cross, to the natural underwater spectacle of Moalboal's sardine run, the religious importance of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and the unspoiled beauty of Sumilon Island's marine sanctuary.

Cebu Food Guide

Cebu's food is renowned for its Cebu-style Pork Barbecue, a marinated and grilled street food staple, and SuTuKil, a trio of seafood preparations that highlight the fresh and diverse flavors of the region's marine offerings.

Cebu Transportation

By air: The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), located on Mactan Island, is the main gateway to Cebu and the Visayas region. It handles both domestic and international flights from across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. A free shuttle bus is available to transfer between the domestic (Terminal 1) and international (Terminal 2) terminals, which are not directly connected. Airport to Cebu City transfers - MyBus: Offers a reliable and affordable transfer from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to major malls in Cebu City. - Taxis: White metered taxis are generally cheaper, while yellow taxis are airport-licensed and have slightly higher fares. - Grab: Booking a Grab ride from the airport provides transparency and security, with the fare determined beforehand. By ferry: From Manila: Direct ferry services from Manila to Cebu are available, with the journey taking approximately 22 hours. From nearby islands: Ferries and fastcrafts connect Cebu City with neighboring islands, such as Bohol, Leyte, and Negros. Popular operators include OceanJet and SuperCat.

Cebu Where to Stay

Cebu is a prime destination in the Philippines, known for its diverse accommodation options spread across various regions.

Cebu Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cebu is during the dry season, which runs from December to May, for optimal weather for beach-hopping, diving, and other outdoor activities. Within this period, the peak season is from December to February, offering cooler, more comfortable temperatures, while March to May is the hottest and sunniest.

Cebu Travel Tips

1. Fill out the eTravel app All travelers must register on the eTravel app between 72 and three hours before their departure for the Philippines. A QR code will be generated for immigration. 2. Stay safe Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit or less-populated areas. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded spots like bus terminals, jeepneys, and markets, where pickpocketing can occur. Don't leave your belongings unattended in public places. Be cautious of scams, such as taxi drivers refusing to use the meter or people trying to overcharge for services. While most Filipinos are friendly and helpful, exercise caution if approached by strangers offering assistance, especially near ATMs or in tourist areas. 3. Negotiate habal-habal fares If using a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) for short trips or in mountainous areas, always agree on the fare beforehand to avoid disputes. 4. Ensure motorbike rentals are legitimate If you rent a motorbike, ensure you have the proper license and insurance. Inspect the vehicle and take photos or a video before your trip to avoid accusations of pre-existing damage upon return. 5. Do not drink tap water Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues. 6. Dress appropriately for religious sites When visiting churches or heritage sites, adhere to the dress code. For example, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño requires you to wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants or a long skirt.

Cebu Useful Guide

The primary local language in Cebu is Cebuano, often referred to by locals as Bisaya or Binisaya. Alongside Filipino (based on Tagalog), English is an official language of the Philippines and is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots.