Cebu, Philippines: Travel Guide to the Queen City of the South

Cebu, in the heart of the Central Visayas, is the Philippines' oldest city and one of its most popular destinations, combining Spanish colonial history, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and world-class diving. It was here, in 1521, that Ferdinand Magellan arrived, introducing Christianity to the islands, and in 1565 Spanish settlers founded the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Today, Cebu City is a busy metropolis, while the long island of Cebu offers whale sharks, sardine runs and island adventures.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Cebu

1. Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño

Magellan's Cross, housed in a small octagonal chapel in Cebu City, is said to contain fragments of the original wooden cross planted by Magellan in 1521 to mark the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his followers. The chapel's ceiling is decorated with paintings of the event. Next door, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, founded in 1565, is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines and houses the Santo Niño de Cebu, a statue of the Child Jesus given by Magellan to Humabon's wife, the oldest Christian relic in the country. Every January, the Sinulog Festival celebrates the Santo Niño with street dancing and colourful parades.

Booking tip: a Cebu City heritage tour on GetYourGuide covers these sites; dress modestly when visiting the basilica.

2. Fort San Pedro and Colonial Heritage

Fort San Pedro, built by the Spanish in the 16th century, is the oldest and smallest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines. Its walls enclose a garden and a small museum. Nearby, the Casa Gorordo Museum, a 19th-century house, and the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, built in the 1670s and one of the oldest houses in the country, offer glimpses of life during the Spanish era. The Cebu Taoist Temple, in the Beverly Hills district, offers panoramic views over the city.

Booking tip: combine the heritage sites on a walking tour.

3. Kawasan Falls and Canyoneering in Badian

About three hours south of Cebu City, Kawasan Falls in Badian is a stunning series of turquoise waterfalls in the jungle. The best way to reach it is by canyoneering, an exciting adventure that involves jumping from cliffs, sliding down natural water slides and swimming through the canyon of the Matutinao River before arriving at the falls.

Booking tip: canyoneering tours, often combined with Moalboal or Oslob, can be booked on GetYourGuide.

4. Moalboal Sardine Run and Pescador Island

Moalboal, on Cebu's southwest coast, is famous for the sardine run, where millions of sardines swirl in huge shoals just metres from the shore, creating an unforgettable spectacle for snorkellers and divers. Sea turtles are frequently spotted on the reef, while Pescador Island, just offshore, is a marine sanctuary with coral walls and caves.

Booking tip: snorkelling with the sardines can be done straight from the beach at Panagsama.

5. Island Hopping: Mactan, Malapascua and Bantayan

Mactan Island, home to the international airport, is where Lapu-Lapu, the local chieftain, defeated Magellan in 1521; a shrine marks the spot. Island-hopping tours visit reefs near Nalusuan and Hilutungan. In the north, Malapascua Island is famous for diving with thresher sharks, and Bantayan Island for its white-sand beaches.

Booking tip: island-hopping tours can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Cebu

Before You Go

• Entry: many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free; complete the eTravel registration before arrival.
• Natural hazards: in 2025, a strong earthquake and typhoon floods caused damage in parts of Cebu, especially in the north. Check local conditions before travelling.
• Whale sharks: encounters at Oslob are controversial because the sharks are fed; consider responsible alternatives.

Getting Around

• By air: Mactan-Cebu International Airport has direct international flights.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab is available in Cebu City.
• Buses: connect Cebu City with the south and north of the island.
• Ferries: connect Cebu with Bohol and other islands.
• Money: the currency is the Philippine peso.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Lechon: crispy spit-roasted pig, famously described as the best in the Philippines.
• Puso: rice cooked in woven coconut leaf pouches, served with grilled meat.
• Sutukil: seafood prepared three ways: grilled, stewed and raw.
• Dried mangoes: Cebu's sweet dried mangoes are a famous souvenir.
• Otap: flaky, sugar-coated biscuits.

Best Time to Visit

• December–May: the dry season, ideal for beaches and diving.
• Third Sunday of January: the Sinulog Festival, one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines.
• June–November: the rainy season, with a risk of typhoons.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Cebu

Cebu combines rich history, waterfalls and incredible marine life. Whether you're visiting the Basilica del Santo Niño, canyoneering to Kawasan Falls or swimming with sardines in Moalboal, Cebu is a perfect base for exploring the Visayas.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Cebu.