Popularly known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines known for its pristine white-sand beaches and resorts, colorful marine life, and diverse province offering many activities and attractions along the coast.
Cebu is also a food haven where visitors can taste some of the best Philippine cuisines. Cebu is best known for its delicious lechon, dangit, chorizo, and other delicacies like masareal and dried mango.
Whether you’re planning your first visit to Cebu, or if you’re a local Cebuano looking for some new food and travel destinations, this blog article is for you! Here, we discuss the best that Cebu has to offer – from its top destinations, top restaurants and delicacies, and more!
Map of Cebu
Geographically, Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and mountains, and coastal plains. You wouldn’t see it on the map, but Cebu is predominantly topped with rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the Northern and Southern lengths of the provincial island.
The Cebu map below is a simple one but it provides you with the names of towns, cities, and other significant areas and landmarks for your island tropical travel.
Cebu Travel Destinations: Best Places to Go
From the best beaches in Mactan to historic places, here are some of the best Cebu travel destinations!
Basilica del Sto. Niño
The Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú (Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebú), commonly known as Santo Niño Basilica, is a basilica in Cebu City in the Philippines that was founded in 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, allegedly built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú was found during the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi.
The Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebu Basilica Complex is located in a city block bordered by Osmeña Boulevard, D. Jakosalem St, P. Burgos St., and the Plaza Sugbo where the Magellan’s Cross is located. The main entrance is on Osmeña Boulevard. Two blocks north of the basilica are the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu.
Mactan Newtown
The Mactan Newtown is a master-planned 30-hectare township of a one-stop destination for your ‘live-work-play-learn’ by the beach lifestyle that’s changing the face of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Its closeness to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, known to be the second largest international airport in the country, has made it a prime destination for businessmen, BPO executives, and frequent travelers, something familiar to Megaworld, having previously developed the largely successful Newport City across Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Situated near Mactan International Airport and alongside Mactan’s best resorts like Shangri-la Hotel and Resort, Mactan Newtown will give you superb island living. Excitement awaits you here!
Whether you’re looking for a hotel, condo options, restaurants, coffee shops, or resort, you’ll find all of those and more at Mactan Newtown!
Learn more about Mactan Newtown by reading our blog article, “Mactan Newtown | Your Ultimate Guide”.
Popular Beaches in Mactan
Want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach? Here are some of the most popular beaches and resorts in Mactan!
Mactan Newtown Beach
If you want to go for a swim, you should definitely check out Mactan Newtown Beach. Located in the quiet and beautiful neighborhood of Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, this charming and spacious beach, is an amazing place for a family or couple to stay and have fun.
Stay in a beautiful and quiet cabana near the bay of Mactan. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, good coffee and other drinks, and gorgeous views. Lounge around and enjoy the sea breeze or swim to your heart’s content.
Costabella Resort
Located along the eastern shores of popular Mactan Island in Cebu, Costabella Resort is a tropical haven. With its proximity to the Mactan Cebu International Airport and Cebu City, it is ideal for family beach adventures, get-away with friends, romantic escapes, beachfront weddings, and special events.
Costabella is a 156-room contemporary Filipino-Spanish beachfront resort with a private white sand beach, refreshing outdoor pools, landscaped tropical gardens, restaurants and bars, and extensive leisure facilities and spas where guests may choose to do as much or as little as they wish. For over 37 years, this beachfront resort has kept its Filipino family tradition of genuine caring service that is appreciated and loved by guests from around the world.
BE Resort Mactan
Find yourself in a higher state of bliss as you experience BE Resort, Mactan’s award-winning, and contemporary interior design! BE Resort Mactan is a beach resort with a hip and youthful vibe. This stylish resort allows you to explore the stunning seaside beauty of Mactan Island.
BE Resort Mactan is a beachfront hotel that offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi in public areas. The guest rooms of this design-forward hotel are like a sun-bleached tropical paradise, with a casual ambiance and chiropractic beds. Each room at Mactan BE Resorts comes with stylish modern décor and is fitted with air conditioning. The rooms also come with a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box, and a refrigerator. The private bathroom includes a hot shower facility along with free toiletries.
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
Established in 1989, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort boasts more than three decades of signature Filipino warmth and hospitality. Designed in a chic, Filipino style, this Mactan beach resort sits in a cove with its own private beach.
The Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort has three attractive lagoon-shaped pools and five eateries that serve good food and great coffee. Sleep in comfort in one of four room types, from the Deluxe Room to the Royal Bungalow. Allegro, the resort’s main restaurant, serves breakfast from international favorites to Filipino classics, and even pizza and cocktails. Spa facilities, leisure activities, aqua sports, and a kid’s club keep everyone in the family entertained.
For a complete list of the best beaches and resorts in Mactan, check out our blog article, “Mactan Beach | Your Complete Guide to Popular Beaches in Mactan”!
Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah is one of the top cultural and historical sites worth adding to your itinerary in Cebu City. Many call the temple the “Taj Mahal” of Cebu because it is also a mausoleum for a great love that never ends, even after death. Teodorico Soriano Adarna had the Temple of Leah built for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna.
Located in Barangay Busay, the Temple of Leah began construction in 2012. There are around 24 different chambers in the complex; these contain a library, art gallery, bar, and museum, just to name a few. You will also see statues of lions, angels, and gladiators as you explore. You will see stone steps that lead to the portico and then the 10-foot-high statue of Leah found near the lobby.
Sirao Flower Garden
Situated in Barangay Sirao, Sirao Flower Garden is reminiscent of Amsterdam, with all sorts of flowers neatly arranged and in various colors. It was given the nickname “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” because of this. Instead of tulips, the garden’s main feature is celosia flowers or cockscombs, or wool flowers. Other than these, visitors will also find sunflowers and some hyacinths in different sections.
As you explore the garden, you will see replicas of Amsterdam’s famous structures and windmills, kitschy houses, and décor that look like toys. The complex fits the description of an “Instagram-able” destination with its unique layout and colorful photo locations.
Cebu Top Restaurants and Delicacies
Want to go on a food trip? Here are some of the best restaurants and delicacies that Cebu has to offer!
Lechon
When people talk about “Cebu” and “food”, the first thing that comes to mind is lechon. Anthony Bourdain once called Cebu Lechon the “best pig ever”. Lechon is a popular, delicious Filipino delicacy and it’s a roasted pig over a pit.
From birthdays to weddings to town fiestas to the holidays, the celebration will never be complete without lechon on the table. It can be served with sauces, like spicy soy sauce or vinegar, but if you eat Lechon plain, you’ll taste the abundance of natural flavors from the pig, smoke, and fire.
Cebu Lechon is prepared stuffed with herbs which usually include scallions, bay leaves, black peppercorn, garlic, salt, and distinctively tanglad (lemongrass) or leaves from native Citrus trees or tamarind trees, among other spices.
While lechon is sold almost everywhere in Cebu, you’ll find some of the best lechon in Carcar and Talisay. Some well-known restaurants and brands include House of Lechon, Rico’s Lechon, Zubuchon, and Cebu’s Ayer Lechon.
For a complete guide on Cebu lechon, please read our full article, “Where to Buy the Best Cebu Lechon”.
Charlie’s Cup
Coffee lover? Nature lover? Pet lover? You can have the best of these worlds at Charlie’s Cup! Named after the owner’s corgi, Charlie, Charlie’s Cup is a roadside nature cafe hanging by the cliffs of Balamban. This treehouse-esque chill destination has a great unobstructed view of the beautiful surrounding mountains and a very soothing breeze to complement the views.
Charlie’s Cup isn’t just a chill place to hang out with family and friends. It’s a place where fur parents may gather as well to let their fur babies meet other pets and owners. In fact, the cafe was actually named Charlie which is the treasured fur baby of the owner so rest assured that Charlie’s Cup is also designed with pets in mind. Kids also have their own small corner where they can play and mingle with other kids. It’s open and very visible so parents can easily see if their kids are doing okay.
From a small private hut to a small kiosk with two decks offering a 150-seating capacity, Charlie’s Cup Balamban is furnished with wooden tables and chairs, earth-toned furniture, a little play nook for your little ones, brick-walled exterior, ample parking, a PWD-friendly restroom, and its trademark stairs painted with two Corgis. All of these elements put together create a simple and rustic vibe that’s both pleasant and extremely comforting to the soul.
From a small private hut to a small kiosk with two decks offering a 150-seating capacity, Charlie’s Cup Balamban is furnished with wooden tables and chairs, earth-toned furniture, a little play nook for your little ones, brick-walled exterior, ample parking, a PWD-friendly restroom, and its trademark stairs painted with two Corgis. All of these elements put together create a simple and rustic vibe that’s both pleasant and extremely comforting to the soul.
Located along Cebu’s Transcentral Highway (locally known as “TCH”), Charlie’s Cup offers scenic views and a relaxing ambiance where customers can relax. The place is surrounded by blooming flowers, plants of different kinds, and lacy white-edged clouds rolling in over the ever-blue skies and mountains.
Learn more about Charlie’s Cup by reading our blog article, “Charlie’s Cup: A Must-Visit Instagrammable Café in Cebu”. <note: please link to ‘Charlie’s Cup’ article; a blog isn’t live yet on the website>
Dried Mango
With its sweet and non-acidic zest, dried mango Cebu is rich in vitamins and is made from the best-handpicked mangoes of the Queen City of the South. Cebu is home to popular exporters of dried mango brands including 7D, Profoods (Philippine Brand, Cebu Brand, etc.), Guadalupe, R&M, Cebu Delights, Sweet Earth, and M Lhuillier.
Dried mango prices can vary depending on the brand, quantity, pack size, and where you buy it. For instance, one brand maybe is more expensive, and purchasing online may be cheaper compared to mall prices. Prices can range from Php 68 (Philippine Dried Mango 100g), Php 285 (7D Dried Mangoes 200g), or more.
Learn more about Dried Mango Cebu by reading our blog article, “Dried Mango Cebu: Best Dried Mangoes in Cebu, FAQs, And More”. <note: please link to ‘Dried Mango’ article; the blog isn’t live yet on the website>
Tides at Shangri-La Mactan
Presenting an extensive International buffet, Tides caters to every taste with a wide choice of dining options. Tides allow dining guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an open kitchen where the delicious aroma of the food enhances their dining experience. There are seafood and meat roasted over coal, noodles, and a soup station as well as fresh salad ingredients.
The restaurant is ideal for the family as it has a small buffet setup that includes kid-friendly meals. A la carte dining starts at 6 a.m. and ends an hour before noon.
Learn more about top restaurant options by reading our blog article, “Mactan Island Cebu | Your Complete Travel Guide”.
Chicharon
Another tasty delicacy that Cebu is popular for is chicharon. Chicharon Cebu is essentially pork rinds – thinly sliced pig skins that are cooked for a few minutes before being deep-fried in a large cooking pot of hot oil. Aside from pork rind, chicken skin may also be made into chicharong manok, whereas chicharong bulaklak—literally ‘flower chicharrón’, named for its distinctive shape—is made from pork mesentery.
Chicharon is filled with flavor, perfect to pair with a rice meal, as a road trip snack, or even pairing it with alcohol during those late-night drinking sessions.
The City of Carcar is renowned for having a lot of Chicharon vendors. You will mostly find them on the sidewalks, carrying baskets of this tasty snack on the streets and highways. Each store or vendor sells its own version of chicharon baboy, varying in taste, size, and flavor. As of today, they remain one of the most popular snacks sold locally in Cebu.
Learn more about chicharon by reading our blog articles, “Best 3 Chicharon Cebu Recipes That You Can Try” and “Chicharon Cebu: Everything You Need to Know”. <note: please link to ‘Chicharon Cebu’ article; a blog isn’t live yet on the website>
Danggit
Cebu is known for its famous boneless dried danggit – salted, sun-dried rabbitfish (aka spine foot), which is abundant and native to the island’s shallower waters. The fish are split open, cleaned, salted, and spread out on drying racks under the sun. Danggit is popular among locals as a breakfast food, fried and paired with eggs, rice, and atsara (pickled unripe papaya), with vinegar and chili dip on the side.
Known for its wide variety of dried fish on display, Taboan Public Market is one of the busiest and most famous markets in Cebu and is the best place to buy danggit.
Taboan Market in Cebu City has always been the go-to destination for Cebuanos who want a wide array of danggit-dried fish that come in different packaging. In fact, Taboan Market, considered to be Cebu’s ultimate pasalubong center and local market, is one of the busiest and most crowded markets in Cebu City. Here, you won’t just find dried danggit or boneless danggit – you’ll find a broad variety of them.
Learn more about danggit Cebu by reading our blog article, “Best Guide on Where to Buy Danggit in Cebu”.
Other must-try Cebu delicacies
Some other must-try Cebu delicacies include pintos, otap, dried pusit, and masareal. Learn more about these delicacies by reading our blog article, “Cebuano Delicacies: Top 9 Cebu Delicacies You Should Try”.
Top Activities to Do in Cebu
Aside from visiting historical and tourist spots, going to the beach, or enjoying a food trip, here are some other top activities you can do in Cebu:
Island Hopping
Mactan island hopping is one of the best ways to explore the surrounding islands in Mactan, Cebu. Go snorkel, dive, eat seafood, and swim to your heart’s content! There are many businesses offering island hopping tours in Mactan, so make sure to find out what best meets your needs.
Some common destinations during island hopping tours include Caohagan Island, Olanggo Island, Hilutungan Island, Sulpa Island, Nalusuan Island, and Pandanon Island among others.
Helmet Diving
Want to experience your diving adventure to the fullest? Try helmet diving! Wearing a special helmet that lets you breathe underwater means you can spot marine life without having to snorkel or scuba dive. Enjoy 360-degree views as you walk along the ocean floor, passing schools of tropical fish and magnificent corals. Experience the underwater wonders around the Island of Mactan on this fun helmet-diving excursion!
Hike to Osmeña Peak
Standing at 1,013 meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak is Cebu’s highest point. The peak is one of several spire-like formations comprising the Mantalongon Mountain Range in Dalaguete. The town of Dalaguete is known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” because of the crops it supplies to the whole province.
The picturesque trail to Osmeña Peak is an easy leisurely hike that takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Once you reach the top of Osmeña Peak, you will be greeted by a stunning jagged skyline, a panoramic view of Cebu’s southeast coastline, and a glimpse of Negros. It can be windy at the peak, so take care not to lose your footing.
Visit Simala Shrine
Nestled in the hills of Simala, Sibonga in Cebu is the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, or popularly known as the Simala Shrine and Cebu’s Castle Church. As the name title implies, the sprawling religious complex looks like a castle by the hillside. Simala Shrine first rose to popularity when the word spread about the miraculous Virgin Mary statue it houses. Several Catholic and Marian Devotees flocked to Simala to pay their respects and pray for miracles and the Virgin’s intercession.
As its fame increased, the church began a series of renovations that transformed its once humble chapel into a grand castle-like shrine.
Scuba Diving
From diving at 3 meters to 100 meters on a wreck or for a trimix hypoxic course, there is a lot of dive sites around Mactan – and the most beautiful part is that all levels of scuba divers will enjoy diving in Mactan Cebu as there is so much for every type of dive. From freshwater cave diving, underwater caverns, and shallow shipwrecks to deep penetration technical wreck diving, diving spots in Mactan are definitely a must-try.
As with island hopping, there are many businesses offering scuba diving tours (and even scuba diving lessons for those who want to learn!), so make sure to find the best one that fits your needs.
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Whale shark-watching activity in Oslob is undeniably a popular attraction all over the world and yet also controversial. This incredible experience prompts tourist visitors to flock to Oslob shores to encounter these gentle giants. Whale shark watching tours combined with other popular tours in southern Cebu can fill your day with full of fun and adventures.
The activity site is situated in Brgy. Tan-awan is in the town of Oslob, a remote part of Cebu that is 3-4 hours away from the city or a 4-5 hour drive from Mactan Airport. Diving and snorkeling are limited in time and people and are done by batch. Each batch has 30 minutes to watch or swim with the whale sharks. Prior to that, there is an informative talk and presentation about Whale Sharks and STRICT RULES to be observed during the activity. All the Whale Sharks at the Oslob Whale Shark Snorkel tour are wild animals and come and go as they please. The floats you see on the surface are merely marking the area for motorized boats to stay away.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing resort where you can rest, a pristine beach where you can swim and enjoy the sun, delicious delicacies and restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content, or a fun-filled day of activities, Cebu has everything you want!
