Cebu City, with its sophisticated big city and pristine beaches, is a popular tourist destination. Cebu City is a city that combines history, as it’s the oldest in the Philippines, with a glamorous nightlife and dining scene in a lush environment.
Cebu City is the biggest urban area in Cebu Island. It is part of a group of islands in South China Sea, south of Manila and in the Visayas Region of the country. Cebu City lies in the middle, along the southeastern coastline. A mountain range runs down the center of the Island. The combination between mountains and sea creates an abundance fresh ingredients for the delicious cuisine.
Many reasons to visit Cebu City
Explore Fascinating History
Cebu City, the oldest urban centre in the nation, offers many opportunities to connect with its rich history. Magellan’s Cross, which was planted in downtown Cebu City, in 1521. You can also stroll down Colon Street, which is the oldest road in the nation.
Enjoy Life on Water
Cebu City’s island setting is ideal for enjoying the waters. This includes the soft, white sands on Larawan Beach (in Talisay City) and Marigondon Beach (on Mactan Island). You can also enjoy the relaxing beach life and go diving to explore the coral reefs. You can also go whale shark-watching and enjoy some of Asia’s best fishing. Many resorts have private beaches along the coastline.
Delectable Cuisine
Cebu City offers a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, that are influenced by a mixture of influences from the region, such as Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese. You’ll find a wide range of options at all price points, from street food that is dirt cheap to fine dining.
Outdoor Adventure
Cebu City, as well as Cebu Island, offers a variety of outdoor sports. You can go spelunking or canyoneering or jump down the many waterfalls on the island into rushing streams. Mountain biking, rock-climbing, skydiving and more are all available.
Cebu City: What to do?
Colon Street, First Street in the Country
Colon Street became the first street in the Philippines hundreds of years ago. It is now a commotion with vendors, shops, and jeepneys. It’s hard to imagine the city of today, with its sights and sounds, but a stroll along the stretch will reveal lingering evidence of the past. Find commemorative stones that mark important landmarks along the road to gain a deeper understanding of the country.
Cebu Taoist Temple – Hilltop Worship
Other religions continue flourishing in the Philippines, even though Christianity spread to the Philippines after the arrival of Portuguese. This Taoist Temple is a modern wonder. An enormous dragon statue welcomes visitors from the hillside. Tourists and worshippers enter the colorful chapel through a replica of China’s Great Wall. Explore the grounds to find the library, wishing-well, and balconies, from which you can enjoy stunning views of Cebu.
Basilica del Santo Niño: Mother of all Churches
The oldest Roman Catholic Church of the Philippines, the Cathedral in Cebu City, is a fascinating historical site. The building, which is atmospheric and time-worn, is a symbol of the spread and birth of Christianity in the Philippines. From frescoes to statues, everything about the interior exudes that important role – particularly the awe-inspiring Image of Santo Niño. Nearby, Ferdinand Magellan’s Cross marks the arrival of the explorer into the Philippines in the 16th century.
Fort San Pedro: Centuries of Conquest
This fort, strategically located at the center of the first Spanish settlement on the Philippine Islands, has been overlooking the water from Cebu Pier since centuries. While you explore the dramatic ramparts of the fort, your imagination will run riot as you learn the long history in military defenses throughout the Pacific. Just outside, Plaza Independencia marks the country’s independence from the Spanish, and it is a perfect place for a bit of R&R.
Lapu-Lapu City: Escape to Mactan
This coral island is just a short trip away from Cebu City. Mactan offers a variety of activities, including relaxing in a resort or island hopping. Water sports and snorkeling are popular here. Boat rentals for excursions to the Bohol Strait can also be arranged. You could even try something different like deep-sea diving or water skiing!
How to Get to Cebu City
Plan
The Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB), a modern airport, handles both domestic and foreign flights. It is located on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, just 9 miles away from Cebu City. MyBus offers regular service daily to the SM City Mall for ₱25. An official yellow airport taxi to town typically costs about ₱400-500.
Cars
You will need patience to navigate the traffic in Cebu City and the surrounding area. Also, you won’t be able to drive to many of the smaller islands. Cebu City has a busy port and ferry connections to Manila, Butuan City and other locations. Some ferry trips allow cars. The Central Nautical Highway runs along the coast of Cebu Island. It connects Cebu City to Mandaue City in the north, and to Naga and beyond in the south. Cebu-Toledo Wharf Road crosses the mountains of the island and connects to Toledo City.
Bus
Cebu City serves as a hub for bus transportation around the island. Ceres Liner offers air-conditioned services to Bato, among other places. Other major companies are Jegans Transport, Gabe Transport, Metrolink, and others.
Cebu City Cost of Living
Shopping Streets
Manalili Street is a large market with local goods, and a great place to find bargains on clothing and accessories. The massive Carbon Market on MC Briones Street, the largest farmer’s market in the City, is a great place to find clothing and souvenirs as well as a wide variety of food and produce.
Groceries, Other
Shopwise Supermarket and Rustan’s Supermarket, two of the many grocery stores you’ll find around town. All the major shopping centers have grocery stores. A quart of milk costs about ₱19 and a dozen eggs costs about ₱16.
Conclusion
Cebu has a rich history and culture, as we have discussed. But it’s not just that, as there are so many things to do in Cebu – no matter what kind of traveler you are. Cebu offers a city tour that combines food, history, and nature.
Cebu is a great place to visit if you like underwater spots. Cebu is surrounded by majestic mountains, stunning rock formations, and magnificent waterfalls. Cebu is an ideal destination for travelers of all types, from nature enthusiasts to those seeking a city which offers everything.
