Cebu presents a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage across its landscapes. The island features pristine waters, cascading waterfalls, and centuries-old structures that reflect its past.
While exploring things to do in Cebu City, each location reveals unique experiences, from underwater encounters with marine life to walks through historical landmarks.
Here is a collection of destinations and activities that demonstrate the distinct character of this remarkable Philippine island.
1. Go Canyoneering At Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls welcomes visitors with three stunning levels of turquoise water cascading down Cebu Island. Travelers looking for things to do in Cebu City discover these beautiful falls through two different adventures.
One path leads through river canyons where you'll leap from cliffs during exciting canyoneering tours. Another offers a gentle walk straight to the falls, where clear pools await.
Both journeys end at the magnificent waterfalls, where cool mist and rushing water create unforgettable moments for every guest.
2. Visit The Beautiful Beaches Of Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island welcomes visitors with beautiful white sand beaches and peaceful fishing villages near Cebu Island Province. Among Cebu City Philippines things to do, exploring Bantayan's shores stands out as a must-try experience.
Kota Beach captures hearts with its stunning sandbar and calm lagoon, perfect for peaceful swims and sunbathing. Paradise Beach offers quiet spots with unique rock formations along its white shores.
Nature lovers enjoy cooling off in Ogtong Cave and Sto. Niño Cave, where natural springs fill crystal-clear pools. Unlike busy Boracay Island, Bantayan keeps its peaceful charm, making it an ideal escape for anyone seeking quiet beach moments and spectacular sunsets.
3. Tour The Temple Of Leah
The Temple of Leah rises majestically from the hills of Busay, earning its nickname as Cebu's own Taj Mahal. Visitors searching for cebu city tourist spot gems marvel at this seven-story wonder, where Roman-inspired architecture meets modern grandeur.
Two golden lions guard the main stairs, leading to halls adorned with granite floors, marble fountains, and Grecian statues. At its heart stands a nine-foot bronze statue of Leah V. Albino-Adarna, honoring the wife whose memory inspired this PHP 80 Million masterpiece.
Inside, 24 chambers showcase precious collections of antiques, art pieces, Chinese jars, and books, making every visit a journey through love and beauty.
4. See Marine Life At Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island shines with its magical sandbar that changes shape with each tide, nestled at Cebu's southern edge.
Among places to visit in Cebu city Philippines, this 24-hectare paradise reveals underwater treasures where blacktip sharks and bright fish dance above coral gardens.
The clear waters invite everyone to swim and snorkel, while peaceful mangrove forests shelter countless birds. A serene lagoon offers perfect spots for kayaking adventures.
Though managed by a resort, Sumilon welcomes all to enjoy its natural wonders, offering both day trips and overnight glamping experiences at Bluewater Resort.
5. Do Water Activities In Camotes Island
The amazing Holy Crystal Cave opens through a small entrance, leading down eight levels underground where unique rock formations hang down and point up from the ground.
Lake Danao adds to the beauty as one of the most interesting tourist attractions Cebu City has in store. People enjoy kayaking in the clear waters, spotting ducks and fish swimming below, or taking peaceful boat rides during sunset.
For extra excitement, Buho Rock rises like a ship above the water, creating perfect spots for cliff diving.
6. Watch Thresher Sharks In Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island sits just beyond northern Cebu, next to Daanbantayan town. The ocean depths reveal hammerhead sharks, manta rays, blue ring octopus, and bright coral gardens.
The island features clean white sand beaches that remain peaceful and uncrowded, different from the busy shores of Boracay's White Beach or Bohol's Alona Beach.
A tall lighthouse marks the highest point, showing views across the entire area. The calm atmosphere and local friendliness make this place different from other beach destinations in the Philippines.
7. Click Pictures At Sirao Garden
Sirao Garden brings bright colors to Cebu's hillside in Busay mountain area. This flower farm earned its nickname "Little Amsterdam of Cebu" from the rows of beautiful blooms spreading across the land.
Fields filled with sunflowers, hyacinths, chrysanthemums, daisies, and asters paint the garden in rainbow colors. The celosia flowers, also called wool flowers, create the most eye-catching display.
The garden changed from a simple flower farm into a spot many travelers add to their Cebu trips.
8. Stop By Magellan's Cross
Magellan's Cross tells an important story in Cebu's past. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan placed this cross in 1521, bringing Catholicism to the Philippines for the first time.
The cross started a big change as local people began following Christianity, and Cebu City grew around this special spot. Today, a beautiful eight-sided building protects the cross near Cebu City Hall.
Inside stands a 10-foot cross made of Tingalo wood, which holds the original cross inside it. This newer cross keeps the old one safe, as people once took small pieces home as keepsakes.
9. Climb Osmena Peak
The tallest spot in Cebu is Osmeña Peak, reaching 1,013 meters into the sky. Located in Dalaguete town, this peak shows off unique pointed rock shapes all around it.
The area below grows lots of vegetables, making Dalaguete famous as Cebu's vegetable garden. The walk to the top of Osmeña Peak takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
At the peak, hikers can see amazing views of sharp mountain tops, the ocean along Cebu's coast, and even Negros Island far away. The special rock shapes and wide-open views of South Cebu make this climb a wonderful experience.
10. Visit The Simala Shrine
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, also called Simala Shrine, looks like a castle on a hill in Sibonga town, Cebu Island. This religious place became famous because of a special statue of the Virgin Mary that people say performs miracles.
What started as a small chapel grew into a large castle-like building as more people came to visit. Inside, there is a hall filled with stories of answered prayers and a special area where people light colorful candles to make their wishes.
The shrine welcomes everyone, but asks visitors to dress properly - no shorts, short skirts, or revealing clothes. Guests should also stay quiet and respectful while inside this peaceful place.
11. Walk Up The Cebu Taoist Temple
This colorful temple takes ideas from the Great Wall of China in its design. People follow the teachings of Lao Zi, an ancient Chinese thinker, at this temple.
Anyone can visit, unlike the nearby Phu Sian Temple. The temple has 81 steps to climb, matching the 81 parts of Taoist holy writings. Inside, visitors find a chapel, library, wishing well, and shop where they can buy small items.
From the top, people can see beautiful views of Cebu City below. Both religious and non-religious people come here to light incense, ask monks about their future, and make wishes.
12. Take A Lechon Food Trip
The delicious Lechon stands as Cebu's most celebrated dish. The preparation involves a whole pig stuffed with fresh lemongrass and local spices, slowly roasted over charcoal until perfect.
While Lechon exists throughout the Philippines, the Cebu version has earned nationwide recognition for excellence. The crispy skin cracks with each bite, revealing incredibly juicy meat packed with flavors.
The taste speaks for itself, no sauce is needed. People enjoy it with puso, rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves.
13. Watch The Sardine Run In Moalboal
Millions of sardines swim together in the crystal-clear ocean, creating beautiful patterns beneath the surface. Anyone can see this natural display by floating with basic swimming goggles.
The sardines stay in these waters all year long, making it simple to plan a trip. Sea turtles and bright reef fish also swim in these waters. People who want to get closer can try scuba diving or freediving to move right next to the sardine schools.
A quick boat ride leads to Pescador Island from Panagsama Beach, where coral reefs house many different sea creatures like jacks and lionfish.
14. Discover Carnaza Island
White sand beaches meet clear blue waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The island contains several hidden caves, including the historic Skull Cave, which served as shelter for Japanese soldiers during World War 2.
Two special beaches draw attention: Liog-Liog Twin Beach and the secluded Kailina Beach, both offering clean waters for swimming. The island remains peaceful and natural because few tourists know about it.
As day turns to evening, the sunset paints the sky in vivid colors, followed by nights filled with bright stars over the quiet island.
15. Visit Fort San Pedro
Built first from wood, then rebuilt with stone in 1738, it remains the oldest triangular fort in the Philippines. The stone fortress protected Cebu from Muslim raiders during Spanish times.
The fort features four bastions, La Concepcion, Ignacio de Loyola, and San Miguel, with fourteen original cannons still in place. Two sides of the fort face toward the sea, while one looks out to Plaza Independencia.
Today, Fort San Pedro serves as a museum displaying Spanish artifacts, documents, sculptures, and paintings.
16. Go Birdwatching In Olango Island
Olango Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary, extends across 4,482 hectares with sandy beaches, coral reefs, and the largest mangrove forest in Cebu Province. The natural space draws birds migrating from Siberia and China between November and February.
During peak season, more than 40,000 birds fill the area, making it an excellent spot for watching egrets, herons, terns, kingfishers, and fly-eaters. The extensive mangroves and mudflats provide essential feeding grounds, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Throughout the season, 97 different bird species, including several endangered ones, find shelter in this protected environment during their migration journey.
17. Eat Street Food At Larsian
Larsian, situated at Fuente Osmena in Cebu City, provides authentic Cebuano street food experiences around the clock. This market-style dining area lets people select fresh ingredients for grilling at affordable prices.
The location presents various options including pork barbecue, grilled chicken, and seafood selections.
A distinctive dish at Larsian is the Chorizo de Cebu, a red-colored pork sausage crafted with ground meat, fat, sugar, anise liqueur, and local spices, getting its signature color from achuete seeds.
18. Check Out The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House in Parian, Cebu City represents one of the Philippines' oldest residential structures from the Spanish colonial period.
This historic building combines coral stone, Molave wood, Balayong wood, and terracotta, all secured using egg whites. The structure began as the residence of Chinese merchants Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido.
Today, the space displays family collections including antique furniture, religious icons, life-sized saint statues, and both modern and ancient artwork.
19. Explore Museo Sugbo
The museum displays significant artifacts across different periods, highlighting Cebu's rich past. Each gallery contains specific pieces from various eras, including letters from American Thomasite teachers from 1901.
The World War II section features notable items like an American bomb, Japanese newspapers, and military medals awarded to local hero Uldrico Cabahug.
The presidential gallery showcases portraits with signatures in gold-plated metal. At the same time, archaeological finds include gold and ceramics from the 1600 San Diego shipwreck, presenting a complete picture of Cebu's historical development.
20. Try Island-Hopping From Mactan Island
The waters around Mactan Island connect to several beautiful islets like Talima, Caohagan, Cabulan, Nalusuan, Sulpa, and Hilutungan. Each location contains protected marine areas filled with clear waters and diverse sea life.
Nalusuan Island features a protected sanctuary where swimmers can observe colorful fish and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
The marine areas across these islets reveal octopuses, crabs, and giant clams beneath the surface, creating perfect spots for underwater exploration and discovery.
21. Trek To Dao Waterfall
Dao Waterfall combines natural beauty with an engaging thirty-minute trek through clear blue waters. The path leads between canyon walls decorated with ferns and palms, requiring careful steps around rocks and boulders.
Rising 40-50 meters high, the waterfall cascades into a refreshing pool suitable for swimming during calm conditions.
Located away from busy tourist areas like Kawasan Falls, this moderate adventure presents peaceful scenery and a chance to experience Cebu's natural landscape at a relaxed pace.
22. Enjoy Anjo World Theme Park
Anjo World Theme Park, situated 14 kilometers from Cebu city center, delivers excitement through various rides and attractions. The park includes a unique Snow World section where guests experience winter conditions in tropical Cebu.
This special area features ice sculptures and slides for tubing adventures. The park combines fast-paced roller coasters with gentler options, making it accessible for different age groups.
The combination of standard theme park attractions with the distinctive winter experience creates an unexpected blend of entertainment in a tropical setting.
23. Relax At Dr. Emilio Osmena Botanical Gardens
The Dr. Emilio Osmeña Botanical Gardens, located a 10-minute walk from Tops Cebu, presents a peaceful escape with distinct features.
The garden space includes a shallow swimming pool with fresh water inflow, surrounded by small rental huts available for day use or overnight stays until 7 a.m. The entrance costs 100 pesos per person, while hut rentals start at 200 pesos.
The compact garden area displays natural greenery against a scenic backdrop. Located near the city yet feeling remote, this location allows visitors to bring food for poolside dining or select from basic available options.
