Cebu is gradually becoming a gem amongst all the tourist wonders in the world. It is a beautiful city located against a serene scenery of the Philippines and is a marvel of nature & human efforts together. Once you’re in Cebu, you can enjoy its rich culture or dive deep into its colorful waters. You can even take local cooking classes or go for skydiving and other adventures. But, if you’re still wondering which top things to do in Cebu should you tick off your list first during your holiday in the Philippines, worry not because we’ve got you covered.
10 Experiences In Cebu That’ll Make Your Holiday Unique
While there are a lot of things to do in the city of Cebu, these 10 experiences will ensure you have the time of your life with your loved ones. So, don’t think much and start taking notes of all the things that you’d like to add to your Philippine itinerary!
1. Walk along the lanes of The Heritage of Cebu Monument
The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a structure which will give you a rhetoric glimpse of the past, making a visit here one of the best things to do in Cebu, Philippines. The interesting bit is that it was built in the late 20th century and was funded by donations from individuals and organisations. It depicts baptism, the battle of Mactan, and other events from the glorious past of Cebu.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Colon Street, Parian Plaza, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
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2. Shop at the SM Mall
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SM Cebu is one of the largest malls in Philippines. It has a crowd of about 150,000 people visiting the mall each day. It is a great place if you want to witness the routine of the locals and take yourself out for a little fun without doing anything extreme. At this mall, you can also enjoy ice skating, play a number of games, and more. And since it is located quite in the vicinity of the coast and you can enjoy beach activities as well.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Juan Luna Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
3. Take a historical tour at Basilica del Santo Nino
Basilica del Santo Nino has a garland of historical and prominent events woven around it. It is the oldest Catholic church of Cebu and one of the best places to visit in Philippines. The locals and the tourists come here to worship the child portrayal of Jesus. You can take a look at the ancient paintings and artworks, the stunning architecture, the gorgeous windows, and also the relics housed in the museum and the library. Needless to say, this tour is as much educational as it is recreational.
Timings: NA
Location: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
4. Witness death-defying stunts at Crown Regency Sky Experience
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The Crown Regency is one of the most loved hotels in Philippines. The staff is amicable and the facilities are too good. It is also the destination for adventure for those are looking to get going at every step. You can try the sky diving or choose from a bunch of adrenaline pumping and heart racing experiences. Or you can also take a back seat and watch the birds hover.
Timings: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM (opens at 10:00 AM on weekends)
Location: Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Fuente Towers, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
5. Watch the nature bloom at the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is the buttery treat for nature lovers and peace seekers. You can take a walk around the little version of a rainforest as you get to know the little inhabitants here, the butterflies.
The tropical floral species here are also mesmerizing. No doubt, visiting this place is one of the most interesting things to do in Cebu city.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: J.N, Jumalon St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
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6. Relax yourself at Spa Esc
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Spa Esc is a part of the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel. It is the best way to relax yourself during your vacation as there is an amazing array of spa therapies here. You can enjoy the warm stone massage, the aromatherapy treatment, the Awakening Filipino Hilot Massage as well as other Thai and medicinal massages. The therapists are extremely understanding and well mannered. They also make sure you feel comfortable and cozy.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Serging Osmena Blvd | Corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
7. Indulge in water activities at Cebu Westown Lagoon
The Cebu Westown Lagoon is a scintillating blue place. The sight of the blues itself is a treat to behold. It is an artificial lagoon well equipped with all kinds of facilities and services one might need for a fun day out or recreational activity. You can refresh yourself in the pool, gazebos, the Jacuzzis, the fountains, and the wonderful giant slides. It is also one of the best things to in Cebu at night, when you can enjoy at the MO2 Bar with live music and karaoke.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location: MO2 entertainment complex, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines
8. Learn about the past at Yap Sandiego Ancestral House
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The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is a heritage of the past generations of a regular citizen of Cebu. The house is one of the oldest and best preserved ones from the 17th century. You can take a look at the antique furnitures, the architecture and the style of the ceilings, walls, and floors. You can also peep through the mindset of the past generations and understand the distance we have covered in technology and culture.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Mabini St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
9. Go scuba diving in the Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary
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The Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary is the oldest of its kind in Cebu, Philippines. There is a rainbow of various kinds of fishes all around which are being conserved and reared here. The place has turned out to be an awesome spot for scuba diving. Given the feisty diversity of fishes, it is a fetish for the snorkeling lovers and the underwater life admirers. You can, in fact, see the waterlife up to about thirty five metres at this place.
Timings: NA
Location: Hilutungan Island, Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines
10. Rejuvenate yourself with Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage
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Thai massage is considered one of the best massage experiences of all. It is relaxing, rejuvenating, and also deeply penetrating. If you’re looking to refresh yourself with a deep tissue massage, this place in Cebu is the best destination for you. The traditional Thai massage techniques will leave you totally energized. You can also enjoy other aromatherapy massage and back or foot massage here.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Location: Don Gil Garcia Street | Ground floor Avon bldg, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Cebu is a complete travel destination, with history and art coming free of cost along with the adventure and natural strides being relaxed by the spa places here. Do let us know which are your favorite things to do in Cebu, Philippines and why would you like to indulge in them on your next Asian holiday in the comments below!
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