Top Things to do in Cebu Island
What to do and see in Cebu Island, Visayas: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Cebu Island, Philippines including Basilica del Santo Nino, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, St. Peter and Paul Church, Simala Shrine, Sugbo Mercado, Virgen dela Regla National Shrine, Langub Beach, Magellan's Cross, Taoist Temple.
Restaurants in Cebu Island
1. Basilica del Santo Nino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,158 reviews
This famous church dates back to the early Spanish colonial era. The Church was founded by the Augustinian friars since their arrival in 1565. You could also find in the church the miraculous image of Sto. Nino (Child-Jesus).
Reviewed By urmajestyc - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
my ritual in visiting this holy place is to light some candles outside and spend time inside the church for my prayers. i love the feeling everytime i’m here.
2. Ayala Center Cebu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,806 reviews
Reviewed By 25yearstravell
Must visit while in Cebu - even better than Ayala centre in Manila!! Ayala's point of difference is high quality without jamming as much commercial shops into the property as possible. Instead, they leave space and existing trees and landscape it so there is a large tranquil space, the Terraces, to relax and get away from all the hustle of a big city Great mall shopping and the highlight is the Terraces with space in the shade to relax and enjoy looking at the big trees, shrubs and waterfalls. It has the usual variety of food outlets, national & local.
3. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Francis_Elvis_Verdin - Palawan Province, Philippines
Along the way going to Yap Sandiego Ancestral House we approach by this church its a quiet place and also nearby church by Sto. Nino Church. A good place for Pilgrimage.
4. St. Peter and Paul Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By mom511 - Paranaque, Philippines
We left our resort in Sta Fe almost 5pm , we just wanted to visit the church and light candles ( something we practice everytime we visit a new church) and whisper our prayers. From the resort to the highway to get a trimotor it was 20 pesos per head. from the highway to Bantayan where the church was , was another 30 pesos per head for a 30 minute ride. WE arrived during the evening angelus prayers and luckily the old caretaker allowed us to get some quick shots on our phone cameras before he closed the church doors. the ceiling mosaics was beautiful, the altar where the retablos were , was also beautiful. The church just like the old churches in the different provinces of the Philippines is a treasure to behold. Lets all hope it remains preserved and cared for.
5. Simala Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By iankatipunan - Manila, Philippines
Simala Shrine tour was really not part of our itinerary, but since my mother can't make a 30min walk to Kawasan falls, we went here instead. As we approach the gate, we were amazed as we see its castle-like facade, with arcaded corridors, aqueduct-like bridge connecting the garden to the shrine. The structure is also PWD-friendly, with ramps placed everywhere. Inside the shrine was a chapel, a praying area where colored candles lit, and a museum where testimonies of healed and answered prayers are kept and displayed. By the way, before going inside, bear in mind that proper attire is strictly implemented. Men wearing sando or tank top with shorts and slippers, and women wearing spaghetti straps, with very short shorts and slippers are not allowed. But if you're already worn shorts, don't worry! There are vendors outside the gate that will let you rent their shawls for Php20! If you're a Marian devotee and for Catholics who are "sagrado katoliko" I really recommend visiting the place. It will make your faith stronger as you see the evidences of the healed and answered prayers, and the people offering candles, roses and prayers to the pictures, portraits and sculptures of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
6. Sugbo Mercado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
“The Biggest Weekend Food Market In Cebu” Sugbo Mercado opened on September 25, 2015, with the goal of being the first and biggest year-round weekly food market in Cebu and as a venue for the best of the best of Cebu as well as budding new players in the local food industry to showcase their products in a tour de force of local pride.
Reviewed By Faithalicious_x - London, United Kingdom
Sugbo Mercado is filled with 10s of food stalls, selling all different kinds of meals, drinks, and desserts. Plates are around 100–150 pesos so it’s a great way of trying a number of different dishes in one go. It’s kind of like a Philippino Borough Market (if you’re from London and know what that is). The atmosphere is great too and the area feels totally safe. Furthermore there are lots of locals here so it must be good! That also means that you may have to wait a bit for a seat in peak times but no longer than 5-10 minutes. You can enjoy the live singing in the meantime. My sister is vegan and was able to find a mushroom pasta that she could eat, though there wasn’t much else. Vegetarians would be fine though. I believe the Mercado is only open on Thurs-Sundays so check before going. You might want to bring some tissues with you as we struggles to find napkins - though they do give you plastic gloves/utensils to eat the food with.
7. Virgen dela Regla National Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 396celinv
i've heard about this church many a story that is so unbelievable and as a catholic i believe in miracles. too many people when i was here. . . . was november!
8. Langub Beach
9. Magellan's Cross
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,820 reviews
This is the spot where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in the soil in 1521 and claimed the Philippines for Spain.
Reviewed By aamart1969 - Cebu City, Philippines
Magellan's Cross is an impressive , historical Christian Cross , planted by Portuguese & Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu ???????? March 1521 Later that year , Ferdinand Magellan was killed at Lapu-Lapu ( Mactan Island , of Cebu City ???????? ) during the Battle of Mactan Magellan’s Cross holds a very big part of the history & Religious history of Cebu ???????? The original cross was believed by the people of old to have miraculous healing powers , so they started chipping it away ... Supposedly as a result , the government were prompted to encased the Magellan’s Cross in another wooden cross ... even thou , some Filipino’s say - the original cross was destroyed or disappeared after the death of Magellan. Today in downtown Cebu City ... the Cross ( real or replica ) is housed in an octagonal pavilion called the “ kiosk ” ... this is located in the open park , behind the outstanding Santo Niño Church ( which is another main attractions for tourists )
10. Taoist Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,484 reviews
Reviewed By KevBstravels - Stowmarket, United Kingdom
Get a metered cab (cheapest in Cebu City) to the Temple, you may want to ask them to wait as there are no taxis to bring you back. They are reasonable and are happy to stay for a negotiated fee. No entrance fee and you are greeted with a steep set of stairs to get to the temple. If you have difficulties in getting around this may not be for you although there are placed to stop if you take your time. The temple (s) are very well maintained and colourful, a very peaceful place just outside the hustle and bustle of Cebu City. The Temple is certainly worth a visit and the views over the city are also stunning.
