Cebu City walking tour & city guide

History

Magellan's Cross, planted in 1521, is housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica del Santo Niño, which holds the oldest Christian relic in the country. Fort San Pedro is the oldest Spanish fort in the Philippines.

Around Cebu

Day trips lead to the Kawasan Falls for canyoneering, to Oslob and Moalboal for snorkeling with sardine runs, and to the nearby islands of Mactan and Bantayan. The Sinulog festival in January is one of the biggest in the country.

A day in Cebu City

Cebu is where Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1521. Start at Magellan's Cross, kept in a small chapel with a painted ceiling, then visit the Basilica del Santo Niño next door, home to the country's oldest Christian relic. Fort San Pedro, the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country, is a short walk away.

In the afternoon, explore the Carbon Market, the city's oldest and largest market, then drive up to the Temple of Leah or the Tops Lookout in the hills for sunset views over the city and the sea.

Good to know

Cebu is a hub for island travel, with ferries and flights to Bohol, Siquijor, Bantayan and beyond. The south of the island is famous for swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

In January, the Sinulog Festival fills the streets with dancers in bright costumes. Try lechon, Cebu's famous roast pig, considered the best in the country.