At a glance: Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu offers a blend of 16th-century Spanish colonial heritage, scenic mountain lookouts, dynamic street food markets, and tropical coastal escapes. Key landmarks like Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Temple of Leah, and Sirao Garden are easily reachable via GrabCar for direct, air-conditioned city rides or GrabTaxi for flexible local transit.
As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu holds a special place in the country’s history, culture, and tourism landscape. From ancient stone forts and sacred basilicas to hilltop sanctuaries and island beaches, Cebu offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Cebu and how to travel around the island with ease.
1. Magellan’s Cross
Why visit: Planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, this sacred wooden cross marks the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. It is housed inside an octagonal stone kiosk next to the Basilica.
Best for: History enthusiasts and cultural sightseeing.
Getting there: Located in downtown Cebu City. Easily accessible via GrabCar with direct drop-offs near Plaza Sugbo.
2. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Why visit: Founded in 1565, this is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. It houses the revered statue of the Holy Child (Santo Niño), drawing worshippers and visitors nationwide.
Best for: Pilgrimages, architecture, and historical walks.
3. Fort San Pedro (Fuerza de San Pedro)
Why visit: A triangular military defense fortification built by Spanish forces in 1565. The well-preserved fort features quiet gardens, stone ramparts, and a historical museum.
Best for: Relaxing afternoon walks and historic photo opportunities.
4. Temple of Leah
Why visit: Located on the hills of Busay, this massive Roman-inspired shrine features 24 chambers, grand statues, and a wide courtyard offering panoramic views of Metro Cebu.
Best for: Photography, architecture, and scenic views.
5. Sirao Garden (Little Amsterdam of Cebu)
Why visit: Famous for its fiery red and yellow celosia flower fields, Sirao Garden features creative photo backdrops, including a giant hand structure overlooking the Busay mountains.
Best for: Instagram photography and nature strolls.
Travel tip: Combine Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden into a single afternoon trip using GrabCar.
6. Tops Lookout (Tops Cebu)
Why visit: Perched 2,000 feet above sea level, Tops Lookout provides sweeping 180-degree views of Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and the ocean channel.
Best for: Sunset views, night photography, and outdoor dining.
7. Taoist Temple
Why visit: Built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community, this multi-tiered temple complex features dragon carvings, ornate roofs, and quiet reflection areas located inside Beverly Hills Subdivision.
Best for: Cultural exploration and quiet atmosphere.
8. Mactan Island Beaches & Diving
Why visit: Connected to Cebu City by three bridges, Mactan Island is home to luxury beach resorts, coral reefs, and water sports like jet-skiing and island hopping.
Best for: Beach lovers, snorkeling, and resort getaways.
9. Sugbo Mercado (IT Park)
Why visit: Cebu’s premier open-air night market features dozens of food stalls serving local delicacies like Cebu Lechon, grilled seafood, mango desserts, and international dishes.
Best for: Street food tours and night socialization.
10. Kawasan Falls (Badian)
Why visit: Located southwest of Cebu City, Kawasan Falls is famous for its turquoise blue waters, multi-tiered waterfalls, and thrill-seeking canyoneering tours.
Best for: Adventure travel, swimming, and nature excursions.
Taste Cebu’s world-famous culinary dishes
No visit to Cebu is complete without trying its iconic food offerings. Cebu Lechon (slow-roasted pork infused with lemongrass and herbs) is widely regarded as one of the best roasted pork dishes in the world. Pair it with Puso (hanging rice wrapped in coconut leaves) for an authentic local meal.
If you are staying at your hotel or resort after a day of sightseeing, you can order from Cebu’s top local restaurants directly through GrabFood.
To understand how transport rates work during peak travel periods or holidays, check out our guide on how Grab fares are calculated.
How to get around Cebu hassle-free
Navigating Cebu City and Mactan Island is easy with Grab’s transportation options:
- GrabCar / GrabCar 6-Seater: The most comfortable option for families and groups heading to heritage sites or mountain attractions in Busay.
- GrabTaxi: Ideal for quick street pickups across downtown Cebu City and Mandaue.
- GrabExpress: Perfect for sending souvenir items or heavy pasalubong boxes directly to your hotel or the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days are needed to visit Cebu’s top attractions?
A 3-day itinerary is ideal to cover historic downtown Cebu City, mountain spots in Busay, and beach activities on Mactan Island.
Is Grab available in Cebu?
Yes, Grab operates extensively across Metro Cebu, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan), and Talisay City.
How do I get from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Cebu City?
You can book a direct GrabCar ride from the designated pickup zones outside Terminals 1 and 2 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
What is the best time of year to visit Cebu?
The dry months from December to May are ideal for island hopping, beach visits, and city sightseeing. January is especially popular for the annual Sinulog Festival.