Top 10 Things to do in Cebu 2024 | Philippines Travel Guide

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Welcome to CEBU, the one and only Queen City of the South.
Cebu is the country’s no.1 most visited tourist destination, and for good reason. It is unrivaled in offering the widest range of things to do and attractions. This wonderful island offers a unique travel experience as it is the only place in the Philippines where the bustling city and paradise meet. There isn't a shortage of explorations to do in Cebu.
Cebu, after all, is a multifaceted gem. It is city life, idyllic beaches, mist-laden highlands, and rich cultural heritage, all rolled into one and within “minutes” away. It combines the urban cosmopolitan vibe with the charm of a small, close-knit community, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and captivating. Cebu is a “gateway to a thousand journeys”, whether that journey is personal or professional in nature, or one of adventure, faith, revelry, food, shopping, or relaxation.

For those who have more vacay days in Cebu, head three hours south of the island to chase the famous turquoise blue waterfalls of Kawasan, Tumalog, Dao, Binalayan, Mantayupan, Inambakan, and Aguinid, go canyoneering in Badian for the ultimate adrenaline rush, swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, experience the sardine run in Moalboal or go for a hike to Osmeña Peak, one of the highest points in Cebu.
Three hours north of the island will take you to the natural, pristine white sand beaches of Bantayan, Virgin, and Malapascua Islands or east to Camotes. For wildlife enthusiasts, Cebu Safari is a recommended day trip for the family as it offers a chance to get up close with exotic animals and even has an adventure park with zip lining and skybiking.

Where to start after arriving at our world-class, world renowned and multi-awarded Mactan-Cebu International Airport? I always like exploring and getting to know a place first by going to scenic viewpoints. For something new and out of the ordinary, and one I always rave about, is the view when driving, walking, cycling or bicycling through and back from the country’s longest, tallest and the largest 8.9-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) bridge.
This leads from Cebu City’s South Road Properties to Mactan and its beaches but the inside tip is to do a round trip, pay the toll to head back to the city for one of the best vistas of Cebu. The juxtaposition of sea, city skyline, and mountains is stunning. Do this during the golden hour with the sun setting behind the mountains and its breathtaking scenery and vignette are like no other.
Another way to experience this unique perspective of Cebu's geography is through a Sunset Cruise under the three bridges for that panoramic view of Cebu's multifaceted beauty. For a bird’s eye view, experience the breathtaking beauty of the highlands of Cebu City just few minute ride away from I.T. Park, alternatives to the popular TOPS lookout which is closed for transformation, are restaurants La Vie Parisienne in the SKY, Tops, Balay sa Busay, Chixboy, Charlie's Cup, and the famous Temple of Leah. And also, visit the very historical Magellan's Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Church, the famous Sugbo Mercado in I.T Park, the Cebu Ocean Park, SM Seaside City mall, and Ayala Center Cebu in Cebu Business Park (CBP).

With its many facets, our hometown will always be more than what words can describe. It is instead the promise of a thousand different journeys, the ones you prefer to take, tick off your bucket list for, the ones that make you feel the most alive. This unofficial guide will surely change in the next two years, just like the city’s skyline, but what will be constant is that there will always be more to explore, more to experience, and more to love here at the heart of the Philippine archipelago. See you in Cebu! ♥️