Looking for the best things to do in Cebu? CEBU INSIDER has compiled the most comprehensive Cebu Travel Guide you will ever cross. Be sure to bookmark it!
If you’re visiting the Philippines, including Cebu in your itinerary is a no-brainer. Cebu has been named by Travel+Leisure as one of the best islands in the world, a much-deserved praise you will comprehend if you visit the place.
Over 168 islands and islets make up the province of Cebu. That means a slew of white sand beaches, incredible diving sites, outdoor adventures, and even mountains and falls.
Cebu City, in particular, is rich in cultural history retaining many landmarks from its 16th-century Spanish colonial past.
There are so many top things to do in Cebu. To easily scan the best things to do in Cebu, we grouped them into different categories, as follows:
- Adventure Activities in Cebu
- Beaches in Cebu
- Theme Parks in Cebu
- Cebu City Tour
- Cebu City Food Tour
- Cebu City Nightlife
- Waterfalls in Cebu
- Trekking in Cebu
- Caves in Cebu
Feel free to jump directly to the desired section.
Staying in Cebu City? Check out the 20 Things to Do in Cebu City!
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN CEBU
Cebu is packed with adventure activities all year round. Here are the best outdoor adventures you can do:
1. Sardine Run in Moalboal
Sardine run is one of the unique things to do in Cebu. Swim with millions of sardines in breathtakingly synchronized movement just 30 meters off the coast of Panagsama Beach, whether you want to snorkel, freedive, or scuba dive.
- Cost: From 1,000 PHP (~18 USD) for tour guide
- Location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
- Contact: (+63) 9292731128 (The Blue Orchid Resort)
- Best time to visit: November to May
- Nearby attractions: White Beach, Panagsama Beach, Pescador Island
2. Diving with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is one of the best diving sites in Cebu and the Philippines. See pelagic thresher sharks in Monad Shoal, one of the few places in the world with consistent sightings of this shark.
- Cost: From 2,500 PHP (~40 USD) for fun dives
- Location: Monad Shoal, Malapascua Island
- Contact: (+63) 9176254195 (Thresher Shark Divers Malapascua)
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Bounty Beach, North Beach, Lapus Lapus Cliff
Preparing for your Malapacua Island trip? Don’t miss our Malapascua Island Travel Guide 2023 to know the travel requirements, how to get there, what to do, where to stay, fares, sample budget, and more!
Looking for more activities in Malapascua Island? Check out the 9 Things to Do in Malapascua Island in 2023!
3. Skydiving in Bantayan Island
If you’re looking for the most exhilarating adventure activities to do in Cebu, skydiving in Bantayan Island should suffice. Leap off a plane 10,000 feet above the air with experienced skydiving instructors and see Bantayan and neighboring Islands like never before.
- Cost: 20,500 PHP (~370 USD) per jump
- Location: Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
- Contact: (+63) 9171673226 (Skydive Greater Cebu)
- Best time to visit: November to January
- Nearby attractions: Sandira Beach, Kota Beach, Santa Fe cliff diving spot, Virgin Island
Looking for more activities? Check out our the Top 18 Things to Do in Bantayan Island 2023!
4. Canyoneering in Badian-Alegria
The towns of Badian and Alegria are known for canyoneering adventures in Cebu. Canyoneering is one of the most popular and most fun tourist activities in Cebu. Climb, jump, and swim the Gatorade blue waters of the canyons, stretching 4 kilometers from Kanlaob River in Alegria to the endpoint at Kawasan Falls in Badian.
- Cost: 1,500 PHP (~27 USD) for tour guide
- Location: Kanlaon River, Alegria to Kawasan Falls, Badian
- Contact: (+63) 9179508750 (Highland Adventure Tour)
- Best time to visit: January to April
- Nearby attractions: Kawasan Falls, Lambug Beach, Eskapo Verde Eco Tourism
5. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob
Whale shark is the largest shark and the largest fish alive. Get close to whale sharks in Oslob, but don’t touch them. A total of 208 friendly whale sharks have been spotted in town — 9 of them have made residency here.
- Cost: 1,000 PHP (~18 USD) for locals, 2,000 PHP (~36 USD) for foreign tourists
- Location: Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob
- Contact: (+63) 9171550989
- Best time to visit: November to May
- Nearby attractions: Tumalog Waterfalls, Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob), Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
6. Cliff diving in Camotes Islands
Cliff diving is one of the best things to do in Camotes Islands. Test your adrenaline and jump from 18 and 40-foot tall cliffs at Buho Rock Resort. Watch and learn from local kids as they bravely jump from the cliffs.
- Entrance fee: 20 PHP (~0.2 USD)
- Location: Buho Rock Resort, Barangay Western Poblacion, Poro, Camotes Island
- Contact: (+63) 09228054770
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Santiago Bay Beach, Paraiso Cave, Timubo Cave, Lake Danao Park
7. Camping in Carnaza Island
Go camping in a white-painted woodshed in Carnaza Island, a small turtle-shaped remote island and one of the farthest islands from mainland Cebu. Experience vivid night sky in one of the country’s idyllic, almost zero tourist traffic islands off the coast of Daanbantayan town.
- Cost: 200 PHP (~4 USD) for woodshed rent
- Location: Carnaza Eco Park, Carnaza Island
- Contact: (+63) 9094758799
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Skull Cove
Camping in Carnaza Island (Photo courtesy of Carnaza Eco Park)
BEACHES IN CEBU
Beaches in Cebu are some of the best in the country. We promise you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of the best beaches in Cebu:
8. Sumilon Island in Oslob
Sumilon Island is one of the best sandbars in the Philippines accessible via boat ride from Oslob. Enjoy the clear blue waters of the island and access the posh Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort.
- Cost: From 1,400 PHP (~25 USD) for a day pass and boat transfer
- Location: Sumilon Island, Oslob
- Book: Bluewater Sumilon Day Pass
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Whale shark watching in Oslob, Tumalog Waterfalls, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
9. Sandira Beach in Bantayan Island
Also known as Paradise Beach, Sandira Beach in Santa Fe boasts fine sand and clear water hidden behind ragged cliffs, coconut trees, and bushes. Bask in the sun while enjoying a peaceful, less crowded tropical beach.
- Entrance fee: 60 PHP (~1.5 USD)
- Location: Santa Fe, Bantayan Island
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Santa Fe cliff diving spot, Kota Beach, Virgin Island
Planning a trip to Bantayan Island? Be sure to read our Bantayan Island Travel Guide 2023 to know the travel requirements, how to get there, what to do, where to stay, fares, sample budget, and more!
10. Virgin Island in Santa Fe
While you’re in Bantayan Island, go on a Virgin Island tour, a 30-minute boat ride from Kota Beach in Santa Fe. Also known as Sillon Island, Virgin Island arguably has the best beach in Bantayan, boasting fine white sand and crystal clear water.
- Entrance fee: 500 PHP (~9 USD) for 2 people
- Boat fee: 800 PHP (~14 USD) for 5 people
- Location: Virgin Island, Santa Fe
- Contact: (+63) 9053501263
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Balidbid Lagoon, Kota Beach, Sugar Beach
Read our How to Get to Bantayan Island guide to know your options!
11. Lambug Beach in Badian
Lambug Beach in Badian is one of the best beaches in Cebu and is popular among campers. Bring your tent, enjoy the sunset, and have a tranquil time by the beach.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Location: Barangay Lambug, Badian
- Nearby attractions: Kawasan Falls, Kabukalan Spring, Eskapo Verde Eco Tourism
- Best time to visit: January to December
THEME PARKS IN CEBU
Whether you’re looking for waterparks, marine parks, or safari, Cebu has it all! Check out the best theme parks in Cebu:
12. Cebu Ocean Park in Cebu City
Cebu Ocean Park is home to the biggest oceanarium in the Philippines. If you’re looking for fun indoor activities in Cebu, this is it! Experience the wonders of the ocean at Cebu Ocean Park as you dine “under the sea,” dive in a SeaTrek helmet, or relax at the fish spa.
- Admission fee: 550 PHP (~10 USD) on weekdays, 700 PHP (~13 USD) on weekends and holidays
- Location: Cebu Ocean Park, SM Seaside Complex, Mambaling
- Contact: (032) 888-5288
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: SM Seaside, CCLEX, Nustar Resort and Casino, Il Corso Lifemalls
13. Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla
Featuring 12 world-class rides and more attractions, Anjo World Theme Park offers a unique adventure for family and friends in Cebu. Bring thrill with joyful rides, play games, and experience being a kid again.
- Admission fee: From 600 PHP (~11 USD)
- Location: Belmont One, Cebu South Road, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu
- Contact: (+63) 9190692101
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Camp 7 man-made forest, 7 White Caves, Minglanilla Highlands
14. Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is the only attraction in Cebu of its kind. It’s home to over 1,000 animals from 120 different species all coliving in a 170-hectare land. Be amazed by a Bengal tiger, African lion, hyena, and giraffe going about their lives, plus enjoy more outdoor activities in Cebu.
- Cost: From 900 PHP (~16 USD)
- Location: Barangay Corte, Toril, Carmen
- Contact: (032) 520-4787
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Durano Ecofarm and Mountain Resort, Middle Earth Mountain Resort, Balwarte ni Vossing
CEBU CITY TOUR
Metro Cebu is a vibrant city in the southern Philippines boasting a very rich historical and cultural past being the gateway of Spanish occupation in the country. Here are some of the fun things to do in Cebu City:
15. Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival is an annual event in the city that marks the introduction of Catholicism to Filipinos in 1951. Watch groups of street dancers clad in extravagant and colorful costumes, festival queens, massive floats, and gigantic paper-mâché puppets.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Downtown Cebu City
- Best time to visit: Every 3rd Sunday of January
- Nearby attractions: Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Fort San Pedro, Museo Sugbu
Related: Sinulog Festival 2023: Everything You Need to Know
16. Magellan’s Cross Pavilion
Magellan’s Cross Pavilion is a historic site housing the Catholic cross planted at the exact location by Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan when they arrived in the country for the first time on April 21, 1521. The site is declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Location: Plaza Sugbu, P. Burgos St., Cebu City
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church, Fort San Pedro, Carbon Night Market
17. Fort San Pedro
Built in 1565 as a military defense structure in Cebu, Fort San Pedro is the oldest (and smallest) fort in the Philippines. Located near the city’s seaport area, this triangular bastion fort is now a historical park hosting a museum that houses several preserved Spanish artifacts.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Plaza Independencia, Cebu City
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church, Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Museu Sugbu
18. Temple of Leah
The Temple of Leah was built in 2012 by Teodorico Soriano Adarna for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. The grand mausoleum honors the husband’s undying love for his wife after more than five decades of marriage. Around the complex, you will see statues of angels, lions, gladiators, and a 10-foot statue of Leah.
- Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~2 USD)
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Landon Heights Roosevelt, Busay, Cebu City
- Contact: (+63) 9063245687
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Tops Lookout, La Vie Parisienne, Sirao Garden
FOOD TOUR IN CEBU CITY
Paid food tour in Cebu City is not a thing yet. Lucky for you, we know where to eat the best Filipino delicacies in town.
19. Sugbo Mercado
Sugbo Mercado is an organized night market exclusively for budding food entrepreneurs. Find a wide range of Filipino food that you’ll want to try. But options are varied as well from different cuisines from all over the world.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Monday-Sunday at 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Branches: IT Park, Business Park, Il Corso, SM Seaside
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Ayala Central Bloc mall, Garden Bloc
20. Carbon Night Market
A wet market by day and a foodie’s market at night, Carbon Night Market is a newer attraction that draws locals to eat affordable Filipino food, including lechon Cebu, pater (a traditional Meranao food), baked scallops, and a variety of refreshments.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Friday-Sunday at 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Carbon Public Market,
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church
21. Colon Night Market
Colon Street is the oldest street in the Philippines and one of the busiest in Cebu City. At night, locals flock to Colon Night Market to hunt for thrift goods and of course Filipino food. Brave authentic Filipino street foods like kwek-kwek (deep-friend batter-coasted eggs), balut (a fertilized duck egg), local-style barbecue innards like isaw (chicken intestine) and betamax (pig’s blood)) as well as quintessential Filipino delicacies like lechon Cebu.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Location: Colon St., Cebu City
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Carbon Night Market, Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Fort San Pedro
CEBU CITY NIGHTLIFE
Cebu City has everything from nightclubs to live music bars to pubs to karaoke lounges. Here are some of the best nightlife spots in Cebu City:
22. Trademark Cebu
Trademark never disappoints. The crowd consists mostly of Gen Zs and millennials, so you can expect a lively bunch in every corner. Non-stop pop music with a right mix of EDM that reflects San Francisco’s nightlife scene is brought here in Cebu.
- Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~2 USD)
- Opening hours: Friday/Saturday at 9:00 pm – 4:00 am; Sunday to Thursday at 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Contact: (+63) 9171237387
- Location: 88th Avenue, Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad
- Nearby attractions: F Café and Bar, Sentral Bar and Lounge, Icon
23. The Sentral Bar and Lounge
The Sentral is located in Mandaue City, just a kilometer away from other popular bars in Cebu City like Trademark and Icon. The best hip-hop and RnB DJs play at The Sentral, and it’s a favorite play among younger crowds.
- Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~2 USD)
- Opening hours: Friday/Saturday at 8:00 pm – 4:30 am; Sunday at 8:00 pm – 2:30 am; Tuesday-Thursday at 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Contact: (+63) 9158888090
- Location:#2 Norkis Cyberpark, A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City
- Nearby attractions: Trademark Cebu, F Café and Bar, Icon
24. Mango Square
Mango Square is located along Mango Avenue (formally known as General Maxilom Avenue), the only red-light district in Cebu City. It’s a mini-mall complex by the day filled with restaurants. At night, it’s a whole different vibe frequented by party-goers for bars like Uptown Cebu and ClubHolic. Many other bars, pubs, and nightclubs are nearby along Mango Avenue.
- Location: Mango Avenue, Cebu City
- Nearby attractions: Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu Provincial Capitol, Ayala Center Cebu mall
WATERFALLS IN CEBU
Cebu is abundant with falls. South, in particular, has many of them that you can jump from one to another on the same day. Here are the best waterfalls in Cebu:
25. Kawasan Falls in Badian
Kawasan Falls is the most popular waterfall in Cebu mainly for its magnificent blue water and cascading design. It’s the end-point for the canyoneering activity in Badian and Alegria, but you can definitely enjoy the multiple tiers from the top to the bottom on its own.
- Entrance fee: 45 PHP (~1 USD) for foreign tourists, 20 PHP (0.5 USD) for locals
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: Barangay Matutinao, Badian
- Best time to visit: December to June
- Nearby attractions: Kabukalan Spring, Lambug Beach, Eskapo Verde Eco Tourism
26. Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan
A thin waterfall drops from over 100 feet into the blue water, Inambakan Falls is a popular attraction in Cebu not just for the falls, but also for the surrounding falls above this. Behind Inambakan Falls is a small subterranean cave.
- Entrance fee: 50 PHP (~1 USD)
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Ginatilan
- Best time to visit: December to June
- Nearby attractions: Kampael Falls, Bugnawan Falls, Kabutongan Falls
27. Dao Falls in Samboan
Dao Falls is one of the best falls in Cebu, not only for its majestic 120-foot drop but also for the surrounding scenery that feels otherworldly. Trek your way to Dao Falls and enjoy the lush jungle along the way.
- Entrance fee: 60 PHP (~1 USD)
- Location: Samboan
- Best time to visit: December to June
- Nearby attractions: Aguinid Falls
TREKKING IN CEBU
The mountains in Cebu are not the tallest, but there are several peaks perfect for a day hike. Here are the best mountains to trek in Cebu:
28. Osmena Peak (Pico Osmeña) in Dalaguete
Osmeña Peak stands 1,013 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Cebu. It’s beginner-friendly, though the craggy terrain will test your determination. The trek will be worth it once you reach the peak and get a sunset or sunrise view peeking through the horizon.
- Fee: 30 PHP (~0.5 USD)
- Location: Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Nearby attractions: Casino Peak, Kandungaw Peak, Dalaguete Beach Park
29. Casino Peak (Pico Casino) in Dalaguete
Casino Peak is Osmeña Peak’s sister located within the Mantalongon mountain range. Since it has just been opened to tourism, it’s less popular than Osmeña Peak. Casino Peak ultimately delivers the same breathtaking view from the top.
- Fee: 30 PHP (~0.5 USD)
- Location: Sitio Lugsangan, Tabon, Dalaguete, Cebu
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Nearby attractions: Osmeña Peak, Kandungaw Peak, Dalaguete Beach Park
30. Mt. Manuggal in Balamban
Mt. Manuggal is the third highest mountain in Cebu, standing 982 meters above sea level. Along the trek to the top, you will pass by a thick rainforest and groves of pine trees that feels like Baguio City, the coldest town in the country. Don’t miss Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure (Baguio de Cebu Eco-Mountain Park Adventure).
- Fee: 80 PHP (~1.5 USD)
- Location: Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, Cebu
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Nearby attractions: Buwakan ni Alejandra, Mt. Mauyog, Florentino’s Eco Park
CAVES IN CEBU
If you’re looking for underearth adventures, look no further than caves in Cebu. The island has plenty, mostly cave pools where you can also swim in.
31. Bukilat Cave in Poro Island
Bukilat Cave is the largest cave in Cebu known for its picturesque rock formations surrounded by clear blue water that is lit upon from above. Take a dip in the waist-deep cave pool to cool down.
- Entrance fee: 20 PHP (~0.5 USD)
- Opening hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Location: Barangay Mcarthur, Tudela, Poro Island (part of Camotes Islands)
- Best time to visit: December to May
- Nearby attractions: Busay Falls, Mama Asun Enchanted Cave and Resort, Buho Rock Resort
32. Paraiso Cave in Pacijan Island
Paraiso Cave is one of the many underground swimming pools in the Camotes Islands. It’s much smaller, but it’s one of the most well-maintained caves in Camotes. Visit during high tide to experience its chest-deep blue water.
- Entrance fee: 50 PHP (~1 USD)
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Barangay Consuelo, Pacijan Island (part of Camotes Islands)
- Best time to visit: December to May
- Nearby attractions: Heaven Cave, Santiago White Beach, Mangodlong Beach
OTHER POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN CEBU
There are so many more things to do in Cebu. To wrap up this post, here are other popular tourist attractions in Cebu:
33. Simala Shrine in Sibonga
Simala Shrine is officially known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Inside the complex are an array of souvenir shops selling Catholic goods, a grand church, walls covered in prayer requests, and a miraculous Virgin Mary statue.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Location: Marian Hills, Sibonga, Cebu
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Mantayupan Falls, Tubong Spring Argao, Mahayahay Beach Argao
34. Bird watching in Olango Island
Over 40 species of migratory birds have been recorded at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the four RAMSAR sites or wetlands of international importance in the Philippines. The Asiatic Dowitcher and the Chinese Egret are the flagship species found here.
- Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~2 USD) for foreign visitors, 20 PHP for locals
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Location: San Vincente, Olango Island, Cebu
- Contact: (+63) 9153862314
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Nearby attractions: San Vincente Marine Sanctuary, Mactan Shrine
35. Mactan Shrine
Also known as Liberty Shrine, Mactan Shrine is a historical memorial park. Inside the Mactan Shrine is the Lapu-Lapu Monument, a 20-meter-tall bronze statue of native warrior Lapu-Lapu who defeated Magellan and his men in 1521. Magellan’s Marker is also here where he was got killed in the Battle of Mactan, the first-ever recorded battle between Europeans and pre-Spanish Filipinos.
- Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~2 USD) for foreign visitors, 20 PHP for locals
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Location: Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-lapu City
- Contact: (+63) 9153862314
- Best time to visit: January to December
- Nearby attractions: Virgen de la Regla National Shrine, Maribagini, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
More Things to Do in Cebu, Philippines
Looking for more activities to do in Cebu? Let me know in the comments so I can give you more things to do in Cebu! But for now, that’s all we’ve got here. I hope this gives you something to complete your Cebu itinerary.
