Cebu City
Cebu City is the main city on Cebu Island in the Philippines and is known as the Queen City of the South. It is the capital of Cebu Province, a transport hub, and a popular tourist destination in its own right.
Cebu is part of the country's second largest large urban area, Metro Cebu, whose other main components are the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. This is a booming metropolitan area with all the conveniences of a modern city, as well as many of the problems of squalor, traffic, noise and pollution. Cebu City is clearly the center of the urban region, though the other towns are far from insignificant.
The area has excellent transport links and is the main hub for travel in the central and southern Philippines either by sea or by air. Cebu City has the busiest seaport in the Philippines. Lapu-Lapu has the Mactan-Cebu International Airport with direct international flights and many domestic flights. It is far more traveller-friendly than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.
Understand
The term "Cebu" is somewhat ambiguous; it can refer to the city itself (the commonest usage), to the whole Metro Cebu urban area, to Cebu Island or to Cebu Province which includes Cebu Island and a few nearby smaller islands.
The Colon district near the port is the oldest part of Cebu; it was the first Spanish city in the country and has tourist sites from that era, listed under #See. It also has much of the low-cost accommodation and a lot of department stores or small malls which, while not as large and modern as those in other areas, are often more affordable.
Osmeña Boulevard is one of the city's main streets, running approximately north from Colon district out to the provincial capitol. About halfway along is Fuente Osmena Circle.
Mango Avenue, officially General Maxilom Avenue, runs east from Osmena Circle. During the day it is a busy area full of shopping centers, restaurants and some hotels. In the evenings, it becomes a major nightlife area.
For climate information, see Metro Cebu.
Get in
See Metro Cebu for general information about reaching the urban region.
By plane
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB IATA) is in Lapu-Lapu. Many travellers land there and head for Cebu City by bus or taxi.
- MyBus travels from SM City to Mactan Airport via Park mall. Buses depart from 6AM-midnight at 20-min intervals) and cost ₱25 from park mall and 50 from SM per person. All the MyBus vehicles have air-conditioning and CCTV. The last bus from the airport is midnight . The first bus from SM is 6AM.
- Sugbo Airport buses run from the Marina Mall near the airport to the South Bus Terminal via the Pacific Mall, the Northern Bus Terminal, SM City Mall, and Mango Square. The fares are ₱20-40. The buses start at 5AM, and go every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves at 9PM. The Sugbo Airport Buses have free Wi-Fi (Aug 2018).
- Topline express ferry from Mactan marina wharf which is just behind Island central mall Mactan. There are two fast ferries a hour going to pier 3 in downtown cebu. ₱20-25. The ferry takes 30 minutes. There are yellow jeepneys from Terminal 1 at Cebu Airport going to Island Central Mall for ₱12.
- Taxis are also readily available for ₱300-450. Coming out of the terminal, turn right and walk a bit past the end of the building to reach the main taxi stand.
For either the bus or taxi, 45 minutes is a typical time. However, either can sometimes be a bit faster or much slower depending on traffic conditions.
By ferry
Cebu City's domestic port is the country's busiest and is home to almost 80 percent of the country's passenger vessels. The passenger port is in Cebu City, near downtown. The parts of the port that handle containers and other freight extend for a long way north of that, reaching into Mandaue.
Note that Cebu City ferry terminals charge a terminal fee. The fee is approximately ₱25, depending on pier. Only cash is accepted and no ATMs are available prior to the secure area (which you can only get to by paying the terminal fee).
Identification is usually required to pick up ferry tickets, but this is at the discretion of the check-in agent. Seats are usually selected at check-in. If you are stranded overnight at a ferry terminal, you may be required to present identification or to complete a questionnaire about your intentions by security.
If planning a trip, consider buying a Sun Star newspaper; it has a shipping guide with information on passenger shipping schedules, updated daily.
Large 2Go passenger ferries with a capacity of 1,000 or more passengers ply the routes such as to Manila, Butuan; Cagayan de Oro. Iligan and Ozamiz. Medium-sized vessels with a capacity of 500 passengers or fewer such as the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) types go to nearer destinations: Tagbilaran, Iloilo City, Ozamiz, Iligan, Dipolog, Surigao, Dumaguete, Masbate, Calbayog, Ormoc, Baybay, Maasin Hilongos, Naval, Palompon, Tubigon, Tailbon, Getafe, Catbalogan, Larena Siquijor, and Plardel.
The shipping lines that depart from Cebu city are.
- 2Go Travel, Manila.
- Trans-Asia, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Iligan, Masbate.
- Cokaliong, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, Dipolog.
- Lite, Siquijor, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc.
- Super Shuttle[dead link], from Jagna Bohol island to Camiguin island.
- Roble shipping lines Baybay, Ormoc, Naval and Catbalogan
- Medallion Transport[dead link]. has a ferry to Dipolog.
For some destinations, fast hydrofoil ferries are available. Travel time is about half that of a RoRo and the comfort level higher, but prices are at least double.
- Fastcat has a ferry to Tubigon
- Weesam Express [formerly dead link] to Tubigon
- Oceanjet Tagbilaran , Ormoc, Camotes Islands, Getafe Bohol. From Cebu to Siquijor via Tagbilaran.
- 2Go Supercat. Tagbilaran and Ormoc.
Within Cebu Province
- Metro Ferry operates ferries from Lapu-Lapu to Pier 3. Departures every 20 minutes, 5AM-9PM daily. Fare: ₱20
- Topline Express has a ferry from Mactan Marina in Lapu-Lapu to Pier 3 every 30 minutes from 6AM till 8PM. The trip takes 30 minutes and cost ₱25. You can also take Topline Express from the airport, alongside a jeepney ride from the airport on route MI05-B from Terminal 1.
- My Boat Mejia: 64-seat ferry from the promenade of Naga City. 16-18 trips per day, with departures every 30 minutes. Fare: ₱60
By bus
Buses come from most nearby cities, mainly along the north-south coastal highway. From more distant places such as Dumaguete, Bacolod or even Manila, the buses ride ferries for parts of their routes.
There are two major bus terminals: the north bus terminal at the SM City Mall and south bus terminal in Cebu City next to E mall. Ceres Bus Lines operates regular bus services to these terminals and is considered the safer alternative to the smaller privately-operated bus lines.
- 1 Cebu South Bus Terminal, Natalio Bacalso Avenue,.
Get around
See the Metro Cebu article for a more general discussion of getting around in the large urban conglomerate of which Cebu City forms a part.
By jeepney
Do as the locals do and catch a colorful jeepney. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. Ask around for which route to take, or read the signs on the sides of the vehicles showing their routes. Routes within the city are also listed on Google Maps; Google Maps lists certain stops but you don't actually have to get on or off at any particular stop -- you can get on and off anywhere along the jeep's route. Costs start at ₱12 for the first 4 km and increase for longer distances. Beware of pickpockets and other theft, this is unfortunately very common on jeepneys and even locals fall victim. Hidden pockets, money belts and carrying goods near one's nether regions are common but they are not infallible strategies to avoid theft.
By bus
MyBus have five bus routes around Metro Cebu. Fares are from ₱25-50 (except route 5), and all buses are fully air-conditioned and low-floor.
- Route 1 between SM Seaside and Park Mall (in Lapu-Lapu) via SM City Cebu and the North Bus Terminal,
- Route 2 between SM Seaside and Talisay
- Route 3 between SM City Cebu and Mactan Airport via Park Mall
- Route 4 between Park Mall and Talisay via the North Bus Terminal and SM City Cebu
- Route 5 between BDO Fuente branch and SM Seaside. Free.
- Robinsons Malls offers free shuttle buses between Robinsons Fuente or Robinsons Cybergate and Robinsons Galleria. Services between 30 minutes.
Sugbo Tours transit buses have large air conditioned buses every 45 minutes from 5AM till 9PM from the southern bus terminal going via Mango Square, SM City Mall, Northern Bus Terminal, Pacific Mall, Island Central Mall in Mactan. Fares ₱20-40 (May 2023).
Beeps buses have fully air-conditioned low-floor buses. In the future, they will replace all routes served by jeepneys'. Fares are ₱14.00 for the first 4 km and ₱1.50 for each succeeding km (as of May 2023). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Unlike the other operators, they operate 24/7.
Cebu City is building a bus rapid transit (BRT) system which will run between Cebu IT Park and SM Seaside since 2022, passing through the capitol, Fuente and CSBT. It is still under construction (between the capitol and CSBT) as of 2023, but the city operates an interim bus service runs along the route.
By taxi
Taxis are omnipresent in Cebu City. But there's a decent chance you'll be overcharged by a taxi driver at some point during your trip to Cebu. This should be considered a cost of visiting Cebu (or anywhere in the Philippines). You can (and should) report improper taxi behavior to the Department of Tourism in Cebu by phoning +63 32 254 2811.
Unless you're familiar with the city, always insist on a metered fare as a negotiated fare will almost always be much higher. If you know the city and need to go a long distance, it may be worth paying a negotiated fare so that the driver doesn't take the scenic route or you become victim of an uncalibrated meter. Late in the evenings, there could be taxis driving with an uncalibrated, inflated meter.
Most trips around the city should not cost more than ₱150. The fare from the airport to most of central Cebu should be ₱300-400 (2023) depending on whether you use the white or yellow cabs (white ones are reportedly cheaper).
If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, taxis are still the fastest way to your destination. Most drivers know where almost everything is. If the driver is pleasant, a ₱10-50 tip is warranted, especially if he loads or unloads your bags. Most drivers do not have, or will tell you they do not have change, so be ready with 50s and 20s when going on short trips.
It is best to avoid the "Private" taxis as they take advantage of tourists and charge 5-10 times the normal fare. You will find these taxis at the some of the high-class hotels. They are normally owned by the hotel to make money and may charge ₱500 for something that should cost ₱60. Some hotels make it hard for other taxis to pick you up at their premise and you may need to walk outside to save money.
Another place where private taxis are common is the airport. To avoid them, simply ask a porter for help and for a metered taxi. Downstairs at the exit for arrivals, there is a booth that will flag down a taxi for ₱70, but you can also go up the ramp and there are a lot of metered taxis waiting for you. You can also wend your way upstairs to Departures where many metered taxis are available. Fare down town to Ayala or SM Malls should be around ₱250 (May 2022) on the meter. You may be told "500" by the driver. Just grab the door handle and say "What, you don't have a meter?" Don't travel unless the meter is used; not using the meter is illegal, and you can report it to local officials.
Talk
The main language spoken throughout Cebu Province and in many nearby areas is Cebuano, the most important of many Visayan languages in the Philippines.
English and Tagalog are common as additional languages though using the former is usually preferable to the latter. Sometimes, they also speak in Bislish (Bisaya Cebuano + English) and/or Taglish (Tagalog + English) when they cannot find the appropriate word to use. Younger people speak English with a Cebuano accent, often interchanging i and e, and o and u.
The city also has some speakers of other Visayan languages such as Ilonggo and Waray, and the Chinese minority speak Hokkien, but most speakers of those languages can also speak at least one of Cebuano, English or Tagalog.
See
The city was well established as a trade center and regional capital even before the first Europeans, under Magellan, arrived in the 1520s. When the Spanish returned to colonize in 1565, Cebu became the first Spanish city in the country and (briefly) the capital. Many of today's tourist sites go back to the period of Spanish rule which lasted until the Americans took over in 1898.
Shrines and historical landmarks
- 1 Basilica of Santo Niño (Basilica del Santo Niño (Basilica of the Holy Child)), Osmeña Boulevard, ☏ +63 32 2556697. A large and venerable church that traces its history to the founding of the convent of the Santo Niño de Cebu in 1565. It contains a statue of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that is regarded as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. The statue was presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on 14 April 1521. The natives of Cebu were formally Christianized by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres de Urdaneta on 27 April 1565. However, as they found the natives hostile, the village was set on fire. Later on, in a burnt-out house, a soldier named Juan Camus found the statue untouched. This was proclaimed a miracle. The statue, adorned with gold and precious stones, is in a glass case to the left of the altar. The church sees a constant stream of devotees praying at pews in the sanctuary and in front of statues of saints. The Basilica del Santo Niño Museum (open Tu-Su 8-11:45AM, 1:30-4:45PM) contains the vestments used to dress the Santo Niño and jewellery offered to the Santo Niño for use during his feast (#Sinolog) on the third Sunday of January. ₱30 for museum.
- 2 Magellan's Cross, Plaza Sugbo, off Magallanes St (between the Colegio de Santo Niño (south of the Basilica of Santo Niño) and Cebu City Hall - if you approach the Basilica from Osmeña Boulevard, walk through the courtyard of the Basilica and the Colegio to reach the Plaza). An octagonal building decorated with murals containing a large wooden cross that commemorates the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan who planted a wooden cross upon converting the original inhabitants to Christianity. A plaque states that the visible wooden cross contains the original cross, but some historians say the original cross was reduced to firewood by local inhabitants when the Magellan fleet headed elsewhere. Take time to appreciate the various candle sellers who dance around during worship and while selling the candles. Free.
- 3 Colon St. Brave the cacophonous traffic to see the oldest street in the Philippines with some nice worn-out classical buildings dating back to the American Era. At night, this street transforms into a market with good buys everywhere. Be wary of pickpockets though.
- 4 Fort San Pedro (Fuerza de San Pedro). The smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines during the colonial era. It has a small museum showcasing the wreckage and treasures from the sunken San Diego galleon from Mexico. The area is scenic with the newly renovated and open-air Plaza Independencia at the entrance. Adults, ₱30; students, ₱20; senior citizens, ₱24.
- 5 The Chinese Taoist Temple. There are many people of Chinese ancestry in Cebu, and several Chinese temples; one is the Taoist Temple. From there you can see a nice view of the city because it is on a hill.
- 6 Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. A church built in 1565 by the first Spanish missionaries in Cebu, seat of an Archbishop who has subordinate Bishops in many cities of the Visayas. It was mostly destroyed during World War II and had been rebuilt a bit differently. Behind the church is a cemetery where several prominent churchmen including Cardinal Rosales are buried.
Museums
- 7 Casa Gorordo Museum, 35 Lopez Jaena St, ☏ +63 32 2555630, fax: +63 32 2555630, chp@rafi.org.ph. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. A well-preserved Spanish colonial mansion constructed largely of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden. The lower floor has a collection of old tools, and an A/C room that has changing displays such as art exhibitions. The more interesting upstairs level was the former living quarters of the Gorordo family. It features lovely carved wooden furniture and a wide patio. The kitchen is particularly interesting, as it contains a traditional dirt stove, a wooden food safe, and a traditional dish drying rack fitted to the outside of the window. Adults ₱70.
- 8 Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum (V. Gullas St. (former Manalili) and D. Jakosalem St.). A museum that pays homage to the musical heritage of Cebu. This museum is operated under the Tipiganan sa mga Handumanan sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon (Treasury of Memories) Foundation. In the old building of The Freeman Newspaper.
- 9 Cebu Provincial Museum (Museo Sugbo) (a short taxi ride from Fort San Pedro). The museum is housed in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which was once the Carcel de Cebu. Its four Spanish-era buildings made of coral stone contain artifacts relating to the history of Cebu. ₱75.
- 10 Rizal Memorial Museum, Osmena Blvd. 9AM-5PM. Paintings and sculptures by local artists and antiques donated by wealthy Cebuanos. ₱20.
- 11 Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Mabini St, ☏ +63 32 266 2833. Another historic house, this one from the 17th century, with hand-carved furniture and a garden. It does indeed look old/cryptic. ₱50.
- 12 Jesuit House Museum, 26 Zulueta St (really quite strange in that you have to enter thru a warehouse door, but there is a sign), ☏ +63 32 255 5408. Yet another heritage house museum, this one the residence of a Jesuit from around 1730. Inside looks like a Spanish galleon. ₱50.
- 13 Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum, M.C. Briones St & Burgos St (across street from Cebu city hall and short walk south from Magellan's Cross), ☏ +63 917 831 8353. Small exhibit hall on Chinese heritage in Cebu. This building (the Gotiaoco Building), also has a mural of the Magellan's Cross shrine and other Cebu highlights on its backside.
Other sights
- 14 Provincial Capitol. Particularly scenic at night, is by far the largest provincial capitol building anywhere in the entire archipelago. It was built during the American era, and the design is a miniature of the White House.
- 15 Heritage of Cebu, Sikatuna St, (Eastern end of Colon St). A massive and particularly detailed monument showcasing the heritage of Cebu from the old Spanish to the American colonial era.
- 16 Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary And Art Gallery, J.N, Jumalon St, ☏ +63 32 261 6884. Where you can go to see Lepidoptera and other entomology exhibits, including a butterfly and art garden, although it's pretty scrunched in to an urban environment.
Do
- 1 Tops Lookout. This sits at the top of the Mt Busay and has an unobstructed view of the entire city at night. A few shops and restaurants stand along the way for a short stop. Taxi drivers may want as much as ₱1000 for a trip to Tops, so the best way to get there is by mountain bike. This is a world class climb and on any given day, Cebu's bikers are humping the 45-minute to 1-hr trek filled with switchbacks and views better than you see actually at the very top. Ask your hotel where you can rent a mountain bike. They may have to ask around a bit, but it's worth it.
- Ride a tartanilla - Head to Cebu's old quarters in Carlock St and try riding a horse drawn carriage called a tartanilla. Remember to negotiate with the driver before taking a ride.
- See the scenic view of Cebu City's skyline - The Marcelo Fernan Bridge or Second Mactan Bridge offers some interesting views of the city at night, and is even picturesque from below. Arrange for a taxi to take you there.
- 2 Sky Experience Adventure (Xtreme Rides) (Adjacent Robinson's Mall in the Crown Regency Cebu), ☏ +63 32 418 7777. The tallest building in the city. Adventure seekers may head to the top floor to experience a breathtaking view of this modern city and its environs. You may also opt to join in the Xtreme Rides that puts you on the edge of the city, or you may walk around the edge of the building (don't worry, safety cables are attached) to experience this for a fee.
- Abellana Cebu Sports Center & Public Swimming pool, 179 R R Landon Road off Osmmena Blvd, ☏ +63 32-2531091. 9AM-9PM. Full-size Cebu City Council-run outdoor swimming pool 50 m by 25 m. Has ten lanes. There have been reports of people getting ear infections using this pool.
Sinulog
This festival honouring Santo Niño, the Holy Child, is held annually on the third Sunday of January. It is centered on the Basilica in Cebu City but is celebrated throughout Cebu Province and to some extent even in nearby provinces; it attracts large numbers of both tourists and pilgrims. Festivities last for about a week leading up to the Sunday climax.
There are colorful parades in many towns. Main thoroughfares around the city are blocked for an all-day and all-night loud and colourful street party. Don't forget your dancing shoes!
On one hand, Sinulog can be one of the most interesting times to visit Cebu. On the other, some consider it a time to avoid. Hotels tend to sell out, streets and restaurants are crowded, and traffic may be horribly jammed. For example a bus heading south from the south bus station normally takes under an hour to reach Carcar, but it can be over three hours during Sinulog because the highway is also the main street of various towns along the way, and several have parades along it.
Buy
There is quite a bit of shopping in various neighbourhoods of Cebu, especially in the old downtown Colon area and around Fuente Osmena Circle.
- 1 Ayala Mall. Has several department stores, two supermarkets, a movie theater, lots of restaurants and hundreds of stores. The terraces have a central park-like area and several floors of shopping, mostly restaurants, on either side. The mall is in the Cebu Business Park which hosts the Cathay Pacific office, foreign banks a few consulates, and the Seda hotel. There is now a 2nd Ayala mall at the IT park.
- 2 SM Seaside. A huge mall with a large department store, bowling center, movie theaters, Olympic-size ice skating rink, and 447 shops and restaurants.
- 3 SM City Cebu. Northeast of downtown. Has a large supermarket.
- 4 Robinson Mall Fuente, B Rodriguez Street (right on Fuente Circle), ☏ +63-32-2555590. 8AM-8:30PM. A bakery on the ground level is popular for coffee. The mall has a food court and supermarket.
- 5 Elizabeth Mall, Natalio B Bacalso Avenue. 9AM-8PM. Has a supermarket, travel agents, cellphone shops, and lots of places to eat.
- 6 Carbon Market. The largest farmers' market in the city — both a shopping area and a tourist attraction.
- Colonnade Mall, Colon Street, ☏ +63-32-2540618. 6AM-9PM. The biggest air-conditioned mall in downtown Cebu. Has a discount supermarket, two bake shops, bank, two money exchanges, many cell phones shops, a pharmacy, a food court and a two-screen cinema. lower prices.
Banks, ATMs & foreign exchange
Most ATMs in the Philippines accept foreign ATM cards and many will issue cash advances against foreign credit cards. In nearly all cases there is a fee (usually ₱250) for the service, only Philippine pesos can be withdrawn, and there is a limit (often ₱10000) per transaction.
- 7 HSBC Bank (UK), G/F Philamlife Center, Cardinal Rosales Avenue corner Samar Loop (Cebu business park near Ayala Mall), ☏ +63-32-2344180. 24-hour ATMs. Has the only Mastercard and Visa card ATMs in Cebu without a fee for overseas cards. Also the only ATMs in Cebu where you can take out up to ₱40,000 per time.
- 8 Alco Foreign Exchange, Shop 108 Rain Tree Mall, General Maxilom Avenue, ☏ +63 32-2552704. 8:30AM-5PM. Good foreign exchange rates.
Books
- 9 Fully Booked, Level 2, The Terraces, Ayala Centre, ☏ +63 32 4171007, +63 32 4171400, fb_cebu@fullybookedonline.com. A modern bookshop with a good selection of imported fiction and non-fiction books, a smaller collection of books about the Philippines and an in-shop café.
- National Book Store, Locations: Ayala Center, Mango Avenue; and SM City Cebu, info@nationalbookstore.com.ph. Bookshop chain with local and foreign books, academic texts and stationery.
- Book Sale, Locations: Elizabeth Mall; Park Mall; Robinsons, SM City, Gaisano. 9AM-8PM. Used books and magazines, mostly imported from the UK & US. It may take some searching but there are often gems to be had. From ₱20, nearly all under ₱150.
Eat
One great thing about Cebu is that, while being an island paradise on the one hand, it's also a sophisticated city, with a wide range of pretty decent restaurants to choose from. However, Cebu's all-you-can-eat buffets are more expensive than those elslewhere in the country.
Street-food abounds in Cebu. You can buy all sorts of Philippine delicacies from the many street stalls scattered around Cebu City.
Food courts
All the major malls (listed under #Buy) have food courts, and major chains — KFC, Shakey's Pizza, Starbucks, Bo's Coffee and others — have locations in many of them. The downtown area around Colon Street has a large number of restaurants including many budget places and many fast food chains.
Budget
All these are in the city center:
Mid-range
- 9 La Vie Parisienne, 371 Gorordo Ave, ☏ +63 32 505 0274. French bakery.
- 10 Ipar's Restaurante Y Bar De Tapas, 157 F. Ramos St.
Splurge
For tourists who want upmarket restaurants, two good areas are Ayala Mall and the IT Park.
- 11 Cebu IT Park. Offices, rental and condo apartments; the area has many foreign employees and a good selection of western restaurants. Not much shopping.
- 12 Ayala Terraces (one side of Ayala Mall). Many restaurants including several foreign chains such as Burger King, Army-Navy, Starbucks and TGI Friday's, Filipino chains, and many non-chain places.
Chains
Some Filipino chains have multiple locations in Cebu and some in nearby towns:
- 13 Alberto's Pizza, 15 B. Rodriguez Ave. (opposite Vicente Sotto Hospital), ☏ +63 32 254 0042. 9AM-11PM. Offers a good and rather affordable locally made thin crust pizza. Has branches all over Cebu.
- 14 Ngohiong Express, Mango Square. 24 hours. Has many branches all over Cebu.
- 15 Orange Brutus, Fuente Osmena Circle (Cinco Centrum), ☏ +63 32-2554783. 24 hours. Burgers, rice meals, sizzing pork chop. Meals from ₱70.
- 16 Jo's Chicken Inato, Gospel Building V Ranudo Street, ☏ +63 32-2540194. 6AM-9PM. Native chicken. Meals from ₱99.
- 17 Julie's Bake shops, 252 Gorordo Avenue, ☏ +63-32-2310593. open 24 hours a day. Bread & cakes & drinks.
- [dead link] S & R New York Pizza, Ayala & SM City Malls & Tafa East Gate Tower (Quano Avenue), ☏ +63-32-5057057. 9AM-9PM. Freshly baked New York-style pizza, fried chicken, cheeseburgers and fries, salads. from ₱99.
Drink
Mango Avenue (officially General Maxilom Avenue) and Mango Square is where the bulk of the nightlife is. The typical venues are nightclubs, bars and karaoke boxes.
There are many girlie bars, mostly along Mango Ave. It is fairly common to visit these clubs just to enjoy the show, a lot of scantily-clad dancers who compete to catch customers' eyes. However, the dancers are more-or-less all also available for sexual services. Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines but quite common, and these bars are the most usual front; see the Philippines article for discussion.
There are also a number of western-style pubs popular with the local expat community; most are listed below.
- 1 301 Ramos St Sports Bar & Grill, 301 F Ramos street, ☏ +63-32-5132706. 11AM-11PM. A sports bar & grill. A 320ml beer is ₱75.
- The Philly Sports Bar & Restaurant, 53 AJ King Bulg General Maxilom Avenue (near mango sq.), ☏ +63 9171333497, info@thephilly.com. 3PM-11PM. An expat sports bar, serving Western & Filipino food. Excellent choice of imported beers & ciders from Europe in their beer garden. Happy hours beer is from ₱45. Very good English breakfast for 199 pesos. 320ml beer from only 45 pesos.
- 2 Our Place Pub & Restaurant, Pelaez street (down town cebu), ☏ +63 32-4168243, +63 32 888 9523. 7:30AM-11PM every day. Established 1978. Meet other expats from all over the world. Good British & European food at a great prices. Sells beer for only ₱70. meals from ₱149.
Sleep
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | under ₱1000 |
| Mid-range | ₱1000-2000 |
| Splurge | over ₱2000 |
Backpacker hostels
- Nacho Hostel Cebu, Sandy Drive Bulacao Talisay City Cebu, ☏ +63-9562845390, nachohostelcebu@gmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 4-6-8 bed dorms, Air conditioning , Free Wi-Fi, cable tv, common room, cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, hot showers, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor terrace, security lockers, washing machine, adaptors, bbq, 24 hour reception. Dorm bed from ₱300 per person.
- Nomad's Hub - Best Value co-living Hostel, F Ramos Street 1 Yap Bldg (0.6 miles from the centre), ☏ +63 32-3480071, business@nomadshub.ph. Check-in: 00.00, check-out: 00.00. 8 bed Dorm, Free Wi-Fi, lockers, safety deposit box, 24-hour front desk, movie nights,. From ₱420 per person.
- 1 Food District Hostel, 12 Torralba Street Cor Wilson street Brgy Apas Lahug (near Camp Lapa-lapu), ☏ +63-9778531685. Check-out: noon. 8-bed dorm with shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi. Dorm bed ₱635 per person.
- Murals Backpackers Hostel, Corner President Roaxs and President Magsaysay streets Kasambagan (1.6 miles from the centre), ☏ +63-9984711065, muralshostelandcafe@gmail.com. Check-in: 14.00, check-out: 12.00. A/C 6-8 bed dorms. Free Wi-Fi. restaurant, free parking, 24 hour security, garden, sun terrace move nights, bar, Lockers, luggage storage,. A/C dorm ₱350,.
- 2 Le Village Guest House & Backpackers Hostel, 84 Gorordo Avenue (near Ayala Mall), ☏ +63 32-4203405. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Has a bar. Free Wi-Fi. Fan dorm bed ₱300.
- 3 Naps X Adventures Hostel, 145 M Velez Street Guadalupe, ☏ +63 32 4151065. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C dorm with 12 beds, free Wi-Fi. Every bed has a power point and locker. ₱350 per person.
- Mad Monkey Backpackers Hostel, 79 Echavez Street, ☏ +63-9669915886, cebucity@madmonkeyhostels.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: Noon. 6-8 bed air-con dorms. Free Wi-Fi wifi, bar, swimming pool. Restaurant. from ₱400 a night.
Budget
- 4 Alemar Budgetel Hotel, P Lopez Street (over the street from the Metro Colon department store), ☏ +63 32 -2542785. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C single/double rooms with 32-inch LED cable TV, hot and cold shower, free Wi-Fi. Breakfast for ₱100. single From ₱750.
- 5 Robes Pension House, 41R Landon Street Cornor don Pedro Cui Street, ☏ +63-32-2530104, reservations@robespensionhouse.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C single/double room with own hot water bathroom and cable TV, free Wi-Fi. From ₱900.
- 6 Mc Sherry Pension House, Pelaez Street, ☏ +63 32 254-4792. Check-out: noon. In quiet lane next to hotel de Mercedes. Fan/A/C rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. All rooms double occupancy. Double fan ₱700, double A/C ₱800.
- 7 La Guardia Hotel, Osmena boulevard, ☏ +63 32 416-7889, +63 32 416-7881. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A/C double rooms with hot water and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi. 11 rooms at ₱850 a night and 11 rooms at ₱900 a night. You must pay a ₱300 deposit when you book in. From ₱850.
- 8 Capitol Tourist Inn, Don Gil Garcia street (Uptown Cebu near the Robinsons Mall), ☏ +63 32-253-2850. A/C single rooms with own bathroom, cable TV, A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV, nice size rooms. from ₱550/₱630.
- 9 L S Pension House, RR Landon Street, ☏ +63 32-256-2893. A/C single rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. A/C double rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. Has 24-hour security and a standby generator. There is Free Wi-fi. Single from ₱800, double from ₱900.
- 10 Wins Pension, Rahmann Street, ☏ +63 32- 2561977. A/C double rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. Has a good rate for the month. ₱15000/month.
- 11 Cest La Vie Pension House, 13 Juana Osmena Street, ☏ +63-32-2532376. Check-in: any time, check-out: noon. 2-star hotel with A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi. 20% off if you stay a month. air. Con double with cable TV 699.
- 12 GV Tower Hotel, Osmeña Boulevard, ☏ +63-32-2536518. A/C single or double rooms with own bathroom cable TV. from 850.
Mid-range
- Cebu Century Hotel, Colon corner Pelaez Street (near colon), ☏ +63-32-2551341. A/C double rooms with cable TV, hot water, free Wi-Fi. Standard- ₱890.
- 13 NS Royal Hotel, Juana Osmena Street, ☏ +63 32 254-5358. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. 2-star hotel, A/C rooms, hot water, cable TV, free Wi-Fi. From ₱1888.
- 14 Azia Suites, 8 Rahmann Extension, ☏ +63 32 260-1111. 5-storey hotel, 60 A/C rooms, hot water, cable TV, view of the city. free Wi-Fi. From ₱1899.
- 15 Holiday Plaza Hotel, F Ramos Street (near Robinsons Fuente Circle), ☏ +63 32 254-9880. A/C rooms with coffee and tea-making facilities, 21” cable TV, full baths. From ₱1799.
- 16 Metro Park Hotel, Saint Lawrence Street La Guardia Lahug (near IT Park), ☏ +63 32 233-3677. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms cable TV, safe. From ₱990.
- 17 Elegant Circle Inn (Fuente Osmena Circle). Central location, at one end of Mango Avenue. From ₱1220.
- Casa Rosario Pension House, 101 E R Aboitiz Street (not far from mango sq), ☏ +63 32 2535134. 40 guest rooms with cable TV, hot water, A/C, telephone with IDD and NDD, free Wi-Fi. From ₱1399.
- 18 Cebu R Hotel Capitol, 101 Don Mariano Cui Street, ☏ +63-32 505-7188. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. TV, free Wi-Fi, hot showers. Nice place, and better price than most in the area though there are some cheaper. ₱1499 and up.
- 19 Beverly Boutique Business Hotel, F Manalo Street Cor Queens Road, ☏ +63 32-254-8570. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. A/C rooms, hot water, cable TV, free Wi-Fi. Superior room ₱1980.
- 20 Travel Bee Business Inn, Dionisio Jokosalem Street, ☏ +63-32 505-8884, +63 32 236 1111. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C rooms, hot water, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast. from ₱1180.
- Hotel de Mercedes, 7 Pelaez Street (near Colon), ☏ +63 9226473380. A/C double rooms with cable TV, hot water, bad Wi-Fi. From ₱995.
- Cebuview Tourist Inn, 200 Sanciangko street, ☏ +63-32-2588333. A/C double rooms with cable TV, hot water, free Wi-Fi. ₱900.
- Fuente Pension House, 175 Don Julio Liorente Street, ☏ +63-32-4124988. A/C double rooms, cable TV, Hot water, free Wi-Fi, own restaurant. from 1448 php.
Splurge
- 21 Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Corner Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Street, ☏ +63 32 234-7000. Cebu Parklane International Hotel claims to be a five-star hotel but does not really live up to that title. Elevators (lifts) are totally inadequate and you can spend 15 minutes waiting to get to your room when the hotel is crowded with conferences.
- 22 Hotel Elizabeth Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Ave, Camputhaw, ☏ +63 2 912 2691. A/C, private toilet and bath, cable TV and mini-bar in all rooms. Wi-Fi, massage service, and a fitness centre/gym.
- 23 Seda Hotel (formerly Marriott Cebu), Cardinal Rosales Avenue (west side of Ayala Mall complex), ☏ +63 32 411 5800, accebu@sedahotels.com. The hotel is now managed by Ayala's subsidiary Seda. It was managed by Marriott until the end of 2017.
- 24 Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, ☏ +63 32 232-6888.
- Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Nivel Hills, Cebu Veterans Dr, ☏ +63 32 253 1111.
- Radisson Blu Cebu, Serging Osmena Boulevard, Corner Pope John Paul II Ave, ☏ +63 32 505 1700.
- Holiday Inn Cebu City, Lot 5 & 6 Block 20 Samar Loop, ☏ +63 32 520 4444.
- Citadines Cebu City, Base Line Center, Juana Osmeña St, ☏ +63 32 260 9588.
Stay safe
Cebu is a relatively safe city where violent crime is rare. This being said, you should be aware of your surroundings.
Beware of pickpockets. It's common to spot them in downtown Cebu and on jeepneys.
Parts of downtown Cebu are unsafe at night.
Stay healthy
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, B Rodriguez Street, ☏ +6332 2539898. DOH Hospital with lower fees
- Cebu City Social Hygiene Clinic, Room 103. City health office. General Maxilom Aveune, ☏ +63 93 21081556 (mobile). free STD and HIV testing and treatment. For Social Hygiene Clinics in Mandaue & Lapu-Lapu, see Metro_Cebu#Stay_healthy.
- Hi-Precision Diagnostics Medalle Building G/F Osmena Blvd. +63-32-2554131. ₱300 to see a doctor.
- MyHealth Clinic -- Cybergate Cebu, 3rd floor, Robinsons Cybergate Mall by Fuente Osmeña Circle. Privately-owned general health clinic. +63 32-268-8502
- Chong Hua Hospital by Fuente Osmeña Circle. Filipino-Chinese private non-profit hospital. It was founded to address healthcare discrimination against Filipino-Chinese, but it is open to all and is generally considered the best hospital in Cebu. Emergency care is available. +63 32-255-8000
- University of Cebu Medical Center. Private hospital affiliated with University of Cebu Medical School. Poor reputation within Cebu due to quality of care concerns within its acute and emergency care wards, especially due to a relatively small bed capacity. +63 (32) 517-0888
- The Hospital at Maayo. Private hospital focused on holistic care. Better suited for those looking for executive health checkups or having a defined need to meet with a specialist. Emergency care and isolation wards are available. +63 (32) 888 2662
Dental clinics
The dental clinics listed here have good prices. There are also clinics in the malls, but they are about three times as expensive.
- Comfort Dental Centre, Joeilno building 4th floor room 4D Kalubihan Sanciangko Street, ☏ +63 32 2623062. Dr Rhebecca Marie Rebalde Osorio. From ₱500.
- RT Clinika Dental Centre, room 148 1/L Raintree mall General Maxilom Avenue, ☏ +63 32 2549648. From ₱500.
Cope
Most of the foreign consulates are in Cebu City, but some are in Mandaue. For a list, see the Metro Cebu article.
Government offices
Cebu City does not have an immigration office; the "Cebu office" is actually in Mandaue. For information on that and the Lapu-Lapu office, see Metro Cebu.
- Department of Tourism Cebu tourist office, Gf LDM Bldg Corner Legaspi & MJ Cuenco streets, ☏ +63 32 2542811. M-F 8AM-4PM. Free maps for Cebu Island & Bohol island & Siquijor Island. There is also a tourist info counter at the airport.
- Tourist Police Office, Plaza Sugbu (near Magellan's Cross), ☏ +63-32 2538536, +63-32 2540080 (after 5PM).
- Cebu Public Library, Osmena Blvd. (Gf Rizal Memorial Library & Museum Bldg). M-F open 24 hours. Free Wi-Fi.
- Main Central Post Office, Plaza Independencia (behind Fort San Pedro).
- Phil Health Office, Golden peak. Gorordo Avenue, ☏ +63-32-2333270. If you stay in the Philippines more than 59 days and get a I-card you can in roll on Phil Health for ₱18.000 a year.
Airlines offices
Quite a few airlines have offices in town:
- Cathay Pacific airlines, 12 floor FGU Center, Mindanao Avenue Ayala Business Park, toll-free: 18001441101.
- Cebu Pacific Airlines, Robinsons Galleria Mall General maxilon Avenue, ☏ +63-32-2308888.
- Philippines Airlines, Osmena Blvd, ☏ +63 32 2544655.
- Singapore Airlines, Cebu Holding Center Cardinal Rosales Avenue Ayala Business Park, ☏ +63 32 2326211.
Others have offices at Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates Airlines, toll-free: 1800 77739999.
- Asiana Airlines, ☏ +63-32-3428066.
- Korea Airlines, ☏ +63-32-2531753.
- Air Asia.
- Scoot Airlines.
- Eva Air, ☏ +63 32-2323395.
- China Eastern Airlines, ☏ +63-25515212.
- China Southern Airlines +63-2-5248888.
- Sichuan Airlines
- China Airlines Taiwan.
- Xiamen Air, ☏ +63-2-801755.
Of course there are plenty of travel agents in the city, so for many things you need not deal directly with an airline.
Go next
Anywhere in Cebu Province is easily reached, and anywhere in Metro Cebu is close; see those articles for lists of all the possible destinations. Popular beach resorts in the province include:
- Moalboal beach, bus 2½-3 hr from south bus terminal, ₱140 + tricycle to beach around ₱20, a diving destination with generally moderate prices
- The Camotes Islands, fast ferry from Cebu city (to Poro port) or by Jomalia ferry from Danao to Consuelo port (bus from Cebu City, 1-2 hours).
- Bantayan Island, off to the north of Cebu island.
- Oslob, south of Cebu, known for whale shark watching, can be visited en route to Dumaguete
Other parts of the Visayas, and the main cities of northern Mindanao, are also easily reached. Popular Visayan tourist destinations usually reached by ferry from Cebu are:
- Bohol, an island province east of Cebu, popular for its scenic Chocolate Hills and tarsiers.
- Dumaguete, capital of a neighboring province, with a relaxed bar scene and good diving nearby.
- Bacolod, capital of a neighboring province and second-largest city in the Visayas, is reachable by taking a bus to Toledo, a ferry to San Carlos and then another bus.
| Routes through Cebu City |
| Danao ← Mandaue ← | N  S |
→ Talisay (Cebu) → Carcar |
| Balamban ← | W  E |
→ END |
| Mandaue ← | N  S |
→ Talisay |