Cebu City is one of the favorite destinations in the Philippines among the tourists, both local and foreign. If you are someone who is an adventure junkie, city explorer or just a proud beach bum, you are going to love Cebu in all ways. The place has a lot to offer you – from beaches to historical monuments to delicious food. Check out the must visit places in Cebu City for your trip to Philippines. If you need an easy and quick way to book flight tickets to Cebu, give iEagle a try.
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu
Witness the Flemish statuette of Santo Nino (Child Jesus) here and say a prayer. The statue of Santo Nino was gifted by a Portuguese explorer named Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon when they were baptized. They were the first to be baptized on this island and it is for this reason that the image is of great value, specifically for the Catholics. It will be a fantastic experience visiting the oldest church in the island.
Fort San Pedro
Not much different than Fort Santiago in Manila, Fort San Pedro is a bastion fort triangular in shape. It has served as a military defense structure in the 17th century. The Spanish conquistador who holds the tag of being the founder of the earliest settlement in Cebu City, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi initiated the process of setting up this fortress. Here at the smallest and oldest fort in all of Philippines, you will get to know about the rich history of Cebu, the Spanish government legacies and see some fine Spanish artifacts.
Magellan’s Cross
Located at walking distance from Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, you will come across the kiosk-like structure that is home to the popular Magellan’s Cross. Although Filipinos took Ferdinand Magellan to be a villain in the history of Philippines, but this is a significant landmark in the Cebu City. It was built on Magellan’s special orders to signify his arrival in Philippines. The original cross is kept safe in tingalo wood for protection and preservation, but there have been rumors that it was destroyed way back just after Magellan’s death.
Carbon Market
While exploring the city of Cebu in Philippines, you will come across Carbon Market which is the largest and oldest public market housing a wide range of goods and vendors. You will definitely find great deals here. As compared to Divisoria of Market, Carbon Market is also crowded with people looking for seafood, fish, handicraft materials and meat products. The market is vast brimming with Filipinos and you can easily sense the hint of Filipino culture here.
Casa Gorordo Museum
Casa Gorordo Museum was built as a private home of the Gorordo’s during the mid-19th century. The Gorordo’s were one of the most prominent families in Cebu back then. The place was later turned into the residence of Cebu’s archbishop. Now a museum and a significant tourist attraction in the city, travelers visit the place for the antique furniture, Mactan coral stone clocks and the pure Philippines hardwood. It houses period paintings, costumes, decorative stuff and more. If you are a history buff, you will be flabbergasted by the wood-and-stone house going back to the Spanish era.
Osmena peak
If you want escaping to the best place to unwind in Cebu, Osmena Peak is the name. Popular as the highest peak all around the Cebu Island, Osnema peak is situated in the Dalaguete municipality. It is named after the Osnema clan of the island and the tallest hill existing in the Mantalungon Mountain Range. As a result of the multiple jagged hills in the mountain range, it is considered as one of the rarest mountainous areas in the country. There are people who say the shape and appearance of the peak is same as that of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills but it’s actually sharper and thinner. On reaching the top of the peak, you can have a 360 degree view of the Southern Cebu region and Negros Oriental, its neighboring Province.
Kawasan Falls
Another name to add to your Cebu bucket list is Kawasan Falls, especially if you are someone who is obsessed with watersports adventures. You can have a wonderful experience of canyoneering at the 3-sage cascading waterfall. You will miss out something very exciting and wonderful, if you don’t see this majestic falls. It is located in the Mantalungon Mountain Range. So, cover this place along with Osmena Peak – a refreshing journey indeed! Go swimming in the turquoise waters and allure the surrounding scenic beauty.
Description: Cebu City has more to offer than merely the beaches and peaks. If you have any plans to take a tour of the beautiful island in Philippines, here is a list of the must-visit places in Cebu City.