Cebu City is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. Located in the Visayas region, it offers a dynamic mix of historical and cultural activities, making it a must-visit destination. Cebu City also serves as a gateway to other beautiful locations in the Visayas, like Bohol and Siquijor, so it’s worth spending some time here to explore.
If, like me, Cebu City is your first stop in the Philippines, you’ll have an amazing time discovering a key part of the country’s heritage. Here are six of the best activities to enjoy while you’re there:
- Fort San Pedro
- Temple of Leah
- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
- Magellan’s Cross
- Cebu Taoist Temple
- Volunteer at Mayari Animal Rescue Organization
1
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro was one of my favorite activities in Cebu City. This historical landmark dates back to the Spanish colonial era and is considered one of the oldest and smallest fortresses in the Philippines. Inside the fort, you’ll learn about its history, architecture, and purpose.
Entrance Fee: PHP 30 ($0.70 CAD) for adults and PHP 10 ($0.24 CAD) for children and students.
Opening Hours: Open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. However, it’s a good idea to check locally or online for updated hours in case of any changes.
How to Get There: Fort San Pedro is located in Plaza Independencia, right in the heart of Cebu City. It’s easily accessible by taxi, or you can use the Grab app to book a ride. The fort is also within walking distance of other major landmarks, like Magellan’s Cross and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, so it’s easy to visit multiple sites in one go.
2
Temple of Leah
The Temple of Leah is a majestic structure built as a tribute to undying love and devotion. Honestly, when I arrived, I felt like I was in Europe, as the temple is inspired by Greek and Roman architecture.
The best part of visiting the Temple of Leah is the breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscape. I highly recommend going around 5 PM to catch the sunset.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM daily.
Entrance Fee: PHP 150 ($3.60 CAD) for adults; free admission for children aged 10 and below.
How to Get There: The Temple of Leah is not located in the city center. I used the Grab app to call a scooter (or a car if you’re traveling in a group), and it was super easy. The ride cost me around PHP 200 ($5 CAD), depending on traffic, so be sure to check your app for the current fare.
3
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Did you know that 80% of the Philippine population identifies as Catholic? That means there are plenty of cathedrals to explore across the country. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Holy Child, is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.
It’s worth a visit for its impressive façade, high ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and intricate ornamental decorations. The outside of the cathedral is peaceful, with gardens and candles lit in memory of the deceased. This makes it a calm and serene space amidst the bustle of the city.
Entrance Fee: Free admission.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
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4
Magellan’s Cross
Magellan’s Cross is located right in front of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, inside a small chapel. It’s a popular tourist attraction because it is believed to have been planted by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in Cebu in 1521. The cross is a significant symbol of Christianity’s spread in the Philippines and holds great historical value to the local people.
Entrance Fee: Free admission.
5
Cebu Taoist Temple
The Cebu Taoist Temple is a religious site built by Cebu’s Chinese community. The temple is a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture, featuring vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic motifs. It also offers panoramic views of the city, much like the Temple of Leah. If you’re interested in exploring Cebu’s diverse heritage, this is a must-visit site.
Entrance Fee: Free admission.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
How to Get There: The temple is located in the upscale Beverly Hills Subdivision, about 6 kilometers from Cebu City’s downtown area. The easiest way to get there is by using the Grab app for a taxi or scooter.
6
Volunteer at Mayari Animal Rescue Organization
One of the highlights of my gap year was volunteering at the Mayari Animal Rescue Organization. I stayed for a week (with free accommodation in exchange for helping with the animals). If you don’t have much time but still want to help, you can join the team for a dog walk outside the rescue center. It’s a rewarding way to give back to the local community and support animal welfare.
Click here to access their website and get in touch with them. If you’re interested in volunteering for more than one day and getting free accommodation in return, contact the rescue through the Worldpackers app.
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