Cebu City

Cebu city (pronounced "Sibu") – the largest city and capital Cebu Islands, one of the largest and most developed cities in the country. Its population is just over a million and it is the fourth most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the east coast of Cebu island (Cebu City on the map).

Historically, this place has long been one of the most successful points to visit the Philippines. It is believed that its potential was recognized more than 500 years ago by the great traveler Magellan, choosing it as the place of his landing and colonization of the country, but here he died. A few decades later, the Spaniards founded the city of Cebu here, which means the Royal City of the south (Queen City of the South). For some time before the founding of Manila was the capital.

Despite the importance and rich historical past, Cebu City is of little interest to tourists. It is very noisy, bustling, dirty, and is considered the most dangerous place on the island. Here, rarely anyone lingers for a long time, because in addition to visiting several not particularly remarkable attractions and shopping, there is absolutely nothing to do. There are no beaches here at all, the closest are on Mactan Island a couple of hours drive from the center, and these are mostly artificial beaches at hotels, access to which is paid or completely prohibited. Also from Cebu you can go to the beaches in Moalboal, Bantayan Islands, Panglao or Malapascua, but this is not a day trip at all, but at least for a few days, since you can get to these resorts will have almost the whole day.

Cebu City View

• Poor areas
• ...
• ...
• ...
• Historic district
• ...
• Cebu Monument
• SM City Cebu shopping center

But Cebu City is important as a transportation hub and transit point for travelers, as it is home to two major bus stations, an airport, and the Philippines ' largest seaport. However, please note that if you need to stay after or before departure or departure by ferry, it is not necessary to choose a hotel within the city. In fact, it is much more convenient and comfortable to stay on the island of Mactan (Mactan), aka the city of Lapu-Lapu (Lapu-Lapu). Mactan is much more touristy, there are even beaches, tourist infrastructure, and a quieter environment. And in general, the airport is located on Maktan, and you can stay in a hotel even within walking distance from it. If you need a port, then in this case you can stop at Mactan, and cross to the port in Cebu City by ferry bypassing city traffic jams (see below about transport).

Perhaps the main reason why you should stay in the city-shopping. There are several very large shopping centers, here are just a few of them: SM Seaside (the largest), SM City Cebu (the most convenient to visit), Parkmall, Ayala Mall, Mango Square, Gaisano Capital, Elizabeth Mall. All these are modern malls with a large number of boutiques and sections, food courts, entertainment, currency exchanges and banks, huge supermarkets. Therefore, staying in the city for a day or two before finally heading home through the Mactan-Cebu Airport is generally a good idea. Especially popular for buying souvenirs and gifts are SM City Cebu, Parkmall, Ayala Mall. In SM City Cebu, we recommend visiting the Kultura tourist goods department, where original handmade souvenirs are sold, as well as a large selection of natural and river pearls. In Parkmall inexpensive "consumer" souvenirs are in the supermarket on the 2nd floor. And in Ayala Mall departments with souvenirs and goods for tourists are scattered in various places of the shopping center, you just need to walk and choose.

If you still decide to stay in the city, then the best area to choose a hotel is the city center (downtown) in the area of the Shopping Center Ayala Mall (Ayala Mall on the map) or Mango Square Shopping Center (Mango on the map). In this area there are many hotels, travel agencies, currency exchange, shops, markets, parks and squares for walking, restaurants, bars with girls and boys. Also, these areas are convenient for developed transport: easy to reach from the airport, bus stations, Port. The easiest way to do this is to use a taxi: from the airport - 350 pesos, from the southern bus station - 100 pesos, from the northern bus station - 150, from the port – 120 pesos. It is cheaper to get here from the airport by airport bus My Bus for 50 pesos to the shopping center SM City Cebu (SM City Cebu on the map), and then for 8 pesos on a jeepney. From the port and bus station there are many jeepneys for 8 pesos.

You can find and book a hotel in Cebu City on these sites, or through the search form:

• 🛌 Search for hotels in Cebu City on Yandex.travel
• 🛌 Search for hotels in Cebu City on Booking.com
• 🛌 Search for hotels in Cebu City on Trip.com (💥 our choice)
• 🛌 Search for hotels on Ostrovok.ru

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Weather in Cebu, tourist seasons

You can go to Cebu island at any time, this year-round resort. It is always warm and sunny here, but the rainy season and the dry season stand out.

• The dry season runs from January to May. This is the best time to visit, there is little rain, the sky is clear, and it is not very hot.
• The rainy season lasts from June to December. The rainy season isn't really a big deal to visit, it's just that it rains more often than the dry season. But it is not as pronounced as in other tropical countries, where prolonged downpours can go for hours and even days. Usually precipitation here is abundant, but quickly ends. At this time, the sky is often covered with thick clouds, which, however, does not interfere with sunbathing and swimming.

Several times a year, typhoons or tropical storms hit the island, for example, in 2019 this happened 21 times. They occur mainly in the rainy season and affect the north of the island. In general, they do not greatly interfere with rest in Cebu City, but during the period of the strongest typhoons, ferry traffic is completely stopped for 1-3 days, and sometimes even evacuation is announced. It is not yet possible to predict the appearance of storms and typhoons for a long period, so just follow the forecasts before the trip, and make a decision immediately before leaving.

Seasons in Cebu by month, when it is better to go

Current weather in Cebu and forecast

How to get to Cebu City

Plane to Cebu

Cebu city can be reached by plane from other countries and cities in the Philippines, by ferries from cities in the Philippines. The city is one of the most important gates for tourists to enter the country through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and a large number of flights from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia are operated here. There are no direct flights from Russia and other countries of the former USSR, but you can easily fly with transfers. If you are already in the Philippines, It is easy to get from the cities of Cebu island by intercity and suburban buses, and from the neighboring islands it is easier and cheaper to sail by ferries or speedboats.

There is only one airport on the island – Mactan-Cebu International Airport (abbreviated MCIA, IATA code-CEB, website - https://mactancebuairport.com/, airport on map), and this is the main international entry gate to this part of the country. Flights are operated here from a large number of countries, mainly from Southeast Asia. There are no direct flights from Russia and other countries of the former USSR to Cebu, but it is convenient to get there by flights with transfers through Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Dubai. For sales, you can buy a ticket from Moscow in both directions from $600 (600 USD), the rest of the time the minimum price of the flight - 700 and above (700 USD). You can pick up tickets to Cebu airport or from the airport to the resorts of the Philippines using the search form:

Minimum prices for flights from Moscow to Cebu:

Minimum prices for flights from Russia to Cebu:

Long-distance buses to Cebu can be reached from the cities and resorts of the island. There are also flights from Bacolod and Dumaguete on the nearby island. Negros, including ferry+bus.

As for the timetable, most cheap buses run without a timetable to fill during the day and quite often. Only a few federal carriers with comfortable air-conditioned buses to long-distance destinations operate on schedule. But in general, you should not "bother" much about the schedule, and you can easily get to all major cities during daylight hours by simply arriving at the bus station and waiting for the departure of the next flight. By the way, buses run at night, only less often. For more information about the schedule and cost, see our sections about each of the resorts, or you can find summary information about branded buses (not about regular ones, there are no schedules for them) here - http://www.phbus.com/.

Cebu City is home to the country's largest seaport. A huge number of ferries arrive/depart in it, including international cruise ships. From here on the water you can get almost anywhere in the country, it's easier to list where not to get. But ferry travel is very long, so we recommend using air transport for long-distance destinations, especially since it is only slightly more expensive than sea transport. But for that. to get to the neighboring islands of Negros, Bohol, Camotes, Panay, etc., ferries are very useful.

Learn more about each method, how to get to Cebu City here...

Transport, how to move around the city

In Cebu City, there is a good public transport system of city buses and jeepneys (minibuses), but it is difficult to use them, since there is no complete route scheme. But in practice, this is not a very big problem, since locals and drivers are happy to help tourists, giving information on how and where to get. However, keep in mind that not everyone understands English, and may give incorrect information, it is better to double-check it with several people.

• Jeepneys and V-hire vans

  Cebu jeepney

  Jeepney (Jeepney) - this is equipped for the transportation of passengers old Jeeps. Minibuses v-hire-a more comfortable option, modern air-conditioned minivan. Both work as fixed-route taxis.

  Jeepney fare costs from 8 to 15 pesos, payment is made in cash to the driver. Stop for boarding and drop off passengers anywhere. You can stop the jeepney on the road for landing by hand, to get out, use the button inside the cabin.

  Sometimes to get from place to place, you need to make a transfer at an important transport hub. There are several such places:

  • SM City Cebu Jeepney Bay Terminal bus station next to SM City Cebu shopping center. Convenient for transfers when traveling from the airport to the city center or to one of the bus stations.
  • Bus station Ayala public utility vehicle Terminal near the Shopping Center Ayala. Convenient for transplanting when traveling around the city.
  • Stop Mactan Marina Mall near the Shopping Center Mactan Marina Mall. Located 15 minutes walk from the airport and convenient to get to/from it.
  • Stop near Parkmall shopping center. It is located on the way between the airport and the city center.

  Especially useful for tourists route-01K. Jeepneys on this route go very often, even at night. The fare is 8 pesos. Go from the Parkmall shopping center through the northern bus terminal, past the SM City Cebu shopping center, and to the southern bus terminal. Directly next to the southern bus terminal, they do not stop, you will need to walk 5 minutes on foot.

• City buses

  Cebu City bus

  MyBus city buses do not yet have a very developed network, only 5 routes. But they are enough to move between the airport, two bus stations, the port, and to the main transfer points. Information about routes and maps are available on the website - https://www.mybus.ph/. Travel costs from 25 to 50 pesos depending on the length of the trip on one route, i.e. when paying you need to say the destination. Payment is made in cash or a special top-up card.

  In addition to MyBus, there is also a convenient commercial route-Sugbo Tours buses. Comfortable air-conditioned buses from the airport to Cebu South Bus terminal. Depart approximately every hour from 05:00 to 21:00, cost 25 or 50 pesos depending on the distance of the trip (you need to say the destination).

• Taxi

  Cebu City Taxi

  Car taxis in Cebu City are very common. They are equipped with counters, the cost is regulated by the state at the rate of 40 pesos per landing, 13.5 pesos per 1 kilometer of travel and 2 pesos for every minute of travel, including parking or standing in traffic jams. As a result, short trips within the city will cost:

  • Up to 2 kilometers – 70 pesos (1.26 USD, see Philippine currency and exchange rate);
  • From 2 to 5 kilometers – 70-120 pesos (2.17 USD);
  • From 5 to 10 kilometers – 120-200 pesos (3.61 USD).

  You can catch a car on the street anywhere, order through hotel receptions. A great option is to order through Grab or JoyRide apps. You can immediately see the cost of the trip using them, and you can pay for it online with your linked bank card. It is not necessary to use the mobile internet to order, sometimes you can do with free Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, cafes.

• Tricycles, cycle rickshaws and motorcycle taxis

  Mactan Island tricycle

  Tricycles, cycle rickshaws and motorcycle taxis are prohibited in Cebu, found only on the outskirts and on Mactan Island. You can use the habal-habal motorcycle taxi, but they work unofficially as "bombers", and, of course, without meters, so agree on the price in advance before the trip. Bargain, if you are offered a trip more expensive than a taxi, this also happens. The price of a trip on Habal-habal or bicycle rickshaw should cost at least two times less than a taxi.

  Tricycles (trike) operate as fixed-route taxis on short routes. The price for a short trip for locals is 10 pesos.

• City ferry

  Mactan City ferry

  Cebu City has a Metroferry City ferry that runs between Pier 3 in the Seaport and Mactan Island (Mactan pier on the map). This is a very convenient route, as it allows bypassing the eternal traffic jams to be on the island of Mactan almost in the center of Lapu-Lapu. Already from here you can in turn get to the airport or hotels on the island by taxi, tricycles or jeepneys. What is more convenient, most of the attractions of Cebu City are located in the port area within walking distance, so if you are staying for a holiday on Mactan, then on the city ferry you can get acquainted with all the main city attractions during the day. Metroferry runs every 20-30 minutes during the day until about 22 hours. The journey is 20-30 minutes, the cost is 18 pesos + 2 pesos terminal fee.

  In 2019, another city ferry service, the Topline Express, was launched. It connects Pier 3 and a small marina on Maktan next to Maktan Marina Mall. Ferries run every hour from 05:00 to 20:00, the cost is 25 pesos, the journey is 30 minutes.

Attractions in Cebu, what to see

In Cebu City, there are very few attractions, all of them can be seen in one day. This is an old fort, several churches, the Cross of Magellan, and a couple of museums. Almost all the interesting places of Cebu are concentrated in the historical area next to the Seaport, and getting here, you can explore them all even on foot. It is most convenient to get to this area by taxi, but you can budget along the port by MyBus city bus from SM City Cebu Shopping Center for 25 pesos, by jeepney for 8 pesos, and from Mactan Island the fastest way is to take the Metroferry ferry or Topline Express (see about transport above).

In addition to sightseeing in Cebu City, you can buy one-or multi - day excursions to other attractions on the island. The most popular are tours for swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, trips to waterfalls, visiting the highest peak Osmene Peak. You can buy such excursions in travel agencies on the spot, or book online:

But what you can see directly in the city of Cebu with an indication of opening hours, costs and ways to get there:

• Magellan Cross

  Magellan's Cross

  This cross was erected on the island of Cebu in 1521 by Portuguese and Spanish sailors on the orders of Fernand Magellan, the first European to set foot in the Philippines. On the island of Cebu, he died at the hands of the leader of one of the local tribes of the island of Mactan. Magellan's Cross is one of the iconic landmarks and a revered place for the faithful. Locals believe that touching the cross cures all diseases, for which they put candles. The Cross is located in a small hexagonal chapel building on the square, inside you can enter.

  🕐 Working hours: from 08:00 to 19:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the Cross is located within walking distance from the seaport of Cebu opposite the entrance to the Basilica of Santo Niño (Magellan's cross on the map).

• Cathedral of Santo Niño / Basilica of Santo Niño

  Cathedral Of Santo Nino

  Cathedral of Santo Niño (Basilica of Santo Niño, or Basilica del Santo Niño, or Basilica of the Holy Child) – the most beautiful and important Catholic Cathedral of the city and island of Cebu, and possibly in the Philippines. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest in the country. Inside is the oldest Catholic shrine in the Philippines-The Statue of the infant Jesus Santo Niño, presented by Magellan to Queen Juana (Queen Juana). It is kept in a small chapel on the territory of the temple, and anyone can see it, although for this you will have to stand in line from believers. Also at the cathedral there is a small museum Santo Niño Museum, where the vestments and ornaments used as the outfit of the statue are stored.

  Tourists can freely visit and inspect the cathedral, take photos, but you need to follow the rules of behavior: take off your headdress, do not enter in shorts and miniskirts, do not make noise, do not use the phone. At the entrance, you can get a cape to cover your legs for free while visiting the temple.

  🕐 Working hours: the temple is open during the day seven days a week; Museum 08:00-11:45 and 13:30 -16:45, Wednesday is a day off.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free, entrance to the museum 30 pesos (0.54 USD).

  🚶 How to get there: the cathedral is within walking distance from the seaport of Cebu (Cathedral on the map).

  Cathedral Of Santo Nino
  Cathedral Of Santo Nino

• Fort San Pedro / Fort San Pedro

  Fort San Pedro

  A small Spanish Fort-fortress of triangular shape, founded in 1565, and perfectly preserved. On the territory you can walk, climb the fortress walls. In two separate rooms there are exhibitions of paintings and artifacts related to the history of the fortress and the city.

  🕐 Working hours: from 08:00 to 19:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 30 pesos (0.54 USD)

  🚶 How to get there: located within walking distance from the seaport of Cebu (Fort on the map).

• Cebu Museum / Museo Sugbo

  Cebu Museum

  Cebu museum, or Cebu Provincial Museum, or Museo Sugbo is a small Local History Museum of the province and the island of Cebu, the only such in the city. But do not confuse, earlier on this place in the building of the former prison there was a National Museum, but he moved to Manila many years ago, only the Provincial Museum remained. Museo Sugbo consists of three halls dedicated to different historical stages from the history of the province. Each exhibit has signatures duplicated in English.

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 30 pesos (0.54 USD)

  🚶 How to get there: located somewhat away from the rest of the attractions in the area, at 731 M. J. Cuenco Avenue. Walking distance from the port can be reached in 10-15 minutes (Museum on the map).

• Casa Gorordo Museum

  Casa Gorardo Museum

  The House Museum is located in the former estate of the influential Gorordo family, several generations of which have lived here since 1850. In 1979, the house was purchased by a public organization, and in 1983 it was opened to the public as a museum. Inside, the atmosphere of the XIX century dwelling of a wealthy family is recreated, the interior is perfectly preserved. The price includes a short sightseeing tour in English, after which you can walk around the house yourself.

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday is a day off.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 120 pesos (2.17 USD)

  🚶 How to get there: located at 35 Eduardo Aboitiz St (Museum on the map).

• Yap House Museum-Sandiego Ancestral House

  It is believed that this is the oldest house in the city, built in the XVII century, while perfectly preserved. Inside, the atmosphere of a traditional colonial dwelling of the XVII-XVIII centuries is recreated, a lot of antique items and furniture. Visited independently, excursion support is not provided.

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 19:00, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 50 pesos (0.9 USD)

  🚶 How to get there: located on Mabini St (Museum on the map).

• Chinese Taoist temple

  The largest Chinese temple in Cebu is located on a hill on the outskirts of the city. It does not represent anything special, but since there are no other places of worship of this religion in the city, it attracts the attention of tourists. in our opinion, it is not worth it to get to him in such a distance.

  🕐 Working hours: during daytime.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: located in the north of Cebu City on its outskirts (temple on the map), you will have to take a taxi or tricycle to get there.

• Crocolandia crocodile farm

  This is a small crocodile farm and Zoo, where in addition to the crocodiles themselves in cages you can see other exotic animals: peacocks, chameleons, turtles, deer, Python, and several species of birds. In our opinion, it is worth visiting here only if you have never been to such places before. Otherwise, you can safely skip the farm, because there are no shows with crocodiles, as in Thailand, for example, and it's quite far to get there.

  🕐 Working hours: from 09:00 to 17:00, seven days a week.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: adults-100 pesos, children-50 pesos.

  🚶 How to get there: Crocolandia is located far on the outskirts of the city in the Talisay District on Burgos St (farm on the map). Get there by taxi or tricycle.

• Tops Lookout

  The observation deck is located outside the city on a mountain, and from there there are wonderful views of the city and the coast, if you are only lucky. Especially popular is the observation deck among tourists and locals to meet the sunset (from 17 to 19 hours). There is also a cafe and even a swimming pool with a view.

  🕐 Working hours: from 10:00 to 23:00, It is best to visit during sunset from 17 to 19 hours. Keep an eye on the weather, because during cloud cover, which happens here very often, there is no point in visiting the site.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 100 pesos.

  🚶 How to get there: located far outside the city (observation deck on the map). You will have to go to it by taxi, from the center the trip will cost from 600 pesos in one direction. Taxi drivers take an increased price, and sometimes refuse to travel at all, because they will have to go up to the observation deck for a long time. Cheaper you can take a jeepney to the shopping center JY Square Mall, and there Hire a motorcycle taxi for 300 pesos in both directions.

• Local Carbon market

  This is one of the largest local colorful market, which is actually quite a lot in the city, but this is very conveniently located, so it is visited by tourists most often. You should not go here for shopping, but in order to feel the atmosphere and visit the real Asian Philippine market, although if you wish, you can buy some fruit, glutinous Pilit rice, and even souvenirs. Be prepared for dirt, stink, and overpriced prices for tourists, but you can and should bargain.

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: the market is located in the historic quarter just a few minutes walk from the Seaport (market on the map).