We could have just revisited the lechon places one more time and called it a day on our second visit to Cebu, but this time we decided to take in the scene a bit more. For people like me who were born and raised in Manila, looking at a place like Cebu feels so strange yet familiar at the same time.
It would probably take us a bunch of lists just to exhaust the sheer number of tourist spots within Cebu City, but here are our honest opinions about 8 of the most popular that just so happen to be near enough to each other.
8. Cross of Magellan
This spot commemorates the “discovery” of the Philippines, except clearly, there were a lot of people already living in the islands well before colonialism became a thing.
Our Take: It’s cool – for all five seconds. Afterward, you realize that aside from the cross itself, very little about the immediate area feels particularly historic, and you quickly move on.
7. Fort San Pedro
This quaint little fort is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines, constructed in 1565. It’s fairly standard if you’ve seen Fort Santiago or Intramuros, but it still has its own charm, and even has its very own Memory Lane where you can hang out with Ovation Productions, Engelbert Humperdinck, and The Platters (no, not really).
Our Take: It’s great! It’s a compact version of the Intramuros tour for those with short attention spans, so you’re done with it and moving right along before you get bored.
6. Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu
Being the oldest Catholic church in the country is not an achievement to scoff at, so the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino is a must for anyone who considers visiting Cebu a pilgrimage of sorts as well.
Our Take: This is a bit of a step above the Cross of Magellan given how Cebu really loves the Sto. Nino. It’s still a bit limited in what it has to offer, but if you’re the pilgrimage-loving type, you probably wouldn’t really care.
5. Sugbo Mercado
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Food, food, and more food — all in one place. Well, multiple places by now, but you get the idea. This is Cebu’s answer to all the Mercato’s and Banchetto’s going around in Metro Manila, and what an answer, considering how well-known Cebu is for their street food.
Our Take: There’s always something new and interesting here for anyone who is looking for a culinary adventure, so it’s always a must-visit whenever you’re within the area. You won’t regret it.
4. Sky Experience Adventure
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Wanted to live on the edge? The Sky Experience Adventure is simply the way to go, atop Crown Regency Hotel. You can walk across a transparent glass rooftop walkway, zipline, and even ride their infamous edge coaster. Perfect for anyone remotely afraid of heights!
Our Take: This is one of the most exciting things you could be doing in Cebu. Unless you don’t think your heart can take it, this is a can’t-miss. Just like all that lechon!
3. Temple of Leah
Built in 2012, this modern-day Taj Mahal is literally a temple built in honor of Leah Albino-Adarna by her husband of 53 years, Teodorico Soriano Adarna. And yes, if you’re asking, those are Ellen Adarna’s grandparents.
Our Take: When you bring your date to a temple literally built by somebody for the one they love, it’s kind of hard to think of a gesture to top it. This tourist spot is a way for us mere mortals to learn about how to manage expectations.
2. Anjo World Theme Park
A theme park in Cebu! What more needs to be said?
Our Take: A theme park, period! What more needs to be said? Theme parks are few and far in between in the entire Philippines, so you’d be remiss to pass on this one if the opportunity presents itself!
1. Sirao Flower Gardens
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The Sirao Flower Gardens is a visual spectacle that needs to be experienced. From the flowers that look like burning flames called celiosas to the elaborate structures littered all over the place, Sirao Flower Gardens is easily one of the most-hyped places to visit in Cebu that doesn’t involve food. But is it really worth the trip?
Our Take: Absolutely. Inasmuch as we were thinking we’d be talking trash about half the sights in Cebu like some jaded tourists, it turns out that with the exception of Magellan’s Cross, Cebu really has some great spots on offer for anyone who’d care to make the trip.
Have you visited any of these Cebu City tourist spots? What’s your take on these spots? Tell us about it in the comments.
