Things to see and do Cebu

Opposite City Hall. This famous tree was planted by Magellan on April 4, 1521, to mark the spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana, were baptized by Brother Pedro Valderama. Some 400 of their descendants followed in their footsteps. The cross is protected by a basilica dating from 1565, which some believe to be the first Christian church in the Philippines. All Southern jeepneys, direction Banawa, Guadalupe, Basak, Labangon, Pardo, etc., lead to the Santo Niño church and the Magellan cross.

This mansion, built in 1850 and once owned by the Gorordo family, bears witness to the way of life of wealthy families in the ^19th century during the Spanish era. There are few reminders of Cebu's past, as there has been a lot of destruction, so it's great to be able to wander through the period furniture, paintings and porcelain. You can enjoy a cool cup of coffee in the courtyard and stock up on souvenirs in the museum store. A very interesting and interactive visit to better grasp the evolutions through the ages.

Superb, next to Magellan's Cross, in the town center. The present structure was built in 1602 after being ravaged by fire. The original structure (1565) was made of wood. The basilica houses the Santo Niño relic, the oldest Christian treasure in the Philippines, given by Magellan in 1521 to Queen Juana. Filipinos queue up to pay homage to this statue (it's a mad rush on Sundays and during the Sinulog festival).

The country's oldest fort is also its smallest, with walls no more than 6 m high and 2.50 m thick. Close to the port, it was built in 1565 by Miguel López de Legazpi in response to Moro attacks and indigenous revolts. It was converted into a college under American rule, at a time when Cebuanos were receiving a classical education. During the Second World War, it was used as a fortification by Japanese soldiers. The fort has preserved its ^16th-century cannons intact. Ideal for a moment of relaxation during a visit to the center.

This is one of the favourite outs of waray youth. You have to go there before dark to admire the sunset. Panoramic view of Cebu city centre, Mactan and Bohol. The freshness of the night, from the top of the hill of Busay, is valuable.

It would be a shame to miss the Cebu's Casino Filipino at the top of Nivel Hills, adjacent to the Cebu Plaza. Roulette rotates and pesos go to dawn (open from 16 am to 4 pm).

A passport must be provided to return. The 2 and 5 P coins are accepted by slot machines (flip are forbidden).

One of the best views of the city! Situated at the top of Busay Hill, Tops is an excellent vantage point overlooking Cebu city, the bay and the islands of Mactan and Olango. In the early morning mist, during the day or for the evening lights, the superb panorama is well worth the trip. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. For your information, since the end of 2022 and until around the end of 2023, the site has been closed to the public for renovation, so check before you go to make sure it's reopened.

This imposing temple bears witness to the presence of a sizeable Chinese community on the island since the ^16th century. In the past, these merchants intermarried with the Spanish elite, and despite the vicissitudes of history, many of their descendants are still established on the island. Located in the Beverly Hills district - so named because it is home to the city's wealthiest residents - the temple is reached by taking a Jeepney signposted "Lahu Lahu". It is one of Cebu's most visited non-Catholic religious buildings.

This museum, named in honor of the national hero, houses recent works by Cebuanos painters (around 100), sculptures, antiques and some archaeological remains. Concerts and plays are held in the main hall. On the first floor, the recently refurbished Rizal Library houses over 14,000 volumes of books and journals, interesting works for learning more about Cebuanos history and culture.

Between 1871 and 2004, this building housed one of the main prisons in the Visayas. Today, it is the Cebu Provincial Museum. Through different galleries, it presents the rich history and culture of the province of Cebu from pre-colonial times to the present. In addition to being culturally interesting, the place is a true haven of peace in the city. A stopover that should please art and history lovers or simply those who wish to learn more about their vacation spot.