Things to Do in Cebu: 12 Places & 4–5 Day Itineraries
Twelve Cebu and Bohol sights checked against the Philippine Department of Tourism, the Cebu and Bohol provincial tourism offices and the basilica, plus 4-day and 5-day plans grouped by area.
Itineraries
4 days
Day 1 · Downtown Cebu City
Basilica Minore del Santo NiñoMagellan's CrossFort San PedroTOPS and Busay highlands
Day 2 · Badian & Moalboal
Day 3 · Mactan
Day 4 · Downtown museum
5 days
Day 1 · Downtown Cebu City
Basilica Minore del Santo NiñoMagellan's CrossFort San PedroCasa Gorordo MuseumTOPS and Busay highlands
Day 2 · Southeast coast
Day 3 · Badian & Moalboal
Day 4 · Bohol
Day 5 · Mactan
Things to do 12
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Church founded in 1565 by the Augustinians; the present building was completed in 1739–1740. The church and its Santo Niño image were declared National Cultural Treasures in 2021. A museum is in the basement of the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center.
- Time needed
- about 1 hour
- Getting there
- Corner of Osmeña Blvd. and P. Burgos St., Cebu City
Magellan's Cross
Site in the basilica complex commemorating the cross raised in Cebu by Magellan's expedition in 1521. The octagonal coral-stone pavilion dates from 1834; it was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2021.
- Time needed
- about 20 minutes
- Getting there
- Within the Basilica del Santo Niño complex
Fort San Pedro
Spanish-era fort on the city's historic waterfront, with stone walls, courtyards and exhibits.
- Time needed
- about 40 minutes
Casa Gorordo Museum
Heritage house museum showing the lifestyle of a prominent Cebu family in the Spanish colonial period, with period furniture and architecture.
- Time needed
- about 1 hour
TOPS and Busay highlands
Hilltop lookout with views of the city skyline, coastline and nearby islands, plus dining. The surrounding Busay highlands have flower gardens.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Monument to Lapu-Lapu, who led the victory at the Battle of Mactan in 1521, near the shore where the battle took place.
- Time needed
- about 30 minutes
Mactan island hopping
Boat trip from Mactan to nearby islands with white-sand beaches and coral gardens for snorkelling. Tours are run by private operators.
- Time needed
- half day to a full day
Oslob whale shark watching
Oslob is known for whale shark watching. The municipality also lists Tumalog Falls, the Cuartel ruins and the Sumilon sandbar among its attractions.
- Time needed
- half day (plus travel)
- Getting there
- About 116 km south of Cebu City. Take a bus bound for Oslob or Santander from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Osmeña Peak
Hiking peak listed by both Dalaguete and Badian. The provincial tourism office runs sunrise hikes here in its southern tour programs.
- Time needed
- half day (plus travel)
- Getting there
- Dalaguete is about 84 km south of Cebu City, about 3 hours by bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Kawasan Falls
Turquoise waterfall in Badian, also the end point of canyoneering trips. It is managed by the Province of Cebu under a 2024 ordinance that limits each visit to 3 hours (1-hour extension with approval).
- Hours
- Daily 6:00–18:00 per the 2024 provincial ordinance (no entry after 15:00; may close for clean-up or safety)
- Fee
- Tourist fee PHP 200 per person per the 2024 ordinance (the province may change it)
- Time needed
- up to 3 hours
- Getting there
- About 100 km southwest of Cebu City; about 3–4 hours by bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal, about 3 hours by car.
Moalboal sardine run & Pescador Island
A short swim from the shore, large schools of sardines gather year-round. The marine sanctuary has coral reefs and sea turtles, and Pescador Island offshore is a reef dive site.
- Time needed
- half day
- Getting there
- About 90 km southwest of Cebu City; 3–3.5 hours by car. Buses to Moalboal leave the Cebu South Bus Terminal (fare PHP 120–150).
Chocolate Hills
Cone-shaped limestone hills covering 14,435 ha in central Bohol, a National Geological Monument. The Department of Tourism notes a 200-step climb to the viewing deck; the hills turn green in the rainy season.
- Time needed
- a full day including the Bohol crossing
Good to know
- Under the 2024 provincial ordinance, Kawasan Falls is open 6:00–18:00, admits no one after 15:00 and charges a PHP 200 tourist fee.
- Canyoneering in Cebu requires an accredited guide, one guide per tourist as a rule.
- The provincial tourism office recommends December–May (dry season) for diving, canyoneering and trekking; rain from June to November can affect outdoor activities.
- Buses to Oslob, Dalaguete, Badian and Moalboal leave from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
- Heritage sites can change opening arrangements for repairs or events. Check before you go.
- The Sinulog festival is held on the third Sunday of January.
FAQ
How much is Kawasan Falls?
The 2024 provincial ordinance sets a PHP 200 tourist fee per person, which the province may change. Visits are limited to 3 hours.
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Oslob?
The provincial tourism office names December to May, when the sea is calmest.
How far are Moalboal and Oslob from Cebu City?
Moalboal is about 90 km (3–3.5 hours by car) and Oslob about 116 km, per the provincial tourism office.
Do I need a guide for canyoneering?
Yes. The provincial ordinance does not allow canyoneering without an accredited guide. Hours are 6:00–18:00.
When is Sinulog?
On the third Sunday of January each year, in honour of the Santo Niño.