If you’re looking for a place full of fun and exciting things to do, Cebu is the perfect spot! Cebu is an island in the Philippines that has something for everyone. Whether you love the beach, enjoy delicious food, or want to see amazing animals, there are a lot of things to do in Cebu that will make your trip unforgettable.

The reason why Cebu is so attractive as a holiday destination is because it has almost everything for everyone. Culture lovers, nature admirers, and even thrilling seekers are very welcome here. Which one are you? And are you ready to discover all those great things to do in Cebu? Keep reading for more fun!

So, here are 5 of the most popular things to do in Cebu:

Location: Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours: 6 AM - 11 PM
Admission Fee: $ 2,06 for weekdays, $ 2,58 for weekends

Visiting the Temple of Leah is probably the current most popular thing to do in Cebu. Well, the journey to the Temple of Leah would be so memorable—as the backstory of the temple that will forever linger in your mind.

The Temple of Leah was built in 2012. Have you ever heard of the Taj Mahal being a proof of love from the husband to his wife? The Temple of Leah has the same theme. It’s romantic, actually. With the strong style of Roman’s building (well castles, from our point of view), Teodorico Soriano Adarna said that this building is strongly inspired by the majestic Parthenon of Greece, and specially made to commemorate his late wife, Leah Albino Adarna. Their marriage lasted for 53 years, until the wife passed away.

You can see the collections of things that used to be hers: books, antiques, and a lot of memorabilia from their trip together. All of them took the best care inside this majestic building, which not only offers the great ambience, but also the great scenic view of Cebu because it is located on top of the hill. Even from the trip there you can start admiring the view, and enjoying the cooler weather. Don’t skip this destination!

Location: P. Burgos St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM
Admission Fee: Free

The next thing to do in Cebu is visiting Magellan’s Cross to have the enriching experience of Cebu’s history and culture. Magellan's Cross is housed in a small, octagonal pavilion or kiosk located near the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu City.

The pavilion is made of stone and features open arches, allowing visitors to view the cross from all sides. It also has a touch of Spanish colonial architectural style, especially on the roof.

Exploring Magellan’s Cross will be an experience. Its ambience is different from anywhere else. Explore the chapel that features beautiful paintings depicting the arrival of Magellan and the planting of the cross. While you see them, you’re going to feel the goosebumps for its splendor.

To make it easier, why don’t you join the Cebu City Historical Street and Food Walking Tour? That way, you can experience all of them with a guided tour too!

Location: Alegría, Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Admission Fee: Check Badian Kawasan Falls and Canyoneering Adventure to join the tour!

You can get engaged with nature while you’re in Cebu. In fact, exploring nature is the must-try thing to do in Cebu! One of the famous nature destinations is the beautiful Kawasan Falls.

Get ready to be mesmerized by the turquoise waters that feel so refreshing–and wait until you dip in! Even more refreshing with the sound of the cascading waterfalls and the view of the lush greenery around. It could be your heaven.

If you’re adventurous enough, you can do a lot of things here, starting from canyoneering (Kawasan Falls has great rock formations too), swimming, rafting, and hiking. Suit up with the best shoes and clothing, and have fun in nature!

Location: Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, 6023 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours: 6 AM - 12 PM
Admission Fee: Check Oslob Whale Shark Watching 1-Day Join-In Tour (from Cebu)!

Are you brave enough to encounter whale sharks? Closely? Well then, plan to visit Oslob and make meeting the whale sharks as your thing to do in Cebu. Meet this largest fish as you snorkel, scuba dive, or swim. Don’t worry, these giants are gentle. They have no threats to humans. The locals called them “butanding”.

Relax, before you actually swim with the whale sharks, you will get some briefing from the guide so you’ll know how to interact respectfully with them. Then, you will ride a boat and get to the middle of the clear Oslob waters. If you arrive at the point, you can jump in the water and meet this up to 40 feet creature that will swim around you gracefully. Don't panic, just join along gracefully too!

Of course it’s going to be an unforgettable moment. Swimming with the whale sharks have invited a lot of tourists from all over the world to come and experience it by themselves. Maybe now it’s your turn!

When visiting Cebu, make sure to explore its rich and diverse culinary landscape, which is an essential part of the island’s cultural experience. Cebu’s food scene offers a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous Filipino cuisines. This gastronomic journey will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a deeper understanding of Cebu’s history and traditions—making it a mandatory thing to do in Cebu.

One of the must-try dishes in Cebu is Lechon, often hailed as the best roasted pig in the Philippines. Its crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat have earned it a spot on every foodie’s list. Another iconic dish is Sutukil, an acronym for “sugba” (grill), “tuwa” (stew), and “kilaw” (raw ceviche), typically featuring fresh seafood caught daily. For a unique snack, try Puso, rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves, which pairs perfectly with grilled dishes.

Also, don’t miss the opportunity to taste Danggit, sun-dried salted fish that is a popular breakfast item, best enjoyed with rice and vinegar. For a sweet treat, indulge in Dried Mangoes, a famous Cebu delicacy that is both delicious and easy to bring home as a souvenir. Otap, a crispy, flaky pastry sprinkled with sugar, is another local favorite perfect for a quick snack.

To find those menus is very easy. They spread everywhere! But if we must recommend something to you, we do want you to visit House of Lechon for the best Lechon you’ll ever taste.

With so many things to do in Cebu, it is definitely going to be a fun time with your friends and families. Look for the best hotel in Cebu and book it on Traveloka as your lifestyle super app! Get the best price, also for attraction tickets and your flight to and from Cebu. Have the best holiday!