What Are The Best Tourist Attractions in Cebu, Philippines?

Situated in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu is a vibrant city and is home to some of the country’s best beaches, coasts and dive sites. With so much to see, explore and do, it can be daunting to understand which of Cebu’s attractions are worth visiting. Therefore, to help you pick out the best, we present this guide to the top tourist attractions in Cebu—from diving and whale shark-watching to trendy Tops Lookout and great churches.

Cebu Cathedral

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the city of Cebu City is the Cebu Cathedral. Situated near the coast, it is an important part of the city’s religious heritage. The cathedral focuses on the splendor of Baroque architecture and provides a great place for sightseeing. Built during the colonial era by Spanish settlers, it is part of a series of impressive structures located in the city. The Cebu Cathedral has become a place of pilgrimage and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Containing both religious and cultural significance, the Cebu Cathedral has become an iconic landmark. The structure is home to venerated relics and holds Masses every day. Visitors are invited to tour the grounds and get an intimate view of this beautiful structure. There are also plenty of souvenir shops located around the vicinity, perfect for those looking to commemorate their visit.

Mactan Shrine

The Mactan Shrine is one of Cebu’s most important cultural sites. Located on Mactan island, on the other side from Cebu City, it honors Lapu-Lapu – a local ruler who bravely fought for independence against Spanish conquistadors. Its construction consecrates the site where Lapu Lapu won the famous Battle of Mactan way back in 1521. The Mactan Shrine contains a larger than life bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu, looking over the bay. Its 15 meter-high columns signify Lapu Lapu’s chivalrous spirit and dignified courage as he battled against what appeared to be an unstoppable enemy. The statue is connected to a small bridge, which contains beautiful red and white arches. The commemoration of Lapu-Lapu’s struggle against hegemonic power has made this shrine popular with visitors to Cebu. You can learn more about its history and its significance here.

Tops Lookout

Tops Lookout is one of the newest additions to Cebu’s tourist attractions—a café built 400 meters above sea level. Offering panoramic views of the city, Tops Lookout is a great spot for sightseeing and enjoying nature’s bounty. The observation deck lies in the hills of Busay—just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Cebu City. Tourists can expect to see lush greenery combined with fantastic views of Mactan Channel and even Bohol Island in the distance! The café has become quite trendy with locals and tourists alike, with many flocking here for weekend hikes, birthdays and even prenuptial shoot events. With lots of picturesque landmarks such as Sirao Gardens and the Temple of Leah nearby, you’re sure to capture some delightful shots with its mesmerizing backdrop. On sunny days, you can even enjoy an ice cream cone from Tops Lookout’s outdoor café! Check out our website for more information about Tops Lookout.

Simala Shrine

The Virgin Mary statue at Simala Shrine has captured numerous devotees’ hearts over the years with her gentle gaze and warm embrace. Located within Marian Hills in Sibonga town (one hour away from Cebu City), Simala Shrine is among the most awe-inspiring sites within Cebu’s landscape and makes for a nice day trip destination outside city limits. Thanks to its unspoiled natural surroundings, Simala Shrine continues to attract numerous devotees—particularly those going through difficult times seeking a source of spiritual comfort. Despite having been established in 1998 by volunteers, it has since become a prized destination full of healing virtues credited to its miraculous powers. You can read more about its history and miraculous features here.

Sumilon Island Sandbar

Sumilon Island Sandbar can be found just off Sumilon Island—the first marine protected area in the Philippines (not far from Oslob). Home to vibrant coral reefs and mangrove forests, as well as beeswax-producing hives, Sumilon Island offers loads to explore and discover. The sandbar stretches from 250 metres up to a kilometer into the waters, providing stunning views and inviting visitors to relax while admiring the scenery or taking a dip in its crystal-clear waters.The sandbar boasts clear visibility where you’ll find corals, fish and marine life. Additionally — depending on your preference — there are numerous other activities around Sumilon Island that visitors can partake in such as kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking and beach volleyball. If you would like to learn more, you can read our guide on exploring Sumilon Island here.

Whale Shark Watching in Oslob

Whale Sharks—the world’s largest fish species—are an incredible sight to behold! Located about two hours away from Cebu City is the town of Oslob where you’ll discover several of these majestic creatures swimming gracefully through its waters. It has become a hotspot for activity since operators began offering Whale Shark watching tours in 2011 (now one of Cebu’s best attractions). Whale Sharks may appear intimidating at first — with their sheer size — but they are gentle giants that pose no threat to tourists or boat crews on their watch trips (they tend to migrate away from vessels that come too close). You are free to swim alongside these giant beauties but must maintain a safe distance (approx 4 meters) — that means no touching or grabbing — as they continue to feed in Oslob bay on krill, small fish and plankton throughout the day. To find out more about whale sharks and this amazing experience, have a look at our guide on Whale Shark watching in Oslob.

Conclusion

Cebu has plenty to offer visitors when it comes to memorable experiences and attractions—from pristine beaches and incredible diving spots to famous religious sites such as Sumilon Island Sandbar and Tops Lookout café overlooking it all from atop its lush hillsides. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion or simply want to relax away from it all, there really is something for everyone in this vibrant part of the Philippines—and we’ve only just scratched the surface!