You’ll find many intriguing places to visit in Cebu, especially for adrenaline junkies who love waterfall jumping, rappelling, rock climbing, and canyoning. Cebu is a small island off the Philippines’ central province. There are more than 168 islands and islets in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Cebu is one of them.

Cebu is a popular beach vacation spot, with most activities centred on the sun, sea, and sand. Nothing compares to Cebu, the Queen City of the South and the country’s oldest city, in terms of tourist attractions in the Philippines. Here you’ll find some of the best places to visit in Cebu, Philippines.

1. Temple Of Leah

The Temple of Leah is Cebu’s “Taj Mahal,” which is one of Cebu’s most iconic attractions. Because of its romantic roots and the grandeur of the street, it is well-known around the world. Furthermore, the temple was inspired by Greek and Roman architecture.

The design of this Taj Mahal in Cebu includes colossal lion statues and a majestic stairway with brass angels. When Teodorico Soriano Adarna built it, he wanted it to show how much he loved his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. Thus, the Temple of Leah is one of the must-see places to visit in Cebu, Philippines.

2. Sumilon Island

On Sumilon Island, which is also a part of a marine protected area, divers may expect to see blacktip sharks, sea creatures, and a variety of corals. The island touts its green forest enclosing it and is proud of its beach area and moving sandbar aside from its crystal-clear water and fecund marine life. Not only that but there are also trekking routes to explore the island and explore the water surrounding it as well as distant islands.

3. Oslob

Oslob is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cebu, Philippines, and it is a stunning tourist attraction, with over a hundred thousand visitors visiting to swim with the whale sharks each year. You can find Whale sharks near the town of Oslob. These massive sea creatures are not the terrible sharks we’ve seen in movies. You can go shark snorkelling and diving with the herds, and there several shark tour operators who can guarantee sightings and diving equipment.

4. Sirao Garden

Sirao Garden, also known as Little Amsterdam, is a favourite hangout for Filipinos who enjoy taking photos and meeting up with other young people and bloggers. The location is decorated with a variety of colourful flowers and one-of-a-kind decorations. The colourful blooms of Sirao Garden will surely make you want to whip out your camera, and you can take thousands of photos during your sightseeing tour in Cebu.

5. Badian

Badian is another one of the incredible places to visit in Cebu, Philippines. The town of Badian provides easy access to several splendid natural gems. There are lovely beaches, intriguing mangroves. Badian is one of Cebu’s most well-known places. Asia’s second-longest twin cable zip line is now accessible to the Badian visitor centre near Kawasan Falls.

6. Osmena Peak

The highest point on the island, Osmena Peak, is one of the best places to visit in Cebu, Philippines. At around sunrise, most people go to Osmena Peak to look at the beautiful sunrise. Hiking up to the summit of Osmena Peak is a straightforward 700-meter ascent that is suitable for even inexperienced hikers. The trek is well marked, and it takes less than half an hour.

If you want to take a picture, you could also do it in the morning or before sunset because of the lighting. Also, you can try to visit during the weekdays rather than the weekends, as Osmena Peak may get quite crowded with tourists during the weekends and holidays.

7. Taoist Temple

The Cebu Taoist Temple is a well-known landmark and one of the best places to visit in Cebu. It has a stunning view of the city skyline and the blue ocean that separates the capital from Mactan Island. This temple is ideal for escaping the city and breathing some fresh air. If you have difficulty ascending stairs or steps, you may have difficulty reaching the top of the temple.

8. Kawasan Falls

The most well-known attraction in Badian is Kawasan Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with distinctive blue water. After camping at Osmena Peak, some hikers continue to Kawasan Falls. Tourists are accompanied by certified local guides who support activities like strolling, leaping, swimming, climbing, and abseiling through streams. For those who are visiting Cebu, Kawasan Falls is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit Cebu, Philippines.

9. Ayala Center

Ayala Center Cebu is a major retail mall with all the amenities needed to have a great day in Cebu when it rains. There’s no risk of being hungry at mealtimes in Cebu because there are over 40 dining places to choose from.

At present, 90,000 people visit the Ayala centre daily, with over 130,000 visiting on weekends. People visit this place for different reasons and purposes, such as relaxing, shopping, or eating. Others go there to meet up with people or watch a movie.

10. Fort San Pedro

This is the country’s smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort that functioned as an army barracks, a Philippine rebel stronghold, a jail, and a municipal zoo. It is presently a historical landmark and designated as the most important historical Cebu attraction.

The fort is triangular with two sea-facing sides that span 22000 square meters. There are various objects on display, including Spanish papers, sculptures, and paintings. You can also enjoy a picnic within the fort or stroll along the pathways on the fort’s three bastions.

11. Ancestral House

This is one of the unmissable places to visit in Cebu, Philippines. An ancestral house is a hamlet or location where your ancestors formerly resided. Visiting an ancestral house, walking where your ancestors trod, putting their experience in context can be a life-changing approach to connect with your history. You can see old paintings, furniture, and antiquities bought by merchants from the 16th to the 19th centuries may be found throughout the home, transforming it into a type of museum. You’ll have a tour guide who speaks English. They’ll show you around the house, telling interesting stories and facts about each room.