12 Places to Visit in Cebu City (the Queen of the South)

                  The City of Cebu is the center for commerce and trade in Visayas, Philippines. It is also considered as one of the most livable cities in the country. Cebu is a metropolis because it’s not as crowded and polluted as Metro Manila. The cost of living like meals, accommodation, etc. in the city is also more affordable than in most urbanized cities in the Philippines. 

            The province of Cebu is known for its beautiful islands, white sand beaches, luxury resorts, scuba dive sites, and historical spots. But before or after you head to the different tourist spots in the province, you’ll most likely stay in Cebu City. 
           To make the most of your time in Cebu, check out the following places to visit and things to do in the "Queen City of the South."

1.  Fort San Pedro

            Visit Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro to have a glimpse of Cebu’s rich history. The work on the fort was first started on May 8, 1565 by Spanish and indigenous Cebuanos under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi. Fort San Pedro is located in Plaza  Indepedencia in the pier area of Cebu City. With an entrance fee of only P30, you can  already tour inside the fort and travel back in time to the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines.

2.  Basilica del Santo Niño

            Just a quick walk from Fort San Pedro, you can already reach the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, commonly known as Santo Niño Church. Considered as the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, it was built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu was found in 1565 by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. For Catholic devotees, the church is called the “Mother and Head of all Churches in the Philippines” by the Holy See.

3.  Magellan’s Cross

            Located next to Sto. Niño Church, is the chapel where the Magellan’s Cross is housed. The Cross is a Christian cross planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Sugbu (the former name of Cebu) to celebrate the Roman Catholic baptism of Rajah Humabon, his wife Queen Juana, and some of their followers on April 21, 1521.

4.  Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

           Still near Fort San Pedro and Sto. Niño Church is another Catholic church that you should not miss to visit while in Cebu City. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, also called as  The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and St. Vitalis, is the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. The cathedral was first constructed in 1689, completed in 1909, and rebuilt in 1950 after it was almost destroyed  during World War 2.

5.  The Heritage of Cebu Monument

           A short walk from Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, you will find the prestigious Heritage of Cebu Monument. Located in the original Plaza Parain in Colon Street, Cebu City, the landmark is a tableau of monumental sculptures showcasing the most important events in the history of Cebu from the time of Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calunsod. The monument is a work of national artist Edgardo Castrillo. It was started in July 1997 and inaugurated on December 8, 2000.

6.  The Taoist Temple

        From Cebu downtown you can ride a taxi to visit and behold the beauty of The Taoist  Temple. Located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, the Taoist Temple is one of the  most popular tourist spots in the city. It was built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community, and is the center of worship for Taoism. The temple is open for worshippers and tourists. You have to take a lot of steps to reach the temple, hence, make sure you still have the energy to go on.

7.  Cebu Provincial Capitol Building

         If you’re in Cebu City, don’t miss paying a visit to Cebu Provincial Capitol Building. The Capitol building is one of the most beautifully built provincial capitol buildings in the Philippines. Hence, don’t miss to take a picture with it as your souvenir.

8.  SM City Cebu

        If you’re planning to stay longer in Cebu and if you love malling, you can spend some time to shop, dine and watch movies (experience IMAX) in SM City Cebu. It is the fourth largest shopping malls in the Philippines, next to SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia.

9.  Ayala Center

         Ayala Center is also a great place to shop and do your malling time in Cebu City. It is located in Cebu Business Park. This garden and park themed mall with the signature Ayala landscaping can be a perfect place for dining, beverage trip or just hanging out for a great Friday and weekend nights.

10.  Cebu IT Park

            Cebu IT Park is not only an Information Technology and Communication hub and a home to major global BPO companies but is also a major lifestyle and recreation  destination in Cebu City. The park has a great selection of restaurants, cafes, bars, wellness centers and retail stores. Most employees who are in the BPO industry are  working in the graveyard shift, thus, the place comes livelier during the night. So if you want to experience Cebu’s nightlife, don’t forget to include the park in your bucket list.

11.  Mactan Shrine

        Mactan Shrine is not located within Cebu City but don’t miss the opportunity to visit the 20-meter tall monument of Rajah Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero who was responsible for defeating the Spaniards and killing Spanish Conquistador Ferdinand Magellan during the battle of Mactan in April 27, 1521. Mactan Shrine is located in Punta Engano Section of Lapu Lapu City in Mactan Island.

12.   Don’t forget to buy pasalubong          

        Cebu offers several delicacies for your pasalubong back home. You can visit any of the branches of Shamrock to buy Cebu’s top native delicacies, such as Otap, dried mangoes and Rosquillos. Cebu also takes pride as the home of the country’s best Lechon makers. Cebu’s Lechon, especially Lechon Belly or  the Boneless Lechon is also one of the specialties you shouldn’t miss to try during your visit in the city.

         KAYA ANO PANG HINIHINTAY NIYO, TARA NA'T BISITAHIN ANG QUEEN OF THE SOUTH THE "CEBU CITY".