Cebu City Hotels

While Cebu's native roots trace back thousands of years, it's a notable fact that Ferdinand Magellan set foot in what is now the city proper in 1521. Magellan's Cross is now the most significant landmark in the city today and can be found in a chapel next to the 16th century Basilica of Santo Niño. Cebu, both province and city, celebrates many important religious holidays with colorful festivals and processions. The most famous is the Sinulog Festival, held every January.

Cebu City History

• Magellan Cross – Found in the centre of the city under an old stone dome to protect it from the elements.
• Fort San Pedro – This historic place was built by the Spaniards and has survived until today, including a museum with insight into the days of old, a park and a view of the incoming ships.
• Taoist Temple – This site overlooks Cebu City and beyond and is home to the teachings of the philosopher Lao-Tse.
• Heritage of Cebu Monument – Found in Plaza Parain, it showcases many events from the history of Cebu.
• Colon Street – Built by the Spanish and named after Christopher Columbus, this street is now located in centre of Cebu and is part of the bright nightlife with theatres, restaurants, stores and more.

Cebu City Art & Culture

• Sinulog – A weeklong celebration starting on the third Sunday in January with much street activity, dancing and a long parade.
• Julian Jumalon’s Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery –This is the oldest butterfly collection in the country and home to the Lepido Mosaic Art Collection.
• Provincial Capital – A beautiful sight in Cebu City, especially by night, designed as a small-scale version of the White House.
• Heritage of Cebu – A large monument detailing the history of Cebu from the days of the Spanish through the American colonial time period.
• Rose Ong Orchid Collection – This beautiful, unique collection of orchids is the largest in the area.

Cebu City Shopping

• SM City Cebu – The biggest mall in the city of Cebu City with a four-level shopping area.
• Ayala Centre – A high-class shopping centre under a six-story domed building.
• St Patrick’s Square – An outdoor shopping mall that includes a number of great bakeries and cafes.
• Habagat – The best place to go if you are in the market for outdoor or sports supplies.
• Carbon Market – A local market where visitors can find all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing and household items.

Cebu City Gay & Lesbian

• The Host 78 – A great place to go for an evening of enjoyment.
• Tarzan Boy – An evening bar in Cebu City with male dancers.
• Naughty Ka Restobar – A night restaurant and bar that promises a fun evening.
• Milkman Hostobar – A small place with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
• The Navigator – A macho dancing bar with good-looking dancers.

Attractions

• Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
• Fort San Pedro
• Lapu Lapu Shrine
• Taoist Temple
• Magellan's Cross

Activities

• Mantawi Festival
• Sinulog Festival
• Semana Santa
• Virgin of the Rule Fiesta
• Paskuhan

Restaurants

• Pier One
• Lemon Grass
• Manuel's
• Krua Thai
• Spice Fusion

Nightlife

• El Gecko
• Ratsky
• Wineshop
• Sun City
• Crossroads

Climate

Cebu has a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rain from May to November and average temperatures between 22°C and 33°C.