24 Hours in Cebu: Top 5 Things to Eat, See, and Do

Cebu City boasts a myriad of must-see destinations and unforgettable experiences that cater to the interests of every kind of traveler. History buffs can visit Mactan Shrine to learn more about Lapu-Lapu and the Battle of Mactan. Nature lovers can hike to and swim in the gorgeous Budlaan Falls. Adventure seekers can get a unique view of the city on a skywalk that’s 127-meters high.

With so many things to see and do in the city, it may take you several days to explore the best things Cebu has to offer. However, even if you only have 24 hours to experience the Queen City of the South, there are plenty of places and things to do that can help you capture the city’s true essence. Here are just five things you can do in Cebu City to make memorable moments happen even when you’re pressed for time.

Have Breakfast at Abaca Baking Company

Start your Cebu City adventure right by having breakfast at Abaca Baking Company. Located on Crossroads, Banilad Rd, this dining establishment has been a popular foodie destination for over a decade, serving up an array of mouthwatering delights that will give you the energy to start your morning. Their menu features homestyle breakfast items like from-scratch pancakes and corned beef hash, as well as freshly baked goods like apple bear claws (a kind of puff pastry) and Danishes. One of their unique offerings is the lamington cake—a cream-filled sponge cake covered in shredded coconut—which, from its description alone, will truly catch your eye and tickle your tastebuds.

Take a Historical Journey Through Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, and Fort San Pedro

After a good breakfast, the next best thing to do is to visit the different historical sites and landmarks scattered across the city. Cebu is particularly rich in Spanish colonial history and many of its historical destinations are located near each other, so you can visit plenty of places in just a few hours. If you’re near or checked-in in one of the many premier hotels in Cebu, you can take a cab to the city proper to start your exploration.

Some of the must-see sites include the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Catholic Church in Cebu. This church is a pilgrimage site for many Filipino Catholics each year, especially during the lead up to the Sinulog Festival every third week of January. Right next door to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is Magellan’s Cross. This historical landmark is a famous tourist destination that represents the Filipino’s introduction to Christianity. The cross is housed inside a pavilion that features a stunning mural depicting the baptism of Rajah Humabon on its ceiling.

Finally, just a few minutes away from Magellan’s Cross is Fort San Pedro. This military defense structure is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines and it was used as a stronghold by Filipino revolutionaries. Today, Fort San Pedro is a historical park that features a museum of well-preserved Spanish artifacts, documents, and paintings.

Have Lunch at Rico’s Lechon

If checking out Cebu’s historical sites has made you hungry, then you definitely have to eat some lechon. Cebu City is known for its crispy and juicy lechon, and one of the best restaurants where you can get it is at Rico’s. This establishment is globally recognized for its crispy, juicy, and flavorful lechon, so good that you don’t need gravy or any kind of sauce to go with it. Rico’s Lechon’s classic lechon is a crowd favorite but if you want your roasted pig to have some zing, the establishment also offers a spicy option.

Find the Perfect “Instagrammable” Spot at Sirao Flower Farm

Once you’re ready to continue your Cebu City adventure, your next stop after lunch has to be Sirao Flower Farm. Nicknamed as the “Amsterdam of Cebu,” this flower garden is located in the mountain barangay of Sirao and features a sea of flowers that gives the verdant green landscape gorgeous pops of color. The main flower that’s grown on this farm is the celosia, a vibrant summer flower that blooms in purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink, and maroon, making this gorgeous flora the perfect background for your social media photos.

End Your Night at Top of Cebu

As your 24 hours in Cebu comes to a close, it’s only right to end the night in a spectacular manner. That’s why, before you head to bed, you have to grab a seat at Top of Cebu. This relaxing dining establishment is located on Tops Road, and it offers a gorgeous view that overlooks the beautiful city. Although you can visit this restaurant at any time of the day, the evening is the best time to go because you get to see Cebu’s skyline sparkle in the night while enjoying the familiar flavors of Filipino favorites like beef salpicao and sisig.

Making the most of your Cebu City trip can be challenging, especially if you only have 24 hours to spare. However, one of the beautiful things about this city is that it offers a variety of top destinations and experiences that can make your limited stay worth your while. The places and activities on this list will definitely make your short trip to Cebu enjoyable and memorable.