Cebu is often referred to as the “Queen City of the South”. It is an amazing destination in the Philippines that has rich history, lively culture, and amazing natural landscapes. There is something for for everyone. Like history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to relax and enjoy local cuisine.
How many days you need to explore Cebu?
We traveled to Cebu recently. And we’ll suggest the best day trip in Cebu with a detailed Cebu City Tour Itinerary. It will require two days. Day One-for covering places near to main city, followed by an exciting adventure to Kawasan Falls on Day Two. You can book the trip after taking suggestions from Hotel where you are staying. Or book it online using Get Your Guide/Viator/Tripadvisor applications. We found booking trip locally after landing generally comes cheaper compared to the online options.
Day One: Cebu City Tour Itinerary
Breakfast: (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
You can have this at your Hotel, or You can try breakfast at Jollibee, a beloved fast-food chain in the Philippines known for its unique local flavors. Additonally, While you will find burgers and fries here, don’t miss out on local favorites like the Jolly Spaghetti, which features a sweet-style sauce and hotdogs, or the Chickenjoy, crispy fried chicken served with gravy. Most well-connected hotels offer pickup around 8 AM.
Temple of Leah (8:30 AM – 09:30 AM)
After breakfast, the guide will take you in their vehicle to the Temple of Leah, located in Barangay Busay. This magnificent structure was built by Teodorico Adarna as a tribute to his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. Furthermore, Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu,” this temple features stunning architecture inspired by ancient Greek and Roman designs.
What to Expect: As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll find beautifully landscaped gardens, beautiful sculptures, and a grand staircase leading up to the main temple. Also, The site offers amazing views of Cebu City, making it a perfect spot for photos. It should take about an hour to fully appreciate this lovely landmark. Entrance Fee: Currently, the entrance fee is PHP 120 on weekdays and PHP 150 on weekends.
Cebu Taoist Temple (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Next, you can visit the Cebu Taoist Temple, located just a short drive from the Temple of Leah. Then, this temple serves as a place of worship for the Chinese community in Cebu and welcomes visitors from all backgrounds. This place requires you to climb a lot of stairs.
What to Expect: The temple is adorned with colorful pagodas, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens. Also, You can walk up the steps to reach the main temple area, where you can observe locals performing rituals and offering prayers. Once again you will get amazing Cebu City view from here which is also worth capturing.
Cebu Heritage Monument (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
You can then move on to the Cebu Heritage Monument, located in Parian Plaza. Moreover, This impressive structure showcases significant events in Cebu’s history through intricate sculptures created by local artist Eduardo Castrillo.
What to Expect: 30 minutes should be fine to cover this place here as you walk around the monument. Futhermore, which depicts scenes such as the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Battle of Mactan. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about Cebu’s rich history while appreciating local artistry.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House (12:15 PM – 12:45 PM)
This place is in walking distance from Cebu Heritage Monument. At the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, one of the oldest residential houses in Cebu built in 1675. Furthermore, This ancestral house offers a glimpse into Filipino life during Spanish colonial times.
What to Expect: The house is filled with antique furniture, religious artifacts, and historical memorabilia that reflect life during that era. Also, allocate around 30 minutes for this visit as you explore its various rooms.
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
After visiting the temples, you can take a break and enjoy your lunch. Consider trying Cebu’s famous lechon (roast pig) at House of Lechon, where you can savor this iconic dish that has put Cebu on the culinary map. However, For vegetarians or halal food, before booking the trip better to confirm the eating options.
Magellan’s Cross (2:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
A significant historical landmark, this cross was planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, marking the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines. It is located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and is a must-visit for its historical importance and cultural significance. Moreover, You can light candles and offer prayers, participating in a cherished tradition.
Fort San Pedro (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Conclude your city tour at Fort San Pedro, which is not only the oldest fort in the Philippines but also a historical park that showcases Cebu’s colonial past.
What to Expect: Explore its well-preserved structures, including stone walls and cannons that date back to Spanish rule. Alternatively, The fort also houses a small museum with exhibits related to its history. Plan to spend about an hour here before heading back to your accommodation.
The sequence in trip for these six places may vary but these are the ones we felt you should not miss keeping in mind the historical importance, cultural significance of the place.
Day Two Kawasan Falls Adventure
Travel to Kawasan Falls (7:00 AM), You can hire a private vehicle or join a tour group for convenience or simply buy the package online via Viator/getyourguide/Tripadvisor.
On the second day, you can try an exciting adventure that requires a bit of physical exertion! Better to Start early and travel to Kawasan Falls, located about three hours from Cebu City in Badian.
Activities at Kawasan Falls
Canyoneering Experience (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
The experience will be best if you know swimming. However, if you don’t know they give you life jacket and experienced guides will be there to ensure the best experience even for non swimmers. Once you arrive at Kawasan Falls, you will experience an exciting canyoneering adventure! Also, this activity involves navigating through stunning landscapes filled with zipline , natural pools, jumps, slides, and breathtaking scenery.
Carry extra piece of clothes, water shoes that you can rent and water resistant phone or camera. Its one of the best outdoor experience but if you are above 40, or overweight or have any kind of injuries or not fit advisable not to go for it.
What to Expect: Experienced guides will lead you through this thrilling experience while ensuring safety measures are in place. Expect to hike through lush forests, swim in crystal-clear waters, and jump from various heights into natural pools below. The entire canyoneering experience typically lasts around three hours but can vary depending on your group’s pace.
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
After this, you can take a break for lunch at one of the nearby eateries or enjoy a packed meal by Kawasan Falls while soaking in nature’s beauty. Consequently, this break is also necessary to relax your body from physical exertion in all the activities.
Relax at Kawasan Falls (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Post-lunch, spend some time relaxing at Kawasan Falls itself. The falls consist of several tiers with turquoise waters that invite you for a refreshing swim.
What to Expect: Bring your swimsuit and enjoy swimming or simply lounging by the water while taking in stunning views of nature around you. You can also explore other tiers of Kawasan Falls if you’re up for more hiking!
Return Trip (4:30 PM)
You can begin your journey back to Cebu City around 4:30 PM so you can arrive by evening by 7:00 7:30 PM. Also, do note to and fro will take 2.5 to 3 hours in ideal situations
Be prepared for entrance fees at various attractions that can include snacks, zip line etc; they are usually affordable.
Time Management: Starting early each day will help maximize your experience at each site.
Weather Considerations: Check weather forecasts ahead of time as conditions can affect travel plans—especially important for outdoor activities like canyoneering.
Conclusion
This two-day itinerary highlights some of the best day trips in Cebu and showcases many unique things to do in Cebu. From exploring historical sites on your Cebu City Tour Itinerary to thrilling adventures at Kawasan Falls, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories during your visit!
Whether you’re interested in culture, adventure, or simply enjoying beautiful scenery, Cebu has something special waiting for you! So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an incredible journey through one of the Philippines’ most captivating destinations! With this guide in hand, you’re all set for an amazing experience filled with exploration and excitement!
Local Transportation/Food Delivery: Use Grab app to get food delivered at your hotel, or for commuting within the City. It is a better option for people who eat only vegetarian food since they might struggle to get proper vegetarian food of their choice.
Connectivity in Philippines without physical SIM: Stay connected effortlessly during your trip to the Philippines with an eSIM and you can buy this from our website. It’s a hassle-free solution offering instant activation and seamless coverage, perfect for solo or family travelers. Enjoy peace of mind knowing you can capture live moments, and use essential apps like Grab, Booking.com, and Viator for a smooth and secure travel experience.
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