Itineraries for Your Trip to Cebu
2 Days in Cebu for First Timers
By the time I arrived in Cebu, I’d already been to some of Southeast Asia’s best beach destinations. So while I was expecting to have a fabulous time—I was meeting my beloved mum there, after all!—I wasn’t counting on being so bowled over by its culture and coastline.
While it's often overshadowed by Palawan when it comes to the top destinations in the Philippines, Cebu offers something that other parts of the country don’t—its rich cultural history and canyons mean there’s much more to do with two days in Cebu than simply soaking up the sun on the beach. Here’s how to spend 48 hours on the island.
If you only have time for one thing, make it snorkeling or scuba diving.
For the highest chance of blue sky and sunshine, visit Cebu during the dry season from May to December.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the 7,640 islands that make up the Philippines’ archipelago create the ideal environment for marine life to thrive. On your first morning in Cebu, see hundreds of sea creatures without getting wet or waiting in line with a prebooked admission ticket for Ocean Park, the country’s largest aquarium.
Continue your Cebu sojourn with a city tour that’ll help you get your bearings in the historic center, home to a high concentration of must-see Cebu attractions. This afternoon, visit the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House, one of the oldest buildings in the country, famous for its fusion architecture, then travel back in time to the 16th-century Fort San Pedro.
Filipino locals know how to get the party started, so kick back after a busy day of sightseeing on a pub crawl that showcases the city’s nightlife hot spots. Visit a mix of bars and nightclubs playing everything from EDM and R&B to live music, and sip on signature Cebu cocktails such as gin pom, a mix of gin and tangy pomelo juice.
Now that you’ve seen Cebu from land, it’s time to go underwater and see why people travel from far and wide to swim in its crystal-clear waters on a scuba diving tour. Even if it’s your first time under pressure, you’re likely to see swirling schools of sardines and other marine life such as sea turtles, seahorses, and colorful tropical fish.
This afternoon, head out of the city and into the highlands on a tour that helps you cover more sights in less time. Listen to the lovelorn tale of the Temple of Leah, hailed as the Philippines’ answer to the Taj Mahal, and then, enjoy the open-air Sirao Garden, where you might recognize the giant hand and flower-filled fields from Instagram. It’s the perfect place to capture some snaps for social media.
You’re sure to have worked up an appetite with all that sightseeing, so dedicate your final evening to Cebu’s vibrant food scene on an evening tour of Cebu Carbon Food Market, where you can sample classic Filipino street food, such as kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) and—if you’re feeling brave—isaw (grilled pig or chicken intestines).
