Cebu City is one of the most visited places in the Philippines. Dubbed as the “Queen City of the South,” the oldest city in the country offers the best of both worlds. Not only is it a center for commerce and houses many modern amenities for any tourist, but it has so many natural wonders to offer that you can stay there for weeks but still not exhaust everything that the city and the province have to offer.
You can enjoy the pristine beaches, the sumptuous local food and a whole lot of history when you explore Cebu City. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Cebu in the near future, you can check out the list below or A Guide on the Best Cebu Attractions by Southpole Central Hotel for more detailed information on the places you can go to for a fun time in the queen city of the south.
1. Magellan’s Cross – this place is probably the most recognized tourist spot in Cebu and easily one of the most significant historical landmarks in the area. Any tourist going to the country would understand how religion is given much importance, and the arrival of Magellan in 1521 gave way to that. The cross that is displayed is said to be the original cross brought by the explorer, although it is not encased by Tindalo Wood because some people apparently chip away the wood of the cross because many believe that it has powers to perform healing miracles.
2. Fort San Pedro – another historical place in the city is located in the Pier Area. This fort was built at around the 1700s and was a significant part of the Spanish settlement in the area. You can visit the museum which houses artifacts from that era, such as paintings, sculptures, and documents. It has even become a popular place for wedding photoshoots and some wedding receptions are even held at the place.
3. Taoist Temple – the Chinese community is also significant in Cebu, as evidenced by the Taoist temple found at a residential area about 6 kilometers away from the city proper. You can go to this place even if you do not follow Taoism, and you can spend some time just reflecting. You can also get a great view of the city so make sure to bring your camera with you to capture it.
4. The Temple of Leah – it may not hold the history of the first two spots on the list, but this place has become more and more popular since it was built in 2012. It’s actually a shrine built for the late wife of the temple’s owner. You can see the architectural influences of Greece and Rome as you go about the place.
5. Mactan Island – this may not be in the city itself but a trip to the nearby Mactan Island is definitely worth it. The beaches here are wonderful and you can enjoy other activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and island hopping while staying on the island.
