Cebu City, the second-largest city in the Philippines, was the first city colonized by the Spanish in 1521. The Spanish named the archipelago after their then-reigning king, Philip II. Unlike most other Southeast Asian countries, the Dutch and British never colonized the Philippines. The Spanish controlled the archipelago for 333 years, until 1898. This explains the strong Spanish influence in the local language and culture. Overall, the Philippines have a distinct “South American” vibe not found in its neighboring countries.
Cebu Island is centrally located in the archipelago, just north of Bohol. Its international airport is a major hub, providing quick access to nearby pristine islands like Palawan and Malapascua. I decided to stay for a day to explore the city and plan my next destination.
How to get to Cebu from Bohol
The two islands are connected by ferries that operate several times a day. The transfer takes 2 hours and can easily be booked a day in advance by visiting one of the many tour offices in Bohol.
Cebu City
There are safety concerns in some parts of the city, so be cautious if you travel around after dark. The safest and easiest way to get around is by using Grab, which is affordable and arrives quickly. Regular taxis are also an option, as they use meters. The city doesn’t have much to offer, but here are the highlights I discovered during my stay:
Things to do in Cebu City
- Magellan’s Cross: A historic cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, marking the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
- Tops Lookout: A popular viewpoint located on Busay Hill, offering panoramic views of Cebu City, Mactan Island, and beyond, especially stunning at sunset. Go to JY Square Mall to catch a shuttle to Tops Lookout. The fare includes round-trip transport as well as entrance to the viewpoint.
- Sugbo Mercado: A vibrant night market in Cebu IT Park, offering a wide variety of street food and local dishes, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy Cebu’s culinary scene.
- Fort San Pedro: A historical Spanish fort in Cebu City, built in 1565, which offers insights into the colonial past and features well-preserved structures and museum exhibits.
- Lechon: Cebu’s famous roasted pig, known for its crispy skin and flavorful meat, is a must-try local delicacy often enjoyed at various restaurants and eateries around the city.
