If you only have one day to show off Cebu City to your friends or family who are visiting the Queen City of the Philippines for the first time, you’ve got to make it count. And no, this isn’t about rushing — it’s about picking out the must-sees and must-eats that will leave your guests asking, “When’s our next trip?”
Start the day with a visit to the Basilica del Sto. Niño. It’s Cebu’s sacred heart — where centuries of faith meet in prayer, candles and the light rustle of history. A short stroll later, you’re at Fort San Pedro, where the stone walls almost seem to whisper the tales of old Cebu. If they ask why it’s triangular, go ahead and sound like an expert — two sides of the fort face the sea, while the third side faces the land, where its main entrance is found.
Next up is Casa Gorordo Museum, the kind of place where learning is experiential. From its beautiful Spanish-era interiors to its interactive features, this heritage house takes you deep into 19th-century Cebuano life. The guided tours are engaging, informative and definitely not your usual boring history lesson.
Here’s where the itinerary takes a slightly modern twist: SM Seaside City Cebu. It’s just a mall, but it’s a huge one worth noting. You can grab lunch here; Cebu-style dim sum is an absolute must. Get a plate of siomai, some savory steamed rice, and dive right in. After this meal, your guests will understand why locals love these simple, yet flavorful dishes. Shopping for pasalubong is easy, too.
The day wraps up in the highlands of Busay. Find a restaurant or bar with a view that’ll take your breath away. The cool breeze, a drink in hand, and the sparkling city below — it’s the kind of nightcap that’ll have them talking long after the trip is over.
All in a day’s work.