Cebu 5-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Basilica of Santo Niño

   A large and venerable church that traces its history to the founding of the convent of the Santo Niño de Cebu in 1565. It contains a statue of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that is regarded as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. The statue was presented by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of King Humabon and his wife Queen Juana on 14 April 1521. The natives of Cebu were formally Christianized by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Father Andres de Urdaneta on 27 April 1565.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Magellan's Cross

   An octagonal building decorated with murals containing a large wooden cross that commemorates the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan who planted a wooden cross upon converting the original inhabitants to Christianity. A plaque states that the visible wooden cross contains the original cross, but some historians say the original cross was reduced to firewood by local inhabitants when the Magellan fleet headed elsewhere.

3. Stop 3 · 6 min walk

   Colon St

   Brave the cacophonous traffic to see the oldest street in the Philippines with some nice worn-out classical buildings dating back to the American Era. At night, this street transforms into a market with good buys everywhere. Be wary of pickpockets though.

4. Stop 4 · 12 min walk

   Fort San Pedro

   The smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines during the colonial era. It has a small museum showcasing the wreckage and treasures from the sunken San Diego galleon from Mexico. The area is scenic with the newly renovated and open-air Plaza Independencia at the entrance.

5. Stop 5 · 66 min walk

   The Chinese Taoist Temple

   There are many people of Chinese ancestry in Cebu, and several Chinese temples; one is the Taoist Temple. From there you can see a nice view of the city because it is on a hill.

Eat · Robinsons Fuente food court: Lower ground floor near the supermarket. Good bakery and coffee shop.

1. Stop 1

   Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

   A church built in 1565 by the first Spanish missionaries in Cebu, seat of an Archbishop who has subordinate Bishops in many cities of the Visayas. It was mostly destroyed during World War II and had been rebuilt a bit differently. Behind the church is a cemetery where several prominent churchmen including Cardinal Rosales are buried.

2. Stop 2 · 7 min walk

   Casa Gorordo Museum

   A well-preserved Spanish colonial mansion constructed largely of wood, set in a pleasant, manicured garden. The lower floor has a collection of old tools, and an A/C room that has changing displays such as art exhibitions. The more interesting upstairs level was the former living quarters of the Gorordo family. It features lovely carved wooden furniture and a wide patio.

3. Stop 3 · 6 min walk

   Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum

   A museum that pays homage to the musical heritage of Cebu. This museum is operated under the Tipiganan sa mga Handumanan sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon (Treasury of Memories) Foundation. In the old building of The Freeman Newspaper.

4. Stop 4 · 12 min walk

   Cebu Provincial Museum

   The museum is housed in the former Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which was once the Carcel de Cebu. Its four Spanish-era buildings made of coral stone contain artifacts relating to the history of Cebu.

5. Stop 5 · 25 min walk

   Rizal Memorial Museum

   Paintings and sculptures by local artists and antiques donated by wealthy Cebuanos.

Eat · Elizabeth Mall Food Court: Elizabeth Mall Food Court is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

   Another historic house, this one from the 17th century, with hand-carved furniture and a garden. It does indeed look old/cryptic.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Jesuit House Museum

   Yet another heritage house museum, this one the residence of a Jesuit from around 1730. Inside looks like a Spanish galleon.

3. Stop 3 · 10 min walk

   Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum

   Small exhibit hall on Chinese heritage in Cebu. This building (the Gotiaoco Building), also has a mural of the Magellan's Cross shrine and other Cebu highlights on its backside.

4. Stop 4 · 40 min walk

   Provincial Capitol

   Particularly scenic at night, is by far the largest provincial capitol building anywhere in the entire archipelago. It was built during the American era, and the design is a miniature of the White House.

5. Stop 5 · 32 min walk

   Heritage of Cebu

   A massive and particularly detailed monument showcasing the heritage of Cebu from the old Spanish to the American colonial era.

Eat · Muvanz Pocherohan And Seafoods: Muvanz Pocherohan And Seafoods is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary And Art Gallery

   Where you can go to see Lepidoptera and other entomology exhibits, including a butterfly and art garden, although it's pretty scrunched in to an urban environment.

2. Stop 2 · 116 min walk

   Temple of Leah

   Neo-grecian temple built onto the mountainside to memoralize Leah Villa Albino Adarna, the wife of a local entrepreneur family and grandmother of actress Ellen Adarna. Also contains displays of upper-class furniture and souvenirs from their travels.

Eat · Ned Nanay's Grill: Ned Nanay's Grill is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

1. Stop 1

   Cebu Province

   Listed as a next stop from Cebu. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   Metro Cebu

   Listed as a next stop from Cebu. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   Moalboal

   Listed as a next stop from Cebu. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.