Planning to visit Cebu? And don’t have idea what places to visit? Worry no more! Here ‘s a list of some beautiful attractions that you can only find in the incredible province of Cebu!

Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu

The Basilica del Santo Niño or also called the Santo Niño Basilica is a minor basilica which is home to the miraculous image of Santo Niño or Child Jesus Christ. It is additionally considered as the most established Roman Catholic holy places in the Philippines as it was established by a priest named, Andres de Urdaneta in 1565. The basilica is referred to by Pope Paul VI as the image of Christianity in the Philippines as this was the very first church built to pay tribute to the religion. The area of the church is also significant as it is where the place where the image of the statue of Child Jesus Christ was found.

Magellan’s Cross

The Magellan’s Cross, A religious sites which is housed inside a dome, is the most popular tourist destination in the city as it depicts the history of Cebu as being one of the earliest civilizations converted into Catholic religion in the entire Philippines. It is located in the heart of Cebu where it stands across the Cebu City Hall, the seat of power in the entire province of Cebu.

Simala Shrine

The Simala Shrine was built by Marian Monks who serve as the guardian of this sacred site. It is said to be the place where Mama/ Mother Mary had an apparition to one of the locals and the shedding of tears of the statue of Mama Mary. Simala Shrine, one of the well-known religious places in the Philippines and the most-visited church in Southern Cebu, has thousands of devotees visiting every day. Thus, devotees and believers have been traveling down south for they believe that they will be healed and their prayers will be granted if they visit the Shrine. Because of its majestic castle-like features, even tourists with different religious beliefs are drawn to the picturesque structure.

Cebu Taoist Temple

The Cebu Taoist Temple was built in 1972, and one of Places of worship in the Philippines which is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Philippines. The temple was built by Cebu’s substantial Chinese community. With an elevation of 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level, the temple is a towering, multi-tired, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes.The Chinese Taoism community built this Chinese style architecture temple in 1972. This temple had become popular because of its artistic structures. Even non-believers of the Taoism religion pay visit to the place. From there, you can see the striking view of the city and even the Mactan Island. And of course, for Taoists, this is the ideal place to pray or meditate.

Temple of Leah

The next tourist attraction is the Temple of Leah which is along Cebu Trans-central highway. The temple was constructed in the year 2012. It was built as a symbol of the undying love and ceaseless devotion of Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife for 53 years, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. The temple has 24 chambers including a museum, an art gallery and a library. Moreover, this place has Leah’s favorite and personal belongings. In addition, Greek and Roman architectures are the inspiration of the temple. Statues of gigantic lions as well as a grand staircase with brass angels are decors of this Taj Mahal of Cebu.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument

The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a bronze sculptural tableau located at Parian in downtown Cebu. It depicts the important historical events and personalities that have shaped both the city and the province through the centuries. Cebuano artist Eduardo Castrillo structured the monument using brass, concrete, steel and bronze. The sculpting began in July 1997 and completed in December 2000. The features of the monument include Christian conversions, Spanish occupation, battle against foreign colonizer, a prominent Christian figure, and a certain Philippine president. The Heritage of Cebu Monument reveals and illustrates some of the most important events and people in the city’s illustrious history.

Fort San Pedro

The Fort San Pedro (or the Fuerte de San Pedro in Spanish) is a military defence structure in Cebu. It was built by the Spaniards under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor of Captaincy General of the Philippines, almost 45 years after Magellan set foot in Cebu. Though the smallest, Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the country. Today, the fort is a popular attraction in the city. A pleasant walled space in downtown area city, stroll around its walls and see the view of Plaza Independencia and the port. Visit its museum or notice the coral stone bricks as well as cannons. It is very friendly environment and Fort San Pedro has space and history for families to adore.

Museo Sugbo

The Museo Sugbo used to be named Carcel de Cebu which means Provincial Jail of Cebu before it became a Museum. The lone architect in Cebu at that time, Domingo de Escondrillas designed it in 1869. At first the Carcel de Cebu was proposed to become the Carcel de Distrito which means jail in the district of Visayas because of its large size at the time it was constructed. During Spanish occupation, this served as prison for Filipino captives. However, during American period, Americans placed their horses here as stables for horse racing. Also, during Japanese time, Japanese imprisoned Filipino opponents in this place. This becomes Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) but CPDRC has relocated. Thus, on August 5, 2008, the place became a museum since it has rich role in Cebu’s history.

Casa Gorordo

The Casa Gorordo Museum was originally a two-storey house built in the mid-19th century in the historic Parian district of Cebu City. During the Spanish colonial era, the Parian district was the most prestigious section of the city and home to its most prominent families. Casa Gorordo is a carefully-preserved residence that dates back to the Spanish area. Converted into a museum, it was opened to the public and showcases antique furniture, artworks, and religious artifacts of the Gorordo family, the owners of the house. It also houses a quaint café where one can enjoy refreshments after the tour.

Sirao Flower Garden

Going there resembles encountering the Netherlands, thus this tourist attraction is commonly called, “The Little Amsterdam”. The variety of celosia (or ‘Burlas’ by locals) blossoms in flaring red, purple, yellow, orange makes it Amsterdam-ish. The put-up windmill and the cool breeze complement the grand view. Hence, this gives the visitors the interesting, touristy feel.

10,000 Roses of Cebu

10,000 artificial Led-powered roses surround this certain Roses Café & More. Most guests prefer to go there during dusk to see the beautiful sunset while the roses lit up at night. Moreover, the owner of the café, who is also an interior designer, intends to create a romantic ambiance for couples. The café offers sumptuous food which you can savor while enjoying the wonderful mood with your lover.

Tops Lookout

Tops Lookout is an extraordinary mountain viewpoint that encompasses and offers a panoramic view of the city of Cebu and its picturesque surroundings. It is a tranquil retreat from the bustling commune and a popular picnic spot among locals and vacationers. See as far as the coast on a clear day and try to pick out the various islands. Scoping the perfect spot to get a nice shot of Cebu. Aside from sightseeing, this viewpoint is also a great hangout and pig-out spot.

Osmeña Peak

Osmeña Peak is located in the Municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu. The peak is approximately 1,013 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu. Lime stones that have sharp protruding peaks which are perfect for taking pictures make up these hills. The peak is part of the Mantalongon mountain range that stretches as far as the municipality of Badian. It is considered a twin to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. Further, the main activities here are hiking and camping.

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls is a must see attraction and it’s a three-stage cascade of clear turquoise water from mountain springs of Mantalongon mountain range. The water is fresh and crystal clear. The magical landscape of Kawasan Falls is very cool and refreshing, an ideal paradise to anyone who loves and want to get intimate with nature. Enjoy the cold swim in the fresh, crystal clear spring water of Kawasan Falls. The waterfalls is a pearl of the Philippines. One of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu south is Kawasan Canyoneering. The canyoneering adventure starts at Canlaob river downstream going to Kawasan falls. Local accredited guides accompany all tourists and facilitate the activities such as walking, jumping, swimming, climbing and abseiling through the streams.

Oslob Whale Sharks

On the other side of the island is where you can experience swimming with the Oslob Whale Sharks, locally known as the “Tuki”. Oslob Municipality is known for old churches and beautiful beaches but became more popular because of the gentle giants – the Whale Sharks. Local fishermen would interact with the whale sharks by feeding them…until large number of tourists began to arrive in Oslob to see the whale sharks being fed. As a result, these tourists snorkel or dive with the whale sharks.

Sumilon Island Sandbar

Still in Oslob is the small but picturesque Island of Sumilon where you can appreciate the sandbar. With its clear purplish water and perfect white sands, Sumilon Island’s sandbar is extremely famous. It impersonates a photogenic and mesmerizing paradise that draws a wide range of travelers. Bluewater resorts owns the island; thus, going through the night (spending the night) in the island isn’t permitted except if you are checked-in in their Resort.

Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island has the charm that many have so often wished to find in a tiny isolated beach paradise. The beach bungalows nestled in between the locals’ homes makes you feel like you have really left the western world behind. It has also become known for its beautiful coral gardens, coral walls and excellent local dive spots, as well as further-out sites including Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal. Monad Shoal is an underwater plateau where thresher sharks and mantra rays can regularly be sighted.