Three Perfect Days: A Trip to Cebu

Cebu City has experiences waiting around every corner. To get settled in, use United Hotel to find the perfect place. Then, spend a day exploring historical sites, singing karaoke at the mall and sampling unforgettable street food.

Here are our top activities and sites in the city proper.

Landmarks, museums and festivals

• Visit Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest Spanish fort in the Philippines, and explore the colonial museum. Inside, discover a collection of fascinating relics from the Spanish colonial period.
• Learn more about Cebu’s past at the Heritage of Cebu Monument: a stone and metal sculpture depicting historical scenes related to Spain’s colonial rule of the Philippines. The monument is located on the original Plaza Parian.
• Casa Gorordo Museum is a house museum located in Cebu’s historic Parian district. This 19th-century home survived two revolutions and, at one point, was home to the first Filipino bishop of Cebu. See first-hand the fusion of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino customs that shaped modern Cebuano culture.
• For a breathtaking view of the city and neighboring islands, head to Tops Lookout in the hills of Busay. Just 30 minutes north of downtown, you can watch the sunset, stargaze and take pictures under the circular archways—all while enjoying a coffee from Tops Cafe.
• Depending on the time of your visit, try to attend the Sinulog Festival, celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January to honor Santo Niño (Child Jesus). The grand street parade is full of color, music and dancing. But be prepared to get soaked in water and paint.
• Widely popular across the Philippines is karaoke. Almost everywhere you go, locals love to encourage tourists to perform—whether it’s at a neighborhood store, restaurant or bar. Right in the central neighborhood of Mabolo, Sunflower Bistro and KTV is a fun and affordable option that’s easy to get to from downtown.

SM Seaside

SM Seaside is the largest Filipino mall, offering an all-inclusive experience. Shop, see a movie, go bowling or even rent a private karaoke room. But make sure to head to the food court and eat.

Any foodie can spend hours in the food court alone. Some must try dishes include:

• Lechon (spit-roasted pork)
• Pancit (spicy stir-fried rice noodles)
• Kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar)

For dessert, taste the sweet shaved-ice called Halo-Halo, a Filipino favorite to beat the heat. Keep in mind that Halo-Halo can have peanuts or other nuts, so always ask before eating.

You could spend the whole day in the food court, but if you’re looking for a more formal dine-in experience, grab a seat at Weekend Chophouse and Bar for a thick-cut pork chop or prime ribeye. They also have a few gluten-free options on the menu.

Street food in Tisa

Craving authentic, mouth-watering street food? Head to the district of Tisa, just a 5-to-10-minute drive from the city center. Siomai, a sweet and spicy steamed dumplings with Chinese roots, is a must try. The dish has become so popular that there are several variations with different flavors and sauces to try.

Other popular street foods include, Ngohiong (spring rolls) and Pater, a Mindanao dish of steamed rice and shredded meat wrapped in banana leaves.