Cebu (city)

Cebu is the main city on Cebu Island in the Philippines and has been known as the Queen City of the South. It is the capital of Cebu Province, a transport hub, and a popular tourist destination in its own right.

Cebu is part of the nation's second largest large urban area, Metro Cebu, whose other main components are the city's of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. Thit is a booming metropolitan area with all the conveniences of a modern city, as well as many of the problems of squalor, traffic, noise and pollution. Cebu City is clearly the center of the urban region, though the other towns are far from insignificant.

The area has excellent transport links and is the main hub for travel in the central and southern Philippines either by sea or by air. Cebu City has the busiest #By_boat|seaport in the Philippines. Lapu-Lapu has the Mactan-Cebu International Airport with direct international flights and many domestic flghts. It is far cleaner and more traveller-friendly than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.

Cebu (city) Halal Travel Guide

10.30963|123.89289|height=470 Map of Cebu City|width=470}} The term "Cebu" is somewhat ambiguous; it can refer to the city itself (the commonest usage), to the whole Metro Cebu urban area, to Cebu Island or to Cebu Province which includes Cebu Island and a few nearby smaller islands.

The Colon neighborhood near the port is the oldest part of Cebu; it was the first Spanish city in the nation and has tourist sites from that era, listed under #See. It also has much of the low-cost lodging and a lot of department stores or small malls which, while not as large and modern as those in other areas, are often more affordable.

Osmeña Boulevard is one of the city's main streets, running roughly north from Colon neighborhood out to the provincial capitol. About halfway along is Fuente Osmena or Osmena Circle.

Mango Avenue, officially General Maxilom Avenue, runs east from Osmena Circle. During the day it is a busy area full of shopping centers, restaurants and some hotels. In the evenings, it becomes a major nightlife area with many restaurants, including most of Cebu's "girlie bars".

How to travel to Cebu (city)

Fly to Cebu (city)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (IATA Flight Code: CEB) is in Lapu-Lapu. Many travellers land there and head for Cebu City by bus or taxi.

• MyBus travels from SM City to Mactan Airport. Buses depart from 06:00-22:00 at 20-min intervals) and cost ₱25-40 per person. All the MyBus vehicles have air-conditioning and CCTV. The last bus from the airport is 22:00. The first bus from SM is 06:00.
• Sugbo Airport buses run from the Marina Mall near the airport to the South Bus Terminal via the Pacific Mall and the Northern Bus Terminal, SM City Mall, and Mango Plaza. The fares are ₱20-25. The buses start from 05:00, and go every 45 minutes. The last bus leaves at 19:00. The Sugbo Airport Buses have free Wi-Fi (Aug 2023).
• Topline express ferry from Mactan marina wharf which is just behide Island central mall Mactan. There are two fast ferries a hour going to pier 3 in downtown cebu. 20-25 pesos. The ferry Takes 30 minutes. There are yellow jeppneys from terminal 1 at cebu airport going to island central mall for 7 pesos.
• Taxis are also readily available for ₱300-450. Coming out of the terminal, turn right and walk a bit past the end of the building to reach the main taxi stand.

For either the bus or taxi, 45 minutes is a typical time. However, either can sometimes be a bit faster or much slower depending on traffic conditions.

By ferry

Cebu City Harbor - Cebu City Harbor

Cebu City's domestic port is the nation's busiest and is home to almost 80 percent of the nation's passenger vessels.

If planning a trip, consider buying a Sun Star newspaper for ₱8; it has a shipping guide with information on passenger shipping schedules, updated daily.

The shipping lines that depart from Cebu city are.

• Travel, Manila.
• Trans-Asia, Tagbilaran Bohol every Monday at noon, for ₱175. Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz
• George & Peter Lines, Dumaguete
• Cokaliong, biggest ferry company in Cebu has new clean ferries. Dumaguete for 355. Cagayan de Oro for ₱1020. Iloilo for ₱930.
• Lite, Siquijor and Bohol
• Super Shuttle,
• Roble shipping lines. Baybay Leyte and Naval
• Medallion Transport. has a ferry to the new Dipolog port 6 times a week for ₱790.

Fast ferries

• Fastcat has a ferry to Tubigon, Bohol
• Weesam Express Tagbilaran, Ormoc and Maasin
• Oceanjet Tagbilaran , Ormoc, Camotes Islands, a ticket to Siquijor from cebu costs p1200
• Supercat. Tagbilaran and Ormoc.

Large passenger ferries with a capacity of 400 or more passengers ply the routes such as to Manila, Iloilo, Butuan, Tagbilaran, Maasin, Ozamiz, Iligan, Dipolog, Surigao, Dumaguete, Masbate, Calbayog, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro.

Medium-sized vessels such as the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) types go to nearer destinations: Ormoc, Baybay, Hilongos, Naval, Palompon, Tubigon, Tailbon, Getafe, Catbalogan, Larena Siquijor, and Plardel.

For destinations, such as Camotes, Ormoc, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor fast hydrofoil ferries are available from companies such as Oceanjet, 2GO Super Cat, and Weesam Express. Travel duration is about half that of a RoRo and the comfort level higher, but prices are at least double.

Local ferries, such as one to Lapu-Lapu, are also available. That ferry costs ₱16, departs every 20 minutes from Pier 3, and takes 20 minutes.

The passenger port is in Cebu City, near downtown. The parts of the port that handle containers and other freight extend for a long way north of that, reaching into Mandaue.

Travel on a Bus in Cebu (city)

Buses go to and from most nearby city's, mainly along the north-south coastal highway. For more distant places — such as Dumaguete, Bacolod or even Manila — there are buses that ride ferries for parts of their routes.

There are two major bus terminals and the north bus terminal in Mandaue#Get in|Mandaue and south bus terminal in Cebu City. Ceres Bus lines operates regular bus services from these terminals and are considered the "safer" alternative to the smaller privately operated bus lines.

• Cebu South Bus Terminal Natalio Bacalso Avenue, 10.29822, 123.89344

Get around

See the Metro_Cebu#Get_around|Metro Cebu

Travel Guide for a more general discussion of getting around in the large urban conglomerate of which Cebu City forms a part.

By jeepney

2016-09-27Jeepney in Cebu City DSCF5341 - Jeepney in Cebu City

Do as the local residents do and catch a colorful Philippines#By_jeepney|jeepney. Ask around for which route to take, or read the signs on the sides of the vehicles showing their routes. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. Costs start from ₱7 and increase for longer distances. Beware of pickpockets and other theft, thit is common and even local residents fall victim.

Travel on a Bus in Cebu (city)

Small buses — vans that seat about a dozen passengers — run between all the main towns in Metro Cebu, and are often the best way of getting between those towns, more comfortable than jeepneys and affordableer than taxis. Their terminals are generally next to major malls; for example a van goes from Ayala Mall in Cebu to Gaisano Mall in Lapu-Lapu for ₱35.

MyBus air-con buses have five routes around Metro Cebu, fares from ₱25-40

• Route 1. SM Seaside, SM City, North bus terminal, Park mall.
• Route 2 SM Seaside, Talisay.
• Route 3 SM City, Park mall, Mactan Airport.
• Route 4 Park mall, North bus terminal, SM City, Talisay.
• Route 5 BDO bank Fuente going to SM Seaside (this bus is free).

Robinson's stores run a free shuttle bus to/from Robinsons Fuente & Robinson's Cybergate going to Robinsons Calleria every 30 min.

Best way to travel in Cebu (city) by a Taxi

Taxis are omnipresent in Cebu City. But there's a nice chance you'll be overcharged by a taxi driver at some point during your trip to Cebu. This should be considered a cost of visiting Cebu (or anywhere in the Philippines). You can (and should) report improper taxi behavior to the Department of Tourism in Cebu by phoning +63 32 254 2811.

Unless you're familiar with the city, always insist on a metered fare as a negotiated fare will almost always be much higher. If you know the city and need to go a long distance, it may be worth paying a negotiated fare so that the driver doesn't take the scenic route or you become victim of an uncalibrated meter. Late in the evenings and there could be taxis driving with an uncalibrated, inflated meter.

Most trips around the town should not cost more than ₱100. The fare from the airport to most of central Cebu should be ₱200-400 depending on whether you use the white or yellow cabs (white ones are reportedly cheaper).

If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, taxis are still the quickest way to your destination. Most drivers know where almost everything is. If the driver is pleasant, a ₱10-50 tip is warranted, especially if he loads or unloads your bags. Most drivers do not have, or will tell you they do not have change, so be ready with 50s and 20s when going on short trips.

It is best to avoid the "Private" taxis as they take advantage of tourists and charge 5-10 times the normal fare. You will find these taxis at the some of the high-class hotels. They are normally owned by the hotel to make money and may charge ₱500 for something that should cost ₱60. Some hotels make it hard for other taxis to pick you up at their premise and you may need to walk outside to save money.

Another place where private taxis are common is the airport. To avoid them, simply ask a porter for help and for a metered taxi. Downstairs at the exit for arrivals and there is a booth that will flag down a taxi for ₱70, but you can also go up the ramp and there are a lot of metered taxis waiting for you. You can also wend your way upstairs to Departures where many metered taxis are available. Fare down town to Ayala or SM Malls should be around ₱150 on the meter. You may be told "500" by the driver. Just grab the door handle and say "What, you don't have a meter?" Don't travel unless the meter is used; not using the meter is illegal, and you can report it to local officials.

Local Language in Cebu (city)

The main language spoken throughout Cebu Province and in many nearby areas is Cebuano phrasebook|Cebuano and the most important of many Visayan languages in the Philippines.

English and Tagalog are common as additional languages. Sometimes and they also speak in Bislish (Bisaya Cebuano + English) and/or Taglish (Tagalog + English) when they cannot find the appropriate word to use. Younger people speak English with a Cebuano accent, often interchanging i and e, and o and u.

The city also has some speakers of other Visayan languages such as Hiligaynon phrasebook|Ilonggo and Waray, and the Chinese minority speak Minnan phrasebook|Hokkien, but most speakers of those languages can also speak at least one of Cebuano, English or Tagalog.

What to see in Cebu (city)

The city was well established as a trade center and regional capital even before the first Europeans, under Magellan, arrived in the 1520s. When the Spanish returned to colonize in 1565, Cebu became the first Spanish city in the nation and (briefly) the capital. Many of today's tourist sites go back to the period of Spanish rule which lasted until the Americans took over in 1898.

Shrines and historical monuments

• Basilica of Santo Niño - Basilica del Santo Niño (Basilica of the Holy Child) | Osmeña Boulevard 10.294019, 123.901472 ☎ +63 32 2556697₱30 for museum Basilica del Santo Niño - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino - 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 Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation|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. However, as they found the natives hostile and the village was set on fire. Later on, in a burnt-out house, a soldier named Juan Camus found the statue untouched. This was proclaimed a miracle. The statue, adorned with Gold and precious stones, is in a glass case to the left of the altar. The church sees a constant stream of devotees praying at pews in the sanctuary and in front of statues of saints. The Basilica del Santo Niño Museum (open Tuesday - Sunday 08:00-11:45, 13:30-16:45) contains the vestments used to dress the Santo Niño and jewellery offered to the Santo Niño for use during his feast ([[#Sinolog) on the third Sunday of January.

File:Magellan's Cross - Magellan's Cross

• Magellan's Cross Plaza Sugbo, off Magallanes Street 10.29359, 123.90195 between the Colegio de Santo Niño (south of the Basilica of Santo Niño) and Cebu City Hall - if you approach the Basilica from Osmeña Boulevard, walk through the courtyard of the Basilica and the Colegio to reach the Plaza Magellan's Cross Magellan's Cross Cebu 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. Take time to appreciate the various candle sellers who dance around during worship and while selling the candles.

• Colon Street 10.296744, 123.899014 - Colon Street - Colon Street, Cebu City, Philippines 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.

• Fort San Pedro - Fuerza de San Pedro | 10.29253, 123.90586

Adults, ₱30; students, ₱20; senior citizens, ₱24 Fort San Pedro - Fuerza de San Pedro -Q72845 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.

Cebu Taoist Temple - The Taoist Temple reflects the Chinese legacy of Cebu. The Taoist Temple Dragon - The Taoist Temple dragon

• The Chinese Taoist Temple 10.333611, 123.888056 - Cebu Taoist Temple - Dragonstatue - There are many Muslim 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 located on a hill.

• Cebu Metropolitan Gothic Church 10.295814, 123.902869 - Cebu Metropolitan Gothic Church - Cebu Metropolitan Gothic Church A church built in 1565 by the first Spanish missionaries in Cebu, seat of an Archbishop who has subordinate Bishops in many city's of the Visayas. It was mostly destroyed during Pacific War|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.

Museums

• Casa Gorordo Museum 35 Lopez Jaena Street 10.29991, 123.90489 ☎ +63 32 2555630 +63 32 2555630 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 Adults: ₱70 A A impeccably maintained 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. The kitchen is particularly interesting, as it contains a traditional dirt stove, a wooden food safe, and a traditional dish drying rack fitted to the outside of the window.

• Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum 10.296973, 123.902124 V. Gullas St. (former Manalili) and D. Jakosalem St. - Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum - Halad image A museum that pays homage to the musical legacy 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.

• Cebu Provincial Museum - Museo Sugbo | 10.303611, 123.906389 a short taxi ride from Fort San Pedro ₱75 Museo Sugbo Museo Sugbu 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.

• Rizal Memorial Museum Osmena Blvd 10.312127, 123.891981 - Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 ₱20 - Paintings and sculptures by local artists and antiques donated by wealthy Cebuanos.

Other sights

• Provincial Capitol 10.316697, 123.890761 - Cebu Provincial Capitol - Cebu Capitol Compund 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.

• Heritage of Cebu Sikatuna St, 10.298852, 123.903616 Eastern end of Colon Street - A massive and particularly detailed monument showcasing the legacy of Cebu from the old Spanish to the American colonial era.

What to do in Cebu (city)

Barangay-Bulacao Cebu-City Philippines Cockfighting-event-08 - Cockfighting

• Tops Lookout 10.3707, 123.8708 This sits at the top of the Mt Busay and has an unobstructed view of the entire city at night. A few shops and restaurants stand along the way for a short stop. Taxi drivers may want as much as ₱1000 for a trip to Tops, so the best way to get there is by mountain bike. Thit is a world class climb and on any given day, Cebu's bikers are humping the 45-minutes to 1-hr trek filled with switchbacks and views better than you see actually at the very top. Ask your hotel where you can rent a mountain bike. They may have to ask around a bit, but it's worth it.

• Ride a tartanilla - Head to Cebu's old quarters in Carlock Street and try riding a horse drawn carriage called a tartanilla. Remember to negotiate with the driver before taking a ride.
• See the scenic view of Cebu City's skyline - The Marcelo Fernan Bridge or Second Mactan Bridge offers some interesting views of the city at night, and is even picturesque from below. Arrange for a taxi to take you there.

• Sky Experience Adventure - Xtreme Rides | 10.307884, 123.894117Adjacent Robinson's Mall in the Crown Regency Cebu ☎ +63 32 418 7777 The tallest building in the city. Adventure seekers may head to the top floor to experience a breathtaking view of this modern city and its environs. You may also opt to join in the Xtreme Rides that puts you on the edge of the city, or you may walk around the edge of the building (don't worry, safety cables are attached) to experience this for a fee.

• Backstreet Academy - Backstreet Academy | Capitol Site, Cebu City, Philippines. ☎ +63-9772033565 Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 US$10-25 An alternative tour experiences platform and they enable local residents to offer authentic and unique activities to tourists such as street food tours, weaving workshops, landscape painting classes, Lechon feasts with local residents and various types of Filipino Martial Art lessons with masters. A social enterprise and they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will be your medium of communication with the local hosts. Transport is provided for some of the activities.

• Abellana Cebu Sports Center & Public Swimming swimmingpool 179 R R Landon Road off Osmmena Blvd ☎ +63 32-2531091 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 ₱30, over 60 years old pay ₱20 - Full-size outdoor swimming swimmingpool 50 m by 25 meters. Has ten lanes.

Sinulog

This festival honouring Santo Niño and the Holy Child, is held annually on the third Sunday of January. It is centered on the Basilica in Cebu City but is celebrated throughout Cebu Province and to some extent even in nearby provinces; it attracts large numbers of both tourists and pilgrims. Festivities last for about a week leading up to the Sunday climax.

There are colorful parades in many towns. Main thoroughfares around the town are blocked for an all-day and all-night loud and colourful street party. Don't forget your dancing shoes!

On one hand, Sinulog can be one of the most interesting times to visit Cebu. On the other, some consider it a time to avoid. Hotels tend to sell out, streets and restaurants are crowded, and traffic may be horribly jammed. For example a bus heading south from the south bus station normally takes under an hour to reach Carcar, but it can be over three hours during Sinulog because the highway is also the main street of various towns along the way, and several have parades along it.

Shopping

There is quite a bit of shopping in various neighbourhoods of Cebu, especially in the old downtown Colon area and around Fuente Osmena Circle. The area around the IT Park also has some and there are many malls.

For convenience stores, sari-sari shops (usually small family businesses) are ubiquitous here as they are anywhere in the nation, and there are hundreds of 7-eleven.com.ph/ 7-Elevens all over Cebu. Cebu's Ayala Center - Ayala terraces File:Mangos_in_Cebu_Carbon_Market - Mangos in Carbon market

• Ayala Mall 10.317778, 123.905 - Ayala Center Cebu Has several department stores, two supermarkets (Robinsons & Metro) and a movie theater, and it offers lots of restaurants and hundreds of stores. The terraces have a urban oasis-like area and several floors of shopping, mostly restaurants, on either side.
  The mall is in the Cebu Business Park which also has many offices including the Cathay Pacific office, several foreign banks and some Metro_Cebu#Consulates|consulates, a lot of high-end apartment buildings, and the Seda (formerly Marriott) hotel.

• SM Seaside 10.2816, 123.8811 - SM Seaside City Cebu A huge mall (470,000 m² or over 5 million ft² of leasable area) with a large department store, 18-lane bowling center, movie theaters, Olympic-size ice skating rink, and 447 shops and restaurants. Has a large Savemore supermarket.

• SM City Cebu 10.311111, 123.918056 - SM City Cebu Another SM mall, not as large as Seaside, to the northeast of downtown. Has a large Savemore supermarket

• Robinson Mall Fuente B Rodriguez Street 10.30925, 123.89385 right on Fuente Circle ☎ +63-32-2555590 Opening Hours: 20:00-20:30 A bakery on the ground level is popular for Coffee. The mall has a very good food court, and the Cebu Pacific airlines main ticket office. Has a large Robinson's supermarket.

• Elizabeth Mall Natalio B Bacalso Avenue 10.2982, 123.8952 - Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 Has a SM Savemore supermarket with selected Halal food, travel agents, cellphone shops, and lots of places to eat.

• Carbon Market 10.2833, 123.9 - Carbon Market The largest farmers' market in the city, both a shopping area and a tourism attraction }}

A lot of the local residents shop mainly along Colon Street which has several department stores and a Colonnade Supermarket which is a cheaper supermarket than those in malls.

Banks, ATMs & foreign exchange

Most ATMs in the Philippines accept foreign ATM cards and all will issue cash advances against foreign credit cards. In nearly all cases there is a fee (usually ₱250) for the service, only Philippine pesos can be withdrawn, and there is a limit (often ₱10,000) per transaction.

• HSBC Bank (UK) Taft Ayala bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue 10.3170, 123.9070 Cebu business park near Ayala Mall - Opening Hours: 24-hour ATMs Has the only Mastercard and Visa card ATMs in Cebu without a fee for overseas cards. Also the only ATMs in Cebu where you can take out up to ₱40,000 per time.

• Citi Bank (USA) Ground Floor, Ayala Life-FGU Center, Mindanao Avenue corner Biliran Road 10.3195, 123.9058 Ayala Business Park ☎ +63 234 9999 Opening Hours: 09:00-15:00 Has a 24-hour ATM with a max of ₱15,000 per use and a ₱250 fee.

• Alco Foreign Exchange Shop 108 Rain Tree Mall, General Maxilom Avenue 10.309260, 123.895506 ☎ +63 32-2552704 Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 Good foreign exchange rates.

Books

• Fully Booked fb@ Level 2, The Terraces, Ayala Centre 10.3184, 123.9044 ☎ +63 32 4171007, +63 32 4171400 - A modern bookshop with a good selection of imported fiction and non-fiction books, a smaller collection of Books about the Philippines and an in-shop café.

• National Book Store Locations: Ayala Center, Mango Avenue; and SM City Cebu NA, NA - Bookshop chain with local and foreign books, academic texts and stationery.

• Book Sale Locations: Elizabeth Mall; Park Mall; Robinsons, SM City, Gaisano NA, NA - Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 From ₱20, nearly all under ₱150 - Used Books and magazines, mostly imported from the UK & US. It may take some searching but there are often gems to be had.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Cebu (city)

The great thing about Cebu is that, while being an island paradise, on the one hand, it's also a sophisticated city, with a wide range of pretty nice restaurants to choose from. Street-food abounds in Cebu. You can buy all sorts of Philippine delicacies from the many street stalls scattered around Cebu City. However, compared to Metro Manila/Central Luzon (especially Pampanga province) Cebu's all-you-can-eat buffets are much more expensive.

Cebuitparknew - IT Park

For tourists who want upmarket restaurants, two good areas are Ayala Mall and the IT Park.

• Cebu IT Park 10.3272, 123.9063 - Cebu IT Park Offices, rental and condo apartments; the area has many Working abroad|foreign employees and a good selection of international restaurants. Not much shopping.

• Ayala Terraces 10.3185, 123.9056 one side of Ayala Mall - Many restaurants including several foreign chains such as Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Army-Navy and TGI Friday's (Please do not support TGI Friday's as TGI Friday's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Filipino chains, and many non-chain places.

• Flame It NA, NA 4th floor of mall Excellent burgers, moderate prices, no soft drinks. It is common to grab a Burgers here then go elsewhere for organic juice or dessert.

Also, nearly all hotels have restaurants and many offer Middle Eastern style food.

Food courts

All the major malls (listed under #Buy) have food courts, and major chains — KFC, Shakey's Pizza, Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), Bo's Coffee and others — have locations in many of them. The downtown area around Colon Street has a large number of Halal restaurants including many budget places and many fast food chains.

• Robinsons Fuente food court B Rodriguez Street 10.3094, 123.894 Right on Fuente Circle - Opening Hours: 10:00-20:30 Lower ground floor near the Robinson's supermarket. Good bakery and coffee shop with quite a few expatriate clients.

• Gaisano Main food Court 5th floor Gaisano Main, Colon street 10.2976, 123.9018 - Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 Meals with a drink from ₱49.

Chains

Some Filipino chains have multiple locations in Cebu and some in nearby towns:

• Alberto's Pizzas 15 B. Rodriguez Ave. 10.309, 123.8912 opposite Vicente Sotto Hospital ☎ +63 32 254 0042 Opening Hours: 09:00-23:00 from ₱75 - Offers a good and rather affordable locally made thin crust Pizzas. Has branches all over Cebu.

• Ngohiong Express J. Luna Ave 10.3195, 123.9113 - Opening Hours: 24 hours low cost - Has many branches all over Cebu.

• Orange Brutus - Fuente Osmena Circle 10.3107, 123.8933 Cinco Centrum ☎ +63 32-2554783 Opening Hours: 24 hours Meals from ₱70 Burgers, Rice meals, sizzing Beef chop.

• Jo's Chicken Inato Gospel Building V Ranudo Street 10.3071, 123.8974 ☎ +63 32-2540194 Opening Hours: 06:00-21:00 meals from ₱99 Native Chicken.

• Julie's Bake shops 252 Gorordo Avenue 10.3146, 123.9018 ☎ +63-32-2310593 Opening Hours: open 24 hours a day lower prices - Bread & cakes & drinks. There are over 100 Julie's bakes shops on Cebu Island.

• South & R New York Pizzas Ayala & SM City malls & Tafa east gate tower Quano Avenue ☎ +63-32-5057057 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 from ₱109 Freshly baked New York-style Pizzas, fried Chicken, cheeseburgers and fries.

• Ayer's Lechon ₱175 for 1/4 kg one of the well-known place to get Lechon (barbecued Beef on a spit fire). They have branches scattered around Cebu City.

Others

There are also many non-chain places:

• Persian Palate Restaurant Mango Sq Mall Gen Maxilom Avenue 10.3110, 123.8955 ☎ +63-32-4126795 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 Indian and Persian food. (Thursday-Friday-Saturday, after 6pm, all you can eat buffet for ₱195). All day breakfast for only ₱145 (a la carte).

• Larsian Don Mariano Cui Street 10.3095, 123.8918 ☎ +63 922 620 5921 - Barbecue in open-air food-court

• Bente Silog Restaurant - 300 Junquers street 10.3014, 123.8986 - Opening Hours: 24 hours meals from ₱30 - Ham egg Rice or Burgers egg Rice for ₱30.

- La Vie Parisienne 371 Gorordo Ave 10.3263, 123.8982 ☎ +63 32 505 0274 - French bakery

Drink

Mango Avenue (officially General Maxilom Avenue) and Mango Plaza is where the bulk of the nightlife is located. The typical venues are late night restaurants, bars and karaoke boxes.

There are many girlie bars, mostly along Mango Ave. It is fairly common to visit these clubs just to enjoy the show, a lot of scantily-clad dancers who compete to catch clients' eyes. However and the dancers are more-or-less all also available for sexual services. Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines but quite common, and these bars are the most usual front; see the Philippines#Prostitution|Philippines

Travel Guide for discussion.

There are also a number of Middle Eastern style pubs popular with the local expat community; most are listed below.

• Mango Plaza 10.31107, 123.89703 Mango Avenue, near Osmena Circle - A mall with shopping by day and entertainment by night.

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• Howling Dogs Grill Juana Osmena Street NA, NA behind Mango sq. ☎ +63-9399527627 Opening Hours: 07:00-03:00 Six big screen TVs. Pool table. Happy hours organic juice ₱50.

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• Marshalls Irish Pub - General Maxilom Avenue NA, NA Mango Sq. ☎ +63 9176312413 Opening Hours: 10:00-03:00 Sells Irish/British food. Has happy hours every day from 16:00-19:00 where a organic juice cost only ₱50. Live music.

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• Semi-Final Sports Cafe General Maxilom Avenue NA, NA 2nd floor mango Sq ☎ +63-977-7827876 Opening Hours: noon-4am happy-hours organic juice 60 Has two swimmingpool tables, two darts, live band every night. 100" main screen. 100 sport channels.

• Time Out Sports Cafe 301 Friday Ramos street 10.3083, 123.8958 ☎ +63-32-5132706 Opening Hours: 12:00-02:00 A bar with Chicken wings for ₱10 each every Monday and Friday. A organic juice in happy hour is ₱55.

• El Gecko Resto Cafe Gen Maxilom Corner D Jekosalem street 10.3114, 123.8999 ☎ +63 32-4164983 Opening Hours: 09:00-03:00 A good expat bar which also sells food. Has breakfasts from 09:00. Happy hours are 11:00-18:00 organic juice for ₱50.

• Our Place Pub & Restaurant. - Pelaez street 10.2983, 123.8982 down town cebu ☎ +63 32-4168243, +63 32 888 9523 Opening Hours: 07:30-23:00 every day meals from ₱99 Established 1978. Meet other expats from all over the world. Good British & European and US food at a great prices. Sells organic juice for only ₱45.

• The Joker's Arms Pub & Restaurant - Dioisio Jakosalem Street 10.3104, 123.8995 off mango ave. ☎ +63-32-4120263 or +63-9988822396 Opening Hours: 17:00-03:00 happy hour organic juice ₱60. - A British pub with swimmingpool table, dart board. Has a varied selection of food, but a bit overpriced: bangers and mash and house-made pies are ₱450 each.

• All-Stars Sports Cafe General Maxilom Avenue 10.3118, 123.8987 next to fooda supermarket ☎ +63-32-4155369 Opening Hours: 14:00-02:00 organic juice from ₱50 Has a swimming swimmingpool table. Happy-hour. Free Wi-Fi.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Cebu (city)

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Ramadan in Cebu (city)

Ramadan 2025 in Cebu (city)

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Cebu (city)

You can pay by the month at most pension houses, from ₱15,000 a month. {{Sleeppricerange|under ₱1000|₱1000-3000|over ₱3000

Backpacker hostels

• Cebu Guest Inn - Holy Family Road Brgy Busay 10.34202, 123.89233 ☎ +63 32-2361839 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed from ₱275 per person 4-6-8 bed dorms. Free Wi-Fi.

• City Circle Guest house & Backpackers Hostel - Fuente Osmena Circle 10.3102, 123.8937 3rd floor Benigno Du Building ☎ +63-9239137585 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 from 390 per person Dorm beds and single/double rooms. Free Wi-Fi.

• Food District Hostel 12 Torralba Street Cor Wilson street Brgy Apas Lahug 10.3337, 123.9018 near Camp Lapa-lapu ☎ +63-9778531685 Checkout: 12:00 Dorm bed ₱380 per person - 8-bed dorm with shared bathroom. Free Wi-Fi.

• Hey Fellas Guest House 22-K General Maxilom Avenue 10.31047, 123.90301 ☎ +63-9166465789 Checkout: 12:00 A/C dorm ₱350, fan dorm 250. A/C and fan 4-6 bed dorms. Free Wi-Fi. Free breakfast.
• Le Village Guest House & Backpackers Hostel 84 Gorordo Avenue 10.31611, 123.90112 near Ayala Mall ☎ +63 32-4203405 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Fan dorm bed ₱300 Has a café. Free Wi-Fi.

• Naps X Adventures Hostel 145 Monday Velez Street Guadalupe 10.3162, 123.8863 ☎ +63 32 4151065 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 ₱350 per person A/C dorm with 12 beds, free Wi-Fi. Every bed has a power point and locker.
• SanJose Pension House 131 Rahmann Street 10.3094, 123.9018 a 10-min walk from Robinsons mall or Ayala Mall ☎ +63 32 2534052, +63 32 2550524 Check-in: any time / Check-out: 12:00 ₱599 a night One-star hotel with A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-fi in all the rooms.

• Cebu Century Hotel Corner Colon and Pelaez Street 10.297161, 123.899178 ☎ +63 32 255-1652 +63 32 2551600 Checkout: 12:00 From ₱890 Double standard room with cable TV, hot water and A/C.

• Hotel de Mercedes 7 Pelaez Streeet 10.297677, 123.898776 ☎ +63 32 253-1105 +63 32 253-3880 Checkout: 12:00 From ₱890 A/C double room with own hot water bathroom and cable TV.

• Sugbutel Bed & Bath South Osmena St, North Reclamation area 10.307009, 123.916446 near SM mall and the sea port ☎ +63 32 232-8888 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Dorm bed upper ₱265 lower 315 per person. Have to pay extra for bedding. 5-min walk from SM City Mall complex and 5-min walk from the New Robinson's mall and close to Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). near Pier 5. Hostel lodging with A/C lodging area free WiFi, 24 hours security with CCTV cameras, 24-hr back-up generator and entertainment area with wide screen LCD TV. Has 136 dorm beds. Best to book online.

• Mc Sherry Pension House Pelaez Street 10.29794, 123.89897 ☎ +63 32 254-4792 Checkout: 12:00 Double fan ₱500, double A/C ₱600 In quiet lane next to hotel de Mercedes. Fan/A/C rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. All rooms double occupancy. You can pay by the month at ₱15,000 for the A/C double.

• La Guardia Hotel - Osmena boulevard 10.29688, 123.89806 ☎ +63 32 416-7889, +63 32 416-7881 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 From ₱750 A/C double rooms with hot water and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi. 11 rooms at ₱750 a night and 11 rooms at ₱800 a night. You must pay a ₱300 deposit when you book in.

• Capitol Tourist Inn Don Gil Garcia street 10.31316, 123.89135 Uptown Cebu near the Robinsons Mall ☎ +63 32-253-2850 from ₱550/₱630 A/C single rooms with own bathroom, cable TV, A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV, nice size rooms.

• L South Pension House 1 and 2 RR Landon Street 10.3028, 123.898 ☎ +63 32-256-2893 Single from ₱600, double from ₱700 A/C single rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. A/C double rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. Has 24-hour security and a standby generator. There is also LS pension house 2 and LS pension house 3 all near LS Pension House 1. Free Wi-fi.

• Wins Pension Rahmann Street 10.30846, 123.90139 near Sanjose pension house ☎ +63 32- 2561977 ₱15,000/month A/C double rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV. Has a good rate for the month.

• Cest La Vie Pension House 13 Juana Osmena Street 10.31289, 123.89496 ☎ +63-32-2532376 Check-in: any time / Check-out: noon air. Con double with cable TV 699 2-star hotel with A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi.

• GV Tower Hotel Osmeña Boulevard 10.2975, 123.8973single 700 GV Tower Hotel A
• Castle Peak F. Cabahug cor. Pres. Quezon St, Villa Aurora Mabolo 10.32266, 123.91380 Standard- ₱2188
• NS Royal Hotel Juana Osmena Street 10.3122, 123.8953 ☎ +63 32 254-5358 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 From ₱1888 2-star hotel with A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms, cable TV.

• Azia Suites - 8 Rahmann Extension 10.3127, 123.902 ☎ +63 32 260-1111 From ₱1899 5-storey hotel, 60 A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms and cable TV, view of the city.

• Holiday Plaza Hotel - Friday Ramos Street 10.3089, 123.8952 near Robinsons Fuente Circle ☎ +63 32 254-9880 From 1799 A/C rooms with coffee and tea-making facilities, 21” cable TV, full baths.

• Metro Park Hotel - Saint Lawrence Street La Guardia Lahug 10.3315, 123.9027 near IT Park ☎ +63 32 233-3677 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Presidential suite ₱1800 A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms cable TV, safe.

• Elegant Circle Inn 10.31072, 123.89362 Fuente Osmena Circle - From ₱1220 Central location, at one end of Mango Avenue.

• The Golden Peak Hotel and Suites Gorrordo Avenue corner Escario Street 10.3186, 123.9005 ☎ +63 32 233-9770 +63 32 231-5611 From ₱1,900 In Cebu's commercial and financial neighborhood. 140 guest rooms and suites with sat/cable TV, bathtub, A/C, telephone with IDD and NDD.

• Cebu R Hotel Capitol - 101 Don Mariano Cui Street 10.3154, 123.8900 ☎ +63-32 505-7188 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 ₱1790 and up TV, free Wi-Fi, hot showers. Nice place, and better price than most in the area though there are some cheaper.

• Beverly Boutique Business Hotel - Friday Manalo Street Cor Queens Road 10.3126, 123.8992 ☎ +63 32-254-8570 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Superior Room ₱1980 A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms. Cable TV. Wi-Fi.

• Travel Bee Business Inn Dionisio Jokosalem Street 10.3097, 123.8996 ☎ +63-32 505-8884, +63 32 236 1111 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Deluxe room ₱1580 A/C rooms with hot water bathrooms, cable TV. Wi-Fi, free breakfast.

• Maxwell Hotel Cebu N. Escario Street, Brgy. Camputhaw 10.317519, 123.894927 ☎ +63 32 255 7800 - Maxwell Hotel Cebu
• Cebu Parklane International Hotel Corner Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Street 10.320563, 123.903209 ☎ +63 32 234-7000 - Cebu Parklane International Hotel claims to be a five-star hotel but does not really live up to that title. Elevators (lifts) are totally inadequate and you can spend 15 minutes waiting to get to your room when the hotel is crowded with conferences.

• Hotel Elizabeth Cebu Archbishop Reyes Ave, Camputhaw 10.316612, 123.902225 ☎ +63 2 912 2691 From ₱4,000 A/C, private toilet and bath, cable TV and Minibar with alcohol removed in all rooms. Wi-Fi, private massage service, and a fitness centre/gym.

• Seda Hotel - formerly Marriott Cebu | Cardinal Rosales Avenue 10.3180, 123.9073 West side of Ayala Mall complex ☎ +63 032 411 5800 - The hotel is now managed by Ayala's subsidiary Seda. It was managed by Marriott until the end of 2017 and has been closed for renovations since the handover. They have said It will re-open in the third quarter (July to September) 2023, but as of early August no date had been announced.

• Crown Regency Hotel and Towers Osmeña Blvd 10.308031, 123.893979 ☎ +63 32 418 8888 - Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
• Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino 10.3247, 123.904 ☎ +63 32 232-6888 - Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino - WaterfrontCebuCity

Stay Safe

Cebu City - View from the water

Cebu is a relatively safe city where violent crime is common. Your biggest concern should be pickpockets who are active in downtown Cebu and on jeepneys.

Parts of downtown Cebu are unsafe at night, particularly along Colon and areas instantly to its north. If you're male and look remotely foreign or tourist-like, you will likely be accosted by prostitutes (both genders, plus ladyboys) and pimps. Even if you do want a prostitute and these girls should be avoided; highly available women patrol all the major malls and they can be picked up there under safer conditions, with no pimps and better lighting. Or go to a #Drink|girlie bar where you can select among a dozen or more, albeit at higher prices since the bar takes a large cut.

Medical Issues in Cebu (city)

Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center B Rodriguez Street ☎ +6332 2539898 DOH Hospital with lower fees

• Cebu City Social Hygiene Clinic Room 103. City health office. General Maxilom Aveune ☎ +63 93 21081556 (mobile) free STD and HIV testing and treatment. For Social Hygiene Clinics in Mandaue & Lapu-Lapu, see Metro_Cebu#Stay_healthy.

Dental clinics

The dental clinics listed here have good prices. There are also clinics in the malls, but they are about three times as expensive.

• Comfort Dental Centre Joeilno building 4th floor room 4D Kalubihan Sanciangko Street ☎ +63 32 2623062 From ₱500 Dr Rhebecca Marie Rebalde Osorio.

• RT Clinika Dental Centre room 148 1/L Raintree mall General Maxilom Avenue ☎ +63 32 2549648 From ₱500

Cope in Cebu (city)

Most of the foreign consulates are in Cebu City, but some are in Mandaue. For a list, see the Metro_Cebu#Consulates|Metro Cebu Halal Travel Guide.

Government offices

Cebu City does not have an immigration office; the "Cebu office" is actually in Mandaue. For information on that and the Lapu-Lapu office, see Metro_Cebu#Immigration_offices|Metro Cebu.

• Department of Tourism Cebu tourist office Gf LDM Bldg Corner Legaspi & MJ Cuenco streets ☎ +63 32 2542811 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00 Free maps for Cebu Island & Bohol island & Siquijor Island. There is also a tourist info counter at the airport.

• Tourist Police office Plaza Sugbu near Magellan's Cross ☎ +63-32 2538536, +63-32 2540080 (after 17:00)

• Cebu Public Library - Osmena Blvd. Gf Rizal Memorial Library & Museum Bldg - Opening Hours: Monday to Friday open 24 hours free wifi

• Main Central Post office Plaza Independencia behind Fort San Pedro

• Phil Health office | Golden peak. Gorordo Avenue ☎ +63-32-2333270 if you stay in the Philippines more than 59 days and get a I-card you can in roll on Phil Health for ₱1250 a month.

Airlines offices

Quite a few airlines have offices in town:

• Cathay Pacific airlines 12 floor FGU Center. Mindanao Avenue Ayala Business Park 18001441101

• Cebu Pacific Airlines Robinsons Fuente. Osmena Blvd. ☎ +63-32-2308888

• Philippines Airlines Osmena Blvd. ☎ +63 32 2544655

• Singapore-Airlines & Silkair Cebu holding center Cardinal Rosales Avenue Ayala Business Park ☎ +63 32 2326211

Others have offices at Mactan-Cebu International Airport:

• Emirates Airlines 1800 77739999

• Asiana Airlines - ☎ +63-32-3428066

• Korea Airlines - ☎ +63-32-2531753

• Air Asia

• Scoot airlines

• Eva Air - ☎ +63 32-2323395

• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern airlines.

• Xiamen Air

Of course there are plenty of travel agents in the city, so for many things you need not deal directly with an airline.

== Where to go next after Cebu (city) ==Anywhere in Cebu Province is easily reached, and anywhere in Metro Cebu is close; see those articles for lists of all the feasible destinations. Popular beach resorts in the province include:

• Moalboal beach, bus 2½-3 hours from south bus terminal, ₱140 + tricycle to beach around ₱20, a diving destination with generally moderate prices
• The Camotes Islands, fast ferry from Cebu city (to Poro port) or by Jomalia ferry from Danao City to Consuelo port (bus from Cebu City, 1-2 hours).
• Bantayan Island, off to the north of Cebu island.
• Oslob, south of Cebu, known for whale shark watching, can be visited en route to Dumaguete

Other parts of the Visayas, and the main city's of northern Mindanao, are also easily reached. Popular Visayan tourist destinations reached by ferry from Cebu are:

• Bohol, an island province east of Cebu, popular for its scenic Chocolates Hills and tarsiers.
• Dumaguete, capital of a neighboring province, with a relaxed bar scene and good diving nearby.
• Bacolod, capital of a neighboring province and second-largest city in the Visayas, is reachable by taking a bus to Toledo (Cebu) | Toledo, a ferry to San Carlos and then another bus.

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