Cebu map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, markets, free things to do, rainy day

5 places on the map

Nature

1
Hill garden of flowers and quirky structures known as Little Amsterdam
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Entry fee applies
- Allow a taxi ride from the city
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2
Mountain national park with forest and watershed trails west of the city.
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3
Protected tidal flats on Olango Island, a stopover for migratory birds.
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4
Series of waterfalls and pools in the hills north of the city.
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5
Protected forest landscape in the mountains of central Cebu.
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Ride the jeepneys: Jeepneys run fixed routes coded by number on the side; ask the driver if it passes your stop, pay by passing your fare forward and say para to get off.
Use Grab for door-to-door trips: The Grab app avoids fare haggling and is useful in heavy traffic around IT Park and Ayala; book a taxi or car from inside a mall for easy pickup.
Take fast craft to Bohol: OceanJet and other fast ferries leave Pier 1 for Tagbilaran; book ahead on holidays and check the terminal fee and baggage rules before you go.

Guard your phone downtown: Pickpockets and snatchers work crowded spots like Carbon Market, Colon Street and jeepney rides; keep phones in front pockets and bags zipped.
Avoid unmetered taxis at the airport: At Mactan-Cebu airport use the official metered taxi queue or Grab, and refuse drivers who quote a flat fare much higher than the meter.
Watch typhoon advisories: From June to December storms can cancel ferries and flights; follow PAGASA alerts and keep flexible plans for island trips during bad weather.

Eat at carinderias: These local canteens serve rice with a choice of viands like adobo and pork humba for very little; point at what you want from the pots on display.
Shop at Carbon Market: The city's oldest market has fruit, dried mangoes and souvenirs for far less than the malls; go in the morning and bargain politely.
Take Ceres buses south: Ceres Liner buses from the South Bus Terminal reach Moalboal and Oslob cheaply; it is slower than a private van but costs a fraction of a tour.

Pack for tropical heat: Cebu is hot and humid all year, so bring breathable cotton or quick-dry clothes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen for days outdoors.
Carry an umbrella in the wet season: From around June to November afternoon downpours are common; a compact umbrella or light rain jacket and sandals that cope with puddles help.
Bring a layer for the malls: Air conditioning in SM City Cebu, Ayala Center and buses can be very cold, so a light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt is handy.

Taste Cebu lechon: The island is famous for its spit-roasted pig with crisp skin and herb-stuffed meat; try it at a lechon house or buy it by weight to share.
Dress modestly at the Basilica: The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Magellan's Cross are active places of worship; cover shoulders and knees and keep voices low.
Plan around Sinulog: On the third Sunday of January the Sinulog festival fills the streets with dancing and processions; book rooms months ahead and expect road closures.

Reach Kawasan Falls early: Get to Badian at opening time to swim before the canyoneering groups from Moalboal arrive, and bring water shoes for the rocky pools.
Snorkel the Moalboal sardine run: Millions of sardines gather just off Panagsama Beach, so you can swim out from shore without a boat; rent a mask locally.
Get a local SIM on arrival: Smart and Globe SIMs are sold at the airport and convenience stores; you need to register with ID, but data is cheap and helps with Grab.