Things To Do
in Cebu City

Whole roasted pig with crispy skin and flavorful meat; Cebu’s lechon is famous across the Philippines. Best found at dedicated lechon stalls (Tops, Carcar town, Zubuchon) and market vendors.

Must-Try!

A catch-all name for grilled (sugba), stewed (tuwa) and ceviche-like (kilaw) seafood combos—common in coastal eateries and Mactan markets.

Rice wrapped and woven in coconut leaves, often served with grilled meats and street food—available at BBQ stalls and markets.

Sun-dried salted fish, usually served for breakfast with rice and eggs; commonly sold in markets and served in local eateries.

Cebu’s oldest public market with stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, local delicacies and street snacks. Try tuk-ang (grilled skewers), puso, and fresh fruit shakes here.

Smaller roadside stalls and fish markets around Mactan sell fresh seafood you can have cooked at nearby eateries; good for sutukil experiences.

Polite greetings (saying hello, ‘maayong buntag’ in Cebuano) and a smile go a long way. Use ‘po/opo’ (politeness) in Filipino contexts with elders; a slight nod or handshake is common.

Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches (Basilica del Santo Niño, old churches). Speak softly, be respectful during Mass and avoid disruptive behavior.

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home if asked—follow the host’s cue.

Light PDAs are generally tolerated in urban areas but conservative behavior is preferred in rural and religious contexts.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. For restaurants that do not add service charge, a 5–10% tip is common; small tips for porters, drivers and guides are appreciated (20–50 PHP). Round up fares for taxi drivers or add a small tip for good service.

Cash (Philippine peso) is widely used—carry small bills for markets and tricycle fares. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, malls and many restaurants; mobile payments and e-wallets (GCash, PayMaya) are increasingly common in urban areas. ATMs are available but often have withdrawal fees; notify your bank before travel.

Cebu’s highest accessible peak near Dalaguete with rolling jagged limestone ridges and sweeping sea views—short trek often done as a half-day trip.

Historical mountain near Balamban with moderate trails and forested areas; known as the crash site of President Ramon Magsaysay and popular for camping and day hikes.

Shorter uphill walks around Sirao and Busay for scenic overlooks, flower gardens and viewpoints like Tops Lookout—good for sunrise/sunset photography without a strenuous trek.

Trail and coastal walks near canyoneering routes—combine waterfall visits with light hiking and beach stops in the Badian corridor.

Vegetarian options are available at cafes and some Filipino restaurants (vegetable dishes, tofu, rice and vegetable soups). Ask for no fish sauce (patis) and request vegetable-based sauces; larger malls and expat-focused restaurants offer explicit vegetarian dishes.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible—seek out international eateries, health cafes, and some vegetarian restaurants in IT Park and Cebu City malls; carry snacks for day trips.

Halal food is available but not ubiquitous; look for certified halal restaurants, Muslim-owned eateries in certain districts, and seafood-based dishes. Mactan and the city center have some halal-friendly options.

Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with sauces and processed foods. Ask restaurants about soy sauce and breading; many cafes can accommodate with advance notice.