One Day in Cebu: A Simple Guide For What To Do For Layover Or Transit
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If you have one day in Cebu for either a layover or transit, this blog post is for you to explore the best things to do in the city without a hassle.
If you are heading to Bohol for scuba diving or other water activities like me, most likely you will end up having 1 or 2 days in the city. Does that mean we should abandon the city completely and go straight to Bohol pier?
Not really! There are many icons there that are in the city center and only 30 minutes away from the airport. So you can pick one or two, even if you only have less than 5 hours. I have transited in the city twice, with most of the time having less than a day. However, I make good use of the time and discover quite a bit of the city.
Below is a list of my recommendations.
1. Visit Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Sto. Niño
Distance from Airport: ~30 minutes
Time Required: 1.5 – 2 hours
Opening Time: 6 am – 7 pm daily
Kick off your day with a visit to Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Sto. Niño, two of Cebu’s most iconic landmarks (and also most convenient). Magellan’s Cross, planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, marks the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. You can take a good photo of the cross at any time. From 6 am to 7 pm, you can get inside the gate of the cross. There will be some vendors nearby selling candles and will pray on your behalf at the cross.
Adjacent to the Cross, the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, houses the revered Santo Niño (Child Jesus) statue, a gift from Magellan. The basilica’s stunning Filipino-Spanish architecture and spiritual significance make it a must-visit. Not only will you see the history of St. Nino, but you will also have the chance to pray in the St. Nino chapel (inside the chapel, no photos are allowed). Also, the central plaza there, as well as the gallery, are all great places for photos.
2. Visit the National Museum of the Philippines and Fort San Pedro
Distance from Airport: ~35 minutes
Time Required: 1.5 – 2 hours
Opening Time: 9 am – 5 pm
If you have spare time, the next cluster of icons would be the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu and Fort San Pedro, conveniently located near each other. The National Museum, housed in the historic Aduana building (formerly Malacañang sa Sugbo), opened in 2023 and features galleries showcasing Cebu’s natural history, archaeology, and art. Expect to see artifacts from sunken ships, geological wonders, and works by Cebuano artists.
It is a three-layer building with a full walk-through of Cebu’s history, and it is free of charge. I love the gallery session where I took a lot of family photos.
Fort San Pedro, built in 1565 by Miguel López de Legazpi, is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines. Its stone walls, cannons, and small museum offer insights into Cebu’s colonial past. The entrance fee is only 30 PHP in cash (less than 1 USD). It is only 5 minutes from the Cebu-Bohol Ferry Pier. It is the best icon to visit before departing from Cebu to Bohol.
🛥️ Book Your Cebu Bohol Ferry Ticket Here:
Klook: Most Recommended ✅ because it offers instant confirmation, same-day booking, and all 13 timeslots of Oceanjet
Agoda: At the time of writing, it is the cheapest option, but needs to be booked 3 days in advance for Oceanjet
12Go: It has booking options for both Oceanjet and SuperCat
KKday: It also requires 3 days in advance booking for Oceanjet, so use it as a backup option for price checking
The Best Way To Have Both Experiences In Cebu & Bohol
The ferry journey between Cebu and Bohol is around 2 hours. It has over 20 time slots per day. If you are planning an itinerary that covers both Cebu and Bohol, this is a must route that you will take.
3. Visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument and Nearby Museums
Distance from Airport: ~35 minutes
Time Required: 1.5 – 2 hours
Opening Time: Monument 24 hours; museums 8 am – 4 pm
The Heritage of Cebu Monument, located in the historic Parian district, is a stunning bronze tableau depicting key moments in Cebu’s history, from Magellan’s arrival to the beatification of Pedro Calungsod. Created by Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, it’s a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of Cebu’s past. Nearby, explore the 1730 Jesuit House, one of Cebu’s oldest structures, and the Yap San Diego Ancestral House, a well-preserved Chinese-Filipino home with antique furnishings. These museums offer a deeper look into Cebu’s colonial and cultural heritage.
While they are not as famous as the Magellan Cross, St Nino Church, or as grand as the Museum of the Philippines. If you have an hour or so extra, you can also consider visiting these items.
4. Enjoy a Half Day at Cebu Ocean Park and SM Seaside City Cebu
Distance from Airport: ~40 minutes
Time Required: 4 – 5 hours
Opening Time: Cebu Ocean Park 10 am – 6 pm; SM Seaside City Cebu 10 am – 9 pm
Look, Cebu can be very hot outdoors, and it could be challenging, especially for the elderly or kids. So, instead of going to the historical icons, visiting the Cebu Ocean Park would be a great option. That’s exactly what I did with my family during my last visit. While it is the largest ocean park in the Philippines, it is way smaller than others in Asia, like HK Ocean Park, Vietnam Vinwonders, or other theme parks. However, it is a concise and educational one. I enjoyed my visit there and even did my first seatrek there. For the details, you can check out my other article about the Cebu Ocean Park review.
Apart from Ocean Park, the SM Seaside City Cebu nearby is also a good place to do some shopping, eating, and resting during your transit to the next stop.
🏄 A Small But Worthy Ocean Park ✅ Book Your Visit Here!
A Park That Wouldn’t Make You Feel FOMO
Despite being a small park, Cebu Ocean Park has multiple ethical attractions that are the best icons for a a family visit. I had a wonderful time there with my family, highly recommend that for you as well.
5. Enjoy the City Vibe
Distance from Airport: ~30 minutes
Time Required: At least 2 hours
Best Time: 10 am – 7 pm
Alternatively, you can also immerse yourself in Cebu’s vibrant atmosphere with these local experiences:
- Dining: Savor Cebuano dishes like Lechon (roasted pig), Inasal (grilled chicken), and Sisig (chopped pork face with spices). Try Puso (hanging rice) with Taho (tofu with syrup and sago) or Ngohiong (vegetable lumpia) for a quick bite. For a sweet treat, enjoy Buko pie (Taro/Banna pie). Visit Jollibee for a taste of Filipino fast food. One fact surprised me is most local restaurant offers unlimited rice refilling like Inasal.
- Have A Jeepney Ride: Ride a “Jeepney” for ~ 30 PHP (less than 1 USD per ride), a colorful cultural icon of the Philippines, to experience local transport.
- Photography: Capture Cebu’s colorful buildings and bustling streets, blending colonial and modern architecture.
- Shopping: Explore local markets like Elizabert Mall, Metro Mall, and other malls..
- Night Markets: After 7 pm, visit local night markets near St Colon street for street food and experience the local vibe. Unfortunately, the night markets are mainly for locals, so do not expect any souvenirs or sales there.
Is Cebu City Worth a Short Visit?
Cebu City is absolutely worth a short visit, especially for transit travelers or those with a layover. At least I did it twice in the past and find that amazing. While, the city also has some water activities like Moalboal sardine run (but it takes a full day), you can have loads of that on Bohol island like the Napaling Sardines.
So for me, who solely went to Cebu for a water activities experience on Bohol Island, or scuba diving license. Staying short in Cebu City for transit while checking out multiple unique icons is the most optimal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cebu Short Visit
Is Cebu City Safe?
Cebu City is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advised. Avoid displaying valuables, stay in well-lit areas at night, and be mindful of your surroundings. Popular tourist areas have a strong police presence. It is a lot safer compared to Manila.
How many days are enough for the city?
One day is sufficient for a transit or layover, covering key attractions. For a deeper exploration, like Moalboal sardine run, Mactan mountain, or a day trip to Oslob (which you can also depart from Bohol for whale shark watching), you may need 4 or even 5 days.
Where to stay in the city?
I stayed in “One Central Hotel” and would recommend that you do so. It is a budget hotel with an infinity pool and a gym, with the best location just near Elizabeth Mall (which has a large supermarket, food court, and shops for currency exchange)
Is the city expensive?
Cebu City is budget-friendly, with affordable local food and transportation. For example, a local Jeepney ride is less than 1 USD.
Where to do currency exchange?
Exchange currency is available at the airport. But most currency exchange shops in the city center would offer a better way.
What is the best time to visit Cebu City?
The dry season (November to May) is ideal, with pleasant weather. Cebu’s tropical climate makes it warm year-round.
How to get around Cebu City?
Make use of Grab, which is cheap and convenient. The Jeepney ride is more about the locals.
