When you're in Bohol and happen to have an extra day or two, consider exploring the vibrant and historic Cebu City—just a ferry ride away. On our visit, we managed to cover 8 cultural and historical landmarks from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If your flight is later in the evening, you even have time to explore the beach resorts of Mactan.
Here’s our itinerary and how you can enjoy the best of Cebu in just one day:
⛩️ 1. Mactan Shrine (Liberty Shrine / Lapu-Lapu Shrine)
📍 Location: Punta
Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City
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Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free
This historical park commemorates the Battle of Mactan (1521), where Datu Lapu-Lapu famously resisted Spanish colonization. You'll first see the Magellan Shrine, a tribute to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and just beyond stands the statue of Lapu-Lapu, the Philippine hero.
📝 2025 Tip: Restoration work has improved the walking paths and added solar lighting, making early morning or late afternoon visits even more pleasant.
🎸 2. Alegre Guitars
📍 Location:
Pajac-Maribago Road, Lapu-Lapu City
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Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free (Tour optional, donation encouraged)
Cebu is the guitar capital of the Philippines. Alegre Guitars is a family-owned workshop known for crafting world-class guitars using local tonewoods. You can watch artisans at work and even try out the instruments.
📝 2025 Tip: Ask about their ukuleles and limited-edition handmade instruments—perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
🛕 3. Cebu Taoist Temple
📍 Location:
Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu City
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Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free
Built in 1972 by the Chinese-Filipino community, this temple offers a peaceful break from the city with panoramic views of Cebu. The dragon-lined stairs, wishing well, and serene gardens create a calming experience.
📝 2025 Tip: Follow the dress code and remain respectful—it's still an active place of worship.
🥋 4. Doce Pares Mountain Training Park
📍 Location: Babag,
Cebu City
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Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: ₱30.00
Originally a training site for Filipino martial arts (Eskrima/Arnis), this park now offers great mountain views and a chance to learn about traditional combat styles. There's also a mini zipline and jungle walk.
📝 2025 Tip: Ideal for families or those looking for a nature break with a side of history and action.
🗿 5. Cebu Heritage Monument (Parian Monument)
📍 Location: Colon
St., Parian District, Cebu City
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Hours: Open 24/7
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Entrance Fee: Free
This sprawling bronze-and-concrete monument depicts Cebu’s historical milestones—from Rajah Humabon’s reign to the arrival of Magellan and the Catholic missions.
📝 2025 Tip: Visit with a local guide to fully appreciate the layered stories told through this massive sculpture.
✝️ 6. Magellan’s Cross
📍 Location:
Magallanes St., Cebu City
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Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free
This iconic cross marks the spot where Christianity was first introduced in the Philippines in 1521. The original cross is encased in tindalo wood to protect it from decay and damage.
📝 2025 Update: Renovations have made the area more organized and less congested with vendors.
⛪ 7. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
📍 Location: Osmeña
Blvd., Cebu City
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Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free
Founded in 1565, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines and the home of the Santo Niño de Cebu, gifted by Magellan. It’s the spiritual heart of the city.
📝 2025 Tip: Visit the Santo Niño Museum beside the basilica and light a candle at the prayer area.
⛪ 8. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
📍 Location: Mabini
St., Cebu City
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Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Entrance Fee: Free
Located near the Basilica, this elegant cathedral honors St. Vitales and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu. It's grand but serene—ideal for some quiet reflection.
📝 2025 Update: The interiors have been repainted and better lighting has been installed. Great photo ops inside and out.
🧳 Why I’ll Return to Cebu
I had plans to visit Fort San Pedro and the Sugbo Museum, but our group was already tired—a common issue with group travel (team democracy wins). Still, that gives me another reason to return to Cebu—maybe on a solo trip, or at least one where I’m in charge of the itinerary! 😄
🛥️ Travel Tips from Bohol to Cebu
- ⏰ Ferry travel time: ~2 hours from Tagbilaran or 1 hour from Tubigon
- 💺 Book early: For OceanJet or SuperCat, reserve ahead during peak seasons
- 🧳 Leave early: Take the earliest ferry to maximize your time
- 🚕 Transport in Cebu: Use Grab or rent a van with a driver for a full-day tour
Whether you’re in Cebu for a pilgrimage, cultural immersion, or a historical deep dive, you can cover a lot in just one day with the right itinerary—and lots of energy! Cebu’s timeless charm never fails to impress. 🌺
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