Cebu City | Old Cebu Walking Tour | DIY Travel Guide

Cebu is known as the Gateway to a Thousand Journeys. Perfect jump-off point if you want to go in the beaches north of the island or go swim with the whale sharks in the south. Even better, try canyoneering to Kawasan falls. Cebu also have several islands like Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes - each with its own beauty.

Others just use Cebu as passage to nearby islands like Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor and more.

But did you know that Cebu City is also the oldest city of Philippines? This means that it has a rich history - a story to tell.

So when I had a chance to do a short Cebu City trip, I went to Old Cebu. The best way to explore Old Cebu, is on foot.

I started my journey in Manila. Took an early flight from Manila to Cebu. The plane landed in Mactan International Airport. Then took a bus to SM City Cebu. From there, I walked to Robinsons Galleria to eat at Bohol Bee Farm’s Cafe called The Buzzz. This restaurant serves organic dishes. I’ve covered Bohol Bee Farm in my Bohol blog. For brunch, I ordered Seafood Pasta.

Next, I walked several blocks west, going to Eduardo Aboitiz St. My first destination, Casa Gorordo Museum. This is a house museum owned by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

The well preserved house shows not just the history of the house but also the oldest city of the Philippines.

At the end of Eduardo Aboitiz St. is Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. The wood and coral stone house with Spanish and Chinese influence was built around 1680. One of the country’s oldest residential homes.

A few meters from the ancestral house is The Heritage of Cebu Monument. This sculpture shows the significant events in Cebu’s history.

Walked another blocked and reached the Colon Obelisk. This marks the start of the Colon Street or the oldest street in Philippines. It was named after Christopher Columbus.

After exploring the busy street of Colon, I decided to end my walking tour of Old Cebu. Hopped on a taxi to Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City to meet Wynne.

That night, we tried Brique Modern Kitchen in Ayala Center Cebu. This restaurant has a modern and rustic feel. Cebu is famous for Lechon, so we walked few blocks from Ayala Center to Acacia Street for House of Lechon.

Then, we went to Cebu IT Park because our food trip would not be complete without sweets. Here we stumbled upon a coffee shop named 10 Dove Street Confectionery. Tried their affogato and the Dream Cake that comes in a jar. I wish they have a branch here in Manila.

The next morning, we woke up early to continue the Old Cebu walking tour. To save time, we went directly to Basilica Del Sto. Nino via taxi. Here we saw the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.

Outside of the church, there’s a chapel that housed the famous Magellan’s Cross. This was planted by the Spanish explorers when they arrived in Cebu.

From the Basilica, we followed the Osmena Boulevard to the park called Plaza Independencia to see Fort San Pedro. This is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines. This 18th Century fort was built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Unfortunately, the fort was closed when we visited.

Before we end the short Cebu City visit, we went back to Ayala Center for brunch. Tried Abaca, serving artisan crafter breads and classic American food.

If you have time to spare when in Cebu City, you should definitely explore Old Cebu.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CEBU CITY

The best time to visit Cebu City is from December to February. This is a peak season but the cold temperature is ideal while exploring the Old Cebu.

Also, Sinulog is held in January. This is the biggest festival in Cebu.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO CEBU CITY

Comfortable clothes
Sneakers / Rubber shoes / Sandals
Protection from the sun
Tumbler
Camera / Action Cam
Small bag when in tour
Universal Adaptor

HOW TO GET TO CEBU CITY FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Cebu City from Manila is via a direct flight. Travel time is around 1 hour 25 minutes.

How to Get to Cebu City (Old Cebu) from Mactan Airport

Once you exit the Airport, turn right and walk until you see the MyBus Terminal. Ride the bus to SM City Cebu. From SM City Cebu there will be 2 options:

1. Walk west and follow Sergio Osmena Jr. Boulevard past Robinsons Galleria. Turn Right at Tiburcio Padilla St. Turn Left at M.J. Cuenco Ave. Then turn Right at Eduardo Aboitiz St. to Casa Gorordo Museum.

2. Walk to Juan Luna Ave. to Cuenco Ave. Ride the Jeepney route 03L. Alight at Eduardo Aboitiz St.

CEBU CITY BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for an overnight stay in Cebu City is Php5,000.00 per person. Assuming the room is Php2,500.00 per night and budget for food is Php200.00 pesos per meal for 5 meals. Air fare is not included. See expected costs below:

Costs
- MyBus to SM City Cebu - Php40.00
- CASA Gorordo Museum Entrance fee - Php120.00
- Waterfront Standard Room - Php2,500.00

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING CEBU CITY

Cebu City is highly urbanized. Expect cost of living is similar to Manila.
Airport
- There are several transportation options from Mactan International Airport to Cebu City: Taxi, Airport Taxi and MyBus.
- Travel time from Mactan International Airport to Cebu City is 30 mins to 2 hours. Depending on traffic.
Transportation
- To go around Cebu City, you can use: taxi, Grab or Jeepney.
Accommodation
- There are 2 Waterfront hotels in Cebu. One in Lahug near Cebu IT Park and the other one is in front of Mactan International Airport.
Food
- Lechon Cebu is a must!
- There are plenty of Cebu delicacies but I recommend trying the chocolate-dipped dried mangoes.
Credit card is accepted but do bring cash just to be sure.
There are plenty of ATMs in the town proper.
Signal is not a problem in Cebu City.

CEBU CITY TRAVEL TIPS

Flight from Manila to Cebu is daily but Cebu Pacific do provide more flights than other airlines.
Be wary of the taxi scams at the airport or in the city.
- Avoid Airport Taxi since rates are higher.
- If you opt for a taxi, be sure that the driver will use the taxi meter.
- It is a practice here in Philippines that fares are round off higher. You can still pay exact amount.
- When in doubt, you can use Grab App. Rates are a little bit higher but you can avoid the taxi scams.
The cheapest way to go to Cebu City from Mactan Airport is via MyBus.
Expect traffic going from Cebu City to Mactan or vice versa on regular days.
Check the schedule of the site/destination in advance.
I recommend visiting CASA Gorordo for better appreciation of Old Cebu tour. No videos allowed inside the Museum.
Bring extra shirt for the walking tour.
Bring a tumbler for hydration.
Wear something comfortable.
Bring a cap or umbrella.
Be a bit careful and vigilant from pickpockets when exploring crowded places like Colon Street.
Got a day to spare, you can visit Camotes Island or Kawasan Falls.

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