Cebu City is one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines—offering a rare mix of rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, picturesque mountain attractions, and modern city comforts. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or someone returning to explore new spots, the Cebu City & Uphill Tour is one of the best ways to see the city in one day. Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines, making it a treasure chest of Spanish-era architecture, heritage structures, and important religious sites. After exploring downtown Cebu, most tours proceed to the Busay and Balamban highlands, where cooler air and panoramic views await. These hillside attractions are among the most photographed spots in Cebu. Here are the must-visit stops included in most Cebu City and uphill tours.

One of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the Philippines, Magellan’s Cross symbolizes the arrival of Christianity brought by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Why Visit: Important historical and religious site Beautiful octagonal chapel and ceiling murals Easy walking distance from other landmarks Travel Tip Visit early morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

Magellan's Cross

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Located just beside Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. It houses the revered image of the Santo Niño de Cebu. Why Visit: Rich cultural and religious importance Beautiful Spanish-era church architecture Lively and spiritual ambiance Don’t Miss: The museum inside the basilica Candle lighting with “sinulog dancers”

A few steps from the Basilica, the Metropolitan Cathedral stands as the heart of Cebu’s Catholic community. It features a cream façade, grand interiors, and serene surroundings perfect for peaceful reflection. Why Visit: Less crowded than the Basilica Historic architecture and altar Clean and quiet grounds for photos

Another major highlight of Cebu City tours is Fort San Pedro, built in the 1700s by Spanish explorers. It is the smallest and oldest triangular fort in the Philippines. Why Visit: Museum featuring artifacts and old paintings Stone walls and manicured gardens Great place to learn Cebu’s colonial history

Located in the historic district of Parian, these two stops give a glimpse into Cebu’s past. Heritage of Cebu Monument A massive sculpture depicting major historical events of Cebu. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House One of the oldest residential homes in the Philippines, built in the 1600s—complete with antique furniture and religious artifacts.

If you want to extend your tour or add an evening destination, head to Cordova, Mactan to see the famous 10,000 Roses Café, a unique spot featuring thousands of LED-powered white roses that glow beautifully at night. Why Visit: One-of-a-kind illuminated garden Romantic ambiance Great for sunset and evening strolls Nearby cafés and seaside restaurants Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to evening to see the roses light up. Combine with Lantaw Floating Restaurant or Cordova boardwalk area for dinner.

Location: Busay, Cebu City Best for: Photoshoots, nature lovers, couples Sirao Garden is one of Cebu’s most iconic uphill attractions, known for its vibrant flower fields inspired by Amsterdam’s tulip gardens. The colorful celosias, sunflowers, and ornamental plants make it one of the most photographed places in Cebu. Expect windmills, giant hand installations, swings, heart-shaped photo frames, and mountain views. It’s a favorite spot for Instagrammers, pre-nup shoots, and anyone looking for beautifully landscaped gardens. Why Visit Sirao Garden: Highly Instagrammable scenery Cool weather and relaxing atmosphere Colorful flowers almost year-round Multiple themed gardens

Sirao Garden

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Location: Barangay Busay Best for: Architecture lovers, photographers, couples Temple of Leah is one of Cebu’s grandest landmarks. Built in 2012 by Teodorico Adarna (grandfather of actress Ellen Adarna), the Roman-inspired temple stands as a symbol of endless love for his wife, Leah. The massive pillars, statues, stone architecture, and view decks will remind you of ancient European temples. The panoramic view of Cebu City is especially beautiful during sunset. Why Visit Temple of Leah: Grand Roman-style architecture A touching love story behind the structure Perfect for dramatic photos and videos Stunning cityscape views Pro Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or phone camera to capture the temple’s full grandeur.

Temple of Leah

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Location: Busay Best for: Sunset, skyline views, couples’ dates Tops Lookout remains one of the best places to view Cebu from above. Perched on the mountains of Busay, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Cebu City, Mactan, and the surrounding islands. Come at sunset for golden-hour photography, or stay into the evening when the city lights start to sparkle. There are food stalls and cafes nearby if you want a chill night with friends or your partner. Why Visit Tops Lookout: Best panoramic view of Cebu City Cooler climate, perfect for relaxing Ideal for romantic dates Great for night photography

For travelers who love scenic dining, La Vie in the Sky is one of the best places to unwind. It’s a French-themed restaurant offering wine, pastries, pizza, and gorgeous nighttime lights. Why Visit European ambiance without leaving Cebu Romantic dinner setting Family-friendly Great city views at night

Location: Beverly Hills Subdivision Best for: Culture, architecture, peaceful sightseeing The Cebu Taoist Temple is one of the most culturally rich and peaceful attractions in Cebu City. Built by Cebu’s Chinese community, the multicolored temple features intricate dragon sculptures, pagodas, and a great view of the city. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple, reflect, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. It's also an excellent spot for learning about Taoist traditions and Chinese influence in Cebu. Why Visit: Beautiful Chinese-inspired architecture Peaceful and spiritual environment Dragon statues, pagodas, and intricate stairways Stunning photo spots Great For: Meditation Cultural exploration Photography

Cebu Taoist Temple

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Location: Babag Uno, Cebu Best for: Japan lovers, foodies, photographers One of Cebu’s newest uphill attractions, Sachiko’s Little Kyoto offers a charming Japanese-inspired experience without leaving the Philippines. With torii gates, bamboo forests, lantern-lit pathways, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture, it’s a peaceful and picturesque escape. You can also enjoy Japanese food stalls offering ramen, takoyaki, tempura, and matcha desserts. Why Visit Sachiko’s Little Kyoto: Authentic Japanese-themed attractions Picture-perfect torii gates Relaxing garden scenery Delicious Japanese food options Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and long lines for photo spots.

Absolutely. The Cebu City & Uphill Tour is one of the best ways to experience the culture, history, and scenery of Cebu all in a single day. You’ll explore: Cebu’s oldest churches Historic Spanish landmarks A peaceful Taoist Temple Mountain attractions with sweeping views Popular hillside restaurants And the romantic 10,000 Roses Café in Mactan From colorful gardens to glowing rose fields, from ancient temples to panoramic skyline views, this tour captures everything that makes Cebu truly unforgettable.