Not Your Typical Cebu City Guide: Must-Visit Places for First-Timers
These landmarks are perfect for a half-day tour.
by Ina Louise Manto | January 30, 2026
One of the best things to get to know the city is through its history. What transpired during the past? Are there any key landmarks you need to see? Whether you’re a history buff or simply a tourist who wants to learn about a destination’s past, here are key landmarks that you need to visit if you’re a first-timer in Cebu:
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
Did you know that the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is in Cebu? Located in the heart of downtown Cebu City, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu founded in 1565. It is allegedly built on the same spot where the image of the child Jesus was found during Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s expedition.
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
On the third Sunday of January every year, Cebuanos celebrate the Sinulog festival, which honors the Santo Niño or Child Jesus. It’s one of the most vibrant festivals in the country and a celebration that you should witness and take part in at least once in your life.
Magellan’s Cross
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
Magellan’s Cross is located at the entrance to Sto. Niño Church, so it wouldn’t be hard to miss. If you’re visiting the downtown area, pin this as your drop-off location, and you can start exploring!
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
The gigantic cross nestled inside the pavilion was brought by the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. This landmark is a National Cultural Treasure recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines. Aside from the cross, the pavilion’s ceiling features a mural depicting the baptism of Rajah Humabon.
Fort San Pedro
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
Before the old Walled City of Manila was built, Fort San Pedro had been the fortress of the Spaniards when they arrived in the 1500s. Its original structure was made of wood, but it was later reconstructed using stone to repel Muslim raiders in the 17th century.
Pro tip: These three landmarks are just within walking distance of each other, which is a good way to get your daily steps in. Don’t forget to wear comfortable footwear when you visit them!
Heritage of Cebu Monument
Photo by Ina Manto for WindowSeat.PH
Located in uptown Cebu, the Heritage of Cebu Monument is a gigantic tableau showcasing Cebu’s role in Philippine history, including the Battle of Mactan, the canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod, and the inauguration of Sergio Osmeña as President of the Philippines.
The monument is also within walking distance of the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, another landmark in Cebu City.
What are your favorite destinations in Cebu? Share in the comments!
