Cebu 1-day itinerary

Start at Magellan's Cross in the heart of Cebu City — a wooden cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in 1521 when they arrived in Cebu and conducted the first Christian baptism in the Philippines. The original cross is encased in a later wooden shell to protect it, housed in a small kiosk next to Cebu's most important church — the Basilica del Santo Nino. The basilica holds the image of the Holy Child (Santo Nino), the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, given by Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu. The church is alive with devotees lighting candles and praying at all hours.

Head uphill to the Temple of Leah in the Beverly Hills neighbourhood — a Roman-inspired temple built by a Cebuano businessman as a tribute to his late wife, featuring grand columns, statues, and sweeping city views. Continue higher to Tops Lookout, a viewpoint at 600m elevation overlooking the entire Cebu City metropolitan area, the harbour, Mactan Island, and the strait beyond. On clear days, the neighbouring islands of Bohol and Leyte are visible on the horizon. The temperature is noticeably cooler at this elevation.

No visit to Cebu is complete without lechon — whole roast suckling pig with impossibly crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat. Cebu lechon is widely considered the best in the Philippines, seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and local spices before being spit-roasted over charcoal for hours. CnT Lechon and Rico's Lechon are local institutions where you eat the pig with rice and pickled vegetables using your hands. After dinner, explore Cebu's nightlife — the IT Park area has craft beer bars, live music, and a thriving food park scene.