Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines and it’s a highly urbanized city which is the center of Metro Cebu, the second most populous Metropolitan area in the Philippines next to Metro Manila.  Known as the “Queen City” of the South, Cebu boasts many tourist attractions. From the first street to the first church of the Philippines, it is surely a must visit place.

So, here are the top 10 fun things to do in Cebu City:

1. Visit the child and the cross

Your visit to Cebu City will not be complete without seeing the oldest church in the Philippines, the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child; it is where the miraculous image of the Holy Child Jesus can be found. Tourist can have a closer look to the 16^th century image of the Holy Child. Nearby the church is a chapel which house the original cross erected by Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu. The original cross is encased inside the wooden cross to protect it from people who chipped away some parts of it.

2. Have a blast of the past in Fort San Pedro

Fuerza de San Pedro or Fort San Pedro was a military defense structure that was built by the Spanish forces under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It was built in the 16^th century and changed hands several times, from the Spanish forces to the Americans and Japanese forces, and even Cebuano rebel forces. Presently, the fort became a historical park together with the Plaza Independencia under Executive Order No. 08-87 created on February 20, 2008.

3. Eat the locals best loved “Sutukil”

Sutukil is a common term when going around Cebu City. It means “sugba, tinola, kinulaw”, Cebuano term for grill, stew and eat raw.  Diners on a budget can go to Larsian, it is the best place to have your sutukil. Near Fuente Osmeña Circle, Larsian sa Fuente is a favorite spot amongst the rich and poor who wants to eat grilled meats. It is frequented mostly by tourists and locals because of the complete bazaar of eateries which is the perfect place to experience Cebu’s best grilled foods or sutukil.

4. Explore Cebu’s breathtaking underwater sites

Divers from around the world frequent Cebu for its wonderful dive sites. Malapascua Island is one of them, it can be found on the northern part of the Cebu province. The island is far from Cebu City but one can go there by riding a bus then taking a boat going to the island. It is rated by foreign divers as the world’s best diving site. Aside from Malapascua, there are also other dive sites in Cebu: the Mactan Island and the Manad Shoal/Shark point which is the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be seen every day.

5. Have a walk in the sky

Crown Regency Cebu has become a favorite attraction for tourists and locals who want to see a breathtaking view of Cebu City from above. The hotel offers the Sky Walk Extreme on the 37^th floor where customers put on a harness or safety cables and walk on a pathway with no guard rails where they can have an unrestricted 360-degree view of the Cebu skyline.  At the 38^th floor, tourists will be thrilled of the Edge Coaster. It has a car that skirts the building rim providing guests a horrifying view of the hundreds of feet below. Sky Walk Extreme and Edge Coaster ride are part of the Sky Experience Adventure of Crown Regency.

6. Watch a viral hit up close and personal

Another attraction in Cebu is the dancing inmates who captured the interest of the world. They become a hit in social media for their dance rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Tourists can visit them in the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) every last Saturday of the month. They will be treated by the dancing inmates perfectly-choreographed dance moves. Bookings are made at least 24 hours before the show: You can call +63 32 253 9613 for reservations. Free transportation is provided from the Cebu Capitol.

7. Taste Cebu’s best lechons

Every province in the Philippines has their own twist of lechon or roasted pig, the City of Cebu is considered as the Lechon Capital of the World because it is the home of the best lechon makers and purveyors of the Philippines. It is a thriving business in the city where you can found numerous lechon houses. The famous lechon house is Rico’s Lechon, it is the pioneer of spicy lechon in Cebu and it’s the store’s best seller. There are also other known lechon houses: the CnT Lechon, Carcar Public market, Cebu’s Ayer Lechon and Tatan’s Lechon Belly.

8. Know your destiny among the hills

There are various religious attractions in Cebu where tourists can visit, but there is another worship place that stands out. It is the Cebu Taoist Temple that was built in 1964, it is a popular destination for tourists not just for photographs but also to enjoy the serenity of the place. You can have a panoramic view of Cebu City from the temple. Before going there, devotees and tourists need to climb the temple’s 81 steps where Temple monks will read their fortunes after.

9. Go clubbing and let the night go away

There are many clubs and bars in Cebu City that gives life to the city’s nightlife. Cebu IT Park, where most of the city’s call centers are located, now also boasts mid to high-end nightspots where night-goers will surely love. The most popular spots in the IT Park are the Penthouse and the DEN, they are two neighboring clubs that give clubbers a cool laid-back beat and hard liquors. If you’re on a budget, you can try the less expensive Mooon Café and Casa Verde.

10. Shop “pasalubongs” all the way

Who else will not bring gifts to their loved ones upon returning home? Cebu City has a lot of pasalubong to shop around. From dried mangoes to the guitar shops along Mactan, there are many “pasalubong” to choose from and you will surely have the best gift to give to your family, friends or colleagues. The most famous delicacy to bring home in Cebu is the otap, a flaky sugar encrusted cookie. You can buy it at Shamrock near the Fuente Osmeña Park. For other pasalubong, you can visit the Taboan Public Market.