Doug Barnard in Cebu City, Central Visayas

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Cebu City

Must-try foods in Cebu City

• Linarang (Larang)
  Linarang (Larang)A flavorful, sour-spicy fish stew typically made with stingray, eel, or parrotfish. It features a unique broth soured with green mangoes or kamias and is often served with corn grits (mais) instead of rice. The Pasil area, specifically the Michelin-recognized Esmen, is the definitive place to try this.
• Ngohiong
  NgohiongCebu's localized version of a Chinese five-spice spring roll. It is made with heart of palm (ubod) and ground meat, battered, and deep-fried until very crunchy. The secret is the accompanying sweet-spicy-sour brown sauce, with Domings and Chinese Ngohiong being the top local picks.
• Sutukil
  SutukilA portmanteau for three styles of cooking seafood: Sugba (grilled), Tuwa (stewed in a clear broth), and Kilaw (raw ceviche-style in vinegar). This 'trio' meal is the ultimate way to experience the fresh catch of the Visayan Sea, particularly popular in the seaside areas of Mactan.
• Cebuano Pochero
  Cebuano PocheroUnlike the tomato-based versions elsewhere, Cebuano Pochero is a clear, rich beef marrow stew similar to Bulalo but often includes bamboo shoots and sweet corn. It is the city's ultimate comfort food, with Muvanz and Abuhan being the most iconic institutions.
• Danggit and Pusit (Dried Seafood)
  Danggit and Pusit (Dried Seafood)Cebu is the hub for high-quality dried fish (danggit) and squid (pusit). When fried, they become light and incredibly crispy. Usually served as a breakfast staple with garlic rice, fried egg, and a spicy vinegar dip to cut through the saltiness.
• Sikwate and Puto Maya
  Sikwate and Puto MayaThe classic Cebuano breakfast pairing: Sikwate is a rich, frothy hot chocolate made from pure cacao 'tablea', while Puto Maya is steamed glutinous rice cooked with ginger and coconut milk. It is traditionally served with a side of fresh, sweet Cebu mangoes.

Trip guide

• About Cebu City
  About Cebu CityCebu City, located on the eastern coast of Cebu Island, is a major port and the oldest settlement in the Philippines, founded as a Spanish colony in 1565. The city's historical heritage is centered in its downtown district, which contains landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross—planted in 1521 to mark the arrival of Christianity—and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the country's oldest Roman Catholic church.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Cebu City is during the dry season from January to May, with March and April offering the most consistent sunshine for outdoor activities. January is the peak tourist month due to the massive Sinulog Festival (third Sunday), which brings vibrant street parades but requires booking accommodations months in advance. For food enthusiasts, the Sugbo Mercado in IT Park and the Carbon Night Market operate year-round.
• Getting around
  Getting around Cebu City

  • Air Travel (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) The primary gateway is Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), located on Mactan Island. It handles direct international flights from major Asian hubs like Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore.
  • Ride-Hailing and Taxis For convenient local travel, the Grab app is widely used and highly recommended for transparent pricing. Alternatively.
  • Jeepneys and Public Buses Jeepneys are the most affordable local option, following specific routes indicated by alphanumeric codes on the vehicle sides. For long-distance travel to northern or southern Cebu attractions.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Download the Grab or Angkas apps for reliable, fixed-rate transportation to avoid overcharging and navigate heavy city traffic efficiently.
  • Always carry small denominations of Philippine Pesos, as many local vendors, jeepneys, and street food stalls do not accept cards or large bills.
  • Maintain a calm and patient demeanor in public, as outward displays of anger or loud confrontation are considered socially inappropriate and disrespectful.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Cebu City

  • Puso Village: A newly opened gastronomic hub in the redeveloped Carbon Market featuring local street food and retail.
  • Sugbo Mercado Relocation: The city's most popular night market has moved to a new home at Skyrise 5 in Cebu IT Park.
• Cebu City Government↗
  Cebu City GovernmentThe official government portal for Cebu City, providing information on local governance, services, and tourism initiatives through its Tourism Commission.