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Cebu City

Philippines Travel Guide

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Pilgrims endure the rain to hear mass on the 6th day Novena for the coming Fiesta of Sr. Sto. Niño held at The Basilica Del Sto. Nino De Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines..Cebuanos and devotees alike recite nine consecutive days of prayers, also known as the Novena, in celebration and thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño..Masses are held every other hour from early morning until evening during the Novena in order to cope with the enormous crowds that flood the Basilica.

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Overview

The capital of the Southern Philippines, Cebu City is a bustling metropolis, the hub of a three-million-strong conurbation. Aesthetically, it's gritty and not exactly easy on the eye, but the city is also relatively cosmopolitan thanks to a surging English-language school industry (many Koreans and Chinese study here) and well-regarded universities (which draw Filipinos from across the nation). Historic sights are slim on the ground, though there are some colonial-era buildings, and the traffic is notorious – but you'll still find plenty to do. Cebu City's energy is infectious: its bar and club scene is justly famous throughout the archipelago and dining out is a delight, with a dizzying choice of restaurants. And with Cebu airport being expanded to accommodate many more domestic and international flights, the city's continuing prosperity seems assured.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • People praying at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu, Philippines.

    Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

    Cebu City

    Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

  • Museo Sugbo.

    Museo Sugbo

    Cebu City

    This excellent museum comprises several galleries in a sturdy old coral-stone building that was Cebu's provincial jail from 1870 to 2004. Rooms are…

  • Casa Gorordo Museum along Eduardo Aboitiz Street.

    Casa Gorordo Museum

    Cebu City

    Downtown, in a quiet residential area, this museum was originally a private home (built in the 1850s). Later it was purchased by the Gorordos, one of Cebu…

  • Fort San Pedro, Cebu City, Philippines.

    Fort San Pedro

    Cebu City

    Established in 1565 under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro has served as an army garrison, a rebel…

  • Magellan's Cross, Cebu City, Philippines

    Magellan's Cross

    Cebu City

    Ferdinand's Catholic legacy, a large wooden cross, is housed in a stone rotunda (built in 1841). The crucifix on show is said to contain remnants from a…

  • Carbon market fish stalls in downtown.

    Carbon Market

    Cebu City

    The sprawling Carbon Market is a boisterous, cacophonous frenzy that seemingly never sleeps. It's a local affair: expect mounds of fruit and vegetables,…

  • Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

    Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

    Cebu City

    This impressive butterfly sanctuary, in tropical gardens surrounding the home of late founder Julian Jumalon, harbours more than 55 species, though…

  • University of San Carlos Museum

    University of San Carlos Museum

    Cebu City

    This well-presented museum is best known for its anthropological and archaeological exhibits, including displays depicting the 16th-century practice of…

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