Richelle’s Cebu Guidebook

Richelle
Richelle’s Cebu Guidebook

Cebu's Must-See Attractions & Activities

My personal list of Cebu's must visit attractions for first-timers!
A must-see for first-timers in Cebu because of its significance in Cebuano history. This is also a walk away from Cebu City Hall and Basilica de Sto. Niño, another historic landmark. When you visit, make sure to stop by La Fortuna Bakery. They have the best masi (Cebuano delicacy), tikoy, and red ampao.
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Magellanov križ
P. Burgos Street
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A must-see for first-timers in Cebu because of its significance in Cebuano history. This is also a walk away from Cebu City Hall and Basilica de Sto. Niño, another historic landmark. When you visit, make sure to stop by La Fortuna Bakery. They have the best masi (Cebuano delicacy), tikoy, and red ampao.
Best place to see a 360 degree view of Cebu City any time of day. Must-try the Edge Coaster. If you're more daring, try the Zipline (one building to the next) or the Sky Walk (glass floors!) They also have wall climbing at the edge of the building if you're feeling TRULY adventurous.
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Iskustvo avanture u zraku
Osmeña Boulevard
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Best place to see a 360 degree view of Cebu City any time of day. Must-try the Edge Coaster. If you're more daring, try the Zipline (one building to the next) or the Sky Walk (glass floors!) They also have wall climbing at the edge of the building if you're feeling TRULY adventurous.
They have free guided tours every day (not sure how frequent), but I highly recommend to join those cuz it gives you more insight into the history of the place and its significance in Cebuano history.
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Tvrdava San Pedro
A. Pigafetta Street
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They have free guided tours every day (not sure how frequent), but I highly recommend to join those cuz it gives you more insight into the history of the place and its significance in Cebuano history.
It's a great place to talk a stroll, especially since they've renovated it and it's now cleaner and more tourist friendly. Also a wonderful historic site.
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Mactan Shrine
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It's a great place to talk a stroll, especially since they've renovated it and it's now cleaner and more tourist friendly. Also a wonderful historic site.
Really beautiful botanical garden, one of my faves in Cebu. Great place to chill, walk around, or just be surrounded by nature in general.
Terrazas de Flores
Cebu Transcentral Highway
Really beautiful botanical garden, one of my faves in Cebu. Great place to chill, walk around, or just be surrounded by nature in general.
Beautiful place to explore, chill, or hang out. Built by a local Cebuano businessman as a mausoleum for his late wife.
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Hram Leah, Cebu
Cebu Transcentral Highway
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Beautiful place to explore, chill, or hang out. Built by a local Cebuano businessman as a mausoleum for his late wife.
Great place for cheap wine and a great view of the city at any time of the day, though I highly recommend sunset to evening. They serve pizza, pastries, sandwiches, cheeses and deli meats, but I would not recommend eating dinner here. There are restaurants nearby (walkable distance) with good affordable food though.
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La Vie in the Sky
Tops Road
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Great place for cheap wine and a great view of the city at any time of the day, though I highly recommend sunset to evening. They serve pizza, pastries, sandwiches, cheeses and deli meats, but I would not recommend eating dinner here. There are restaurants nearby (walkable distance) with good affordable food though.
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Kawasan Falls
Santander - Barili - Toledo Road
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Island hopping in Mactan is a must-try! Make sure to bring snorkeling gear with you.
Boyla Island Hopping Terminal
Island hopping in Mactan is a must-try! Make sure to bring snorkeling gear with you.
Badian Canyoneering
N. Bacalso Avenue
There are several trails for Sirao Peak (from difficult to easy), so make sure to ask a guide first regarding which trail and difficulty level. Make sure to also get a guide for the trail!
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Sirao Peak
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There are several trails for Sirao Peak (from difficult to easy), so make sure to ask a guide first regarding which trail and difficulty level. Make sure to also get a guide for the trail!
There are 2 trails- easy and easier. One of the easiest and most doable trails in Cebu. Highly recommend, because it offers wonderful nature views.
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Osmeña Peak
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There are 2 trails- easy and easier. One of the easiest and most doable trails in Cebu. Highly recommend, because it offers wonderful nature views.
World-class facilities and a wide selection of animals. Great place to enjoy with friends or family! Located in Carmen, around 2.5-3 hours drive from city center.
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Cebu Safari i Adventure Park
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World-class facilities and a wide selection of animals. Great place to enjoy with friends or family! Located in Carmen, around 2.5-3 hours drive from city center.
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Oslob Whaleshark Watching Briefing area
Natalio Bacalso Avenue
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Cebuano Food Faves Nearby!

A list of local favorites and must-eats located near the unit for convenience. In case you feel like eating something local / recommended by locals but don't feel like venturing too far out!
Local food market with several stalls selling local fare like Pork BBW, Chicken Inasal, etc.
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Larsian
1197 Dionisio Jakosalem Street
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Local food market with several stalls selling local fare like Pork BBW, Chicken Inasal, etc.
Cebu's famous pungko2x, a term used to describe local-owned food stalls found by the side of the roads selling various fried food to be paired with puso and soda in bottle (I recommend Mountain Dew). Must try: Ginabot, Lumpia
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Pungko-pungko sa Fuente
52-A J. Llorente St
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Cebu's famous pungko2x, a term used to describe local-owned food stalls found by the side of the roads selling various fried food to be paired with puso and soda in bottle (I recommend Mountain Dew). Must try: Ginabot, Lumpia
One of my favorite places to chill out at night with drinks and some great live music. Their food is to die for. Highly recommended to stop by for dinner and stay for drinks onwards.
Draft Punk
Juana Osmeña Street
One of my favorite places to chill out at night with drinks and some great live music. Their food is to die for. Highly recommended to stop by for dinner and stay for drinks onwards.
Great local bar on the RD floor of Club Ultima (Tower 2 of this building complex). Offering great views and an ambiance you won't find anywhere else in Cebu. Decorated in real antique memorablia from the owner's personal antique collection.
Fabulous Fifties Cafe
Osmeña Boulevard
Great local bar on the RD floor of Club Ultima (Tower 2 of this building complex). Offering great views and an ambiance you won't find anywhere else in Cebu. Decorated in real antique memorablia from the owner's personal antique collection.
The original Yakski BBQ! Cebu is famous for BBQ joints serving up pork BBQ, chicken BBQ, chorizo, and puso. They have options between original and spicy sauce (which is what makes them unique from other BBQ joints).
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Yakski Barbecue
268 Don Mariano Cui St
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The original Yakski BBQ! Cebu is famous for BBQ joints serving up pork BBQ, chicken BBQ, chorizo, and puso. They have options between original and spicy sauce (which is what makes them unique from other BBQ joints).
If you're into affordable, authentic tasting, fast food dimsum, this is the place. It's a locally owned and homegrown chain. My favorites: Steamed Rice, Sweet & Sour Pork, Lumpia Shanghai, Salted Egg Chicken, Siomai (all kinds lol), Empress Roll
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Dimsum Break
Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue
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If you're into affordable, authentic tasting, fast food dimsum, this is the place. It's a locally owned and homegrown chain. My favorites: Steamed Rice, Sweet & Sour Pork, Lumpia Shanghai, Salted Egg Chicken, Siomai (all kinds lol), Empress Roll
The original Bucket Shrimps, where you can literally get shrimp by the bucket. You eat with your hands and choose from a variety of sauces. My personal recommendation is Cajun.
Bucket Shrimps
11 Don Jose Avila St
The original Bucket Shrimps, where you can literally get shrimp by the bucket. You eat with your hands and choose from a variety of sauces. My personal recommendation is Cajun.
The original location of Cardinal Coffee, a local homegrown bakeshop. Their cheese bread, yema bun, and ensaymadas are a must try! Good place to work or chill. They have free Wifi as well.
Cardinal Coffea/Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop
Don Jose Avila Street
The original location of Cardinal Coffee, a local homegrown bakeshop. Their cheese bread, yema bun, and ensaymadas are a must try! Good place to work or chill. They have free Wifi as well.
The original STK ta Bay!, serving up classic Filipino dishes at affordable rates.
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STK Ta Bay
6 A. Climaco St
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The original STK ta Bay!, serving up classic Filipino dishes at affordable rates.
If you say Crispy Pata, this is Cebu's go-to! Also a great place to hang out, and drinks and chill at night.
Alejandros Crispy Pata
Juana Osmeña Street
If you say Crispy Pata, this is Cebu's go-to! Also a great place to hang out, and drinks and chill at night.
The original Casa Verde is just right beside the building complex, so don't mind the "The Walk" location. The original branch is walkable distance from the unit. A Cebuano favorite, known for serving up American comfort food in HUGE portions. Their baby back ribs are a must-try. If you have to get only 1 thing, you must get that!
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Casa Verde
Abad Street
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The original Casa Verde is just right beside the building complex, so don't mind the "The Walk" location. The original branch is walkable distance from the unit. A Cebuano favorite, known for serving up American comfort food in HUGE portions. Their baby back ribs are a must-try. If you have to get only 1 thing, you must get that!
Known for serving up one of Cebu's best tacos at an affordable price! Located in Mango Square.
La Lucha Taqueria
Juana Osmeña Street
Known for serving up one of Cebu's best tacos at an affordable price! Located in Mango Square.
Local Cebuano fast food joint. Serving up affordable meals. My personal favorite is their Chori Burger with Egg.
Orange Brutus
3 Jose Maria del Mar St Cebu City 6000 Jose Maria del Mar St
Local Cebuano fast food joint. Serving up affordable meals. My personal favorite is their Chori Burger with Egg.
Located inside Robinsons Cybergate. Great place for some quality burgers in huge portions. Price point is a bit on the higher side.
Luncheonette
Don Mariano Cui Street
Located inside Robinsons Cybergate. Great place for some quality burgers in huge portions. Price point is a bit on the higher side.
Located inside Mango Square. Really great and affordable place for vegans (surprisingly!). The food is also pretty authentic!
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Persian Palate
Archbishop Reyes Avenue
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Located inside Mango Square. Really great and affordable place for vegans (surprisingly!). The food is also pretty authentic!
One of my favorite affordable Filipino food joints! Food is fast and quality is good. Must try: their Oysters (try all variants) and their Pork BBQ (and I'm not a fan of pork).
Charcoal Boy Escario
North Escario Street
One of my favorite affordable Filipino food joints! Food is fast and quality is good. Must try: their Oysters (try all variants) and their Pork BBQ (and I'm not a fan of pork).
Cute and quaint fried chicken joint on G/F of a dorm building. If you're not a fan of chicken wings or chicken with bone (like me), this is the place for you! Their chicken can come in your sauce or powder of choice.
32 Chicken Run
68 A. R. Villanueva Street
Cute and quaint fried chicken joint on G/F of a dorm building. If you're not a fan of chicken wings or chicken with bone (like me), this is the place for you! Their chicken can come in your sauce or powder of choice.
One of the best burger places in Cebu City. Serving up huge portions with affordable price points.
Big Tom's Charbroiled Burger
Juana Osmeña Street
One of the best burger places in Cebu City. Serving up huge portions with affordable price points.

Coffee Places

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so I asked my friends and these are the ones they highly recommend! Sadly, I cannot recommend any specific type or kind of coffee since I'm not much of a huge fan :(
Tightrope Coffee
F. Cabahug Street
The Daily Grind
Linear Coffee Roasters
They also have the best Japanese cakes in Cebu!
Fujinoya
Wilson Street
They also have the best Japanese cakes in Cebu!
The Good Cup Coffee Company
F. Ramos Street
Drip And Draft
Paseo Saturnino

Classic Cebu Restaurants

A list of restaurants located all over Cebu that locals love to frequent. These joints have been around for forever and they're basically almost every Cebuano's go-to!
Cebu's go-to cafe! Practically an institution in Cebu, known for serving up comfort food in huge portions and a great selection of cakes!
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Cafe Georg
Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue
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Cebu's go-to cafe! Practically an institution in Cebu, known for serving up comfort food in huge portions and a great selection of cakes!
If you're craving for a hearty bowl of ramen, this is everyone's favorite go-to. Make sure to arrive early because it always gets full and there is always a line.
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Ramen Yushoken
880 A. S. Fortuna St
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If you're craving for a hearty bowl of ramen, this is everyone's favorite go-to. Make sure to arrive early because it always gets full and there is always a line.
They have several branches all over the city but the original one is in Crossroads. It's probably the best place for brunch, work, or just chilling with friends. They have huge portions and serve American comfort food (though I'm personally not a fan cuz too oily for me) and a great and wide selection of artisan breads, pastries, and other sweets.
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Abaca Baking Company
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They have several branches all over the city but the original one is in Crossroads. It's probably the best place for brunch, work, or just chilling with friends. They have huge portions and serve American comfort food (though I'm personally not a fan cuz too oily for me) and a great and wide selection of artisan breads, pastries, and other sweets.
If locals ever want to take visitors to try out Filipino food or if they simply want to have a hearty Filipino meal, this is 1 of 2 go-to places. Servings are intended for sharing, so recommended for families or large groups.
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Golden Cowrie
42 Salinas Dr
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If locals ever want to take visitors to try out Filipino food or if they simply want to have a hearty Filipino meal, this is 1 of 2 go-to places. Servings are intended for sharing, so recommended for families or large groups.
If locals ever want to take visitors to try out Filipino food or if they simply want to have a hearty Filipino meal, this is 1 of 2 go-to places. Servings are intended for sharing, so recommended for families or large groups.
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Chika-an Sa Cebu
42 Salinas Dr
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If locals ever want to take visitors to try out Filipino food or if they simply want to have a hearty Filipino meal, this is 1 of 2 go-to places. Servings are intended for sharing, so recommended for families or large groups.
If you're looking for fresh seafood, this is the place to go! You point at the seafood critter you want to eat and tell them how you want it done (how you want it cooked, the sauce, etc.). My fam and I would go here every Sunday for a fresh seafood meal. We take all our visitors here as well. Don't let the "shanty house" ambiance fool you, this is the best place to go for fresh seafood :)
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Sutukil Seafood Market Restaurant Chain
Road
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If you're looking for fresh seafood, this is the place to go! You point at the seafood critter you want to eat and tell them how you want it done (how you want it cooked, the sauce, etc.). My fam and I would go here every Sunday for a fresh seafood meal. We take all our visitors here as well. Don't let the "shanty house" ambiance fool you, this is the best place to go for fresh seafood :)
If you're looking for fresh sushi, this is the place to go. It's Cebu's first and only conveyor belt type sushi and on weekdays, they have an unli sushi promo for only 549 php. Well worth the visit!
Kaiten Ramen + Sushi
Streetscape
If you're looking for fresh sushi, this is the place to go. It's Cebu's first and only conveyor belt type sushi and on weekdays, they have an unli sushi promo for only 549 php. Well worth the visit!

Fun Things to Do in Cebu!

A compilation of all the fun activities you can do with your friends! Recommended for groups or barkadas.
Karaoke is a favorite past-time in Cebu! If you're looking for karaoke nearby, this is the place to go (literally just go down the building).
Song Hits Family KTV (Crown Regency)
Karaoke is a favorite past-time in Cebu! If you're looking for karaoke nearby, this is the place to go (literally just go down the building).
If you're looking for a place that has karaoke AND Kinect/Just Dance 4, this is the place to go!
Songhits Family KTV
A. S. Fortuna Street
If you're looking for a place that has karaoke AND Kinect/Just Dance 4, this is the place to go!
Bowling - SM City Cebu
Gaisano Bowlingplex
Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue
Located in J Centre Mall. The only place in Cebu for laser tag!
Laser Blitz
Ouano Avenue
Located in J Centre Mall. The only place in Cebu for laser tag!
Located inside Parkmall. If you're into trampolines and jumping for a good sweat, this is the only trampoline park in the city.
Extreme Aeropark
Located inside Parkmall. If you're into trampolines and jumping for a good sweat, this is the only trampoline park in the city.

Neighborhoods

The upscale residential neighborhood of the city, home to the most exclusive villages. This is where you'll find trendier and more upscale bars, restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, and boutique gym studios.
Banilad
The upscale residential neighborhood of the city, home to the most exclusive villages. This is where you'll find trendier and more upscale bars, restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, and boutique gym studios.
Quiet residential neighborhood, dotted with affordable and more casual hole-in-the-wall joints. There's a great array of casual cafes, restaurants, and breweries in this area- the type where you sit outdoors, the music is loud, and the food is cheap but good.
Mabolo
Quiet residential neighborhood, dotted with affordable and more casual hole-in-the-wall joints. There's a great array of casual cafes, restaurants, and breweries in this area- the type where you sit outdoors, the music is loud, and the food is cheap but good.
The more industrial side of the city. Not much going on here, except factories, offices, hardwares, and storage houses/warehouses.
Mandaue City
The more industrial side of the city. Not much going on here, except factories, offices, hardwares, and storage houses/warehouses.
Quiet residential and mountainous/hilly neighborhood of the city. Quite far from the center of the city and not much major attractions in this area. However, they do have some good hole-in-the-wall joints (the type that are literally holes in the wall).
Guadalupe
Quiet residential and mountainous/hilly neighborhood of the city. Quite far from the center of the city and not much major attractions in this area. However, they do have some good hole-in-the-wall joints (the type that are literally holes in the wall).
Technology hub of the city. Lots of cafes, fast food restaurants, upscale and midscale restaurants, offices, and BPOs in this area. Also some high-rise condominiums. Usually extremely traffic during most times of the day, most days of the week.
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Cebu IT Park
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Technology hub of the city. Lots of cafes, fast food restaurants, upscale and midscale restaurants, offices, and BPOs in this area. Also some high-rise condominiums. Usually extremely traffic during most times of the day, most days of the week.
Great place to chill and see a good view of nature and the city. Around 1 hour from the city center but it has some great restaurants, attractions, views, hiking trails, and cafes. Need to rent a car or van to get here. Little to no public transpo.
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Busay
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Great place to chill and see a good view of nature and the city. Around 1 hour from the city center but it has some great restaurants, attractions, views, hiking trails, and cafes. Need to rent a car or van to get here. Little to no public transpo.
Mactan Island, where all the beaches and resorts are, including the airport. Around 45 mins to 1 hour away from city center.
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Lapu-Lapu City
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Mactan Island, where all the beaches and resorts are, including the airport. Around 45 mins to 1 hour away from city center.
The go-to for local nightlife. The street is lined with local fare, pubs, and bars all serving a wide variety of food, drinks, and beers at affordable prices. This is the place to be for local partying and nightlife.
General Maxilom Avenue
General Maxilom Avenue
The go-to for local nightlife. The street is lined with local fare, pubs, and bars all serving a wide variety of food, drinks, and beers at affordable prices. This is the place to be for local partying and nightlife.

Malls

Here, you'll find everything from retail stores, groceries/supermarkets (where you can find souvenirs), cinemas, and everything in between. Our malls are one-stop shops.
One of the oldest and major shopping malls in Cebu. More upscale vibe with generally more upscale retail stores, groceries, restaurants, and amenities.
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Ayala Center Cebu
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One of the oldest and major shopping malls in Cebu. More upscale vibe with generally more upscale retail stores, groceries, restaurants, and amenities.
One of the oldest and major malls in Cebu City. You can find almost anything and everything here from budget to upscale.
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SM Grad Cebu
Juan Luna Avenue Extension
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One of the oldest and major malls in Cebu City. You can find almost anything and everything here from budget to upscale.
Newest mall opened in Cebu. Not much retail, hardware, or stationery here. Mostly local brands/homegrown restaurants ranging from upscale to midscale. Their cinemas are nice because they're new!
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Ayala Malls Central Bloc
I. Villa Street
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Newest mall opened in Cebu. Not much retail, hardware, or stationery here. Mostly local brands/homegrown restaurants ranging from upscale to midscale. Their cinemas are nice because they're new!
SM Seaside Cebu, located along SRP. Quite far from the city but there are some restaurants / boutiques only found here that make it worth the trek (sometimes). Other than those only found in Seaside, you can find whatever you need in SM City instead. I think they are the only ones with the lazy boy cinemas, which are nice.
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SM Seaside City Cebu
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SM Seaside Cebu, located along SRP. Quite far from the city but there are some restaurants / boutiques only found here that make it worth the trek (sometimes). Other than those only found in Seaside, you can find whatever you need in SM City instead. I think they are the only ones with the lazy boy cinemas, which are nice.
Located near the pier. Lots of local and international food choices, retail choices, and grocery selection. However, other malls have better choices. I personally only go here if I want to watch a movie because they have the best cinemas in the city in my opinion.
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Robinsons Galleria Cebu
Sergio Osmeña Jr Boulevard
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Located near the pier. Lots of local and international food choices, retail choices, and grocery selection. However, other malls have better choices. I personally only go here if I want to watch a movie because they have the best cinemas in the city in my opinion.
Quite small, no cinema. Good food court and supermarket selection and very near to the unit (walking distance). They also have a department store. One of the older malls in Cebu.
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Robinsons Mall
Fuente Osmeña Circle
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Quite small, no cinema. Good food court and supermarket selection and very near to the unit (walking distance). They also have a department store. One of the older malls in Cebu.
Not much when it comes to retail and restaurants but great place to buy cheap stuff! One of the oldest malls in Cebu, located in Banilad.
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Gaisano Country Mall
Banilad Road
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Not much when it comes to retail and restaurants but great place to buy cheap stuff! One of the oldest malls in Cebu, located in Banilad.