The Philippines is an archipelago located in South East Asia and has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. It is home to the Taal volcano which is among the top five active volcanoes in the world. The country is also the largest exporter of coconuts in the world. Being an island destination it is a hub of water sports and you can look forward to a lot of adventure-related adrenaline rush as you visit Boracay in the Philippines which is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

You can also take up a lot of canyoneering and mountaineering activities during your vacation to the Philippines. What you might not know is that the city of Cebu in the Philippines is known for its rich history and culture. Cebu is also known as the ‘Queen City of the south’ and you can look forward to a lot of old-world charm when you visit Cebu. Read on to unravel some facts about the unknown side of the Philippines through the charming city of Cebu.

Basilica del Santo Nino and Magellan’s Cross – for a spiritual flavour

This place sees a lot of visitors in Cebu as it organises celebrations in the name of Child Jesus. There is also a museum in the vicinity that has various antique objects depicting the rich history of Cebu. You can pay a visit to Magellan’s cross which is an integral part of the history of Cebu as it marked the entry of Christianity into the country of the Philippines. Ferdinand Magellan was the famous Portuguese Explorer who was known to have spread the spirit of Christianity among various countries.

Traverse through Fort San Pedro- soak into the history

Located in the close vicinity of Fort San Pedro, this is a structure built by the Spanish military when they had established their base in Cebu. You can unravel the history of the Spaniards by looking at the various artefacts which are kept preserved within the fort. Some of the real cannons which were used by the Spanish military can also be found at this place. If you are a true history buff, this place is sure to steal your heart!

Temple of Leah and the Taoist Temple- witness the architectural marvels

If you love sinking into the architecture of an ancient marvel, then these two temples are your go-to places. As you go on to the upper part of the temple you will be greeted with a stunning skyline view of the city of Cebu. Interestingly, the Temple of Leah is also known as Cebu’s version of the Taj Mahal because of a Greek King dedicating this temple in memory of his undying love for his wife. The architecture of both these temples is noteworthy and is sure to satisfy your hunger for history!

Casa Gorordo Museum and Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House- a taste of local heritage

An influential family by the surname of Gorordos that used to live in the city of Cebu, has left behind a legacy of their private home in the Casa Gorordo Museum. You can experience the way the affluent society would have lived decades ago and get awestruck by the antique furniture and the beauty of the architecture. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, on the other hand, dates back to almost the 16th century and is said to be the oldest Chinese home ever built outside the country of China.

Sirao Flower Garden- a picturesque landscape

For some laid back and leisure time, you can visit the Sirao Flower Garden which would be the best place to click some Instagram worthy snaps. The sprawling and spacious fields at the farm include beautiful flowers like daisies, the morning glory, sunflowers and mainly the Celosias which has earned it the name of ‘Mini Amsterdam.’ If you are visiting this place with your partner on account of your honeymoon, it is an ideal place to unwind after a tiresome day of Heritage walks around the historic marvels of Cebu.

Flowering plants at Sirao Flower Garden — Image source: Google Images

Tops Lookout- for some breathtaking views

Tops Lookout is a famous location in the city of Cebu and as the name suggests, you can get a panoramic view of the skyline of the city from this place. You will have to take a motorcycle ride to the top of the place and at a height of about 600 metres above the ground, you will be able to spot some of the major attractions of Cebu and also the neighbouring islands. This is one of the best places to take in the mesmerizing sunset. The skyline of the city becomes even more enchanting as the city is illuminated with lights. This again is an Instagram worthy location and along with clicking a photograph, make sure you also click some fond memories to take back home.

Skyline of Cebu from Tops Lookout — Image source: Google Images

A bit of nightlife maybe? 😉

By nightlife, do not get confused with parties which go on all night long and drinking like there is no tomorrow. Cebu is not a typical place to enjoy the nightlife but for the locals, the term ‘nightlife’ itself revolves around gorging on the local food like there is no tomorrow. Savour some grilled food in the form of smoked barbecue, seafood and the famous Puso, which is basically steamed rice in plantain leaves. There are quite a few clubs that you can visit and shake a leg to the authentic Filipino music and delve into the culture. This is probably the best way to end your vacation in the Philippines.

Have you packed your bags yet? If not, what are you waiting for? The vibrant city of Cebu awaits your arrival and so do the scenic islands of the Philippines. We at Pickyourtrail, assure you of the best vacation with customisable itineraries and on-trip support. All you have to do is tell us your interests and requirements and we will take care of the rest. Check out some of the best Philippines Holiday packages and start planning that dream vacation.