Cebu City is a major cultural hub where Spanish and Roman Catholic influences are still clearly evident.

The city’s most well-known landmark is Magellan’s Cross, reputed to have been erected by Ferdinand Magellan upon his arrival in the Philippines in 1521.

A few steps away is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Church of the Holy Child), the first church to be established in the islands. It is built of hewn stone and features the country’s oldest relic, the figure of the Santo Niño de Cebú.

The Sinulog festival, a dance prayer ritual of pre-Hispanic indigenous origin, is held every third Sunday of January, to celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño.

Other key attractions include the Cathedral, Taoist Temple, Tops Lookout, Temple of Leah, Casa Gorordo, Fort San Pedro, Museo Sugbo, and Heritage Monument, among others.

Nature enthusiasts may want to visit the Olango Island wildlife sanctuary, a few minutes boat ride from the city proper.

Cebu City is also known for its guitars, and a trip to some of the more popular luthiers, such as the family-run Alegre Guitars, is well worth a visit.

Sutukil, the ultimate seafood experience, and the Taboan dried fish market are definitely not to be missed.