About My Journey
Cebu City, fondly called the Queen City of the South, is a perfect destination for solo backpackers who crave a balance of urban energy and cultural heritage. As one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, Cebu is home to centuries-old landmarks like the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross, as well as modern attractions, lively street food scenes, and breathtaking viewpoints such as Tops Lookout and Sirao Garden. Whether you’re wandering through Colon Street, indulging in lechon at Larsian, or taking a day trip to nearby beaches in Mactan or waterfalls in the south, Cebu offers an unforgettable adventure that caters to every traveler’s taste and pace.
How I Got to Cebu
I booked a flight from Manila to Cebu International Airport. From the airport, I took a cab to the Colonnade Mall and had breakfast in a nearby fast-food chain. After breakfast, I grabbed my map and started following the streets to my destinations. With the help of the crew at the fast food and the tinderos and tinderas along the roads, I was able to find my first destination.
Tourist Spots I Visited
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
A few blocks from Colonnade Supermarket, I found my first destination. The Metropolitan Cathedral is the center of the archdiocese of the city and was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595, and became the metropolitan Archdiocese on April 28, 1934, with its first archbishop, Gabriel M. Reyes. The construction of the structure was interrupted due to lack of funds and other circumstances. The facade features a trefoil-shaped pediment decorated with floral carvings.
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Museum
Beside the Metropolitan Cathedral is its Cathedral Museum. It is an ecclesiastical museum of the archdiocese. The building itself doesn't have exact information about when it was constructed because the archdiocesan archives were burnt along with the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace during the trial bombing of the U.S. forces in September 1944. However, according to a few historians, it was built by Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon during the mid-1800s. Bishop Marañon was known as a church builder, and he even designed the Metropolitan Cathedral and other religious structures in the province.
Rajah Humabon Monument
In front of the Cathedral Museum is a small park with the statue of Rajah Humabon. Rajah Humabon, or Rajah Hamabar, was the Rajah or leader of Zubu (now Cebu) during Ferdinand Magellan's exploration of the Philippines in 1521. According to the writings on the statue's marble marker, Rajah Humabon was the first Filipino chieftain to embrace Christianity. When Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island on Sunday, April 7, 1521, Rajah Humabon made a blood compact with Magellan to symbolize their newfound friendship. Captivated by the Holy Scriptures and teachings, Rajah Humabon was converted to Christianity. Also, Humabon was regarded as the wisest and bravest man on the island.
Heritage of Cebu Monument
Using my map, I continued walking on the streets to the Heritage of Cebu Monument at the original Plaza Parian. It occupies a triangular portion near the end of Colon Street. This Monument showcases the significance and symbolic events in the province's history during the reign of Rajah Humabon. It was a work of art by the National Artist Edgardo Castrillo in July 1997 in cooperation with Mayor Alvin Garcia and was inaugurated on December 8, 2000.
Colon Street
Across the Heritage Monument is the Philippines' oldest street and shortest road. Colon Street was named after Christopher Columbus, who bears different names (Spanish: Cristobal Colon, Italian: Cristoforo Colombo, Portuguese: Cristovao Colombo). It was established by the Spanish, who arrived on the island in 1565, and was led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (a Spanish conquistador). The local government erected a Colon Monument at the intersection of the street.
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
Not so far is the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. It was initially owned by Chinese merchants Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido. It is one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines. It was built between 1675 and 1700 and was made from coral stones; egg whites were used as glue, and "Tigas" or clay was used for the roof. The wooden parts of the house were made of "balayong" and "tugas" or molave, the hardest woods in the country.
Casa Gorordo Ancestral House
Still using my map, I continued walking on the street, on the left of Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, towards Casa Gorordo Ancestral House, an ancestral house that shows how a prominent family lived over their generations. From the floor, artistic walls, and windows up to the rooftop - it's really gorgeous. At the main entrance of this house, its historical background was written, and here's what it says: "This house was built in the mid-19th century by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales and was bought by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a Spanish merchant, in 1863. Four generations of the Gorordo family lived in this house, including Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino Bishop of the province, 1910-1932."
Magellan's Cross
On the same street, I headed back to the Metropolitan Cathedral. From there, I walked on the roads towards the famous landmark in the province. Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross made of wood erected by Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese explorer) on April 21, 1521, exploration. This cross can be found inside an octagonal chapel in front of the City Hall and beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. This is one of the most prominent tourist spots in the Visayas. The cross that is visible today is a tindalo wood where the splinters of the original Magellan's Cross were encased. The wood of the original cross deteriorated because people were chipping off some parts and making it a souvenir of the belief that it was miraculous.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
After Magellan's Cross, I entered the gate to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, commonly known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child. This is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country, built in the same spot where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565 by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This statue is similar to the statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon as a gift during their baptism on April 14, 1521, at the exact location of Magellan's Cross.
Cebu City Hall
Fort San Pedro
Still using my map, followed the street names and the road signs; I reached Plaza Independencia. The Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro is similar to Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Cotta in Misamis Occidental. It is a military defense structure built by the Spanish and the locals under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's (Spanish conquistador) command, but the date of the construction wasn't sure. There were claims that Jesuit Antonio Campioni built the fort in 1630. But there were a lot of major renovations in the 19th century for structural improvements.
Where I Stayed in Cebu City
While walking along on the streets in Carbon Market, I found an Inn. I paid 250 pesos for an overnight stay. It's market area, so I have enjoyed the food and other products Cebu can offer.
Summary
Backpacking solo in Cebu City is more than just ticking tourist spots off your list — it’s about immersing yourself in its rich history, connecting with friendly locals, and savoring every flavor and story the island has to offer. The city’s perfect blend of old and new, adventure and relaxation, makes it a rewarding stop for any traveler exploring the Visayas. Whether you came for the culture, the cuisine, or the coastline, Cebu City leaves you with a sense of fulfillment and a longing to come back for more.
As a first-timer in solo backpacking, discovering the stunning historical sites in the city was a rewarding experience. It will only be my first time; you can expect a more detailed and comprehensive itinerary soon. This is a February 2013 itinerary. Other details are up to date.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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