If you know anyone who’s ever been to the Philippines, there’s a very good chance that they went to Cebu. Located in the region of Visayas, it encapsulates what a tropical paradise is. With its gorgeous white-sand beaches that can rival the best in the country (or maybe even the world), you’re sure to get that well-deserved break.
But aside from that, Cebu offers a lot more. While being modern and metropolitan, you can still find traces of the country’s colonial past in various locations. The city may be continuously evolving, but that doesn’t mean it has forgotten its roots. Amongst all the Airbnbs, luxury resorts, and major malls like Ayala Center Cebu, you’ll also see artifacts from the country’s compelling history.
Before you travel, get ready with this guide which details all the best attractions and Airbnbs in the province!
In this Airbnb guide to Cebu:
- Cebu Itinerary
- Where should I stay in Cebu Airbnb?
- Best Airbnbs in Cebu
- Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Cebu?
- FAQ
Cebu Itinerary
If you’re a first-time visitor and you’re not sure where to go, a good place to start would be the cultural landmarks. Just to name a few, there’s the Spanish-era Fort San Pedro, the ornate Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan Cross.
Then, head to the Mountain View Nature’s Park for scenic views and a relaxing swim. Of course, you can’t miss out on lechon. You can get it anywhere, but some of the most top-rated places include 3P’s Lechon, Cebu Ayer’s Lechon, and Jovil’s Lechon.
Afterwards, you can venture out to Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, where the best guitar craftsmen of the Philippines work in Alegre Guitar Factory. There’s Mactan Shrine which has a statue of Lapu-Lapu, the warrior and chief who defeated Magellan.
Before leaving Mactan, go island hopping across the Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Pandanon Islands. Go snorkeling, learn about the local marine life, and enjoy water sports.
Where should I stay in Cebu?
Urban dwellers will feel right at home in the Airbnbs of Cebu City (1), but to get a taste of island life it’s better to get budget-friendly Airbnbs with excellent guest reviews in Lapu Lapu City on Mactan island (2). For a balance of both natural and cultural attractions, you can’t go wrong with Oslob (3). If you don’t mind immersing in the simple life for a couple of days, then opt for Airbnbs in Malapascua (4) or Moalboal (5).
Cebu City
- Access to restaurants and commercial establishments
- Plenty of Airbnbs to choose from
- Occasional heavy traffic
If your main objective in Cebu is to experience their nightlife, then it’s a no-brainer: you should stay within the heart of the city. There are plenty of Airbnbs, dining experiences, and bars to choose from so you’re bound to find one that best suits your needs. For an unforgettable bar crawl, visit the night clubs of Mango Square. You won’t have trouble looking for food because there are plenty of fast-food chains and local restaurants near Airbnbs. However, as a full-fledged urban location, be prepared for occasional heavy traffic.
Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan Island)
- Ideal place for watersports and resort hopping
- Short distance to beaches
- Crowded with tourists
The Airbnbs of Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island are tailor-made for beach bums because of how near they are to pristine white-sand beaches. While here, you can discover hidden gems like Crab Island or snorkel with sea creatures at San Vicente Marine Fish Sanctuary. Resorts like Shangri-la and Movenpick offer incredible watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Lapu-Lapu City can get crowded with tourists because of all its natural attractions, but that’s a small price to pay for all the fun you’ll be having.
Oslob
- Great for nature lovers
- Has a perfect balance of natural and cultural attractions
- Crowded with tourists
Just like Lapu-Lapu City, Oslob is a nice location for nature lovers. Sumilon Island, for example, has a sandbar on which you can get the most beautiful view of the sunset. Another is the majestic Tumalog Falls which gets its reputation as a picturesque attraction with its veil-like descending waters. Aside from natural wonders, you also get to see cultural attractions like the Baluarte Ruins which are remnants of 19th-century Spanish watchtowers. Nearby is the Cuartel Ruins, which are unfinished barracks that were built by the Spanish back in 1860.
Malapascua
- Remote island vibes
- Has a rich marine sanctuary
- Lacks basic amenities like ATM machines
Looking for Airbnbs that can serve as the retreat from your day-to-day life? Malapascua has what you need and more. While this location has its fair share of touristy resorts, it also has secluded coves where you can swim in peace. To satiate your adventurous side, you can rent a boat and go island-hopping or dive into its depths through snorkeling. Before traveling to Malapascua, just make sure you have enough cash because there are little to no ATM machines on the island.
Moalboal
- Not too far from the town proper
- Is packed with activities and attractions despite its size
- Traveling between beaches and the town proper can get pricey
Similar to Malapascua, Moalboal is a small coastal town that gives travelers remote island vibes. Upon arrival, though, you’ll soon discover that it differs in the number of activities that you can do. The most famous of them is the sardine run diving experience, which takes you swimming with over a million sardines.
Most Airbnbs that you’ll find here have guest reviews that highlight their rustic and eco-friendly qualities, making your stay much more memorable. ATMs are located in the town proper, which is a bit far from the beaches. It’s best to withdraw plenty of cash beforehand unless you want to spend extra on transportation to and from the town proper.
Best Airbnbs in Cebu
Best Airbnb for Couples
Spacious Studio Condo with Balcony Near SM
This furnished studio condo unit in Sunvida Tower offers a laid-back and convenient staycation with a stunning seaside view. Have this entire condominium to yourselves with air-conditioners, a kitchen with electric water boiler and more, 24-hour security, and a private balcony. It’s also within walking distance from SM and I.T. Park Cebu City, so you can shop or buy essentials anytime. This studio condo is one of the most intimate Airbnbs that Cebu has to offer. Many guest reviews say that the hosts’ friendliness and the condo’s homey vibe are what make this one of the top-rated vacation rentals in Cebu.
Best Airbnb for Families
Private Villa with Pool and Garden
This private villa offers complete privacy and convenience, making for one of the best rentals for an entire family. Accommodating up to 8 guests, its amenities will make you want to stay at home for the entire trip. It has a functional kitchen where you can cook meals, a spacious garden, and a 5-foot pool. For emergencies, the property is equipped with a generator and is near a number of convenience stores as well as a hospital.
One downside of it is that it’s 30-40 minutes away from the city, but that also means that you’ll have totally peaceful evenings away from city life. Guest reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a number of previous guests saying that the garden area alone will make you want to make repeat stays.
Best Airbnb Apartment
Entire Apartment with Beach Pass
This entire apartment in Lapu-Lapu City has all you need for your group of 4. With this rental, you’ll get a smart TV with Netflix, a clean kitchen, complimentary WiFi, and a private balcony with spectacular views among other things. Perhaps the most enticing inclusion is the free beach pass, which you will receive upon check-in. This is for Mactan Newtown Beach (formerly known as Portofino Beach) which is a popular location where you can relax or participate in exciting watersports. As expected, the guest reviews for this apartment mostly raved about its convenience and number of inclusions at such an affordable price.
Best Airbnb for Snorkeling
Private Hut Near the Beach
One of the best Airbnbs in Cebu for snorkeling is this Hobbit House in the heart of Moalboal. You’ll be sleeping in complete serenity because it’s considerably far from the usual tourist spots, but you’ll also be close to the location’s superb eateries and bars. Despite its size (it can only accommodate 2 guests), it has a private toilet, a shower, a fan room, and even a private swimming pool where you can go on a night swim.
You can go straight to the beach the moment you wake up because it’s only a 3-minute walk from the ocean, the Fish Sanctuary, and the Turtle Area. In the guest reviews, previous guests shared their excitement over how close the cabin is to the beach as well as its affordability.
Best Airbnb for Large Groups
Luxurious Townhome with Jacuzzi and Home Theater
Traveling to Cebu with a large group has become much easier thanks to this luxurious townhome with 4 bedrooms! You and your friends will thoroughly enjoy the home theater with Netflix and the jacuzzi. It’s basic amenities include a heater for hot showers, air-conditioning, and free WiFi access. However, the most striking feature of this vacation rental is its DC Comics motif.
There are life-sized statues of your favorite DC superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman along with other pieces of memorabilia scattered around. This makes it not only an ideal place for large groups, but for comic book fans and movie buffs as well. Aside from how unique the place is and how near it is to establishments like Ayala Mall, the guest reviews mainly praised its spaciousness, its security, and its uniqueness.
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Cebu?
Airbnbs are cheaper than hotels or resorts almost anywhere you go. If you look hard enough, you can sometimes get a house or an entire condominium to yourself while paying far less than a single bedroom in a hotel or resort. Upon browsing the guest reviews for its Airbnbs, you’ll immediately learn that previous guests find them to be the better choice if you want to save money.
But if you decide to opt for the conveniences of staying in one, we suggest bai Hotel.
Whether you’re a history buff or someone who just wants to get away from the daily hustle and bustle, Cebu is the destination in the Philippines for you. Its abundance of attractions will keep you occupied from beginning to end, while its mere beauty will keep you spellbound.
For the best possible trip, follow this guide but don’t be afraid to try different things. Before embarking on your journey, be sure to make all the necessary preparations before your trip. Book your flight, prepare your itinerary, and read the guest reviews of your chosen Airbnb so that you get the most appropriate accommodation for your family and friends. Once that’s done, you’re good to go!
FAQ about Cebu
The most convenient and fastest way to get to Cebu is via plane. You can book a direct flight from various airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Aside from the aforementioned places where you can get your lechon fix, you should also try Rico’s Lechon Restaurant and House of Lechon. Both places not only serve this world-famous dish, but they also have other sumptuous Filipino favorites in their menu.
If you’re not in the mood for Filipino food, no worries. There are places like Casa Verde Cebu (American), The Pyramid (French), and 10,000 Roses Café (Korean) that show the diverse palate of Cebu’s foodies. Before choosing, simply read the guest reviews to get a good sense of what each one serves.
If you want to take home danggit (dried and salted rabbitfish) the best place to buy it is Taboan Public Market. Visitors have said that the prices are reasonable and that you can haggle with the vendors to get them at even lower prices. You can also get other delicacies like dried mangoes and dried squid.
The most popular attractions in Cebu are its white-sand beaches. While lounging under the sun is a great way to spend time at the beach, it would be a waste not to participate in watersports in store. Aside from that, Cebu’s colonial-era landmarks and artefacts are must-sees.
How would you rate this company?
Click on a star to rate them!
Average rating / 5. Vote count: