Where to Stay in Cebu: 4 Great Areas + Top Hotels (2024)

Who’s excited to chill on a remote beach in the Philippines? If that’s you then hop on this guide on where to stay in Cebu! 

I did thorough research and found the best areas to stay in Cebu and the top hotels in each of those neighborhoods, which I ordered from most to least expensive.

In short Cebu City is the best area to stay on the island as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and great connections to the other parts of the island. But if you’d prefer more of a beach trip, definitely check the areas below. 

I’d recommend booking your island hotels in advance! The good places will always sell out first so it’s better to secure your spot!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here’s a quick list of some of the best places to stay in Cebu, divided by price range:

Here’s a map so you can easily visualize all the best areas where to stay in Cebu:

1. Cebu City – where to stay in Cebu for the first time

If it’s your first time on the island and you are not really sure of what you want to experience, why not experience everything? 

The big metropolis of Cebu City, the largest and oldest city in the Philippines, offers so many things for tourists, from historical and cultural attractions to amazing restaurants, good shopping, crazy nightlife, and much more… definitely the best place to stay in Cebu for the first time!

Did you know that this place has gained the nickname: Queen City of the South? Once you explore it, you’ll get why!

Culture buffs will have plenty to see here from the unique Casa Gorordo Museum (map), to the Magellan’s Cross (map), Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (map), Fort San Pedro (map)and the beautiful Temple of Leah. 

NOTE: You’ll probably hear many people mention downtown Cebu and uptown Cebu. The downtown part is the area closest to the water, where you’ll find most of the cultural attractions like the museums, churches and others. Uptown refers to the area closer to the inland of the island, which would start from around the Fuente Osmeña Circle Park (map). 

Shopping addicts can go crazy in the many malls and shopping centers like the famous Ayala Center Cebu (map) or in the local street shops and independent boutiques.

The nightlife is pretty fun here too, so definitely head out after sunset to enjoy some drinks at one of the bars! Cubana is a fab spot where they play live music. 

But if you get tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, no worries, many tours leave from Cebu City to explore both the island’s natural landscapes and the nearby islands!

If you’re wondering how to get around Cebu, you could probably use the jeepney (PUJ), which is the most affordable option, buses, tricycles (which can fit up to 4 to 6 people) or taxis. 

Now let’s check out all the hotels where to stay in Cebu City:

Other accommodation options in Cebu City

Things to do in Cebu City

• Shop until you drop at Ayala Center Cebu or at M Seaside City Cebu (map)
• Enjoy some good food and live music at Cubana (map)
• Have fun on an island-hopping tour
• Deep dive into local history at the Casa Gorordo Museum
• Go on a walk on the lively and buzzing Colon Street (map)
• Gaze at the historical Basilica of Santo Nino (map)
• Try the local food at Sugbo Mercado (map)
• Admire the views at Tops Cebu (map)

2. Malapascua Island – where to stay in Cebu on a budget

If you are traveling on a budget, the small and dreamy Malapascua Island, located off the Northern coast of Cebu is definitely the place for you!

Here you will have access to some of the best beaches in Cebu, like the stunning Bounty Beach (map) and crystal clear waters that are just perfect for snorkeling.  

The island is reigned by a very laid-back atmosphere, which also makes it a great place for families or couples looking for a tranquil getaway.

When you get tired of just relaxing at the beach, you can jump in the water and check out the reefs and rich marine life, like beautiful sharks and manta rays, or simply explore Malapascua’s beautiful nature by walking around.

As for getting around the island, you can hop on a motorcycle, and have someone take you where you need. 

This remote, coral island is also perfect if you want to experience the local culture. You will see many locals fishing and farming here. 

Other accommodation options in Malapascua island

Things to do in Malapascua island

• Spend a lazy day at the stunning Bounty Beach
• Swim with sharks on this advanced diving tour
• Go for a swim on Logon Beach (map)
• Admire the best views from the Malapascua LightHouse (map)
• Snorkel in the transparent waters of Gugma Beach (map)

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Moalboal – the coolest area where to stay in Cebu

Located on the island’s Southwestern coast, a 3 hours drive away from Cebu City, the charming Moalboal is the coolest place on the island. 

Why?

This small town preserves the authentic Filipino culture without being overcrowded by tourists. Plus it offers access to blue waters, rich in marine life and a lot of stunning nature to explore in its close surroundings.

Here, passionate divers and snorkelers can explore colorful coral reefs and swim with exotic fish, while avid hikers can venture into green tropical rainforests and admire all the rivers, magical waterfalls and canyons!

You’ll find most restaurants and bars on Panagsama Road (map), which is always humming with energy. There are also a few souvenir shops there so it can get pretty hectic at times.

But don’t worry, if you want to escape all that just head to White Beach (map) a super tranquil spot where you can swim, relax and snorkel in true Cebu-style!

PRO TIP: Moalboal is the closest place to Pescador Island (map) a prime diving location where you can swim with millions of sardines!his area, check out the amazing hotel options here below:

Other accommodation options in Moalboal

Things to do in Moalboal

• Spend a relaxing beach day at the stunning White Beach
• Visit Pescador Island to see the spectacular “sardine run” 
• Go for a swim at Panagsama Beach (map)
• Try cliff jumping at Kawasan Falls (map)
• Catch a sunset at Moalboal Seaside Park (map)
• Explore the nearby Dumanjug area
• Check out the beautiful flowers and local wildlife at the Orchid Gallery (map)

4. Mactan Island – where to stay in Cebu for water sports

Set off the coast from Cebu City, Mactan Island is a paradise for those who want to have access to white-sand pristine beaches, crystal waters with rich marine life, and cool water sports at the same time

The island is divided into the city of Lapu-Lapu and the municipality of Cordova, and it is a great spot to try countless water sports from diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, canyoning, or river climbing adventures. 

If you are a beginner to watersports, no worries, there are many diving schools offering both classes and equipment hire. And after a day full of activities, you can recover and relax with a delicious meal at the many beachfront bars and restaurants like the fab Buko Seaside bar and Restaurant (map).

One of the cool things about Mactan island is that it is easily accessible, being connected to Cebu City by two bridges. Plus the island is also home to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (map), so if you want to stay near the airport, this would be the spot!

Other accommodation options on Mactan Island

Things to do in Mactan Island

• Learn to free dive with Mactan Scuba Dive Center (map)
• Try delicious Filipino food at Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant (map)
• Go snorkeling to explore all the colorful and exotic fishes
• Visit the Mactan Shrine (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$90
💵 Mid-range:	US$50
🛏️ Budget:	US$25
📍 Best area:	Cebu City
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Radisson Blu Cebu
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Citadines Cebu City
👛 Best budget hotel:	Alicia Tower Residences

FAQs about where to stay on Cebu Island

Final thoughts on where to stay in Cebu

We’ve reached the end of this guide on where to stay in Cebu, Philippines. I hope that now you know which area and hotel to pick for your holiday! 

If you’re still not sure then have a look below where I included my favorite top-rated hotels: 

• Radisson Blu Cebu – a great hotel with a swimming pool, a relaxing spa and 3 restaurants
• Citadines Cebu City – this hotel offers panoramic sea views, a restaurant, and a swimming pool

Don’t forget to book your hotels here in advance, the great ones always sell out first!

Enjoy your time and if you have any questions on Cebu, then drop me a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer as quickly as I can!

Have an incredible holiday!

Elena 

---