5 Great Areas + Top Hotels (2024)

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Aerial view of a tropical beach with clear turquoise water, several boats anchored near the shore, and a green forested area on the right.

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

Aerial view of a cityscape with modern buildings, residential areas, and green spaces under a partly cloudy sky.

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).

A large monument with intricate sculptures, including a crucifix and various architectural elements, surrounded by greenery against a clear blue sky.

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:

Luxury hotel

Radisson Blu Cebu

If you want to splurge a little during your holiday in Cebu City, I have the right option for you! This stunning hotel is located right in the heart of the city and it offers amazing amenities like a beautiful swimming pool, a relaxing spa offering treatments and massages, and 3 delicious dining options. The rooms are also amazing, featuring panoramic views of the city and Mactan Harbor!

Other accommodation options in Cebu City

Mid-Range

Citadines Cebu City

Check out this great hotel with panoramic sea views, a restaurant, a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi

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

A tropical beach scene with several boats lined up on the sand, palm trees in the background, and a clear blue sky.

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.

Luxury hotel

Blanco Beach Resort Malapascua

If you want to have the ultimate beach holiday, this exclusive resort is located a few steps from the dreamy Bounty Beach and it offers all the comforts you need! Here you will have access to your own private beach area (so you can spend your day swimming and sunbathing in total privacy), to a spa center and to a restaurant.

Other accommodation options in Malapascua island

Mid-Range

Tepanee Beach Resort

A great resort with a private beach area and cozy rooms with wooden and bamboo furnishings

Airbnb

Chief’s Villa

Feel at home in this villa that has a living room and kitchen. The place is perfect for families and friend groups

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)

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

A person sits on a bamboo raft in turquoise water near a waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery under a clear sky.

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:

Luxury hotel

Secret Paradise

Enjoy the sun by the outdoor pool of this fab hotel set near Panagsama Beach! The accommodation comes with spacious rooms equipped with everything you need, including a terrace that overlooks the pool.

Other accommodation options in Moalboal

Mid-Range

Parrot Resort Moalboal

Set near 25 diving spots and many dive shops, this hotel offers cozy rooms and a spa center

Budget

Garden Village Resort

Chill by the pool of this affordable resort that has rooms with private balconies, a restaurant, and a bar

Airbnb

Homestay California

Check out this beautiful and intimate apartment with a stunning beachfront view

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

Two tall pink buildings behind a beach with lounge chairs and palm trees, adjacent to clear blue water under a clear sky.

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!

Luxury hotel

Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu

I am sure you will fall in love with this resort! Located in an idyllic area on Mactan Island, this huge property is perfect for any kind of traveler as it features 6 themed pools, 10 dining outlets, a casino, a relaxing spa, a fitness center, a dive shop, an indoor themed park, and a private beach… I mean, what else do you need? It even offers free shuttles to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Other accommodation options on Mactan Island

Mid-Range

Vivien’s Hotel

Boasting a free airport shuttle, a restaurant and family rooms, this place is a keeper

Airbnb

Stylish House

This lovely house is located in a peaceful residential area and it has an outdoor pool and a garden

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)

Tropical seascape with clear turquoise water, moored boats, lush greenery, and bright pink flowers in the foreground.

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5 Great Areas + Top Hotels (2024)

Quick Picks for Your Stay