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The Tops Lookout
See the entirety of Cebu City’s skyline at Tops Lookout. We’ve found that this lookout still remains off most tourists’ itineraries even though it was one of our favorite destinations. The lookout is a large concrete circle with benches aligning its exterior. If you get up early, the shops around it will be closed but you will likely be the only visitor, thus allowing you to get that perfect Instagram shot over 600 meters above Cebu City. Sit inside one of the circular concrete arches and play with the angles or simply capture the amazing view from one of the highest points around town.
Location: Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 909 890 5357
Hours: Tops Lookout charges PHP 100 entrance fee and is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Temple of Leah
Just a short drive from the Tops Lookout is the Temple of Leah, so be sure to add this to your itinerary if you’re heading this way. It was only recently constructed in 2012 and was built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna. He built it for his wife of 53 years, whose name was Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, which is where the temple got its name from.
It is sometimes referred to as Cebu City’s equivalent to India’s Taj Mahal, and for good reason. The temple is made up of 24 chambers, an art gallery, a museum, and a library housing Leah’s belongings. Go inside to see the nine-foot-tall statue of Teodorico Adarna’s Queen, Leah Albino-Adarna or stand around the courtyard’s exterior to snap a few photos of the city skyline.
Location: Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 906 324 5687
Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sirao Flower Garden
On the same route as the Tops Lookout and the Temple of Leah is the Sirao Flower Garden, which we would argue is the most Instagrammable spot of them all. The views here are hard to beat, especially at the top of some of the random infrastructure that is in place here, including a large golden hand overlooking the valley below. In addition to random structures, statues, windmills, and more, the gardens are also adorned with a plethora of brightly colored flowers. It is often referred to as Little Amsterdam for this reason!
Location: Sirao Garden, Cebu City, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 946 1831 320
Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cebu Taoist Temple
Admire the Chinese architecture and inspiration at the Cebu Taoist Temple. It was constructed in 1972 and has been attracting worshippers and tourists alike ever since. The structure is made up of two smaller temples: the Php Sian Temple and the Main Temple. Both are open for visitors to meander, get photos in, and admire the landmark. It also provides visitors with some pretty incredible views of the city below!
Location: Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu City, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 32 254 6503
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kawasan Falls
Be sure to add Kawasan Falls on your Instagram itinerary of Cebu City. It is about four hours away by minibus to get to Moalboal, where the falls are found, but it is surely worth the journey. The water is so crystal clear blue that you likely won’t even need to edit the photos before posting! Climb to the top tier of the Kawasan Falls and get ready to jump off the cliffs to descend down the falls. A GoPro will certainly be required to get this shot!
Location: Badian, 6031 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Sardine Run
If you are visiting the Kawasan Falls, you need to also snorkel the Sardine Run and get your GoPro ready, as this is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in the Philippines, let alone Cebu City! Watch as literally thousands of sardines come and move together right off Cebu’s coastline. It will feel like you are watching a meteor shower in outer space! Dive down and recruit a friend to get that perfect underwater picture.
Mad Monkey Insider Tip:
Be sure to book a day trip with Mad Monkey Cebu City to the Kawasan Falls. Our Moalboal and Canyoneering Tour is one of the best adventures you’ll have in the Philippines. The tour takes you by a private, air-conditioned van to the Sardine Run to snorkel – mask and gear are included! Afterward, you venture to a local home to enjoy a delicious Filipino spread, with plenty of vegetarian options available! After chowing down, you have the option of paying a little bit more to get to the incredible Kawasan Falls by zipline, providing you with yet another Instagram-worthy shot. After jumping down the falls, we venture back to the house we had lunch at to enjoy some rum and coke before going back to Mad Monkey Cebu City in time for the nightly events. This is one tour you don’t want to miss out on!
Fort San Pedro
Built in 1565, Fort San Pedro is one of the oldest structures in Cebu City. Also known as Fuerte de San Pedro, this fort was a Spanish colonial military defense fort in the 17th century. It was built on the command of the first governor of the Philippines – Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors to the city to come and get some amazing photos.
Location: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 32 256 2284
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mad Monkey Cebu City
With a graffiti-ridden rooftop bar, a rooftop pool, and an amazing view of the Cebu City, it makes sense that Mad Monkey Cebu City is one of the best destinations to snap that unforgettable Instagram shot. This hostel, restaurant, and bar trio provides visitors with the best views at sunset when the sun going down over the city makes the entire bar glow an incredible red-orange glow. Stop by for a happy hour cocktail to get that perfect Instagram-worthy shot!
Location: 79 Echavez St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Contact: +63 32 231 0370 | Facebook
Hours: Weekdays from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Simala Shrine
The Simala Shrine is one of the most popular churches on the island. It was built by Marian Monks. Many visitors believed the shrine would answer prayers and had healing powers, which is initially why it became a popular destination amongst visitors. Now, visitors also come to snap an incredible Instagram shot as it is one of the most unique architectural structures in Cebu City, Philippines.
Location: Sibonga, Cebu City, Philippines – VIEW MAP
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tag Mad Monkey on Instagram
Did you use this guide and get an amazing shot of Cebu City? Do you want Mad Monkey to share your post? Then be sure to tag @madmonkeyhostels on Instagram for a chance to be shared on our Instagram feed! We would love to see the incredible photos that you’ve taken around the city and highlight them!
More Information About Cebu City in the Philippines
Did you love this article about what to do in Cebu City, Philippines? Do you want even more information about the top things to see and do in this incredible city? Then be sure to check out these articles we’ve rounded up that will help you make the most out of your time here in this historical and incredible city! Travel on, monkeys!
- 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Cebu by Ruben Arribas for Gamin Traveler
- Instagrammable Tours And Spots in Cebu, The Philippines – Updated 2020 by Winnie for Trip 101
- The 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Cebu, Philippines by Ronica Valdaevilla for Culture Trip
- A Shrine Built in Honor of a Mother’s Legacy – Temple of Leah in Cebu City by Jochelle Sanchez for mabuhaytravel.quora.com
- 18 Instagram-Worthy Spots to Visit in Cebu in 2018 by Ginyn Noble for Cosmopolitan
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