Where to stay in Cebu First Time 2024 - 6 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Cebu first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Cebu first time?
Where to stay in Cebu for nightlife?
Where to stay in Cebu City near tourist spots
Where to stay in Cebu with kids?
Where to stay in Cebu for backpackers?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Cebu first time
| Name of the area in Cebu | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
1. Cebu Business Park (Ayala Center)* .... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is the commercial and business hub of Cebu City. Because of that, you can find plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can enjoy somewhat upscale hotels with great access to the city center and the highlights of Cebu. Most tourists tend to stay as close as possible to this area as it offers so much convenience. *You can click on the purple link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Cebu IT Park is yet another well-desired area among tourists as it’s a modern and vibrant area filled with offices, restaurants, and nightlife options. It is a favorite among young professionals and expats. It’s located near Cebu Business Park, yet it’s further away from the city center. As it has a great nightlife scene, IT Park mainly attracts a younger crowd. |
. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. | Although technically not part of Cebu City, Mactan Island is very close and offers beautiful beach resorts and easy access to water activities. It’s also where the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located. If you’re looking for a luxury beach resort, and enjoy beach life during your stay, this is the place to be. You can also find historical sites like the Lapu-Lapu Shrine here, although its main benefit is having access to the beach. |
... Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is in the heart of Cebu City and is known for its historic sites, unique street life, and close proximity to many attractions. It’s also home to a good variety of budget to mid-range hotels, making it an excellent option for those travelling on a stricter budget. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Located near the Provincial Capitol, this area is known for its convenient location and access to several local attractions. Similar to Fuente Osmeña Circle, it’s a great option for those seeking a local experience on a tighter budget. |
.. Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Banilad is located further away from the city center, compared to the other recommended areas. This area is particularly popular among expats and offers a quieter experience than the city center while still having plenty of modern amenities. Because of that, it’s a great option for families and those who want more value for their money when it comes to accommodations. The only downside is that you have to travel a bit more to reach the bustling city center. |
Where to stay in Cebu first time
The best areas to stay in Cebu first time are Cebu Business Park, IT Park, and Mactan Island.
When it comes to convenience, Cebu Business Park is the best option.
This commercial and business hub comes with many dining, shopping, and entertainment options all while you have good access to the highlights of the city.
Cebu IT Park is also a good option and attracts mainly young professionals and expats.
Similar to Cebu Business Park, it’s an upscale area.
The major difference is that Cebu IT Park is particularly known for its nightlife scene.
Another incredibly popular area to stay in Cebu is Mactan Island, which is technically not part of Cebu City.
This island is home to the international airport and many luxurious beach resorts.
If you’re looking for beach life, this is the place to stay at.
Now, there are some alternatives that are worth considering.
Fuente Osmeña Circle and Capitol Site are both excellent areas for those travelling on a budget.
These two areas are located centrally and offer an authentic experience with plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options to choose from.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider staying at Banilad.
This area is particularly popular among expats and comes with many modern amenities.
Families in particular will appreciate a stay here.
Just keep in mind that Banilad is located further away from the bustling city center.
Where to stay in Cebu for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Cebu for nightlife are IT Park and Fuente Osmeña Circle.
IT Park is particularly known for its nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants that cater to a younger crowd (especially young professionals and expats).
This area is safe and modern. If you choose to stay in this area, make sure to visit The Walk and Sugbo Mercado (night market).
For a more local approach, head over to Fuente Osmeña Circle.
Here, you can find more local bars and pubs, although upscale venues pop up every now and then too.
The nightlife scene here is centered around Mango Square.
Where to stay in Cebu near tourist spots
The best areas to stay in Cebu near tourist spots are Cebu Business Park, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and Capitol Site.
These three areas are strategically located for those who want to explore Cebu City’s main tourist spots to the fullest.
Cebu Business Park is well-connected by public transport and is one of the most desired areas among first-time visitors in general.
Fuente Osmeña Circle and Capitol Site are located closer to the major attractions and are ideal for those traveling on a stricter budget.
However, they come with fewer modern amenities.
Out of these two, Fuente Osmeña Circle is also known for its nightlife scene, while the nearby Capitol Site is quieter during the evening.
In my personal opinion, Cebu Business Park is the ideal candidate to fully explore the tourist spots in Cebu.
Where to stay in Cebu with kids
The best areas to stay in Cebu with kids are Cebu Business Park and Mactan Island.
Cebu Business Park is a safe, clean, and well-developed area with plenty of family-friendly amenities.
It’s also located centrally with good access to the highlights of the city.
If you’re visiting Cebu for sightseeing purposes, this is the best option.
However, if you want to combine beach life with Cebu’s main attractions, then there is no better option than Mactan Island.
Here, you can find many beautiful beach resorts and water activities.
If you’re travelling on a stricter budget, staying near Capitol Site is your best bet.
Where to stay in Cebu for backpackers
The best areas to stay in Cebu for backpackers are Fuente Osmeña Circle and Capitol Site.
These two centrally located areas are known as budget-friendly areas, making them an excellent choice for backpackers.
Fuente Osmeña Circle in particular is a popular area for backpackers as not only does this area offer affordable accommodation options, but also a great nightlife scene and local food scene.
If you prefer a less touristy and much quieter area, then the nearby Capitol Site is the area you’re looking for.
It feels even more authentic.
1. Cebu Business Park (Ayala Center)
Cebu Business Park, particularly the Ayala Center area, is considered the most convenient area to stay in Cebu for tourists.
The main reason is its central location, with easy access to many parts of Cebu City and nearby attractions.
With its well-connected public transport and its proximity to the major roads, popular tourist spots such as Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral can be reached without much hassle.
You’re also not far from the ferry terminals and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The area is home to Ayala Center Cebu, one of the largest and most modern shopping malls in the city.
Its facilities come in handy for a pleasant stay.
Cebu Business Park is also a safe and secure area and the well-maintained green spaces and clean streets make it also a great spot to explore the city on foot
When it comes to accommodation options, Cebu Business Park offers mostly mid-range and upscale hotels, although you can definitely find something budget-friendly here.
But when you compare this area to most of the other parts of Cebu, you will notice that it offers a much higher standard of living, and that is reflected in the quality of the hotels too.
That’s also reflected in the price, as, generally speaking, Cebu Business Park is a pricier area compared to the authentic parts of Cebu.
If your budget allows it, then this is arguably the best area you can choose.
Especially for sightseeing purposes.
If you prefer to stay at the beach, or an upscale area that offers a great nightlife scene, then one of the next two areas might be a better option for you.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. IT Park
There are many similarities between IT Park and the previously recommended area.
Both are highly recommended areas that are always in high demand among tourists.
Both are centrally located, have good access to the attractions, and are well-connected by public transport.
Both are considered safe and secure and are well-maintained.
The list goes on and on.
But it’s far more interesting to tell the differences between these two areas.
IT Park is a major hub for information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, attracting young professionals and tech-savvy individuals.
Because of that, the area is vibrant and exciting and you can find a proper nightlife scene here with trendy bars, rooftop lounges, cafes, and clubs.
Places like The Walk and Sugbo Mercado (a popular night market) offer great spots for evening entertainment.
If you’re planning to discover Cebu’s nightlife scene and you’re not per se traveling on a strict budget, this is the place you want to be.
When you’re traveling with family, it makes more sense to stay in Business Park than in IT Park and visa versa.
But when it comes to convenience, both areas are simply the best options you have to explore the city highlights.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Mactan Island
Mactan Island is located right in front of Cebu City where you can find the international airport.
Yes, this is convenient, but the main reason why people choose to stay at Mactan Island is to enjoy beach life.
The island is home to many (luxurious) beach resorts that offer beautiful beaches, clear waters, and many water sports and other activities.
It’s the ideal place for relaxation.
Many hotels offer all-inclusive packages to make your stay even more convenient.
The island is also famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling spots, such as Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island.
You can also find the Lapu-Lapu Shrine on the island, which is a historical site that commemorates the Battle of Mactan and the hero Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Ferdinand Magellan.
Mactan is known for its handcrafted guitars, and you can visit a local guitar factory that offers quite a unique cultural experience.
Many of the island’s resorts cater to families, making it one of the top choices for those traveling with kids.
And as you can expect from an island, there is plenty of seafood you can try and privacy plays a vital role at these resorts.
Is there anything not to like?
The premium price tag is something that scares some tourists.
Also, younger travellers who want to explore Cebu’s nightlife scene tend to stay in Cebu City itself.
But if you want to combine sightseeing with beach life and relaxation, none of the other areas can compete against Mactan Island.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Fuente Osmeña Circle
Fuente Osmeña Circle is located in the heart of Cebu City and that makes it automatically the most convenient base for exploring the city’s attractions.
The circle itself is a historic landmark named after Sergio Osmeña, the fourth President of the Philippines.
It serves as a significant cultural and historical point in Cebu City.
From here, you can easily visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
This area is also a very vibrant one, both during the day and during the night.
It’s a touristy area that feels authentic, especially when you compare it to the modern and business-like parts.
Many backpackers prefer to stay in Fuente Osmeña Circle as there is an abundance of affordable accommodation options and local eateries and street food vendors.
In the evening, this area is the place to be for enjoying a more local nightlife scene.
Especially around Mango Avenue, you can find loads of bars pubs, and clubs.
If you’re travelling on a stricter budget, and want to stay in the heart of the city where you can experience traditional Filipino culture, and you want to explore a more local nightlife scene, Fuente Osmeña Circle is the area you’re looking for!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Capitol Site
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Banilad
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.