Cebu Information

Hotel Location

Elegantly situated in Nivel Hills, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu graces the city's skyline, is only 25 minutes from the Mactan International Airport and has a 5-minute distance from Cebu's business and commercial centers.

Often called the "Queen City of the South" and significantly known as the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, Cebu is the country's oldest city with a rich history. Cebu's legacy has endured through the centuries since Ferdinand Magellan planted the first cross on its pristine shores.

Cebu is famous for the sweetest mangoes, classic guitars, historical churches, fine furniture and white sand beaches to name a few. Each visit to the "Queen" is an experience that will make you want to come back time and again. There may be a dish you need to try again, a fiesta you want to see, a piece of beaded jewelry you want to buy more of… or simply repeat your Marco Polo Plaza experience.

Cebu Places of Interest

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Osmeña Blvd
The country's oldest church, built in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray de Urdaneta, safekeeps the statue of the Holy Child Jesus. This relic is believed to be miraculous.

Capitol Building, Osmeña Blvd
The mountains of Cebu provide a background to the seat of the provincial government, considered to be a pre-war structure and a replica of the United States Congress. Its high dome is visible when one drives up Osmeña Boulevard. Constructed in 1937, the Cebu Capitol Building is one among many beautiful buildings in the country.

Colon Street
Stroll down the oldest street in the country, named after world explorer Christopher Columbus a.k. a. "Cristobal Colon". Located right in the middle of old Cebu, Colon Street is lined with various shops, a flea market, restaurants and movie houses.

Fort San Pedro, Legaspi cor. Osmeña Sts.
Walk through the historical fort, with its rich stories of the past that include its service as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries, a US army barracks, and a prison camp during the Japanese occupation. Today, the fort is a park which also houses a museum displaying echoes of the past.

Heritage of Cebu Monument

Parian
The monument presents highlights of Cebu's history, spanning from the time of Rajah Humabon, to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod.

Lapulapu Monument, Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City
On April 17, 1521 a fierce battle between Mactan island chieftain Lapulapu and Spanish navigator Ferdinand Magellan occurred on this very site. The monument serves as a reminder of Filipino bravery, as this is where Magellan was defeated by the first Filipino hero. Within the vicinity of the monument are native cottages offering fresh seafood, with mangroves at the shoreline as a backdrop.

Magellan's Cross, Corner Magallanes and Burgos Sts.
A wooden cross marks the spot where the first baptism of Filipinos led by Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana was performed in 1521. The cross was planted by Spanish navigator Ferdinand Magellan. At the landmark are women selling candles who also offer dance prayers on one's behalf.

Busay Hills
For a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and its neighboring islands Mactan and Olango, drive up to this favorite night spot on the cool hills of Busay. The circular structure offers picnic tables and barbecue stalls for small parties.

Islands and White Sand Beaches
All around Cebu are smaller islands lined with white sand beaches and great diving spots offering spectacular seascapes and marine life. Interesting sea adventures include cliff diving, night diving, bird watching in Olango Island, breathtaking sights of coral reefs and marine sanctuaries. For simpler pleasure, take a leisurely walk on the pristine white sand beaches dotting the coast of Cebu.

Mactan Island
Closest to Metro Cebu, Mactan presents a coastline of luxury beach resorts, first-class hotels, lively entertainment spots, varieties of seafood restaurants and jump-off points to isolated beaches and quiet islets.

Bohol Island
Discover the legendary "Chocolate Hills" of Bohol, the Tarsier – world's smallest primate, Loboc River – home of the world-renowned international award-winning Children's Choir, white sand beaches, islets for great dives and old Spanish churches.

Moalboal
Approximately 89 km. from the city is a world famous dive center – a gateway to some magnificent dive spots: Bas Diot, Pescador Island, Panagsama, Saavedra, Tapanan and Tongo Point.

Olango Island
Take a peek at migratory birds resting their wings on the shores of Olango, only a 30-minute boat ride from Mactan Island. Olango Island has the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country, coming from as far as Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Best months for bird watching from July to November and from February to May.

Sumilon Island
Hop to an island of lush vegetation, a pristine lake and a shifting white sand bar, and explore the ruins of an ancient Spanish watchtower. Dive into an underwater paradise featuring hundreds of tropical species, shallow channels and large coral colonies. Sumilon is a 24-hectare island located near the southeastern tip of Cebu.

Museums

Casa Gorordo, Lopez Jaena St.
Travel back to a bygone era upon entering Casa Gorordo, once the residence of the first Catholic bishop of Cebu. Along the halls are displays of cultural and historical relics of the 18th century, including a collection of old prints and exhibits of contemporary works of art.

Fort San Pedro
Located inside the historical fort, the museum exhibits artifacts taken from "San Diego", an old Spanish Galleon found off the coast of Batangas. Featured items are Ming porcelain pieces, coins, lockets, sword fragments, cannons and helmets.

University of San Carlos Museum
Unearth a wide collection from all over the country featuring religious relics, archaeological and ethnic artifacts, including displays of botanical and zoological specimens. The university itself is a historical landmark known to be the oldest university in the country, dating back to 1595.

Shopping

Ayala Center
At the center of the city's prime commercial address is a circular structure housing specialty shops, designer boutiques, a department store, a grocery store, pharmacies and an assortment of restaurants and entertainment outlets, including cinemas and kids' game areas. Enjoy great shopping for luxury items or souvenirs to take home.

Carbon Market
Carbon is a wet market selling all sorts of things from fish, fruits, vegetables to clothes, pots, flowers and native handicrafts. Walk through its maze of shops and find great discounts.