Cebu Tourist Spots You Can Visit in One Day (With a Rainy Twist)

Our day started with excitement as Marilou’s friend and family from Oregon joined us for a Cebu City adventure. We planned to see some of the city’s most famous tourist spots, and even though the weather had its own plans, it turned into a memorable trip we won’t forget.

Sirao Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu
Our first stop was the colorful Sirao Garden, often called “Little Amsterdam.” With vibrant celosia flowers, windmills, and mountain views, it’s one of the most photogenic places in Cebu. We wandered through the blooms, snapping photos and enjoying the fresh highland air.

Temple of Leah – The Taj Mahal of Cebu
Just a short drive away, we visited the Temple of Leah. Built in 2012 as a grand tribute to Teodorico Adarna’s late wife Leah, its Roman-inspired columns, statues, and sweeping city views make it a must-visit landmark.

Lunch at Chix Boy
A few meters from the Temple, we stopped at Chix Boy for lunch. Their grilled chicken and mountain view seating hit the spot.

Rain and Flooding in Cebu
Right after lunch, the skies opened up and Cebu gave us a full tropical downpour. Streets quickly filled with water, and while it slowed our plans, it made for some interesting and dramatic footage. (I even posted a separate video about the flooding.)

Tabuan Market – Bulad Shopping
Once the rain eased, we headed to Tabuan Market so the girls could buy bulad (dried fish). The market’s strong aroma is unmistakable, but it’s also the perfect place to find a taste of Cebu to bring home.

Magellan’s Cross – A Historic Landmark
We ended the day at Magellan’s Cross, one of Cebu’s most important historical sites. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño next door because we weren’t wearing the proper attire, but just visiting the cross was still a highlight.

Final Thoughts
From colorful gardens to historic landmarks, and from delicious food to unexpected rain, this Cebu day trip had it all. It was the perfect way to share a slice of the city with Marilou’s visiting friend and family — and a reminder that sometimes, the best travel memories happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.

📺 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/p6eSr_6Tyn4?si=gNt219Tec6H8__6Y