Don't let your Cebu adventure end with airport waiting! Discover the best of Cebu City on your departure day with a flexible private tour. Explore stunning gardens, temples, and a vibrant night market.
If you’ve already enjoyed the thrill of island hopping and indulged in some blissful resort relaxation during your Cebu trip, you might be starting to feel a little restless. Even the best experiences can become routine, prompting us to seek out something new. That’s where a half-day tour exploring some of the city's highlights comes in handy! However, major tourist spots can be a hit or miss depending on your personal taste. Since everyone’s preferences differ, joining a group tour means you’re stuck with a fixed itinerary. That’s why, for experiences that can be so subjective, opting for a private tour is surprisingly a fantastic idea.
This private tour is conducted in a dedicated vehicle, and the friendly person opening the door is your local guide. There’s a separate driver, too. Your guide will even help you take photos and ensure you’re well looked after throughout the journey. As a solo traveler, I especially appreciated having someone to capture those memorable shots for me.
You can customize your itinerary, but to help you choose, let’s take a closer look at each potential stop.
Sirao Garden
Sirao Flower Garden
First up is Sirao Garden. This spot is essentially a photographer's paradise, brimming with picturesque photo zones and an abundance of beautiful flowers. It’s a popular destination for locals looking to snap some great pictures too.
At the entrance, you might find vendors selling grilled bananas. If you're curious, give them a try! (Personally, they weren't quite my cup of tea, but to each their own!)
Inside, you'll find a variety of spots perfect for photos. Your guide will be happy to help you capture some great shots. After getting your souvenir photos, we moved on to the next destination.
Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah
This spot... well, its main advantage is the sweeping panoramic view of the city. The downside? That’s pretty much it, in my opinion, haha!
Since this is a customizable Cebu City tour, if you look at this and decide it’s not quite your style, don't hesitate to skip it and spend more time at another spot that truly captures your interest.
Lavie In the Sky
Lavie In the Sky
In contrast to the Temple of Leah, many visitors absolutely love this place. In fact, some groups even choose to spend the rest of their tour here, soaking in the ambiance.
And for good reason! It’s a true gem with breathtaking, unobstructed views. Personally, I found the view here far more appealing than the one at the Temple of Leah.
With delicious wood-fired pizzas, wine, desserts, and a wide array of food options, it’s understandable why some groups decide to linger here longer and make it their final stop.
Oh, and when you enter, you’ll receive a voucher that you can use inside. I happily used mine to grab some treats!
Sugbo Mercado Night Market
Sugbo Mercado
Our last stop was the night market. Honestly, if this hadn’t been on my list, I might have stayed longer at Lavie In the Sky, but I was really eager to check out Sugbo Mercado.
Following my reliable guide, we arrived at the entrance, and once inside, the place was absolutely packed with people – mostly locals! It was even busier than I expected.
Inside, you’ll find a fantastic variety of food stalls (like a permanent street food market), offering everything from Korean and Japanese to Indian and Filipino cuisine. Seriously diverse!
There was a stage, which suggests they sometimes have performances, though there wasn't one when I visited – a bit of a missed opportunity! Given the crowds, finding a seat can be quite challenging, so if you’re with companions, it’s a good idea to secure a spot before ordering food. I definitely want to return to Sugbo Mercado on my next Cebu trip. There’s so much more to eat and enjoy, and simply relaxing on the lawn outside seems like a great way to spend an evening.
There aren't many complex tips, but the key takeaway for a private tour is this: if you don't like a particular spot, feel free to move on quickly. If you love a place, spend more time there! You have the freedom to adjust your Cebu City itinerary flexibly. There's absolutely no need to fill the allocated time at a place you're not enjoying.
From my experience, the entire tour itinerary works perfectly as a last-day activity after checking out from your hotel. If you prefer to get a massage and shower before heading to the airport (which is common, as many Southeast Asian flights depart at night), you can easily integrate that into your schedule. For more detailed information, check out the popular options below from various travel agencies:
When is the best time to take this Cebu city tour during my Cebu itinerary?
It is recommended to take this tour on your last day in Cebu, after check-out. Especially if you have a late-night flight, you can combine it with a massage and shower before heading to the airport.
Are there any special snacks available to try when visiting Sirao Flower Garden?
Grilled bananas are sold in front of the entrance to Sirao Garden. Visitors are welcome to try them if they're curious.
What attractions are available at Lavie In the Sky?
Lavie In the Sky boasts an open view and offers a variety of food options, including wood-fired pizza, wine, and desserts. Some groups choose to spend more time here, as the voucher provided upon entry can be used inside.
Do you have any tips for finding a seat when visiting Sugbo Mercado?
Sugbo Mercado is very crowded with locals, making it difficult to find a seat. If you are with a group, it is best to secure a table first before ordering food.