Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Stylish Cebu Things to Do 2026

<p><strong>Cebu</strong> has always been easy to love for its beaches, heritage, and food (not to mention the people). Still, there is another side of the city that feels especially exciting now: its<strong> growing creative and lifestyle scene</strong>. I’ve been to this city several times, but there’s always something new to check out whenever I visit. Beyond the usual tourist trail, Cebu is currently a place where you can spend a day <strong>shopping from local makers, brunching in bright cafés, driving up for skyline views, and ending the night with well-made cocktails.</strong></p><p>For travelers who want a day that feels less rushed and more curated, this Cebu City guide offers a lighter, more stylish way to experience the<strong> Queen City of the South.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Start the day at Atúa Midtown</strong></div><p>Begin at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atuamidtowncebu/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Atúa Midtown</strong></a>, <strong>a reimagined creative space that turns the old bones of a former hotel into something warm, communal, and distinctly Cebuano.</strong> What used to be rooms and corridors now house local brands, artists, cafés, restaurants, and workshop spaces, giving the property the feel of a quaint merchant market hidden in the city.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780898890314ATUA Cebu.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">From an old hotel to a quaint merchant market: Atúa Midtown</span></span></span></div><p>I was instantly charmed by this place. It doesn’t feel like a conventional market. It feels like a new treasure has been discovered. Around its corners, you’ll find <strong>hand-painted postcards, lots of irresistible anik-aniks, Cebuano-made shoes, custom swimsuits, art pieces, small boutiques, coffee stops, and spaces for workshops and crafts.</strong> Every corner has a whimsical feel, and my friends and I were delighted to explore the kiosks and shops that tickled our fancy. </p><p>There is something especially appealing about seeing an old hotel beautifully transformed into a home for Cebu’s makers. Instead of erasing the building’s past, Atúa gives it a second life—one filled with <strong>color, texture, local stories, and independent brands.</strong> I like that the items here are personal and unique rather than mass-produced. It makes it a worthy stop.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780899075014ATUA Cebu 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">A space to discover, shop, and play</span></span></span></div><p>I ended up purchasing two artisan shoes from Carcar, the cutest stickers (it’s the millennial in me), and some statement pins. My recommendation is for visitors to let themselves be pulled in by knick-knacks and art pieces that interest them and catch their eye. Talk to the local merchants; they’re very warm and friendly, too. The unhurried vibe is perfect for a Sunday afternoon with friends and loved ones. Atúa is best experienced not as a checklist, but as a small creative world you slowly move through.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Have lunch at Sparrow Cafe Culture</strong></div><p>For lunch, we headed to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sparrowcafeculture/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sparrow Cafe Culture</strong></a>, a <strong>Korean-inspired café serving fusion comfort food and a bright, airy ambiance that makes you want to stay a little longer. </strong>Many of my Cebuano friends mentioned this cafe when I asked for recommendations, and I’m glad I listened. The service is warm and attentive, making it an easy midday stop after browsing through Atúa Midtown.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780899739213Sparrow Cafe Culture Cebu.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Interiors are done by Korean designers, keeping it authentic and modern</span></span></span></div><p>Start with their drinks. The <strong>Earl Grey Hot Chocolate</strong> is fragrant and comforting, while the <strong>Orange Remedy</strong> is refreshing and citrusy with a hint of ginger (my top pick). For a little caffeine kick, the <strong>Dirty Matcha</strong> is a good choice.</p><p>The menu is playful but satisfying, inspired by the owners’ favorites. The <strong>Mango Wafu Salad</strong> is a must-try, especially with Cebu’s famously sweet mangoes giving their take on kani salad a fresh, tropical lift. The <strong>Salmon and Cheese Dip</strong> is addictive—deeply savory and creamy, served with crisp, airy, toasted bread—while the <strong>Honey Soy Wings </strong>deliver that reliable sweet-salty balance with a crisp bite and a tender finish.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780899881392Sparrow Cafe Culture Cebu 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Sparrow Cafe Culture knows that good food comes from wholesome ingredients.</span></span></span></div><p>For mains, the <strong>Salmon Aburi Bowl </strong>is the standout, followed closely by the <strong>Beef Pares</strong>, <strong>Bacon Shiitake Omelet</strong>, and <strong>Gruyere Baked Chicken with Tomato Brown Rice</strong>. End with either the textured <strong>Concorde Cake</strong> (my instant favorite) or the smooth and creamy <strong>Aged Basque Cheesecake</strong>, both decadent enough to make me cheat as I try to cut back on sugar (the operative word is try).</p><p>Sparrow works because it understands the modern café mood: good ambiance, good service, thoughtful drinks, and food that goes beyond the usual café basics.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Drive up to TOPS Cebu for the view.</strong></div><p>After lunch, take the day higher (literally) with a drive up to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/topscebu.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>TOPS Cebu</strong></a> in <strong>Busay</strong>, comparable to our quick-drive hilltop spot from Manila—Tagaytay.</p><p>Long before its recent redevelopment, TOPS Cebu was already part of the city’s memory. Historically known as <strong>Tops Lookout</strong>, it first opened in 1985 under the vision of<strong> former Cebu Governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña</strong>, who had the hilltop leveled to maximize its sweeping views. Perched around 600 meters above sea level, the original space was simple and rustic, known for its stone-lined borders, wooden benches, cogon-grass huts, and fortress-like architecture.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780900099595TOPS Cebu.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">A 30-minute drive from the city, TOPS is sure to wow travelers from all over.</span></span></span></div><p>For decades, TOPS became one of Cebu’s most nostalgic destinations—a place for <strong>stargazing, late-night conversations, romantic dates, proposals, and pre-wedding shoots</strong>. Many Cebuanos also remember its iconic bell, where couples would ring it together as a symbol of a strengthened relationship (how momentous).</p><p>Today, TOPS has evolved into a <strong>multi-level lifestyle complex</strong>, following a major redevelopment that transformed the old lookout into a more polished destination. What remains, however, is the same reason people have always come here: the view. From above, Cebu feels different. The city opens up, and the skyline, mountains, and sea come together in one sweeping frame.</p><p>Visit in the late afternoon if you can, when the light begins to shift, and the skies start preparing for sunset. It was a cool, breezy stroll around followed by an energizing climb up to the viewing decks. Adding to the lively atmosphere were <strong>costumed photo performers</strong> (we spotted Batman and a random Mongolian warrior), a<strong> live band</strong>, and <strong>vintage newsprint-style photographers</strong> guests could hire for a minimal fee. We also stumbled upon <strong>105.1 TMC’s rooftop media center,</strong> where we had a friendly chat with the DJs. After all that walking, my friend and I tried the famous <strong>Mimoy’s isaw and pork BBQ skewers</strong>, making the experience feel even more festive and local.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780900246614TOPS Cebu 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Cebu&#x27;s sunset is gorgeous when viewed from the TOPS</span></span></span></div><p>TOPS is ideal for travelers who want a scenic pause without committing to a full outdoor adventure. You get the drama of the view, the ease of a developed destination, and enough space to simply hang out, take lots of photos, and let the city stretch out before you. </p><p>It is also a beautiful contrast to the earlier part of the day. Atúa shows Cebu’s creative energy up close. Sparrow gives you its café and dining culture. TOPS lets you see the city from a distance, with all its history and reinvention in one immersive stop.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Have dinner at the newly opened Anyday Studio at Miranza Center</strong></div><p>After taking in the city from above, we headed back down to Banilad for dinner at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anyday.studio.cebu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Anyday Studio</strong></a> at <strong>Miranza Center</strong>, one of Cebu’s newest multi-concept food destinations. It brings three culinary brands together under one roof, creating an easy, energetic dining space that works for groups with diverse cravings.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780900489992Anyday Studio Cebu.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Comfort food with a polished Cebuano touch</span></span></span></div><p>Anyday is not built around just one cuisine. It is a<strong> food studio</strong> where you can move from<strong> tacos to pizza to burgers</strong> in one sitting, without the meal feeling confused. It houses <strong>Txoya Tacos</strong><strong></strong>, known for tacos made with authentic Mexican spices and cheeses; <strong>Pizza Playa</strong>, which serves award-winning, authentically Italian-style pizza; and <strong>Bank Burgers</strong>, known for stacked burgers made with premium beef patties, soft buns, and signature sauces—all concepts by celebrated Cebuano <strong>chef Jan Rodriguez</strong>.</p><p>For burgers, start with the <strong>Dirty Bird</strong>, a buffalo crispy chicken burger (my personal fave) that lands perfectly between tangy, zesty, crunchy, and juicy. It has that satisfying bite you want from a fried chicken burger, but with enough brightness to keep it from feeling too heavy.</p><p>Another strong order is <strong>The ProperBRGR</strong>, stacked with a premium beef patty, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, dill pickles, fresh lettuce, jalapeños, and its signature <strong>Sauce Boss</strong>, all tucked inside a soft, buttered brioche bun. It is big, bold, and built for people who take their burgers seriously.</p><p>For tacos, go for the <strong>Barbacoa de Res</strong>. Made with traditional Mexican beef brisket, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, and salsa rojo, it brings a deep, savory richness with just the right kick. It is the kind of taco that makes sense in a city like Cebu—flavor-forward, unfussy, and made for sharing across the table.</p><p>What makes Anyday especially exciting is that it feels like it is already building a community around food. Recently opened and already drawing discerning diners, it has the makings of a new Cebu hangout: <strong>casual enough for weeknight dinners, interesting enough for foodies, and lively enough to stay on people’s radar. </strong>Watch out for its DJ nights and upcoming collaborations, which give the space a social energy beyond just dining. It’s your good food stop any day, any time, in any mood. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>End the night at The Vault Room</strong></div><p>After dinner at Anyday, close the night with cocktails at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thevaultroomcebu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Vault Room</strong></a>. Tucked inside Oakridge, The Vault brings a more intimate, after-dark energy to the itinerary—dim lights, proper drinks, and conversations that naturally slow down.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780900794733The Vault Room.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">A hidden speakeasy that’s sure to leave any guest impressed</span></span></span></div><p>Part of its appeal is the sense of discovery. When I first visited this place, I was led to <strong>pass through an upscale liquor store lined with premium bottles from around the world</strong>, creating a hidden, speakeasy-like experience that excited me about what’s to come.</p><p>Inside, The Vault instantly wowed me. It feels both polished and inviting, anchored by its glowing arched liquor display and warmed by plush seating, thoughtful lighting, and elegant finishes. The bartenders are also part of the experience. I remember the server suggesting I order a bespoke cocktail tailored to my palate and mood, which certainly impressed me. Of course, they also have their signature drinks that are unique and unforgettable.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780901012693The Vault Cebu 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">From cocktails to late-night bites, The Vault Room delivers on every front.</span></span></span></div><p>While the cocktails are the main draw, the food is worth ordering, too. Don’t you just love it when the ambiance, drinks, and food are all superb? The <strong>Gambas</strong> is a must-try for something bold and savory, while the <strong>Spam Fries </strong>bring a more playful, nostalgic bite to the table. On select nights, DJ sets add just enough energy to make the space feel lively without losing its intimate mood.</p><p>It is the perfect final stop after a stylish day out in Cebu. Anyday brings the casual, social energy; The Vault refines the evening with cocktails, good bar chow, and a more sophisticated finish, all while staying grounded.</p><p>Order a drink, settle into the room, and let the day end on a slower note. This is the beauty of a stylish day in Cebu: it does not have to be packed to feel complete. It can begin with local finds in a reimagined creative hub, move into a bright café lunch, rise toward a mountain viewpoint, return to the city for tacos, pizza, and burgers, and end behind a hidden doorway with expertly crafted cocktails, good food, and great music. Oh, Cebu, how I love you!</p>

<p>For travelers who want a day that feels less rushed and more curated, this Cebu City guide offers a lighter, more stylish way to experience the<b> Queen City of the South.</b></p>

For travelers who want a day that feels less rushed and more curated, this Cebu City guide offers a lighter, more stylish way to experience the Queen City of the South.

A Stylish Day in Cebu: From Midtown Shopping to After-Dark Cocktails

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A Stylish Day in Cebu: From Midtown Shopping to After-Dark Cocktails

Danah Gutierrez

Published June 08, 2026 03:00 PM PHT

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Travel

Cebu

Atua Cebu

Anyday Studio Cebu

Sparrow Cafe Culture Cebu

TOPS Cebu

The Vault Cebu

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