Amalgamating the modern and the traditional, Cebu mixes the two with a consummate flair. Home to a large number of attractions and places of tourist interest, this city has loads to offer for the exploring traveler.

Fort San Pedro:Built in 1565, Fort San Pedro is the oldest and the smallest fortress in Cebu. The fortress took about 200 years to get completed. During the Philippines Revolution as well as the World War II, the fort served a prison camp.

Colon Street:Named after Christopher Columbus, the Colon Street is the oldest street in the city. Paved in the 6th century, this renowned street is located in Downtown Cebu. Today, it is home to a large number of shopping malls, stores, office complexes and movie theatres.

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino:Oldest religious relic in the country, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is where the miraculous image of Santo Nino is enshrined. Built in 1565, the image has been a venerated one for the Cebuanos.

Mactan Island:The island, linked to the main city through a bridge, is home to a wide array of beach resorts that offer a full range of scuba diving and water sports facilities. Renowned diving spots in the island, Buyong and Marigondon are ideal for a night drive. The double barrier reef at Danajon Bank is one of the few in the world.

The last thing travelers have to worry about when in Cebu is a place to stay. Cebu abounds in hotels, resorts, hostels and pension houses that suits travelers with varied budgets and styles. Few of the recommended places to stay in the city include:

First Class hotels and resorts:Located at Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Marriott Hotel has set truly international standards when it comes to services, accommodation and food. Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan lies adjacent to the airport terminal and boasts of an elegant d`cor along with great services. Shangrila Mactan Resort and Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa are other noticeable top class accommodation options that make your Cebu visit a truly unforgettable one.

Budget hotels and pension houses:Amongst the budget accommodation options, Parklane International Hotel is one of the most stylish hotels that lie close to most city attractions. The hotel is also a favored option of the business travelers who can avail of the varied business facilities offered by Parklane. A centrally located hotel, Cebu Northwind Hotel is a budget hotel with decent sized rooms, restaurant, a bar and function room. Other reasonably priced hotels in Cebu that offer great guest services and amenities to the travelers include St. Moritz Hotel and Verbena Pension House.

A passport valid for at least six months is a pre-requisite for all travelers intending to visit Cebu.

Visa is not required by the nationals of Britain, USA, Australia, Canada and other EU nations for stays of up to 21 days. Anyone intending to stay longer than that in Philippines needs to apply for a visa.

Best time to visit Cebu is from December to May when the weather is cool, pleasant and dry. Summer months should be avoided as the heat starts to become intolerable with temperature during these months rising till 40 degree Celsius.

Cebu experiences a tropical climate with an average annual temperature that ranges between 26 and 38 degree Celsius. March to May are the hottest months when the temperature can rise as high as 37.8 degree Celsius. October to February is the winter time when the temperature at night can drop till 18 degree Celsius. Cebu experiences torrential downpour July onwards, but is outside the typhoon zone of Philippines.

Currency:The official currency of Philippines is the Philippines Peso. Foreign currency exchange can be done at banks, authorized foreign exchange dealers and hotels. Major hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

Language:The official language of the natives of Cebu is Cebuano, which is also spoken by most of the population in southern and central Philippines. English is also widely spoken and understood in the city. Other languages spoken by varying degree of population include Tagalog, Waray, Boholano and Ilonggo.