Shopping · Cebu · Philippines
Shopping in Cebu
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Shopping centres on modern malls in Cebu City and pasalubong (gift) shops selling dried mangoes, otap and chicharon, plus guitars and ukuleles from Mactan's workshops. Best souvenirs: Dried mangoes, Danggit and Guitars and ukuleles.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Dried mangoes
Where to shop
Ayala Center Cebu
Upscale mall in Cebu Business Park with brands, restaurants and a garden.
SM Seaside City
A very large mall on the South Road Properties with sea views.
Mactan guitar workshops
Family workshops in Lapu-Lapu City making acoustic guitars and ukuleles; visitors can watch the craft.
Markets
Taboan Market
Cebu City's dried-fish market, the place to buy danggit and dried squid.
Carbon Market
The city's old farmers' market for produce, flowers and local goods.
Carcar public market
Known for fresh chicharon and local sweets.
What to buy
Dried mangoes
Cebu's best-known gift, sold everywhere from supermarkets to the airport.
Danggit
Dried rabbitfish from Taboan Market, vacuum-packed for travel.
Guitars and ukuleles
Handmade instruments from Mactan's workshops, from souvenir ukuleles to concert guitars.
Otap and rosquillos
Crisp local biscuits sold in pasalubong shops.
Shell and woven crafts
Shell decorations and woven bags; avoid items made from coral or protected shells.
Streets and markets worth a wander
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Market · Downtown Cebu City
Carbon Market
Cebu City's oldest and largest farmers' market, near the port, sells vegetables, fruit, flowers, dried fish and household goods.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Chicharon and Dried mangoes and otap. Stalls around the Carcar public market and pasalubong shops in Cebu City. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Cebu City (IT Park and Cebu Business Park) | $$$ | Modern business districts with malls, hotels, restaurants and bars |
| Downtown Cebu City | $ | Old Spanish quarter of churches, forts, markets and Colon Street |
| Mactan Island | $$$ | Beach resorts, dive centres and the airport on the island across the channel |
| Moalboal | $$ | Laid-back dive town on the south-west coast with the sardine run off its reef |
| Oslob and the southern tip | $$ | Small towns at the southern end of Cebu, near whale-shark watching and Sumilon Island |
| Badian and Alegria | $$ | South-west coast towns near Kawasan Falls and the canyoneering routes |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in PHP. Restaurants often add a 10% service charge; otherwise leave about 10%. Boat crews, dive guides and canyoneering guides appreciate a tip at the end of the day.
- Use 'po' with elders and a friendly greeting in shops and restaurants.
- Carry cash for islands such as Malapascua and Bantayan, where ATMs are few.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in June–November; the busiest months are January.
- January: Sinulog Festival — street dancing and processions honouring the Santo Niño (third Sunday of January)
- December: Simbang Gabi — dawn masses before Christmas (16–24 December)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, food lovers and shopping
Uptown Cebu City (IT Park and Cebu Business Park)
Modern business districts with malls, hotels, restaurants and bars
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Cebu?
Dried mangoes, Danggit, Guitars and ukuleles and Otap and rosquillos.
+Where is the best shopping in Cebu?
Ayala Center Cebu: Upscale mall in Cebu Business Park with brands, restaurants and a garden.
+What are the best markets in Cebu?
Taboan Market, Carbon Market and Carcar public market.