Cebu is a fantastic place to explore through a food tour, thanks to its unique mix of history, culture, and vibrant street food scene. Unlike many tourist spots, Cebu offers a deep dive into Filipino traditions along with memorable bites. For example, the Heritage of Cebu Monument showcases the island’s pivotal role in Philippine history, while the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House lets you step into 17th-century Filipino life. These experiences, combined with opportunities to taste street foods and visit local markets, make Cebu uniquely suited for food and history exploration. We especially like tours that blend cultural insights with authentic flavors, such as the Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the five best food tours, each offering something different—from quick bites to full-day adventures—so you can pick the one that best suits your interests and schedule.
1. The Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour
At number one is the Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour. For just $69.99 per person, this 4-hour walk combines a deep look into Cebu’s past with tasty local bites. The tour is perfect for those wanting a well-rounded experience—learning about Cebu’s pivotal role in Philippine history while sampling street foods along the way. It includes stops at significant landmarks like the Heritage Of Cebu Monument, which depicts key moments like the Battle of Mactan, and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, a beautifully preserved 17th-century home with Spanish and Chinese influences. You’ll also visit the Santo Niño Basilica, the oldest church in the Philippines.
This tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from 63 reviews, and reviewers mention how it offers a blend of sightseeing and local food tasting. One traveler called it “a perfect mix of history and snacks,” while others appreciated the chance to see places they wouldn’t explore alone. If you enjoy learning while tasting, this tour is an excellent choice. Its value for money is solid, giving you 4 hours of guided exploration with all entrance fees included.
Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs and foodies who want a comprehensive intro to Cebu’s cultural and culinary highlights without breaking the bank.
2. Cebu Street Food, Historical and Mountain Tour
During the Cebu Street Food, Historical and Mountain Tour, you’ll spend around 8 hours exploring Cebu’s landmarks and tasting its famous street foods. This private tour, costing $110.00 per person, offers a broad overview of Cebu’s heritage with visits to sites like Magellan’s Cross, the Magellan Shrine, and Fort San Pedro. It also takes you to religious sites such as the Simala Shrine and the Taoist Temple, plus scenic stops like the Sirao Flower Garden and Temple of Leah.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of cultural sites with scenic mountain views and vibrant markets, all effortlessly organized with hotel pickups and drop-offs. The guide’s in-depth knowledge makes history come alive, and the inclusion of a guitar factory visit adds a craftsman’s touch. Reviewers praise the tour for its extensive coverage and engaging guide, with one noting, “The places we visited were very enlightening with respect to Cebu history.”
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing, with a focus on history, scenery, and street food sampling. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day on their feet and interested in a mix of cultural and scenic experiences.
Bottom line: An all-around tour for those who want to see Cebu’s top landmarks and taste local food in a comprehensive private experience.
3. The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey
Rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, the Ultimate Cebu Food Tour offers a focused 3-hour walk priced at $65.78 per person. This tour centers on authentic local flavors and hidden food gems, giving you a taste of Cebu’s beloved street foods and specialties. Starting from Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, you’ll experience a lively market atmosphere, sampling local snacks and dishes while exploring the old and modern sides of Cebu City. The tour then moves through bustling marketplaces, giving insight into everyday Cebuano life.
The guide shares stories behind the foods, making each bite more meaningful. One reviewer mentioned, “I enjoyed trying foods I’d never dare to try alone, and the guide’s knowledge made the experience special.” This tour is perfect for food lovers who want an immersive experience without taking up too much time, and it’s especially suited for those interested in street foods and local culture.
The value is good for a short, high-quality taste of Cebu’s culinary scene, offering a mix of food sampling and cultural insights that won’t overextend your day.
Bottom line: Great for travelers on a tight schedule who want an authentic, flavor-packed experience with knowledgeable guides.
4. Food, Historical and Mountain Tour in Cebu City
The Food, Historical and Mountain Tour in Cebu City is a full-day adventure, priced at $80.00 per person, lasting 6 to 8 hours. It’s perfect for those with a serious curiosity about Cebu’s past and scenic beauty. It includes visits to Fort San Pedro, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Heritage of Cebu Monument, providing a thorough look at Cebu’s strategic and cultural significance.
What sets this tour apart is the mix of historical landmarks, like the Spanish colonial fort, and scenic highlights like the Tops Lookout and Sirao Flower Garden. The tour emphasizes flexibility—guides tailor the experience to your interests and pace. One reviewer noted that their guide was “smart and very helpful,” making the day both educational and fun.
Ideal for history enthusiasts who also want to take in some of Cebu’s best panoramic views and scenic spots. The tour’s comprehensive nature makes it excellent value for travelers eager to see many aspects of Cebu in one day.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a detailed, personalized exploration of Cebu’s history, culture, and scenic vistas.
5. Cebu Street Food, Historical & Mountain Journeys
Finally, the Cebu Street Food, Historical & Mountain Journeys is an 8-9 hour tour costing $100 per person. It covers a broad spectrum of Cebu’s top sights, including Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, and the Tops Lookout. The tour also visits Lapu-Lapu’s Monument and the Sirao Pictorial Garden, offering a full day of sightseeing and tasting.
What makes this option stand out is its extensive itinerary and the fact that it includes multiple food and scenic stops, making it suitable for travelers who want to pack in as much as possible. The guide’s friendly approach is noted in reviews, with one saying, “We had an awesome experience, and our guide was very helpful.” It provides a great balance of history, culture, and food, perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview.
This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see Cebu’s major landmarks and sample its famous street foods in one comprehensive day.
Bottom line: A solid choice for travelers who want a full, diverse experience covering Cebu’s top sights and flavors.
$100.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Cebu Food Tour
When selecting a food tour in Cebu, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re short on time but want a quick immersion into Cebu’s history and tastes, the Ultimate Cebu Food Tour offers a concise, flavorful experience. For those who love history and scenic views, the Food, Historical and Mountain Tour combines both in a flexible day. Budget travelers will find the Original Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour provides excellent value with a mix of sightseeing and tasting.
If you prefer a private, customized day with scenic stops and a focus on Cebu’s landmarks, the Cebu Street Food, Historical and Mountain Tour is a great pick. Conversely, the full-day Cebu Street Food, Historical & Mountain Journeys covers many highlights for those eager to see and taste everything in one go.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. Consider your fitness level—most tours involve a fair amount of walking and standing— and decide whether you want a quick bite or a full-day adventure.
Cebu’s food tours offer something for every traveler—whether you’re interested in historic landmarks, scenic vistas, or street food. Two or three of these options stand out depending on your interests, but no matter which you pick, you’re sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for Cebu’s colorful culture and delicious flavors. Book early, arrive hungry, and enjoy discovering Cebu one bite—and one story—at a time.