Colon Street
Cebu City's famous Colon Street: the busy downtown strip called "the oldest street in the Philippines", the truth behind that claim, the obelisk, cheap shopping, street food and nearby heritage sights.
Colon Street is one of the best-known addresses in Cebu City. It is a loud, crowded, very local strip of shops, stalls, jeepneys and old buildings in the heart of downtown, about 1.2 kilometres long. It is famous as "the oldest street in the Philippines", and there is a stone obelisk at one end to say so. The real story is a little more complicated, and more interesting. Colon is not pretty, but it is full of everyday Cebu life, and it sits a short walk from the city's main heritage sights. Allow an hour or two.
Why visit Colon Street
- A real slice of everyday Cebu: budget shops, ukay-ukay (second-hand clothes), phone repair stalls, bakeries and small eateries.
- An easy base for a heritage walk, close to the Basilica, Magellan's Cross, Carbon Market and the old Parian district.
- Cheap, simple food and a free, people-watching walk.
- A good history talking point, because the "oldest street" claim is famous and disputed.
Is it really the oldest street?
Colon Street is named after Cristobal Colon, the Spanish name of Christopher Columbus. The popular belief is that it was laid out in 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived in Cebu. Two historical markers say so, one placed in 1961 and one with the obelisk in 1999.
Historians are not so sure. Cebu historian Jose Eleazar Bersales told GMA News that no Spanish-era document or map supports the claim, and that the earliest map showing Colon Street dates from 1873. The "oldest street" label seems to have spread through postcards around 1910. Bersales names Calle Magallanes, around Plaza Sugbo, as a stronger candidate. We think the fair way to say it is: Colon is a very old commercial street and a famous Cebu symbol, but "the oldest" is a claim, not a proven fact.
What to see and do
- The Colon Obelisk and its historical marker, at the old end of the street near Mabini Street. It is a quick photo stop.
- The street itself. Look up at the old building facades above the shop signs. Many are worn, but some show their age nicely.
- Colon Night Market. A night market started on the street in 2007 to bring life back to the area. Whether it runs in a given month changes, so ask locally if you want to see it.
- Street food and bakeries. Try cheap Cebuano snacks, sweet bread and grilled treats. See our Cebu street food guide.
- Shopping for small things such as slippers, bags, clothes and phone accessories. Prices are usually low and often negotiable at stalls.
Colon used to be the shopping and business centre of Cebu. From the early 1990s the big malls drew crowds away, and the street became more crowded and run down. Do not expect a polished tourist street. The charm is that it is real.
Heritage sights within walking distance
Colon is the best starting point for the old town. Within roughly 5-15 minutes on foot (estimates) you can reach:
- The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino and Magellan's Cross.
- The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Carbon Market, the city's big, busy public market.
- Casa Gorordo Museum and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House in the Parian district.
- Fort San Pedro and Museo Sugbo, a little further.
Our Cebu City walking tour links these stops in a sensible order. For more background see the Cebu City heritage guide.
Where is Colon Street?
Cebu City, Cebu
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu City
- From downtown hotels, a taxi or ride-hailing car takes about 5-15 minutes, depending on traffic. See Grab and taxis in Cebu.
- From Mactan-Cebu Airport, allow about 30-60 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing car (estimate). See airport to Cebu City.
- By jeepney, many routes pass through the downtown. Read the route code on the windscreen, not only the painted places. A short ride was reported at roughly ₱14-₱17 in 2026 (estimate). See how to ride jeepneys in Cebu.
- Ask for Colon Street or the Colon Obelisk. Every driver knows it. Driving yourself is possible, but parking nearby is hard.
Fares change, so use the meter or agree on a price first.
Where to stay and eat
Most visitors stay in Cebu Business Park, IT Park or around Fuente Osmena and come to Colon for a few hours. The street has simple local eateries, bakeries and fast-food outlets. For something more traditional, try the markets and the lechon places nearby. See where to stay in Cebu, the lechon guide and what to eat in Cebu.
When to go
Weekday mornings are the calmest. Saturdays and the days before big holidays are packed, and the traffic is heavy. Late afternoon and evening are lively, but you need more care with your belongings. Around the Sinulog in January the area is very busy, and some roads close. See the Sinulog guide and the Cebu events calendar.
Tips for a good trip
- Keep your phone, wallet and bag close. Local police have described Colon as a pickpocket-prone spot, so wear your bag in front. See staying safe in Cebu.
- Bring small bills and coins for snacks, jeepneys and stalls.
- Go early, wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, and carry water. The pavements are narrow and hot.
- Agree on prices before you buy from stalls, and be polite when you say no.
- Do not give money to children selling or begging in traffic. Support a local social project instead, if you want to help.
- Throw your rubbish in a bin. Cross at pedestrian crossings and watch for motorbikes.
Planning more time in the city? Pair Colon with Carbon Market, the cathedral and our Cebu 3-day itinerary.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/destinations/colon-street/. Last updated 28 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.
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