Tops Cebu is the hilltop lookout above Busay that Cebu City visitors have known for decades. It closed for a renovation in late 2022 and reopened in February 2024 with a rebuilt deck, more food and a set of rules for getting up the hill that are different from the old days. If you last visited years ago, the trip has changed enough to plan again.
This guide covers the current getting-there options, the entrance and shuttle prices, the hours, what to expect at the top, and the best time to go for a view of the city. It is written for a first visit in 2026, so the details reflect the current setup rather than the older posts about the closed site.
Think of Tops as an evening outing as much as a viewpoint. The city lights are the reason most people come, and the wait for them is part of the fun.
The Shuttle Up the Hill
The most straightforward option is the shuttle that leaves the IT Park Transport Terminal on Geonzon Street in Lahug. It runs from 7:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the morning every day, takes about 20 minutes to the top, and carries around nine passengers. The fare is ₱200 for the round trip, and that includes the entrance fee. Expect a wait at busy times, especially on weekends and holidays, so give yourself extra time for the return.
A taxi or ride-hailing car from the city centre or Ayala Center Cebu costs roughly ₱250 to ₱400 one way and takes 30 to 45 minutes. A habal-habal from JY Square costs about ₱150 to ₱200 one way, and fares are negotiated rather than metered, so agree on the price before you set off. From Mactan-Cebu International Airport there is no direct service, so budget around ₱500 to ₱800 and an hour and a half for the full trip.
Jeepneys do not go to the top, but several routes reach the Lahug corridor. Route 04L runs between Lahug and JY Square through Ayala Center Cebu, and routes 04D, 04H, 04I and 04C also serve the area. You will need to transfer for the last part of the climb. Route codes in the 17 series are out of date, so check the number with the driver.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Entry costs ₱100 for adults and children over two, and ₱70 for seniors and persons with disabilities with a valid ID. Children under two enter free. Tours sold on booking platforms are usually transfers or packages rather than gate tickets, so bring cash for the entrance.
The site is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. The ground floor stays open overnight, but the upper viewing decks on the second to fourth floors close at around 2:00 in the morning. Shuttle times and site hours are not always the same, so check the shuttle schedule before you plan a late return.
The SKAI 360 rooftop carries an extra charge, around ₱50 at last check, which is not on the published price list. Ask at the desk before you pay for the lift.
What to Expect at the Top
The view is the main draw. From the upper decks you look over Cebu City, the Mactan channel, Mactan island and the mountains behind the city. The 1985 build kept its original stone arches and hexagonal floor tiles, and the renovated deck is larger than the old open park.
The site now has around 22 food outlets across a five-storey building, along with a hostel and an open-air concert area that holds around 5,000 people. Expect food prices to be higher than in the city, which is normal for a viewpoint of this kind. Free golf carts are available for seniors and persons with disabilities.
The deck is poorly lit in places and has changes in level that are not always marked, so wear proper shoes and use your phone torch carefully after dark. Toilets can be stretched at busy times, so plan accordingly.
When to Go and What to Bring
The best window is the hour before sunset, which gives you daylight views, a chance to see the city turn on its lights, and a calmer evening than the weekend crowds. Arriving about an hour before dusk gives you time to find a spot on the deck.
The hilltop sits at around 610 metres, so it is noticeably cooler than the city. Bring a light jacket or a layer even on a warm day. Cloud can close the view at short notice, especially during the rainy months, so check the weather the same morning and keep a flexible plan.
Weekends and holidays fill the deck and the car park, so a weekday evening is the calmer choice if you want room to move.
Who Tops Suits
Tops suits people who want an easy evening view of Cebu City, couples, photographers and visitors who have a free night and want to see the city lights without a long hike. It also works well for groups who want food, a view and a short ride in one trip.
It is less suitable for anyone who wants quiet nature, for people with limited mobility on uneven floors, or for visitors who dislike crowds on busy nights. If you are planning a longer stay in the city, our three-day Cebu itinerary shows where Tops fits alongside the rest of the city, and the Cebu travel guides page lists the other places we have written about.