Banawa Cebu: Things to Do in a Developing Neighborhood

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Banawa Cebu has since become more than just a quiet residential area.

Are you familiar with Banawa Cebu?

This barangay connects the uptown and downtown areas, stretching from Guadalupe to Labangon. While it’s primarily a residential area, it has recently become more of a hangout spot.

Several accommodations have opened, and its mountainous areas have hiking routes of varying difficulty levels. There are plenty of high-end restaurants and first-in-Cebu concepts that have enticed visitors to the island as well.

There are many more on the way, with several infrastructure projects in development.

As a result, many have moved to the several subdivisions and rooms for rent in Banawa because of its easy access to essential businesses and public transportation.

It’s close to many Cebu City landmarks like Ayala Center and Fuente Osmeña Circle. Nonetheless, the neighborhood remains relatively peaceful, with little vehicular or foot traffic.

That being said, here’s a list of fun things to do in Banawa Cebu.

STAYCATION

Staycations are cost-effective recreational activities since accommodations are more accessible, requiring less travel costs. You also cut the cost of supplies since you can cook your own food.

Banawa Cebu has many options just for that.

  • Sundance Residences

Sundance offers affordable B&B rates with furnished rooms, a boxing gym, a laundry shop, and a 7-Eleven convenience store. One of its biggest advantages is its bustling location.

Standing right along the highway, it’s a jeepney ride away from Ayala, with plenty of businesses nearby including a Jollibee branch, a wet market, a San Jose Bakeshop, and One Pavilion Mall.

  • One Pavilion Place

Speaking of One Pavilion Mall, it’s a part of the first “integrated live-play-shop” development in the city. Right behind it are two 18-floor high-rise buildings with over 500 studio units.

Each room has a stunning view of the Cebu skyline, with some even having balconies where you can relax and unwind. It’s also notable for the massive infinity pool on the seventh floor, available to all tenants.

  • Apple One Residences

Apple One Banawa, on the other hand, is more of a private getaway in the mountains. This 2.8 hectare property along Good Shepherd Road offers a fantastic view of the city in a luxurious location.

It has several properties for any kind of homeowner and establishments for excellent living conditions. Its luxury apartment, for example, has a spacious lot for outdoor activities, as well as several nearby boutiques and convenience stores.

  • The Courtyards

Along J. Fortich Street is The Courtyards, a peaceful subdivision with 129 units, each with a spacious yard and parking space. Some of its in-house offerings include recreational areas like a pool, a fitness center, and a playground for kids.

It’s located in a quiet suburb that is close to the main highway, right across from several dining establishments like The Neighborhood Cafe and Puesto.

CAFE HOPPING

In recent years, Banawa Cebu has seen a business boom, especially with several cafes opening to entice more people to explore the area. Food bloggers around town have recommended these locations owing to their blend of design and food offerings.

  • Bo’s Coffee

This branch opened only a few years ago, but it is one of the city’s most interesting coffee shops because of its minimalist facade and colorful interiors. It’s a cozy venue to dine and be productive.

Their food and beverage options are top-notch, especially their bestselling Cold White Brew and their wide selection of desserts. They also sell locally grown coffee beans.

  • TD&Co

Fancy donuts? There is a dessert shop along the neighborhood that infuses Filipino flavors into this world-famous dessert. The cafe is called TD&Co, located at 8 Banawa Centrale.

TD&Co offers both regular and mini-sized donuts at an affordable price. They also offer coffee, all-day breakfast meals, juices, and pastries baked fresh from the oven.

  • The Neighborhood Cafe

This is a quaint and peaceful cafe known for its tasty coffee drinks and food offerings. It has a cozy vibe that really makes it stand out.

Although it’s mostly referred to as a brunch restaurant, it’s quite famous for their version of Japanese fluffy pancakes that come in different flavors. They’re soft, flavorful, and filling.

  • Kermit’s Cakes & Pastries

The iconic Bantayan Island dessert shop recently opened a branch in Banawa Cebu, giving residents of downtown areas a more accessible place to try their desserts.

Their flavored cakes like Red Velvet and Ube Cream are considered some of the tastiest desserts on the island.

SHOPPING OPTIONS

Shopping centers provide convenience and essential services for residents, and having a variety with different price points is a good sign of a highly developed neighborhood.

  • One Pavilion Mall

One Pavilion Mall is owned by the Gaisanos, who are known for opening several shopping centers with affordable groceries and lifestyle items.

It is located near the V. Rama Avenue intersection, which has a supermarket, a department store, and several food establishments like Dimsum Break and Orange Brutus.

  • 8 Banawa Centrale

This is one of the newer business hubs in Banawa with several retail outlets including the K1 Family Karaoke Bar and TUF Barbershop.

The Marketplace is their grocery store, which also has an in-house deli and French bakery. Above it is True Value, a store where you can get your hardware needs. Right across from both is Rose Pharmacy where you can purchase healthcare items and medications.

  • Paseo Arcenas

Paseo Arcenas is known as a peaceful subdivision, but it has since grown to be a massive business district.

It has one of the city’s biggest Metro Gaisano branches and a massive Mr. DIY store. 

HIKING

Hiking in Cebu has steadily gained a large following, and Banawa is one of the top venues thanks to its picturesque mountainous areas. These are perfect spots for beginners because of the terrain and distance.

  • Banawa “coffee shop” trails

At the end of Paseo Arcenas is a hiking trail that many enthusiasts have raved about for its manageable terrain that is good for hikers of all levels.

These areas use clever wordplay for their cafes (from popular coffee shop chains like Starbucks and Coffee Bean). They have seats and a convenience store for hikers to rest and enjoy the view of the picturesque Cebu skyline.

  • The Spartan Trail

For more of a challenge, the Spartan Trail is a much longer trek that can last up to a day. Its difficult terrain has given it the reputation of being one of the hardest hiking routes in the city.

The trail got its name from the ancient Spartan warriors who had to go through an intensive exercise before battle. The route is somewhat similar with its muddy grounds and the presence of annoying bugs.

RECREATIONAL SPOTS IN BANAWA CEBU

  • We’ve Cocreate Cafe

We’ve Cocreate Cafe is a crochet-themed coffee shop where customers can learn the art of weaving. The cafe is complete with equipment and learning materials to teach you the basics of this meticulous activity.

You can buy premade artwork as display pieces for your home or purchase their tools to weave something of your own. Their cakes, brownies, and coffee drinks are also a must-try.

  • Bakespace

Bakespace is Cebu’s first experiential dessert shop. This unique bakery allows customers to bake and customize their favorite sweets like cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies.

The bakery is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, located next to LBC in Paseo Arcenas. Customers will need to book a session through their Facebook Page so that the staff can prepare the ingredients.

***

Banawa Cebu shows you just what a bustling and lively neighborhood can look like. With all kinds of establishments in the area, it’s become a haven for both locals and tourists. Did we mention that it’s an ideal spot to start a life in Cebu as well?

Its residential districts are designed for comfortable lifestyles, and its trekking routes, dining establishments, and recreational venues allow you to unwind and have a good time.

If you need a new place to hang out or a new place to call home, you’ll find that there is definitely a lot to love in Banawa.

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