Top 5 Attractions in IT Park, Cebu (2025 Guide)

Cebu City is often praised for its beaches, diving spots, and historical landmarks — but there’s one place in the heart of the city that offers a completely different experience: IT Park.

Known as Cebu’s modern business and lifestyle district, IT Park is where tech companies, trendy cafés, vibrant nightlife, and youthful energy all come together. Whether you’re an ESL student, a digital nomad, or a local explorer, IT Park is a place that never sleeps, offering something to see, eat, or do 24/7.

Originally developed as a tech hub, IT Park has rapidly transformed into a microcosm of urban Cebu — clean, walkable, safe, and full of life. Thanks to the growing number of language schools, co-working spaces, and food options, it has become a favorite hangout not just for professionals, but also for international students and tourists.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the Top 5 attractions in IT Park that you shouldn’t miss — whether you’re staying for a day or a semester.

️ About IT Park, Cebu

Cebu IT Park is a 27-hectare business and lifestyle district located in Lahug, Cebu City, and is one of the most modern and fast-developing areas in the Visayas region.

Originally the site of the old Lahug Airport, this area was transformed in the early 2000s into a PEZA-accredited Special Economic Zone for the information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. Today, it’s home to dozens of multinational companies, making it a magnet for professionals and young workers from across the Philippines.

But IT Park isn’t just about tech and business. What makes it truly unique is how it blends work, leisure, and community in one walkable, secure environment.
It’s filled with:

• Modern office buildings like Skyrise Towers and eBloc Towers

• Condominiums and co-living spaces for expats and students

• 24/7 cafés, restaurants, and convenience stores

• Shopping centers such as Ayala Malls Central Bloc

• Open-air parks and food markets like Garden Bloc and Sugbo Mercado

IT Park is also a top choice for ESL students, thanks to its close proximity to schools like 3D ACADEMY and its reputation for safety, cleanliness, and accessibility. With 24/7 security, reliable Wi-Fi, and everything within walking distance, it’s one of the most comfortable places to stay or study in Cebu City.

Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a long-term stay, IT Park offers an experience that’s both urban and tropical — with the energy of a city, but the charm of Cebu.

1. Garden Bloc: Nightlife Meets Nature

Garden Bloc is the green heart of Cebu IT Park — a rare open-air space in the middle of a bustling urban landscape. It’s where nature meets nightlife, and where students, tourists, locals, and professionals all gather to relax, socialize, and enjoy Cebu’s tropical evenings.

By day, Garden Bloc is ideal for quiet walks, outdoor study sessions, or casual meetings under the trees. But at night, the area transforms into a lively hotspot filled with music, food stalls, and social energy — all in a safe, well-lit, and clean environment.

Why Garden Bloc Is a Must-Visit

What makes Garden Bloc special is its unique combination of:

• Wide green spaces and landscaped gardens

• Al fresco dining and pop-up food stalls

• Live music and cultural events on weekends

• Proximity to cafés, restaurants, and budget-friendly eateries

It’s a lifestyle hub that perfectly reflects Cebu’s laid-back yet energetic vibe. For ESL students, it’s a great place to unwind after class and meet new friends from different schools or countries.

️ Popular Restaurants Around Garden Bloc

Here are four highly recommended restaurants you’ll find in or near the Garden Bloc area:

The Pyramid

• What it is: A wine and dine restaurant designed like a modern glass pyramid.

• What to try: Wagyu burger, truffle pasta, grilled salmon, house wine.

• Why visit: Ideal for dinner dates, group celebrations, and Instagram-worthy moments.

Chixboy

• What it is: A local fast-casual spot serving Filipino grilled favorites.

• What to try: Chicken inasal, pork BBQ, sizzling sisig with garlic rice.

• Why visit: It’s fast, affordable, and flavorful — perfect for a quick but satisfying dinner.

Burrow Lounge

• What it is: A laid-back restaurant known for unlimited chicken wings.

• What to try: Garlic Parmesan wings, spicy BBQ wings, unlimited rice combos.

• Why visit: Great for students on a budget and groups looking to feast without breaking the bank.

Sushi Boy

• What it is: A Japanese-inspired casual restaurant located within Garden Bloc.

• What to try: Bento boxes (with tonkatsu or teriyaki), spicy tuna rolls, donburi bowls.

• Why visit: A solid option for affordable Japanese meals with outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe.

Events and Atmosphere

On Thursday to Saturday nights, Garden Bloc often features:

• Acoustic live music performances

• Seasonal night markets and bazaars

• Outdoor film screenings and student pop-up booths

• Local art and cultural mini-exhibits

Whether you’re out for a walk, dinner, or just a bit of people-watching, there’s always something happening.

Student Tip

Buy a takeout meal from Chixboy or Sushi Boy, bring a picnic mat, and head to the open lawn. It’s a popular way for ESL students to chill after a long study day — and a great place to practice English with new friends!

Location

Garden Bloc is located at the center of IT Park, bordered by The Walk, Skyrise Towers, and Ayala Malls Central Bloc. You can’t miss it — just follow the music, the crowd, and the open greenery.

️ 2. Ayala Malls Central Bloc: Eat, Shop, Chill

If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and cool air after a long study session, Ayala Malls Central Bloc is the perfect place to go. Located in the heart of Cebu IT Park, this modern mall is where locals, students, and travelers come together to eat, shop, study, and relax — all under one roof.

What’s Inside?

This five-level mall offers a full range of amenities:

• Fashion brands (Bench, Penshoppe, Regatta)

• Gadget shops (Miniso, Samsung, Power Mac Center)

• Metro Supermarket for groceries and daily essentials

• Beauty clinics, banks, salons, pharmacies, gyms

• Ample Wi-Fi zones, charging stations, and student lounges

You can easily spend half a day here getting things done — from paying bills to grabbing snacks to buying school supplies.

️ Top Dining Spots (Verified & Popular)

Ayala Central Bloc is especially known for its wide range of restaurants. Whether you’re craving Filipino, Korean, Japanese, or Western food, you’ll find it here.

Chikaan sa Cebu

• Cebuano home-style dishes like sinigang, crispy pata, and grilled fish.

• A must-try for students curious about authentic Filipino food.

Tokyo Tokyo

• A reliable go-to for Japanese fast food.

• Try their bento boxes, beef misono, and signature red iced tea.

Sachi Best Ramen

• Located on Garden Row, offering ramen, okonomiyaki, and donburi.

• Great value and cozy ambiance make it a ramen fan favorite.

Okinawa Heat

• Japanese street food with a twist — think rice bowls, karaage, and takoyaki.

• Affordable and filling meals with fun Okinawan flair.

Samgyopurasama

• Korean BBQ in a casual, student-friendly setting.

• All-you-can-eat options with pork belly, side dishes, and rice.

• Very popular for group dining and post-exam celebrations.

Pizza Republic

• Build-your-own pizza with custom toppings and sauces.

• Ideal for group hangouts or a weekend treat.

☕ Bo’s Coffee, Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

• Scattered throughout the mall — perfect for studying, writing essays, or Zoom meetings.

Beyond Dining & Shopping

Need a break?

• Catch the latest movies at Central Bloc Cinemas.

• Rest in soft-seating areas with natural lighting and charging ports.

• Explore occasional pop-up art installations and student exhibits.

Why Students Love It

• Walkable from all parts of IT Park and nearby ESL schools

• Safe and air-conditioned, with 24/7 security and CCTV

• Budget-friendly food courts and supermarket access

• Reliable Wi-Fi and ample public seating

Whether you want to spend 30 minutes or 3 hours here, there’s always something to do.

Getting There

Ayala Malls Central Bloc is located at W. Geonzon Street, right at the center of IT Park. It’s accessible by foot from Garden Bloc, The Walk, and surrounding office buildings.

Ayala Central Bloc isn’t just a mall — it’s a modern gathering space that caters to every need: food, comfort, productivity, and fun. For 3D ACADEMY students and travelers alike, it’s a must-visit.

Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Cebu IT Park’s Lifestyle Hub

☕ 3. The Walk: Late-Night Food and Study Spots

Right across from Garden Bloc and steps away from the major offices of IT Park, you’ll find The Walk — a compact but lively strip of restaurants, cafés, and hangout spots that stay awake even when the rest of Cebu is winding down.

Nicknamed the “heartbeat of late-night IT Park,” The Walk is where students, remote workers, and BPO employees go to eat, chat, or cram for tomorrow’s test — even at 2:00 AM.

Why The Walk Stands Out

• Open late — some spots are 24/7 or close after midnight

• Safe, well-lit, and centrally located within IT Park

• Cozy cafés for studying

• Affordable eats and international flavors

• Surrounded by convenience stores and ATMs

If you’re hungry after class, bored at night, or just want a quick caffeine boost, The Walk is your best friend.

️ Where to Eat at The Walk

Here are some well-known dining options within The Walk complex:

Jollibee (24/7)

• The Philippines’ most beloved fast-food chain.

• Must-tries: Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, Burger Steak.

• Always buzzing with students and night-shift workers.

Casa Verde

• Filipino-American fusion dishes with large portions.

• Bestsellers: Brian’s Ribs, Southwest Pasta, and Milky Way milkshake.

• Great for casual sit-down meals with friends.

Yakski Barbecue

• Famous for Cebu-style barbecue, now with a branch in The Walk.

• Try their pork belly, chicken BBQ, and signature spicy sauce.

Dimsum Break

• Classic Chinese comfort food at student-friendly prices.

• Order siomai, steamed rice, spring rolls, and milk tea.

☕ Cafés to Study or Chill

Need to get some reading or writing done? These cafés are popular among ESL students and freelancers:

☕ Coffee Bay

• Korean-style café open until midnight or later.

• Spacious interiors, quiet vibes, and reliable Wi-Fi.

☕ Bo’s Coffee (The Walk branch)

• Local favorite with strong brews and pastries.

• Ideal for solo study sessions or small group meetings.

Tips for ESL Students

• Bring your laptop and take advantage of Wi-Fi in cafés like Coffee Bay.

• Study early in the evening, then reward yourself with late-night barbecue or milk tea.

• Many students from 3D ACADEMY and nearby schools use The Walk as an extended classroom — just with better food.

️ Location & Access

The Walk is located along Salinas Drive inside IT Park, just across from Garden Bloc and a short walk from Ayala Central Bloc. It’s also next to several dorms, BPO buildings, and student accommodations.

Whether you’re looking for a midnight snack, a casual dinner with friends, or a quiet corner to finish that essay, The Walk has you covered — day or night.

4. Instagrammable Spots Around IT Park – Iconic Clock & More

IT Park is more than just tech offices and food courts — it’s also home to some surprisingly photogenic spots perfect for Instagram lovers, vloggers, or anyone who wants to capture their Cebu memories.

You don’t have to go far to find aesthetic backdrops here — from the iconic digital clock tower to unique sculptures and neon-lit cafés, IT Park offers plenty of visual charm without ever leaving the city.

The Giant Digital Clock Tower

This massive LED-lit clock is one of IT Park’s unofficial landmarks. Located near the central Garden Bloc area, it stands tall against the skyline and glows beautifully at night.

• Great for group selfies or night photography.

• Popular meeting point for students and coworkers.

• Best time to shoot: blue hour (5:30–6:30 PM).

Art Walls and Urban Murals

Scattered throughout IT Park — especially near eBloc Towers and The Walk — you’ll find street art and murals with local Cebuano themes, geometric patterns, and motivational quotes.

• Many are refreshed seasonally by local artists.

• Ideal for creative portrait shots or colorful fashion posts.

• Some walls are hidden in small alleys — explore on foot!

Open-Air Garden Bloc Views

While Garden Bloc is famous for food, it also provides a picturesque open space filled with greenery, string lights, and decorative signboards like:

• “I ❤ Cebu” installations

• Bamboo lanterns during festivals

• Pop-up structures during holidays

This is a great area for candid walking shots, picnic photos, or just lounging on the grass.

Rooftop & Balcony Cafés

Although most rooftop bars are in neighboring areas, some cafés in IT Park have elevated seating or glass walls, especially in Ayala Central Bloc and The Pyramid.

• Great for food flatlays with natural light.

• Bonus: The Pyramid’s triangular glass design itself is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

Neon & Night Scenes

Don’t pack up your camera after sunset — IT Park comes alive at night with glowing signage, lighted walkways, and reflections off glass buildings.

Best night photo spots:

• The Walk’s lighted paths and café signs

• Garden Bloc’s stage and lantern-lit lawns

• Reflections near Skyrise or eBloc buildings

Bring a tripod or a phone with night mode to take full advantage.

Tip for ESL Students

Use these locations for:

• Profile pictures for social media or study blogs

• Group photos to remember your classmates

• Content for vlogs or Reels — it’s a fun way to practice English narration!

Whether you’re a casual Instagrammer or a serious content creator, IT Park offers backdrops that are modern, tropical, and uniquely Cebuano. You don’t need filters — just good lighting and a bit of creativity.

5. Sugbo Mercado: Cebu’s Most Loved Weekend Food Market

If there’s one place in IT Park that truly brings together locals, tourists, and students every week, it’s Sugbo Mercado. This outdoor weekend food market has earned a legendary status in Cebu — and for good reason. Whether you’re a foodie, a bargain hunter, or just looking for a lively night out, Sugbo Mercado offers a little bit of everything.

When and Where?

• Open Thursdays to Sundays, from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

• Located at the Garden Bloc area within Cebu IT Park

• Entrance is free and the vibe is always buzzing

No reservations, no dress code — just show up hungry and curious.

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What You’ll Find

Sugbo Mercado hosts over 50 food stalls, offering a rotating lineup of local and international cuisine. Think of it as a culinary playground with the energy of a night market.

Popular choices include:

• Lechon belly (crispy roasted pork)

• Chicken wings in a dozen flavors

• Japanese takoyaki, tempura, and sushi rolls

• Korean street food like tteokbokki and kimbap

• Filipino BBQ skewers, sisig, and silog meals

• Vegan bowls and international fusion dishes

• Milk tea, fruit shakes, and local craft beers

Prices range from PHP 100 to 250 per meal — very budget-friendly, especially for ESL students.

More Than Just Food

Sugbo Mercado is also a hub for music and community:

• Live acoustic performances on stage

• Open mic nights and spoken word events

• Pop-up stalls selling local crafts and accessories

• Seasonal contests, giveaways, and themed nights

It’s not just a food trip — it’s a social experience.

Why Students Love It

• Affordable meals after class

• A chance to try many dishes in small portions

• Great for weekend bonding with classmates

• Casual setting to practice English with locals

• Always lively — no need to dress up or make a plan

Tip: Go early (around 5–6 PM) to beat the crowd and secure a good seat.

Clean, Safe & Foreign-Friendly

Sugbo Mercado maintains high cleanliness standards, with:

• Ample trash bins and regular cleaning staff

• Security personnel and clear lighting

• Clean restrooms and wash areas on-site

Even for first-time visitors to Cebu, it feels safe and welcoming.

Don’t Forget to Snap Some Pics

The market is also a visual treat:

• Colorful tents and neon signs

• Instagrammable food shots

• Community dining tables under hanging lights

Perfect for stories, vlogs, or just capturing the Cebu nightlife vibe.

Sugbo Mercado is more than a food market — it’s the beating heart of weekend life in IT Park. Whether you’re here for one semester or just one night, this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Sugbo Mercado IT Park – The Best Night Market for Food Lovers in Cebu (2025 Edition)

Final Thoughts: Why IT Park Deserves a Spot on Your Cebu Itinerary

Whether you’re in Cebu for a weekend vacation, a long-term study program, or a remote work adventure, IT Park stands out as one of the city’s most versatile and vibrant districts. It’s not just a tech hub filled with office buildings — it’s a lifestyle destination that balances productivity, recreation, culture, and community.

Within walking distance, you can:

• Study at a café in The Walk during the day, then reward yourself with wings or ramen at night.

• Grab essentials or unwind at Ayala Central Bloc, where malls are more than just shopping — they’re a part of daily student life.

• Stretch out at Garden Bloc, where outdoor dining meets weekend music and green spaces.

• Take creative selfies at the digital clock or mural walls, then relax under the hanging lights with milk tea in hand.

• Taste your way through Sugbo Mercado, where Cebu’s culinary talent and festive spirit come to life every weekend.

What sets IT Park apart is its accessibility, walkability, and balance. You don’t need a car. You don’t need to spend a lot. You don’t need to go far. Everything — food, friends, fun, and focus — is right here in one safe, student-friendly zone.

For ESL students studying nearby, it becomes more than just a neighborhood. It becomes your campus, your dining hall, your hangout spot, and your comfort zone — all rolled into one.

So if you’re planning to study, work, or explore Cebu in 2025, don’t overlook IT Park. It may not have beaches or mountains, but it has its own kind of magic — the kind that makes you feel like you belong.