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Aug 14, 2023 · Discover the best things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka with our comprehensive guide. From the historic Fort area to the bustling markets of Pettah, and the city’s stunning temples, our guide covers the top attractions and hidden gems of this vibrant city.
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Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka: See Tripadvisor's 251,107 traveler reviews and photos of Colombo tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Colombo. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Lotus Tower. One of the coolest (and highest) places to visit in Colombo is also one of the city's newest things to do. The Colombo Lotus Tower is South Asia's tallest freestanding structure (368 meters/1,168 feet), and a trip to the top rewards visitors with unobstructed views across Colombo and the surrounding cityscape and sea.
- National Museum of Colombo. The National Museum of Colombo, also called the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the official museum of Sri Lanka and takes you on a journey over the thousands of years of Sri Lankan culture.
- Sri Lanka Planetarium. Sri Lanka's first (and only) planetarium can be a fascinating way to escape the hot sun. The Sri Lanka Planetarium is located at the University of Colombo.
- Viharamahadevi Park. This giant green space is Colombo's Central Park (and one of its only large open-space areas) and provides areas to relax and enjoy (or escape from) the sunshine.
- Visit Galle Face Hotel. Colombo is a unique city because it’s had many influences throughout its history, so you’ll see a wide range of architecture everywhere you go.
- Explore the Galle Face. Right across the street from Galle Face Hotel, is the Galle Face Green. This huge ocean-side park stretches for 500 meters (1,600 feet) along the coastline.
- Day trip to Sigiriya. Sigiriya Rock is perhaps one of the most iconic spots in Sri Lanka. This giant rock, also known as Lion Rock, protrudes into the sky 180 meters (590 feet).
- See the Lotus Tower. Nearly everywhere you go in Colombo, you’ll see the Lotus Tower in the skyline. This vibrant pink and green tower looks like a lotus flower, and it stands like a beacon amongst all the other skyscrapers.
- For The Adventurous Traveler
- For The Architecture and History Buff
- For The Traveler Who Goes Off The Beaten Track
- For The Chill Traveler
- For The Lover of Food
- For The Art Aficionado
- For The Shopping Addict
- For Late-Night Explorers
- Looking For More Things to Do in Colombo?
- Luxurious Option — Galle Face Hotel
1. Pettah Market
To me, Pettah is the beating heart of Colombo, its biggest market place. I don’t think it’s for everyone. Pettah is dirty, busy, hard to navigate through. You’ll be elbowing your way through a crowd of people, tuk-tuks, and cows. But if you want to see the real, down-to-earth local life, that’s the right place. A word of warning: this is not the place for shopping, not for authentic Sri Lankan products at least. I see a lot of people recommending shopping in Pettah market as a thing to do in...
2. Geoffrey Bawa’s House
If I had to recommend only one place to visit in Colombo, it would be Geoffrey Bawa’s house. I might be biased, though, because I am obsessed with Bawa, the most famous Sri Lankan architect, and his works. Number 11 is the house where he used to live in Colombo. Tucked in a cul-de-sac of a narrow lane, the house is located in the fanciest residential neighborhood of the city. You can only visit during certain times of the day and only by appointment. Check their websitefor more details. Photo...
3. Gallery Cafe
Steps away from Bawa’s House is Gallery Cafe, one of the upscale dining options of Colombo. Why do I recommend it for the architecture buffs? Because it is the former office of Geoffrey Bawa. I told you I am obsessed. It’s a quiet garden cafe where you can take a break from the craziness of Colombo. I wouldn’t necessarily have dinner there, it’s quite expensive, but I like to stop for coffee, dessert, and people-watching.
4. Colombo Fort
One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, Colombo Fort houses many architectural gems built during Dutch ruling period. To give you an orientation mark, start at Chatham Street. De Mel Building with Pagoda Tea Rooms on the ground floor is one of the prettiest buildings in the street. You’ll also find Fort Jumma Mosque and Old Colombo Lighthouse nearby. On York Street is located the (second) prettiest supermarket you’ve ever seen (as a Russian, I have to say that the prettiest supermarket...
13. Sambodhi Chaithya
Tucked away near Colombo Harbor, only a short walk away from five-star hotels, this Buddhist stupa is one of the best-kept secrets in Colombo. The stupa is floating over Marine Drive as it is built on a platform supported by two interlocking arches. There’s a staircase that will take you on top and into the shrine inside. From the top you can see Colombo Port.
14. The Colombo Dutch Museum
One of the two things on this list that I haven’t done myself is the Colombo Dutch Museum. Given how many times I’ve been to Pettah I have no idea how I missed out on this place, hidden on the Prince Street. The building used to serve as the residence of the Governor of Dutch Ceylon Thomas van Rhee. Today, it houses a museum covering the history of the Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka.
15. Old City Hall
Another gem of Pettah Market that hides in plain site is the Old City Hall. I myself passed this shabby-looking building at least a dozen times before making it inside. And boy, was I surprised and freaked out. Go up to the second floor and find a man who’s taking care of the building. For a small tip (100 Rs per person) he’ll give you a brief tour of the halls inside. The main room features the weirdest installation you’ll ever see — a bunch of wax figures placed around the table to recreate...
16. Yoga Class at Prana Lounge
For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Colombo, Prana Lounge offers yoga classes. The lounge is located in Colombo-7, central and easily accessible area of the city. The space is gorgeous, with classrooms featuring beautiful paintings on the ceiling. And — added bonus — there’s an awesome cafe Kumbukconnected to the lounge, so you can have a healthy meal prepared of locally sourced and often organic ingredients. Even if you are not into yoga, check out this space — it’s beautiful!
17. Spa Session
Spa treatments in Sri Lanka are incredible! If you don’t feel like spending time outside, in the hot sun, a spa session is an awesome idea. I have tried Spa Ceylon and Kemara. Both provide incredible service. Spa Ceylon is the most popular local brand of cosmetics withmany shops and several spa salons around the island. Kemara is a smaller business, with one location in Colombo. They also use their own cosmetics for treatments that is 100% natural and made from renewable sources.
18. Mani-Pedi at Nail Anatomy
If you choose to go for a spa-session at Kemara, only a few steps away is Nail Anatomy, a beautiful, high-quality salon where you can do manicure and pedicure. This is my go-to place whenever I am in Sri Lanka. I’ve spent years trying to find a good specialist, and these guys do the best job. Pro tip: there’s also Lakpahana souvenir shop (high-quality locally made souvenirs) and Good Market Shop (organic and all natural Sri Lankan products, mostly food) nearby. So you can kill four rabbits wi...
23. Ceylon Tea at Dilmah T-lounge
One thing you absolutely have to do in Ceylon? That’s right, try Ceylon tea. And while you’ll have plenty of opportunities to drink it all around the island, in Colombo you can try tea-inspired cocktails, mocktails, and even desserts. Dilmah T-lounge has two locations in Colombo: one in beautiful Fort, another — at the Independence Square Arcade. Whichever one you choose, make sure to try their T-kitch, strong black tea with condensed milk and spices — that’s my favorite.
24. Ceylon Coffee
Before Sri Lanka became popular for its tea, the island was one of the biggest exporters of coffee in the world, along with Brazil. Nowadays it’s not easy to find a good cup of coffee in Sri Lanka, let alone a good cup of locally sourced coffee. But I let you in on a little secret. There are two coffee shops in Colombo that brew awesome Ceylon coffee: Plus Nine Fourand Whight & Co. The former is a beautiful garden cafe that works closely with Soul Coffee. The latter is a two-story cafe facing...
25. Colombo Dutch Hospital
The Dutch built the hospital for the officers and staff of Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Since then, the building served as Colombo Fort Police Station, as well as housed the Colombo Apothecaries. In 2012 the building was renovated and transformed into a shopping and dining complex. Featuring all kinds of venues from souvenir shops, to spa salons, to some of the most talked about restaurants in the city, Colombo Dutch Hospital is where both locals and tourist hang out at night.
33. Open-Air Art Market at the Green Path
Green Path (also known as Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, but Green Path is way easier to say), is a street running by Viharamahadevi Park. Every day of the week, young artists display their works by the side of the road, so the street turns bright and colorful. Come to admire local art or maybe even buy a painting to take home. Bargaining is acceptable.
34. Art Galleries Around the City
Although large art museums supported by government are not a thing in Colombo, you will find many private art galleries sprinkled around the city, sometimes in the most unexpected places. One of the most popular spaces is Saskia Fernando Gallery showcasing the works of both well-establish and up-and-coming Sri Lankan artists. There’s a great art gallery at Barefoot (the space also features a souvenir shop and a garden cafe). Besides, Gallery Cafe has a curated collection of local art displaye...
35. Saturday Good Market
Hand down, my favorite market in the city! I might be biased, though, since I used to be a vendor here. The Good Market Colombo is an awesome local initiative that started over five years ago to promote locally produced products and sustainable practices. The criteria for the vendors at the market are incredibly high. One has to prove that his business is eco-friendly, supports local community, and produces all-natural or organic products. You’ll find plenty of souvenirs you can take home, li...
36. Shopping Malls
To be honest, not my cup of tea, but if you want to spend a few hours shopping for everything your heart desires in one place, check out one of the malls. The newest and biggest mall in the city is Colombo City Center. It features five floors of local and international shops and a “food studio” where you’ll find a few dozen restaurants. Another popular mall (in fact, one of the first malls in Sri Lanka) is Odel, a real tourist hot spot. The one mall I personally think is not worth your time i...
37. Local Boutique Shops
Instead of spending time at the malls that, believe me, are no different from the malls in your home town, better check out one of the many one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Barefoot, that I mentioned earlier, is one of the most prominent souvenir shops where you’ll find hand-loomed fabrics, locally made clothes, books written by Sri Lankan authors, and interior decorations. Paradise Road is another great boutique shop where you’ll find anything and everything to decorate your house with a Sri La...
38. Rooftop Cocktails
I’ve already mentioned sunset cocktails at Galle Face Hotel, but if you prefer to see the city from bird’s eye view, I’ve got you covered. Some of the most popular rooftop bars in Colombo include Cloud Red at Cinnamon Red hotel, 41 Sugar, and Ward 7 at Jetwing Colombo Seven hotel.
39. Clubbing
I think the last time I went clubbing in Colombo was in 2011. As detective Roger Murtaugh would say, “I am too old for this sh*t”. I asked around and it seems like the cool kids are partying at Amuseum, Flamingo House (not a club per se, but a great place for late night fun), 41 Sugar (rooftop bar with good music), R&B, and King of the Mambo.
40. Salsa Nights
If salsa and bachata are not just foreign words to you, check out Salsa Nights on Thursdays at Disques, a club inside Colombo Race Course. Salsa community is rather small in Sri Lanka, but Thursday parties attract a good crowd. * * * Done and dusted! These are 40 of my favorite things to do in Colombo! If you know of other fun and cool things to do, let me know in comments! I am forever looking for the new and uncovered gems in Sri Lanka’s capital.
Check out my list of the best restaurants serving Sri Lankan food in Colombo. Here you can find a list of the best Sri Lankan souvenirs for the foodie in you. And these are the best coffee shopsserving excellent coffee in Colombo.
One of the oldest and most impressive hotels in Colombo was built in 1864 and boasts fantastic ocean views. I am usually the one to opt for small boutique stays, not enormous fancy hotels, but Galle Face Hotel is an exception. Imagine colonial grandeur combined with modern amenities. Then add a pinch of history on top. Enjoy afternoon tea on verand...
Top Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Places to Visit in Colombo. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Day Trips (400) City Tours (262) Shopping Malls (13) Multi-day Tours (689) Nature and Wildlife Tours (406) Factory Outlets (6) Tuk Tuk Tours (93)
Discover the best attractions in Colombo including Dutch Hospital, National Museum, and Galle Face Green.
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For travel lovers seeking unparalleled experiences in Sri Lanka, Audley Travel delivers. Audley provides 100% tailor-made travel to fit your budget, interests, & tastes.
Well-experienced tour operator in Sri Lanka. Tour packages to suit all of your needs. We guarantee that you will have an unforgettable holiday. Book your tour now!
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