The city of Colombo, considered the business capital of Sri Lanka, is a developing modern city with a rich history waiting to be discovered by those who seek it. While jaunting through the bustling streets of Colombo, one can experience the taste of both local culture and the modern luxury.
If you want to start your journey through Sri Lanka with a hint of luxury and to fall in love with the island gradually, Colombo is the best place. With everything you need from top notch infinity pools, world class hotels, mouth watering delicacies and even high end casinos, this city can keep you busy for a long time. For the ones that do not chase the fancy and want to enjoy the true essence of Sri Lanka. From ancient religious places to historic landmarks, Colombo has got you covered.
Colombo is considered to be the busiest city in the island but if you pick the right time to avoid rush hour traffic you can enjoy the city to the fullest. Traveling around Colombo on a tuk tuk will be the most adventurous thing to do to kick off your tour in Sri Lanka. Once you start exploring this vibrant city you will find your vibe with countless rooftop bars, garden cafes, parks to escape the busy streets.
From its warm hospitality and ever-welcoming locals to its magnificent temples, lush urban parks, stunning beaches, and picturesque sunsets, it can be quite hard to figure out where to start exploring Colombo. Don't worry, we will guide you through the best of everything in Colombo!
Places to Visit in Colombo
Given below are the must visit places in Colombo to make your trip memorable, we will make sure to include insider tips to enjoy these places to the maximum.
Pettah Market
This market gives a different perspective to shopping and shows how local marketplaces work. You can find anything here, this market consists of thousands of small to large shops that have anything imaginable ranging from electronics items, clothes to jewelry and perfumes, all at unbelievably cheap prices. The pettah market is not your ordinary shopping mall, it’s a network of lanes in the Pettah area where each lane consists of shops from different categories. Given below are all the lanes in Pettah and what you can find in each lane.
1. Olcott Mawatha
Located adjacent to the 2nd Cross Street, this area is known for its affordable clothing and accessories. It’s a great spot to pick up jackets, bags, and sunglasses at surprisingly low prices.
2. Front Street (Malwatta Road)
This street boasts the iconic Victoria Building, dating back to 1929. Here, you’ll find high-quality leather bags, shoes, and a variety of other items like watches, luggages, and even photography equipment. If you’re in the mood for some local crafts, the Batik Centre has a good selection. Be sure to look out for the dazzling bangles and other accessories!
3. Prince Street
Prince Street is a haven for electronics enthusiasts and those looking for unique items. You can find light fixtures, toys, wallets, and even board games like carrom and checkers. For a touch of tradition, check out Fancy Mahal, which offers Eastern fragrances, or visit the Dutch Museum nearby—a charming and peaceful spot with a quaint garden and creaky old staircase.
4. 1st Cross Street
For all things mobile-related, this is the place to be. From phones and cases to batteries and accessories, you’ll find it here. The variety of electronics on offer is impressive.
5. 2nd Cross Street
This street is lined with shops selling cotton and satin sarees, some priced as low as 150 LKR. You’ll also spot leggings and a range of other garments. At the junction with Keyzer Street, don’t miss out on the local vendors selling “achcharu”, a popular pickled vegetable snack.
6. 3rd Cross Street
Primarily a retail and wholesale hub, this area is known for its extensive textile stores. If you’re looking for fabric in bulk, this is the place to explore.
7. 4th Cross Street
A bustling trading street filled with shops selling onions, potatoes, and spices in bulk quantities. It’s also the go-to spot for craft supplies, including sequins and other decorative materials. Need something more practical? You’ll find stores offering coats, suits, umbrellas, luggage bags, and leather goods. Banks and ATMs are conveniently located here too.
8. China Street
Perfect for anyone planning a party! This street is packed with stores offering party hats, gift wrap, banners, candles, and a wide range of chinaware.
9. Maliban Street
Known for its specialized stationery, this street is ideal for anyone looking for wedding cards, art paper, and gift wraps. You can even find small household appliances like heaters here.
10. Bankshall Street
This area is a mix of the practical and decorative. Look for artificial flowers, surgical equipment, and even uniforms. Need a budget-friendly haircut? The Oriental Saloon has you covered. Art lovers will appreciate the Colorcraft Center, which stocks a range of art supplies.
11. Khan Clocktower
A notable landmark in Colombo, the Khan Clocktower is surrounded by shops and cafes. Book lovers should head to Expographics, a decades-old bookshop known for its comprehensive collection of textbooks and other reading materials.
12. Bodhiraja Mawatha
A small street branching off from Olcott Mawatha, this area is perfect for picking up trinkets like toy cars, children’s jewelry, and memory cards for electronics. It’s also home to the Old Town Hall, a slightly eerie building housing a museum. Walk around to admire the stunning Dutch-era architecture that still stands in the vicinity.
Gangaramaya Temple
This temple is one of the oldest temples in Colombo. This temple was built during a period of significant social and religious change in Sri Lanka post colonial rule. Since this temple was built and expanded during 1885, you will be able to see traditional architectural elements in the temple buildings. This temple is considered a hub for cultural preservation and education so it’s a must visit place in Colombo.
Beaches
There are three main beaches in Colombo, Mount Lavinia beach, Galle face green and the Port City beach. Mount Lavinia beach is a bit away from the city center. The galle face green is a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists where you can find a lot of street food stalls and the go to place to watch the sunset. The port city beach is an artificial beach surrounded by a lot of restaurants and fun activities.
Dutch Hospital - Shopping Precinct
The Dutch Hospital Shopping Centre in Colombo is a must-see if you’re checking out the city. Housed in a stunningly restored colonial-era building, it’s got a little bit of everything—upscale boutiques, quirky souvenir shops, and some top-notch spots to eat. While it’s not exactly a place for hardcore shopping, the real draw is the atmosphere. It’s a cool mix of old-school charm and modern vibes, making it a fun place to just wander around. You’ll find stylish cafes, tasty local dishes, and don’t miss out on the super popular Ministry of Crab—it’s famous for a reason!
Colombo Museum
Colombo Museum opened its doors on January 1st, 1877. Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon back then, was the one who got it started. The place is pretty well-kept and showcases a wide range of artifacts, from sculptures, paintings, textiles, to all sorts of artistic pieces. It gives you a solid glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history, though it skims over the colonial period, with just a handful of rock samples and a few other relics. It’s a large place, so if you really want to take it all in, set aside at least two hours!
Viharamahadevi Park
It’s a fantastic spot for a stroll, and the greenery around just makes you feel at ease; totally calms your mind. The place is super clean and well-kept, plus there’s plenty of parking right by the park. You can enter from pretty much anywhere near the town hall area, and the park itself is free to roam. The main entrance, though, is right across from the new parliament building. Here, you’ll be greeted by a huge golden Buddha statue surrounded by palm trees, giving the whole place a peaceful vibe.
There are paths crisscrossing the park, making it easy to explore at your own pace. If you wander towards the back, you’ll even find an outdoor workout area and a few horses you can snap photos of. Just a heads up! There aren’t any restrooms or places to grab a bite, so be sure to plan ahead! But, on some days, they hold street food stall evenings around this area. If you are lucky to visit the park on a day like that, yeah good for you..
The Red Mosque
The Red Mosque, or Jami Ul-Alfar, is a sight that’ll catch your eye from a mile away. Step inside, and it’s like you’ve walked into a real-life Escher drawing, with dramatic angles, arches, and a maze of shuttered windows. You enter through a side entrance, kick off your shoes, and if you’re a woman, they’ll hand you a hooded robe to wear. A guide will take you through the allowed areas (just be ready to give a small donation at the end).
Insider tip: Fridays are off-limits for tours since it's a holy day.
As you make your way up the seemingly endless stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view from the roof. Colombo stretches out beneath you, and those striking red towers look like giant meringues piercing the sky. The outer wall, dotted with tiny turrets, adds to the grandeur. This sacred place is an absolute must-see in Colombo!
Places to Stay in Colombo
The options are endless when it comes to accommodation in Colombo, there's an option for every budget. From world class luxury hotels to comfy boutique hotels that will not break your bank. Given below are the best hotels for each budget level.
Best budget hotel in Colombo: Granbell Hotel
Best mid range hotel in Colombo: Cinnamon Lakeside
Best high end hotel in Colombo: ITC Rathnadeepa
What to Eat in Colombo?
Colombo is a food paradise all on its own. Everywhere you look, there’s something tasty waiting to be tried. From high-end restaurants to the bustling street food at Galle Face Green, you’re bound to find something that hits the spot no matter what you’re craving. As a Sri Lankan, the golden rule for choosing where to eat is simple: go where the crowd is!
Here are some foods in Colombo: Hoppers, sizzling cheese Kottu, crispy Isso wade (the hotspot for these in Galle Face Green), roast paan with spicy Pol Sambol, Achcharu from Pettah and delicate string hoppers. But if you do not like the adventure and just want to feast, you can go to the Food Studio located in the One Galle Face Mall.
How to Get Around in Colombo?
The best method to get around Colombo is on a tuk tuk. The tuk tuk drivers in Colombo are well experienced in navigating through the traffic fast and take you to the place that you want to go on time. It might feel like a rollercoaster ride on the first try but you will start enjoying it gradually.
Insider tip: The best and the easiest way to hail a tuk tuk is to install the PickMe or Uber apps. If you are unable to use these services it is advised to ask if the tuk tuk has a price meter before getting into one, just to avoid surprise.
Conclusion
In the end, Colombo is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Whether you're wandering through the busy lanes of Pettah, taking in the sunset at Galle Face Green, or just cruising through the town in a tuk tuk, there’s something here for everyone. The mix of vibrant street life, rich history, and modern touches makes every corner of this city worth exploring. From stunning temples to lively markets and mouth watering food, the city promises endless surprises.
So, whether you're chasing luxury or searching for a slice of authentic Sri Lankan life, Colombo has it all and it's a great place to start your journey in Sri Lanka. Just go where the crowd is, follow the locals’ lead, and let the city show you its many faces.