Things To Do
in Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital, where colonial remnants mingle with modern high-rises and busy markets. The city sits on the western coast along the Indian Ocean, serving as a gateway to beaches, gardens, and riverine landscapes. Its diverse communities—Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims, and others—give Colombo a lively, multicultural character.
From colonial forts and grand museums to street-food stalls and seaside promenades, Colombo offers a dynamic, sometimes chaotic but richly rewarding travel experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Colombo National Museum, where you can delve into Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage. After immersing yourself in the exhibits, stroll through the lush Viharamahadevi Park, enjoying the greenery and the serene atmosphere. Don’t forget to snap photos of the beautiful trees and the impressive statue of Buddha in the park.
Head over to the bustling Pettah Market, where the vibrant colors and sounds will captivate your senses. Explore the myriad of stalls selling everything from spices to textiles and indulge in some street food, trying local favorites like kottu roti or hoppers. As the afternoon winds down, visit the nearby Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, an architectural gem known for its striking red-and-white striped façade.
As evening approaches, make your way to the Galle Face Green, a popular promenade along the coast where locals gather to relax and enjoy the sunset. Grab a snack from one of the street vendors, perhaps some delicious seafood or fresh coconut water, as you take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. End your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of Colombo at dusk.
Begin your morning with a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple, a beautiful blend of modern architecture and traditional Buddhist design. As you explore the temple grounds, take note of the intricate carvings and the peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection and meditation. Spend time in the adjacent museum, which houses an eclectic collection of artifacts and religious relics.
After your spiritual experience, head to the Beira Lake for a tranquil boat ride amidst the cityscape. The views from the water offer a unique perspective of Colombo's skyline and the lush greenery surrounding the lake. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake afterward, enjoying the fresh air and the various bird species that inhabit the area.
In the evening, visit the vibrant Colombo Harbour, where you can catch the shimmering sunset over the water. Dine at a local seafood restaurant nearby, savoring freshly caught fish prepared with Sri Lankan spices. As night falls, take a walk along the waterfront, enjoying the cool breeze and the sights of ships coming in and out of the harbor.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi start (city center) | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $20-40 |
| 📶SIM card data plan | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and colonial heritage
- Coastal access with beaches and nature escapes
- Delicious and varied cuisine
- Friendly locals and extensive transport network
- Heavy traffic in the city center
- Heat, humidity and rain can be intense
- Some areas like Pettah can be crowded and chaotic
- Tourist infrastructure can be pricey in peak seasons
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / May you live long
- "Istuti" - Thank you
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
- "Kohomada?" - How are you?
- "Oyā English kiyana puluwanda?" - Can you speak English?
- "Mata penenne na" - I don't understand
Places to Visit in Colombo
Visit one of these nice places.
A coastal promenade offering sunsets, street photography, and views of the Indian Ocean.
Historic colonial architecture with canals and narrow streets ideal for urban photography.
Water reflections, boats, and cityscape views with serene temple backdrops.
Tree-lined avenues, statues, and a peaceful green oasis in the city.
Impressive white monument with lawns ideal for golden-hour photography.
A blend of Buddhist temple and museum with eclectic artifacts.
Food in Colombo
Colombo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chopped flatbread with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat, cooked on a hot griddle and served across the city.
Must-Try!
A colorful assortment of curries served with rice, often a vegetarian option and a staple across Sri Lanka.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with an egg or chutney.
A Dutch-influenced tray bake with rice, meat curry, fried onions, and sambol wrapped in banana leaf.
Coconut sambol with chilies and lime, commonly paired with fresh prawns, fish curries, and coconut-based gravies.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market near the old harbor where you can buy spices, fruits, street snacks, and textiles.
Evening vendors offering bites like isso wade (prawn fritters), cutlets, cuttlefish, and roti.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques; remove shoes where required.
Keep right of escalators, avoid loud conversations in sacred sites, and use polite greetings.
Ask for permission when photographing people or sacred spaces; some places restrict photography.
Safety
Tipping in Colombo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not compulsory; 5-10% in informal eateries if service was good, 10% in higher-end venues; some hotels add service charge.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; ATMs are plentiful.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, with occasional showers; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings.
July–September sees heavier rainfall and strong humidity; rain jackets and waterproof footwear recommended.
March–April and October–November offer mixed weather with short showers; comfortable layers are advised.
December–February bring sea breezes and slightly cooler evenings; outdoor dining is comfortable near the coast.
Colombo at Night
Hiking in Colombo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rainforest trails along the Kelani River, near Kitulgala (about 2–3 hours from Colombo) with lush scenery and birdlife.
Sri Lanka’s premier tropical rainforest; multiple trails offering lush biodiversity; typically a day trip from Colombo.
Iconic multi-day climb with sunrise views from a sacred peak, reachable via a longer road-trip from Colombo.
Airports
How to reach Colombo by plane.
Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, located about 35 km north of Colombo and connected by highways and domestic flights.
A smaller domestic airport serving limited regional flights and charters, located south of Colombo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group; Sinhala is the main language in most daily interactions.
A significant minority with Tamil and English usage; you’ll commonly hear Tamil in markets and neighborhoods.
Largely Sri Lankan Muslims with distinct culture and cuisine; mosques and halal food are common.
A growing number of international travelers and expatriates, especially in hospitality and business districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national pastime and most popular sport; you’ll see games and grounds around the city and suburbs.
Popular in local leagues and street games, with many pitches around Colombo.
Common in clubs and hotels; easy indoor activity during rainy days.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Colombo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for Sri Lankan curries, dhal, jackfruit, and veggie kottu.
Ask for dairy-free curries and oil-based preparations; many side dishes are vegan or can be adapted.
Most rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm any sauces or fried items are gluten-free.