Best Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Things to Do in Colombo - top attractions, food and chill out experiences.
Colombo makes a great central point. You fly in, stay a few days, travel to Jaffna, return to Colombo. Then take the train out to Badulla, come back and do a few more things. Then pop down to Galle and see elephants in Yala and back for a bit longer before flying home. There's lots to see for all types of travellers and here are my best things to do.
Explore Colombo’s History and Culture
Colombo is a city with plenty of colonial touches mixed with the modern life that you expect from a capital city. Hang around the Fort train station with a glazed look in your eye and an entrepreneurial tuk tuk driver will twist your arm and take you on a mad dash city tour. It's worth it to get your bearings and decide what to visit in more depth later on.
Visit the National Museum of Colombo
The National Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich history. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to understand the city’s heritage. There is a nice little cafe round the back when your feet start hurting.
Admire Colonial Architecture
There are beautiful buildings dispersed all over the city however, it's difficult to ramble down a specific street with iconic structures either side. Instead, it is worth a visit to Independence Square and call in at Arcade Independence Square (a former lunatic asylum) across the road. It may or may not have succeeded in becoming a destination eatery, but at the moment you can wander around the building and admire the architecture and have a coffee in the garden by the fountain.
A drive across the city (near Cinnamon Gardens) will take you past the eye catching Victoria Memorial Eye hospital with its distinctive red brick facade.
The Galle Face Hotel and the Sri Lankan old parliament buildings are stunning examples of great architecture. It's worth checking if there are vacancies at the hotel in the heritage suites.
Two of my favourite buildings that you can access are Barefoot Gallery and Cafe, (we stayed all afternoon) and Hotel Nippon. Despite its name, you can still get a feeling for the history in the place. A Bridge over the River Qwai filmed some scenes here.
Experience the City's Spiritual Heritage
(Jami Ul Alfar or Red Mosque, Gangaramaya and Sri Kailawaanatan Swami Temples and St Anthony's Church)
A visit to any capital city isn't complete without a few religious buidlings. The Red Mosque built 1909, in Pettah is striking with its geometrically styled, red and white painted bricks. Sailors allegedly used it as a landmark to help them navigate into Colombo's harbour.
Gangaramaya Temple combines modern architecture with traditional design and is one of Colombo’s most important religious sites. I particularly like the gold statues at the entrance but look around at all the different ones gifted from around the world.
Visit Sri Kailawaanatan, Colombo's oldest Hindu temple when it is open (6 - 10am and 5 - 9pm) and wander around the cool inside.
The shrine at St Anthony's Church dates back to early 19th century and is one of only 5 recognised locations worldwide where people travel on pilgrimages. Go around the back of the church and along the internal corridor to see the shrine. It is also sadly the scene of one of the 2019 bombings.
Exciting Experiences and Activities in Colombo
Colombo offers activities for every type of traveler, whether you love adventure, culture, or city life.
Take a City Walking Tour or an ad hoc Tuk Tuk Tour
A walking tour of Colombo reveals hidden gems, street art, and vibrant neighborhoods. Local guides often share fascinating stories about the city’s past and present. The tuk tuk drivers have a laminated sheet with all the sites labelled. They will do a whistle stop tour for around £10. If you want more time, agree this up front as anything over a fixed time is extra.
Have you heard of Mount Lavinia?
This place is an absolute must. Do you like beaches, seaside restaurants, a colonial hotel with a secret underground corridor, romantic stories and great views? Catch the train or take a tuk tuk/taxi to the hotel. Enjoy a coffee and the views from the veranda. Have a look at the little handout with the history of the hotel. You can ask to see the museum or wander round the hotel along the beach for swimming. Towards the town of Mount Lavinia are a few restaurants where you can while away the day enjoying lunch and a beer in the shade of a beach hut with the sea in front of you.
Fancy a Day at Negombo?
Negombo is a tourist region in it's own right for some people. A day in Negombo for me is sufficient. It is an hour by train from Colombo and has a beach. It is possible to take a trip by boat around Negombo lagoon. My preferred option is to take a tuk tuk to the fish market and a wander around the area, buying coconuts to keep you hydrated from the market stalls.
There is a dutch fort, however this is right next to the prison, so not really great for tourists to wander around. It is interesting however, to see the fishing boats packed along the canal banks and mountains of fish drying on the floor everywhere.
Take a stroll along Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is Colombo’s iconic seaside promenade. It’s ideal for evening walks, kite flying, or enjoying local snacks while watching the sunset.
Colombo food and drink
A word of warning - Sri Lankan food is the hottest on the planet and we love spicy food. It is worth checking with staff before you order.
The Best Restaurants and Cafes
If you struggle with spicy or want a change for the ubiquitous curry, the expat places cater for a more western or sensitive taste buds.
The Lotus Tower is visible all over the city, especially at night when it changes colour. Rather than pay the $20 charge to go up it, treat yourself to dinner there ($50). You get the great views over Colombo and the buffet food is great (on a par with Dubai).
The Shangri La hotel has a variety of restaurants with different food available (with a kids adventure room if needed).
My favourite is the Barefoot Cafe and Gallery. Set in a lovely courtyard and away from the city's busy roads. The menu is great (especially for veggies) with a great gallery to look round and a shop to buy souvenirs or treats.
Street Food
It is compulsory to try street food in all countries you visit. Around the station and on the train are sweet and savoury home cooked delights. Who needs to know what you're eating! Lots of them are deep fried and vegetarian - as this is cheapest. Typical dishes are hoppers, kottu and seafood dishes. Tea and coffee is always more milk than anything else.
More upmarket street food is sold at the Good Market which takes place on a Saturday next to the race course (not to be confused with the Good Market shop). Early morning is best (and quieter). Sri Lankan curries, fruits, sweets and western pies and cakes are available and translated if you like to know what you're eating.
Tips for Visiting Colombo
When is the best time to visit?
The ideal time to visit Colombo is from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. This however is peak time for tourists, so expect bigger crowds and more expensive accommodation
Getting Around the City
Tuk-tuks, buses, and rideshare apps are convenient ways to explore Colombo. Renting a car is optional for those who prefer flexibility. We used Pickme for tuk tuks and Uber for airport taxis. Many drivers cannot use google maps so it helps to use your own phone and guide them
Safety and Travel Tips
Colombo is generally safe for tourists. As in all busy and crowded places, keep an eye on your phone and handbag. Most places will take cards, so you don't need to have rolls of money about your person.
There are deaf people at the Fort train station who will help you with the correct platform and where to stand to alight the correct carriage. They are very helpful and request a fee (1000 SLR) for their assistance.
Sim cards
Dialog sim cards are available from 45 Union Place and work all over Sri Lanka
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
The recent Cyclone Ditwah struck in late November. Areas around Colombo, Galle, Bentota and Negombo are operating normally. The central highland areas, such as Kandy and Ella are still affected because of ongoing repairs. Western and southern coastal areas are welcoming tourists as are Yala and Minneriya national parks. Now is the best time to support the Sinhalese people and help them to rebuild their economy.
See also
