Map of Colombo, Sri Lanka

🏝️ What to do in Colombo

Experience the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Colombo through a range of exciting activities that cater to all budgets.

• Best Budget Activity in Colombo:

  Galle Face Green: Stroll along the scenic promenade, sample local street food, and enjoy the sunset views over the Indian Ocean.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Colombo:

  Colombo City Tour: Explore the city's landmarks, including Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square, with a knowledgeable guide to uncover Colombo's history.

• Best Luxury Activity in Colombo:

  Sunset Cruise on Beira Lake: Indulge in a luxurious private boat cruise, complete with a gourmet dinner as you admire the city skyline at dusk.

🍽️ Where to eat in Colombo

Discover the diverse culinary scene in Colombo, offering a fusion of flavors and must-try dishes like hoppers and kottu roti.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Colombo:

  Upali's•$ - $$:

  Sri Lankan cuisine with a modern twist

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Colombo:

  Ministry of Crab•$$ - $$$:

  Seafood, especially their signature crab dishes

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Colombo:

  Nuga Gama•$$$ - $$$$:

  Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine served in a culturally rich setting

• Best Budget Bar in Colombo:

  The Vu Rooftop Bar•$:

  Arrack, a local coconut spirit

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Colombo:

  Curve Tapas Bar•$$ - $$$:

  Tapas platter with a selection of cocktails

• Best Luxury Bar in Colombo:

  Cloud Red Rooftop Bar•$$$ - $$$$:

  Signature cocktails and premium spirits

🏛️ What to see in Colombo

Immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture of Colombo by exploring its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's unique charm.

• Gangaramaya Temple:

  This Buddhist temple features intricate architecture, sacred relics, and colorful murals, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

• Independence Memorial Hall:

  A significant symbol of Sri Lanka's independence, this monument boasts striking design elements and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

• Galle Face Green:

  A popular seaside urban park where locals and tourists gather to enjoy panoramic ocean views, indulge in street food, and fly kites at sunset.

• Pettah Floating Market:

  Experience the bustling atmosphere of this unique floating market, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and local handicrafts from boats along the canal.

• Colombo Fort:

  Explore the historic district of Colombo Fort, home to colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and important landmarks such as the Old Parliament Building and the lighthouse.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Colombo

Discover a shopping paradise in Colombo, offering everything from bustling markets to luxury boutiques that cater to all budgets and tastes.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Colombo:

  Pettah Market: Dive into the vibrant chaos of Pettah Market, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs at affordable prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Colombo:

  Liberty Plaza: Explore Liberty Plaza for a mix of local and international brands, electronics, fashion, and accessories in a modern shopping mall setting.

🚍 Getting Around Colombo

• Public Transport

  In Colombo, public transportation options include buses, trains, and tuk-tuks. Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around the city, with routes covering most areas. Fares are typically around 20-30 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupees) per journey. Trains are another option, offering a scenic journey with routes connecting to nearby towns and cities. Prices vary depending on the distance traveled, with schedules available at Colombo Fort Railway Station. Additionally, the city is working on implementing a Metro system for more efficient travel in the future.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The main transportation hubs in Colombo include the Colombo Fort Railway Station, which is the central railway station connecting to various destinations across Sri Lanka. The Bastian Mawatha Bus Station serves as a major bus terminal with routes covering different parts of the city. Bandaranaike International Airport is the main international airport serving Colombo with connections to major cities worldwide.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: Visitors can opt for car rentals from companies like Casons, Sixt, and Europcar. Prices start from around 3,000 LKR per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration.