10 Things to Do in Colombo

Colombo packs a surprising amount into a relatively compact city. Whether you have a day or a week, here's where to spend your time.

1. Walk the Galle Face Green

This oceanfront promenade is Colombo's great gathering place. Come in the evening when families fly kites, street vendors sell kottu roti, and the Indian Ocean turns gold at sunset. It's free and unmissable.

2. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple

One of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, Gangaramaya is an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. The attached museum houses a fascinating collection of donated artefacts. Open daily; modest entry fee.

3. Explore the Pettah Markets

Colombo's oldest bazaar district is a sensory overload in the best way. Different streets specialise in different goods — electronics, spices, textiles, wholesale foods. Go with no agenda and see what you find.

4. Visit the National Museum

Located in Cinnamon Gardens, the National Museum houses Sri Lanka's most significant historical artefacts, including the throne and crown of the last Kandyan king. Affordable entry, worth two hours of your time.

5. Wander the Dutch Hospital

This 17th-century colonial building in the Fort district has been converted into a boutique shopping and dining precinct. It's a pleasant place for lunch or a coffee amid restored Dutch-era architecture.

6. See Beira Lake at Sunset

The lake at the heart of the city is surrounded by temples, a park, and walking paths. Seema Malaka, a Buddhist temple that appears to float on the water, is one of Colombo's most photographed landmarks.

7. Eat at a Local Hotel

In Sri Lanka, "hotel" often refers to a small local restaurant. Order rice and curry — a spread of vegetable, fish, and meat dishes served with rice. The quality at local spots often exceeds that of tourist-facing restaurants.

8. Shop at Odel or Barefoot

Odel is a local department store with a good selection of Sri Lankan fashion and souvenirs. Barefoot, on Galle Road, sells handloom textiles, books, and gifts with a distinctly local flavour.

9. Take a Colombo Food Tour

Several operators run street food and restaurant tours through Pettah and beyond. It's one of the best ways to understand the city's food culture in a few hours.

10. Day Trip to Mount Lavinia

Just 12 kilometres south of the city centre, Mount Lavinia has a beach, a historic colonial hotel, and a string of seafood restaurants. Perfect for a half-day escape from the city.