10 Unmissable Things to Do in Colombo for Every Kind of Traveller

The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is the base city for starting your Lanka adventure. As the capital city, there has diverse places to visit and things to do in Colombo. The rich culture and history contributed to the presence of so many places to visit in Colombo. The influence of Portuguese, Dutch and British can still be observed through the architecture. From historical marvels to iconic religious places and adventurous beaches, there are all kinds of unmissable things in Colombo.

If you want to relax in the lap of nature, you get that benefit too here. With numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, not only will you be well-fed but also get an opportunity to buy various souvenirs. You can also try various water activities, with scuba diving being one of the major ones. So, before your visit, make a list of all the attractive places in Colombo that you will be willing to explore.

Iconic Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

When you’re in Colombo, you must make it a point to indulge in some of the iconic experiences. If you plan your itinerary well, you should be able to cover all the significant places to visit in Colombo.

Reflecting the rich Sri Lankan culture, some of these Colombo tourist attractions are a testament to heritage and the past. Below are some of the top destinations that you must visit when you’re in Colombo:

Visit Gangaramaya Temple – A Spiritual & Architectural Marvel

The Gangaramaya Temple is the central place for spreading awareness about Buddhism. It is believed that this temple was built in the latter half of the 19th century. Being one of the best religious places to visit in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple attracts numerous tourists throughout the year.

The Gangaramaya Temple is located near the beautiful Lake Beira. The architecture of this tourist attraction fuses Indian, Thai and Chinese designs. There are numerous intricate carvings on the door temples and walls. The murals depict Buddhist stories. It is an extremely peaceful and serene space that will uplift you spiritually during your visit here.

1. Timing: 5:30 AM to 10 PM
2. Fee: 300 LKR (Adults), 200 LKR (kids)

Stroll Along Galle Face Green – A Coastal Urban Hangout

Galle Face Green is one of the most attractive places in Colombo, located very close to Fort Colombo. Overlooking the eastern coastline, Galle Face Green is spread across five hectares. As it is a beach, this space is popular for a wide range of activities like football, beach volleyball, fishing, and kite flying.

When you’re tired of exploring and playing around the beach, you can relax at any of the stalls near the beach. You can also get souvenirs from these stalls. Not only tourists, this attraction is very popular among locals too, who often visit this place to relax and witness the beautiful coast. The skies are very clear so that you can spot a sky full of stars and the vast sea at night.

1. Timing: Open 24 hours
2. Fee: Free

Explore the National Museum – Dive into Sri Lanka’s Heritage

If you’re looking for one of the fun things to do in Colombo, you must visit the National Museum. The largest museum of the island nation, the National Museum, is a significant part of Sri Lanka’s heritage. The museum has some of the personal collections belonging to the Kandyan dynasty rulers.

As one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka, the National Museum follows an Italian architectural style. The artefacts at this museum are several centuries old, reflecting the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka. Upon your visit to the museum, you can see the magnificent throne of the last king of Kandy and the royal throne of King Wimaladharmsuriya. The National Museum of Colombo must be in the itinerary of all history lovers.

1. Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
2. Fee: 200 LKR (adults), 100 LKR (kids), 1000 LKR (foreign nationals)

Shop at Pettah Market – Colombo’s Colourful Chaos

One of the most unique places to visit in Colombo is the vibrant Pettah floating market. There are numerous pavilions constructed on the Beira Lake situated between the Pettah railway station and the bus station. It is anticipated that this place has around 90 stalls and shops on the water.

Shopping at the Pettah Market can be one of the most happening things to do in Colombo. From flowers to vegetables, you can buy it all from the floating shops. The wooden boards, grey floors and terracotta tiles complement the entire vibrant atmosphere of the place. Some restaurants and eateries are also available around where you can try delicious Sri Lankan food.

1. Timing: 9 AM to 8 PM
2. Fee: Free (you only have to pay for the items you purchase)

Enjoy a Tuk-Tuk City Tour – Local Flavour on Three Wheels

Set out on one of the fun Colombo day trips on a tuk-tuk. This three-wheeled vehicle is one of the most preferred modes of transportation in Colombo. Compared to renting a taxi or bike, a Tuk-Tuk is very affordable. Moreover, since it is open from all sides, you get to explore the city freely.

Being one of the top things to do in Colombo, your trip here is incomplete if you haven’t taken a Tuk-tuk ride. You can hire one of the local Tuk-tuks to take you around the city. Some of these tuk-tuk riders are guides too, who can take you across some of the hidden gems of Colombo that you may not get to know of online.

1. Timing: No timing as such, you can book anytime you want.
2. Fee: Free (you only have to pay for the ride).

Unique Activities for Curious Travellers

If you’re one of those travellers who want to explore attractive places in Colombo and yet do all the fun things, you need to stay prepared. After all, when you’re on a vacation in one of the most happening and culturally rich places, you can’t let go of the exciting things to do in Colombo.

So, below are some of the unique activities that will satisfy your adventurous soul on your visit to Colombo:

Discover the Art Scene at Colombo’s Galleries and Street Walls

Apart from museums, the local art scene of Colombo is a thing you must witness on your trip here. The local art scene can be witnessed at the galleries, markets and street walls. The vibrant coloured street walls here with different murals reflect how rich the art scene is in Colombo.

During your visit to Colombo tourist attractions, you will find some local artists often painting the walls or drawing murals. Connecting with the local artists can help you learn a lot about the art scene in Colombo. You must visit Kala Pola Art Market, an open-air market for all art enthusiasts in Colombo. Numerous visual artworks by leading sculptors and painters are promoted here.

Relax at Mount Lavinia Beach – Colombo’s Nearby Coastal Escape

Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the top places to visit in Colombo. It is popular for its Golden Mile of long stretches of waves and sand. There are numerous pubs, hotels and restaurants where you can go out to have fun. At the beach, you can also try a lot of activities like bodyboarding, jet skiing and surfing. This is also the main sunbathing beach of Sri Lanka.

At the cafes and restaurants, you must try the coastal Sri Lankan cuisine. Some of these cafes also host live shows. However, don’t worry about going swimming on the beach as lifeguards are available at all times. Swimming is one of the adventurous things to do in Colombo, considering the calm waters. At night, you may also find some bonfires being conducted around the beach.

Indulge in Sri Lankan Cuisine at Ministry of Crab or Local Eateries

Want to try delicious and indulgent Sri Lankan cuisine? There’s no better place than the Ministry of Crab. Visiting the Ministry of Crab should be on your list of must-visit places to visit in Colombo. Established in 2011, the Ministry of Crab gained popularity for cooking the delicious, legendary mud crab of Sri Lanka.

Ministry of Crab cooks mud crabs infused with different flavours, which will make you want to try more. You must reserve your seats before you visit. But, what if you don’t get a reservation at the Ministry of Crab? Don’t be disheartened, as you can try out the local eateries too. Some of these local eateries cook incredibly delicious Sri Lankan cuisine for really affordable rates that you must try.

Walk the Colombo Dutch Hospital Precinct – Colonial Elegance with Modern Vibes

The Colombo Dutch Hospital Precinct is one of the most attractive places in Colombo. Belonging to the colonial Dutch era, it is a popular dining and shopping destination. The modern-day shops blend well with the traditional architecture of the place. This place is located in the middle of the business district.

You should walk along the Colombo Dutch Hospital Precinct to witness how history blends well with modern-day vibes. This place is regarded as the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area. Visiting the restaurants, bars and cafes at the Dutch Hospital Precinct is one of the top things to do in Colombo. After a long day of exploring the major Colombo tourist attractions, you can visit this place to relax.

Experience Colombo’s Nightlife – Rooftop Bars and Live Music

Colombo is known for its vibrant highlights. There are numerous rooftop bars in Colombo that you must visit. Serving delicious food and drinks, these rooftop bars also play live music and great music for you to enjoy your perfect night at one of the attractive places in Colombo.

During the peak season, some of these places can be extremely crowded. Therefore, it is advisable to pre-book your tables if you’re visiting early. Since you wish to explore the nightlife around the top places to visit in Colombo, you shouldn’t start your night too soon. You can check the timings of the club you’re visiting and then plan your entire night accordingly.

Why Colombo is More Than Just a Transit City?

With so many places to visit in Colombo, it would be wrong to call it just a transit city. There are so many fun things to do in Colombo that even a week’s stay may sometimes be short.

Some of the key reasons why Colombo is more than just a transit city:

1. Historical significance:
Most of the attractive places in Colombo reflect the rich cultural past of the city, the blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British rule.

2. Religious diversity:
Colombo is the home to numerous cultures, which makes it a site for different religious places. Some of the prominent places to visit in Colombo often include temples, churches and mosques following different architectural styles.

3. Delicious food:
On your Colombo day trips, you should dedicate some time to trying the delicious food. Not only do you get the local Sri Lankan cuisine, but also some of the exquisite international cuisines.

Colombo sets the base for your Sri Lanka expedition. Therefore, it’s in this city that you get to explore the cultural triangles, wildlife reserves and numerous beaches. Not to forget, Colombo is also one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka that you must visit.

FAQs About Visiting Colombo

1. What is the best time to visit Colombo?

January to March is usually the peak season in Colombo. Therefore, this is the best time to explore Colombo tourist attractions. The weather is warm and dry, with the average temperature being 24-31 degrees Celsius. You may also consider visiting between July and September.

2. How many days do I need in Colombo?

A week should be enough to visit Colombo. During this time, you would get to explore the beach stays, the top places to visit in Colombo and also try some adventure activities.

3. Is Colombo safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Colombo day trips are highly safe for solo travellers. Whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or the entire week, you will get the opportunity to explore the places.

4. What are the best areas to stay in Colombo?

Kollupitiya is one of the best areas to stay in Colombo. During your stay, you should check out some of the attractive places in Colombo such as Independence Square, National Museum, Pettah Market and The Old Parliament Building.

5. Can I use public transport to get around the city?

Yes, you can use public transport to get around Colombo city. You may use the bus system and metro, as it saves time and is affordable as well. Furthermore, public transport for exploring Colombo tourist attractions helps to reduce stress.