Colombo

Best Things to do & Best Places to See in Colombo. Sri Lanka.

Explore the historic Gangaramaya Temple and nearby Beira Lake for a blend of spirituality and serenity. Stroll along Galle Face Green at sunset for ocean views and street food. Visit the Colombo National Museum to dive into Sri Lanka’s rich history. Shop and dine at the renovated colonial Dutch Hospital precinct. Wander through Pettah Market for a vibrant local shopping experience. 

1. Colombo by jeep - Explore Colombo in a vintage military-style jeep for a unique open-air city tour. It’s perfect for sightseeing with an adventurous twist, covering colonial landmarks, temples, and busy markets.

2. Colombo by open deck bus - Hop on an open-deck city tour bus for panoramic views of Colombo's top attractions. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a relaxed, guided overview of the city.

3. Colombo by Tuk-Tuk (3-Wheeler) - Ride through Colombo’s bustling streets like a local in a colorful tuk-tuk. Great for short-distance travel and navigating narrow roads and markets quickly.

4. Play golf in Colombo Royal Golf Club - Enjoy a round of golf at one of Asia’s oldest golf clubs, established in 1879. The lush green course offers a serene escape in the heart of the city.

5. Night life & Entertainment in Colombo - Colombo comes alive at night with rooftop bars, beachside clubs, casinos, and live music venues. Popular spots include Bally’s Casino, Love Bar, and Ministry of Crab for late-night dining.

6. Shopping in Colombo - Shop at modern malls like One Galle Face and Crescat Boulevard, or visit Pettah for local markets. Colombo offers everything from luxury brands to handwoven textiles, gems, and handicrafts.

7. Wreck diving in Colombo - Dive into Colombo’s waters to explore shipwrecks like the Taprobane North and SS Perseus. These sites attract vibrant marine life and are ideal for advanced divers seeking adventure.

8. Two Lighthouses - Located in the Fort area, this historic structure served as both a clock tower and lighthouse in the 19th century. It’s a prominent landmark symbolizing Colombo’s maritime heritage.

9. Light House clock Tower - Colombo features the Old Lighthouse near the harbor, now decommissioned, and the newer functioning Lighthouse near the Navy headquarters. Both offer scenic views and are iconic colonial-era structures.

10. Nelum Pokuna (Theatre is a performing arts center) - A modern performing arts center designed like a blooming lotus, hosting concerts, dramas, and cultural events. It's a state-of-the-art venue and a striking architectural icon in Colombo.

11. Pettah Dutch museum - This 17th-century building once served as the Dutch governor’s residence and now displays colonial-era artifacts. It provides a glimpse into Colombo's Dutch colonial history.

12. Colombo war memorial - Located near the Viharamahadevi Park, this solemn site honors Sri Lankan soldiers who died in World War I and II. A peaceful spot for remembrance and reflection.

13. Pettah Market Area - A chaotic yet vibrant shopping district with everything from fabrics and spices to electronics and street food. Ideal for bargain hunters and those wanting a taste of local life.

14. Victoria Park (Viharamaha Devi Park) - Colombo’s oldest and largest urban park, perfect for a relaxing stroll among fountains, flowering trees, and statues. It also has a children's play area and seasonal floral displays.

15. Hamilton Canal Boat Ride, Wetland & Mangrove Forests, Bird Watching & Sunset - Cruise through the historic Hamilton Canal, surrounded by lush mangroves and abundant birdlife. It’s a serene experience capped with stunning sunsets over the west coast.

16. Muthurajawela Wetland & Mangrove Forest Expedition & Bird Watching - Explore one of Sri Lanka’s richest coastal wetlands by boat, home to over 190 species of flora and fauna. Ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers, just north of Colombo.

17. Bellanvila/Attidiya, Thalangama Tank & Marshes Bird Sanctuary - These suburban wetlands are birdwatching havens, especially at sunrise and sunset. Spot kingfishers, herons, and migratory birds in peaceful natural settings close to the city.

18. Kitulgala Rafting, Trekking, Bird Watching & Prehistoric cave visit - A popular adventure destination offering white-water rafting on the Kelani River, jungle trekking, and birding. You can also visit the prehistoric Belilena Cave, once home to early human settlers.

19. Architecture by Geoffrey Bawa - Discover Sri Lanka’s modern architectural identity through the works of Geoffrey Bawa, blending nature, space, and light. Key sites include the Seema Malaka temple, Gallery Café, and Parliament Complex.

20. Colonial Architecture & Colonial Hotels in Sri Lanka - Explore colonial-era structures from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods. Iconic buildings like Galle Face Hotel, Mount Lavinia Hotel, and the Old Dutch Hospital showcase this elegant legacy.

21. Colombo national museum - Sri Lanka’s largest museum, featuring ancient artifacts, royal regalia, and exhibits on history, art, and culture. The colonial-era building itself is a historical masterpiece.

22. National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala - One of Asia’s oldest zoos, home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Features include animal shows and a walk-through aviary.

23. Hindu Kovils (Temples) in Colombo - Colombo is home to many vibrant Hindu temples, such as Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil and Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam. Known for their ornate Dravidian architecture and colorful festivals.

24. Independence Square - A national monument marking Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it’s great for walking, jogging, and learning national history.

25. Old parliament complex - A grand colonial building facing the ocean, once home to Sri Lanka's parliament. Today, it houses the Presidential Secretariat and stands as a symbol of stately colonial architecture.

26. Gangaramaya Temple & Seemamalakaya - One of Colombo’s most famous Buddhist temples blending modern and traditional design. The Seema Malakaya meditation hall, set on Beira Lake, was designed by Geoffrey Bawa.

27. Beaches in Colombo (Galle Face, Mt. Lavinia, Wellawatte) - Galle Face Beach is ideal for evening strolls, street food, and sunsets in the heart of Colombo. Mount Lavinia Beach offers a more relaxed vibe with beachside restaurants, while Wellawatte Beach is a local favorite for fishing and morning walks.

28. Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple - A sacred Buddhist temple believed to have been visited by the Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka. It's renowned for its murals, historical stupa, and religious festivals.

29. Dambadeniya Rajamaha Viharaya - Located near Kurunegala, this ancient temple marks the site of a 13th-century kingdom. It features cave shrines, rock inscriptions, and offers panoramic views from the old fortress site.

30. Pahiyangala Prehistoric Cave (Fa-Hien Cave) - One of the largest natural rock caves in Asia, known for prehistoric human remains dating back over 37,000 years. Named after the Chinese monk Faxian, the site combines archaeology and legend.

31. Salgala Forest Monastery – Warakapola - A tranquil, forested monastic retreat ideal for meditation and nature walks. This little-known site blends Buddhist spirituality with natural beauty, untouched by commercial tourism.

32. Chatham Street Clock Tower - An iconic landmark in Colombo Fort, originally a lighthouse that later became a clock tower. Built in 1857, it's a symbol of British colonial influence and maritime history.

33. National Art Gallery - Located near Viharamahadevi Park, this gallery features classical and contemporary works by Sri Lankan artists. It’s a quiet, cultural space ideal for art lovers and students.

34. Old Town Hall Complex - A colonial-era building in Pettah that once served as Colombo’s municipal office. It houses old fire trucks and historical artifacts, and offers a rooftop view of the city.

35. New Town Hall Complex - Situated across from Viharamahadevi Park, this building serves as the Colombo Municipal Council. Its white, domed structure is reminiscent of American Capitol-style architecture.

36. Colombo War Memorial - A solemn monument dedicated to Sri Lankan soldiers who served in the World Wars. It stands in a quiet, well-maintained space near Independence Square.

37. Ape Gama – Sri Lankan Village Life - A recreated traditional village near Battaramulla showcasing Sri Lankan rural life, crafts, and customs. Ideal for families and those interested in cultural heritage.

38. St. Peter’s Church - One of the oldest churches in Colombo, located in Fort and dating back to the Dutch colonial period. Still active today, it features simple yet elegant colonial architecture.

39. Khan Clock Tower - Built by the Khan family of Bombay in the early 1900s, it marks the entrance to Pettah Market. A bustling landmark surrounded by shops and street vendors.

40. Galle Face Green - A popular oceanfront promenade stretching along central Colombo, ideal for picnics, kite flying, and sunsets. Locals and tourists alike gather here for street food and leisure.

41. Wolvendaal Church - Built by the Dutch in 1749, this Protestant church is one of the oldest and best-preserved colonial buildings in Colombo. It features gravestones, antique pews, and impressive Dutch architecture.

42. Colombo Port Maritime Museum - Housed in a 17th-century Dutch warehouse within the port, this museum showcases Sri Lanka’s naval history. Exhibits include ancient ship models, maritime artifacts, and colonial-era relics.

43. Independence Square - A national monument marking Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. Surrounded by gardens and jogging paths, it’s also home to the Independence Memorial Hall and Museum.

44. Pilikuththuwa Raja Maha Vihara Ancient Temple - This ancient forest temple complex near Gampaha features over 90 caves and inscriptions dating back over 2,000 years. A tranquil site for spiritual retreat, meditation, and hiking.

45. Varana Raja Maha Vihara Ancient Temple - Located near Yakkala, this multi-level cave temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It's rich in murals, statues, and scenic views from the upper rock platforms.

46. Maligatenna Rajamaha Viharaya Ancient Temple - A serene, rock-based Buddhist temple believed to have sheltered ancient kings. Known for its caves, stupa, and panoramic hilltop views, it’s popular with pilgrims and hikers alike.

47. Korathota Raja Maha Viharaya Ancient Temple - Dating back to the Anuradhapura era, this temple features a series of natural caves used by meditating monks. It’s located in a peaceful rural setting near Kaduwela.

48. Koskandawila Raja Maha Viharaya Ancient Temple - An off-the-beaten-path site near Ragama, this temple is built into a rock and includes ancient stupas and cave shrines. A quiet, spiritual location surrounded by nature.

49. Colombo by Bicycle - Exploring Colombo by bicycle offers a relaxed and eco-friendly way to experience the city's blend of colonial charm and modern vibrance. Popular cycling routes include Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and the lakeside paths around Diyatha Uyana and Beira Lake.

50. Street Food in Colombo – Colombo's street food scene is vibrant and flavorful, offering local favorites like kottu roti, isso wade (prawn fritters), hoppers, and spicy samosas. Popular spots include Galle Face Green, Pettah, and night food markets where aromas, sizzling grills, and local crowds create an unforgettable foodie experience.