Find the best things to do in Colombo in my detailed guide to Sri Lanka’s capital. Fill your time discovering Colombo’s highlights and hidden gems with the help of this comprehensive guide.

Colombo isn’t a city that will immediately make you swoon. It took me multiple trips to discover its charm. Once I did, I found that it blends old-world charm with modern urban energy and offers a unique mix of things to see and do across the city.

Colombo is often the first stop for international travelers before they venture into the island's lush central landscapes or sandy southern beaches. However, Colombo is much more than just a gateway—its rich history, diverse cultural identity, and vibrant food scene make it an exciting destination in its own right. Whether you’re looking for good Sri Lankan street eats or interesting architecture, Colombo might surprise you if you give it a chance.

best time to visit Colombo ↴

The best time to visit Colombo is between October through April. Temperatures during this time stay pretty level, though you should still visit expecting heat.

Even during the monsoon months, from May to September, the city’s tropical climate means it stays warm. If you choose to visit during the monsoon months, prepare for short afternoon showers.

how many days to stay in Colombo ↴

Although Colombo is often treated as a transit city, I recommend spending 2 days in the capital. There’s enough to do in Colombo to adequately fill two days. With more than two days, you can explore the city in greater depth, tapping into its food scene and discovering its hidden gems. Alternatively, take a day trip to Negombo and tour the lagoon or the local fish market.

how to get to Colombo ↴

Colombo is well-connected to major cities around the world via Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located about 35 km from the city center. Direct flights are available from several global hubs, including Dubai, Singapore, London, Mumbai, and Doha.

getting to Colombo city from the airport ↴

After arriving at the airport, it’s fairly easy to get to the city. There are multiple ways to get there:

Tuk-Tuk | Taking a tuk-tuk from the airport is very straightforward. Leave the airport terminal and you’ll find tuk-tuk drivers waiting eagerly for passengers. Though definitely an experience worth having, the downside is that tuk-tuks take a long time to get anywhere. Rides from the airport can also be a touch uncomfortable if you’re traveling with luggage due to the lack of space. Be sure you negotiate a price before getting into the tuk-tuk.
Uber + PickMe | Ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber are available from the airport. There’s no negotiation needed, and you can pay safely through the app. Uber will send you an “OTP” (PIN) to share with your driver when they arrive to ensure you are getting into the correct vehicle, making it a very safe option for solo travelers.
Taxi + Private Transfers | Taxi rides and transfers are the most convenient way to get into the city. You can an airport transfer with your hotel for convenience. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

where to stay in Colombo ↴

Colombo is sorted into numbered precincts. offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses and affordable hostels.

Best Areas to Stay in Colombo

Colombo 1 (Fort) | This is the city's heart, close to major attractions like Galle Face Green, Pettah Market, and the Dutch Hospital precinct. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors.
Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) | A lively area with a mix of shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. It’s also close to Galle Face and the National Museum.
Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) | Colombo 7 is the city’s upscale residential area, known for its tree-lined streets and proximity to the National Museum and boutique cafes.

best hotels in Colombo

Shangri-La Colombo | Luxury stay with sea views and top-tier dining in Colombo 1.
The Kingsbury | A blend of colonial charm and modern luxury, close to major landmarks in Colombo 1.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo | A sprawling luxury hotel with multiple restaurants and bars in Colombo 3.
Marino Beach Colombo | Known for its rooftop infinity pool and stunning views of the Indian Ocean in Colombo 3.
Tintagel Colombo | A luxurious boutique hotel set in a former colonial mansion in Colombo 7.
Maniumpathy | A charming heritage hotel offering a blend of history and comfort in Colombo 7.
Uga Residence | A luxury, boutique stay with a rooftop swimming pool and on-site restaurant in Colombo 2.

best budget accommodation in Colombo

Vibe Hostel Colombo | Large communal spaces, a rooftop bar, and clean, dorm rooms make Vibe a great, budget-friendly option for solo travelers. There are private rooms here, which makes it suitable for couples as well.

We love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.

best things to do in Colombo ↴

Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is an elaborate blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Chinese architectural influences located near Beira Lake. The temple was originally founded in the 1800s as a small place of worship. Over time, it evolved into a spiritual complex spanning multiple floors, acting as both a place of prayer and a museum filled with artifacts, intricate statues, and sacred relics.

If you have only a day in Colombo, I recommend adding Gangaramaya Temple to your itinerary. It only takes an hour to explore thoroughly, and it’s easy to grab a tuk-tuk from the temple onward.

Please dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Your shoes must remain off during your visit. There are lockers at the temple entrance for your belongings.

Admission | 800 LKR

Kelaniya Viharaya

On our most recent visit to Colombo, Luke and I had several extra days in Colombo. We texted our local friend, Shihan, asking for city recommendations. Almost immediately, he responded with, “Kelaniya Viharaya.”

That text message sent us on a half-hour tuk-tuk ride outside the city to a temple with history spanning over 2,000 years. The original temple and much of its painted artwork were destroyed by Portuguese colonizers. Today, the temple has become a hodge podge of Buddhist stupas and shrines that have accumulated over the centuries. The centerpiece of the temple is a Bodhi tree, said to be a sapling from the tree where Buddha reached enlightenment.

It’s a trek to get out to Kelaniya Viharaya, as the temple sits 30-40 minutes outside the city similar to the Wet Zone Botanic Gardens. If you visit, remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. You must remove your shoes.

Admission | free

Pettah Market

Nothing is a quicker introduction to the chaotic rhythm of Colombo than a wander through Pettah, the city’s trade hub. The noisy, narrow lanes house stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. Like many cities in Asia, Pettah market’s streets are “themed.” Simply put: different streets tend to be lined with shops selling the same items. For instance, there are entire streets designated to selling gold, textiles, and tea.

It’s an overstimulating market woven together by street food smells, the call to prayer, and honking tuk-tuks. Pettah is also home to a majority of Colombo’s Muslim population, reflected in its housing the famous Red Mosque.

Galle Face Green

A visit to Colombo isn’t complete without an evening spent at Galle Face Green, an urban park located along the coast. Galle Face Green is popular with locals, particularly at sunset, when many come to fly kites, grill fish, and play volleyball or a game of cricket. I recommend grabbing a local snack, like wade (spicy deep-fried chickpeas), and watching the sunset as kites soar above you. It’s a great way to unwind from a busy day of exploring.

take a food tour

Foodies won’t want to miss Colombo’s incredible food scene, which shows off the best of Sri Lankan delicacies. There are upscale sit-down restaurants and Local favorites include kottu roti, hoppers, and spicy crab curry. I’ve listed some of my favorite food spots in the city at the bottom of this post.

However, without question, the best way to delight in Colombo’s food scene is with a food tour through the city. Here are some highly-rated tours to consider booking:

Tuk-tuk Street Food Tour Colombo (all-inclusive, private )
The 10 Tastings of Colombo: Street Food
Rustic Taste + Cultural Tales: Colombo Market to table food tour

Colombo National Museum

For a good introduction to Sri Lanka’s history, the Colombo National Museum is a must-visit. The museum gives a fantastic overview of the island’s rich heritage, housing artifacts from Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms, including weapons, jewelry, and relics from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Admission | 500 LKR

JAMI UL-ALFAR MASJID (RED MOSQUE)

Amongst the chaos of Pettah is possibly the most striking “landmark” in Colombo: Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, also known as the Red Mosque. The mosque was commissioned by the local Muslim community as a place to pray in the city. The result of the year long construction process is a spectacularly striking red and white facade.

You can visit for free, but you must come dressed with your arms, legs, and hair covered. There are visiting hours, sign posted on the visitors’ entrance, but they do tend to change based on the needs of the worshippers. Photography inside is allowed, but please do not take photos of worshippers, as this is frowned upon.

Admission | free

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens

On the same day we decided to visit Kelaniya Viharaya, we journeyed to the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens. Once a rubber and tea plantation, the gardens were designed to protect the “wet zone” and its diverse ecosystem. Sitting outside central Colombo in Avissawella, the gardens offer respite from the capital's chaos. The spice garden section is definitely worth strolling through since Sri Lanka is renowned globally for its spices and medicinal herbs.

You can take a tuk-tuk or taxi (Uber or PickMe) to the Seethawaka Botanic Gardens. Allow yourself 2 hours to explore every corner of the garden, keeping city traffic in mind.

Admission | free

Colombo Fort

This area is rich with colonial-era architecture, reflecting the city’s past under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Today, Colombo Fort is a mix of modern commercial activity and historic charm. The famous Old Dutch Hospital, now converted into a shopping and dining precinct, is the perfect spot for a relaxing coffee or meal after a day of exploring.

Old Colombo + Khan Clock Towers

British colonizers built this clock tower in 1860 as a lighthouse to guide ships into the Colombo harbor. Not far from the Pettah Market, the Khan Clock Tower was built in 1923 to commemorate a Colombo visit from the British royals.

Lotus Tower

Colombo lacked an iconic landmark for a very long time. The solution? The construction of South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure, the Louts Tower. Part viewing platform, part restaurant, part convention center, the Lotus Tower boasts the very niche title of “19th tallest completed tower in the world”. The tower’s on-site restaurant slowly revolves so that you can enjoy your upscale dining experience with ever-changing views of Colombo.

As one of the only real attractions in the city, it’s worth visiting, specifically for its bird’s eye view of the sprawling city. My advice is to visit on a clear day during golden hour.

Admission | USD $20 for foreigners, identification required to collect pre-booked tickets

where to eat in Colombo ↴

One thing Colombo has plenty of is good food. From spicy street food to sophisticated sit-down restaurants, Colombo will keep you fed.

Curry Pot | For classic Sri Lankan food, the Curry Pot is a local favorite. Use your right hand to eat, in line with the Sri Lankan custom.
Ministry of Crab | Sri Lanka has a world-class reputation for its seafood, including its crabs which are often exported to Japan. Ministry of Crab was recommended time and time again to us as a place to taste the country’s seafood-centered delicacies.
KIKU | KIKU offers fantastic barista-style coffee and Japanese-inspired brunch. It’s housed on the second floor of a narrow, unassuming building.
Black Cat Coffee Colombo | Another great brunch spot in Colombo if you’re looking for a Western breakfast. The barista-style coffee here will knock your socks off.