Sri Lanka’s capital city is the starting point for many visitors to the country, as most fly into the international airport here. This big, bustling city is home to a great many sites of cultural and historical interest, so it’s the perfect place to learn more about Sri Lanka before you dive into the rest of the country!
If you tire of temples and museums, Colombo is also home to several green spaces where you can relax in the sunshine. There are also dozens of exceptional restaurants in town where you can teat yourself to Sri Lanka’s famous seafood and traditional dishes. Eat, explore, learn and relax in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital!
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Culture, history, shopping, sightseeing | 20 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * * | * | * |
What’s Colombo known for?
Colombo is best known for the wide variety of temples and cultural sites that are scattered throughout the city. Most famous of these are the National Museum of Colombo (the largest in all of Sri Lanka), the incredible Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and the Independence Memorial Hall. Colombo is, therefore, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn all about the country’s religious and cultural history. This makes it the ideal jumping-off point for your adventures in Sri Lanka, where you can
When you want to take a break from sightseeing, the city is also home to some beautiful outdoor spaces. The Viharamahadevi Park, in particular, is a wonderfully serene place to take an afternoon stroll. Alternatively, grab your binoculars and head to the Beddagana Wetlands for some bird-watching!
Who should go to Colombo?
Colombo is home to a wide variety of cultural attractions and is very popular among people with an interest in Sri Lanka’s history. Its wide variety of restaurants, parks, and educational sites make it a great location for families, solo travellers and couples.
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
For the best weather
Colombo’s temperature stays consistent year round, hovering between 27 – 29 C (80 – 84 F) no matter what month it is. Rainfall in the region varies significantly, however, and certain seasons can be very wet. Get the best of the city by visiting when the weather is driest; aim to be in town during January, February, March, June, July or August for the most sunshine.
To beat the crowds
July and August may have the driest weather in Colombo, but they’re also the city’s busiest months! Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital and is busy year round, but during high season the streets become packed with visitors. Stop by in February, March or June for thinner crowds while still getting the best of the weather.
Things to see and do in Colombo
Look around the largest Museum in Sri Lanka
The National Museum of Colombo is a must-visit if you’re staying in the city. As Sri Lanka’s largest museum, it houses an outstanding collection of historical artefacts and treasures. Many of these are rare and valuable and include the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs, as well as ancient statues, tools, and relics.
This is the perfect place to learn more about the culture and history of Sri Lanka, as the exhibits take you back through time to paint a detailed and fascinating picture of Sri Lanka’s past. Take a guided tour to get the best of the museum and its beautiful grounds, for an unforgettable cultural experience in Colombo!
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Take a stroll through Viharamahadevi Park
City life can be overwhelming, what with the crush of the crowds and the bustle of busy streets. Fortunately, Colombo has its share of green spaces, too! The Viharamahadevi Park is the oldest and largest in the whole of Colombo and is undoubtedly the best place in the city to enjoy some time outdoors.
Walk, jog or cycle through this lush green park to enjoy the attractions within, including the Buddha statue and a series of water fountains. Viharamahadevi Park is a great place to visit if you’re travelling as a family, as it also houses a children’s play park and mini zoo. Take a picnic, rent a bicycle or simply relax and escape the midday heat beneath the shade of the trees. Viharamahadevi Park is also home to several food stalls, so you can pick up a bite to eat at lunchtime without venturing back into the city.
Soak up some culture at the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important in Colombo and houses dozens of ancient artefacts and relics from throughout history. If you only visit one temple in Sri Lanka, make sure it’s this one!
This incredible place of Buddhist worship and learning is especially famous for its unique architectural design. With influences from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China, the temple is an eclectic mix of cultural styles. The site is also home to a museum, where you can learn everything there is to know about the religious history of Sri Lanka. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the building and viewing the vast collection of jewellery, coins, vehicles, and ancient statues. To get the most of your experience at the Gangaramaya Temple, consider hiring a guide to explain the various exhibits and artefacts on display.
Hang out and shop at the Pettah Floating Market
The Pettah floating market in Colombo is one of the most attractive places in town to hang out with friends and loved ones. This uniquely picturesque market is made up of a collection of stalls housed on boats around the stunning Beira Lake. Browse the market to pick up local produce and handicrafts, or grab something to eat or drink from one of the many food stalls dotted around. With thinner crowds than other areas in Colombo, Pettah market is the ideal spot for a romantic evening in the city!
Wander around Beddagana Wetland Park
You may think that wildlife is hard to come by in a big city like Colombo, but you’d be wrong! Beddagana Wetland Park is a bird-watchers paradise and is home to dozens of spectacular avian species. Conveniently located less than 10 km from Colombo’s city centre, Beddagana Wetland Park is easy to reach via public transport or by taxi.
Visit in the morning or evening for a relaxed stroll through the trees, plants, and flowers, and keep your eyes peeled for birds and butterflies! The best time of year to visit Beddagana Park is during or shortly after the rainy season when the wetlands will be lusciously green.
Check out the Independence Memorial Hall
The Independence Memorial Hall is a place of great historical importance in Sri Lanka. This national monument commemorates the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule, which was won on February 4th 1948. It is, therefore, one of Colombo’s key attractions, and is definitely worth visiting if you’re in town.
The monument itself is architecturally stunning, and the surrounding square is just as pretty. This clean, green space is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. There are also a few restaurants nearby, so you can grab lunch while you’re in the area.
Where to eat in Colombo
Graze Kitchen
Why limit yourself to one type of cuisine when you could sample several? Head to Graze Kitchen while you’re in Colombo for the best buffet in town! The range of options includes dishes from around the world, including India, Thailand, Japan, China, Turkey, Vietnam and, of course, Sri Lanka. Their food is so good you won’t ever want to stop – head over for breakfast, lunch or dinner to enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast!
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The Lagoon
Sri Lanka is well known for its seafood, which plays a starring role in many of the country’s traditional dishes. If you’re a fan of fish, The Lagoon in Colombo is a must-visit during your stay!
This exceptional restaurant serves some of the freshest fish in town, all expertly prepared with a delicate blend of spices. Stop by for dinner or lunch and treat yourself to one of their exceptional seafood dishes.
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Giovanni’s
A craving for Italian food can be hard to satisfy in Asia, but Giovanni’s in Colombo has pizza-making down to a fine art. Their food is deliciously authentic and the menu includes several vegetarian options. Everyone will be able to find a topping they love at this exceptional Italian restaurant in Colombo, and it’s a great place to dine as a family!
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Where to stay in Colombo
Stay in the city
If you want to spend your time in Colombo exploring the city’s attractions, renting a private villa in the city centre is a great idea. This will give you unbeatable access to all there is to see and do in town and places you within easy reach of the shops, bars, and restaurants.
Stay by the sea
For spectacular views of the Indian ocean, look for accommodation by the sea in Colombo. Whether you want to explore the city or escape to the beach, a room by the coast can give you the best of both worlds!