Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

A lot of visitors to Sri Lanka choose to skip Colombo altogether, or at best squeeze in a quick overnight stay before heading off in the morning to Sri Lanka’s beaches, tea plantations or national parks.

But we loved checking out Colombo.

The city surprised us in the best possible way. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic (in a fun way), full of character, and packed with beautiful architecture, great food and some of the most stunning sunsets we experienced anywhere in Sri Lanka.

If you’re wondering whether Colombo is worth your time, I would say absolutely yes – for a day or two.

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Getting around Colombo is part of the fun of experiencing the city.

Tuk tuks are everywhere and are often the quickest (and most fun) way to get around – kids will love the ride! We found it easiest to use apps like PickMe or Uber so you don’t need to negotiate fares.

Note that tuk tuks only comfortably seat two passengers (three at a squeeze), so if you want to travel together as a family, then taxis and Ubers are also easy to organise.

If you’re short on time, a guided city tour is a fantastic option. A tuk tuk food tour or private sightseeing tour will help you see the highlights, learn about Colombo’s history and try local food, all without the stress of planning.

This highly rated private tuk tuk tour takes you around all the major city sights in just a few hours. Click here to check prices and availability.

Colombo is a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs, gifts, and even a few stylish pieces for yourself.

Our favourite find was Paradise Road, a beautifully curated homewares store filled with ceramics, textiles and unique pieces that are actually worth making space for in your suitcase.

Another must-visit is Barefoot. This colourful shop is full of handmade crafts and textiles, and the courtyard café is perfect for a relaxed break (good coffee too – always a win when travelling!)

If you need something more practical, One Galle Face Mall is your go-to for clothes, supplies, and air-conditioning.

And don’t miss the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, one of the oldest buildings in the city, now beautifully restored with shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander, soak up the colonial architecture and grab a bite to eat.

If you want to see the real Colombo, head to Pettah Market.

This is where locals come to shop – and it’s an experience! Think busy streets, market stalls spilling over with everything imaginable, tuk tuks weaving through crowds, and a whole lot of energy.

We came purely to soak up the atmosphere (and yes, the chaos), and it was one of the most memorable parts of our time in Colombo.

You can watch my Instagram reel here to get a feel for the area.

Right in the heart of Pettah, you’ll find the striking Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, better known as the Red Mosque.

With its bold red-and-white striped design, it’s one of the most unique buildings in Colombo and well worth a quick stop for photos.

One thing we didn’t manage to do, but absolutely will next time, is a tuk tuk food tour. A food tour is usually our first activity we book in a new city but unfortunately we just couldn’t squeeze it in this time around.

If you’ve travelled in Asia before, you’ll know these are one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city. You’ll zip between different neighbourhoods, try local dishes, and learn a bit about the culture along the way.

It’s top of our list for our next visit to Colombo. This tuk tuk food tour looks great and has loads of 5-star reviews.

Colombo’s sunsets are something special.

Because the city faces west, you can watch the sun sink directly into the Indian Ocean, which always makes the moment more magical!

Galle Face Green is the most popular spot, especially with families. Kids can run around while you grab street food and watch the sky change colour.

For something a little more relaxed, head to the iconic Galle Face Hotel for sunset drinks, or try the rooftop bar at Cinnamon Life for sweeping city views.

The Colombo Fort area is perfect for a wander and this was our favourite part of the city.

Once the centre of colonial administration, today it’s a fascinating mix of old and new. Grand historic buildings sit alongside modern offices and hotels.

It’s an easy place to explore on foot and gives you a real sense of Colombo’s history and how the city has evolved.

Don’t miss the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. It’s a great place to soak up the colonial architecture and grab a bite to eat.

Eat Crab at the Famous Ministry of Crab

If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss Ministry of Crab.

This world-famous restaurant serves up some of the best crab dishes you’ll ever try. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for a special meal, it’s absolutely worth it. I mean, where else can you eat a 500g prawn?!

Standing tall above the city, the Lotus Tower is hard to miss. You’ll spot it wherever you go in Colombo.

Head up to the observation deck for panoramic views over Colombo. It’s a great way to get a sense of the city layout and spot places you’ve already explored.

While in Colombo, we stayed two nights at the Galle Face Hotel, a colonial grande dame right on the waterfront. Rooms are a bit tired (and, if I’m honest, the staff were a little surly) but the location can’t be beaten.

It is the only hotel in Colombo with a direct waterfront location. We loved lying by the pool and hearing the crashing of the waves, it has a good choice of restaurants, and it’s one of the best spots in town for sundowners.

You can see my Instagram reel of the hotel to get a better idea.

Click here to check prices and availability for the Galle Face Hotel.